Decathlon B-Twin brand : 1st place I look for bike components

Decathlon (UK) is a shop I now look at first for bike components. The usual choices for brake and drivetrain components etc are Shimano and Sram and seem to have a decades long duopoly.

Recently I noticed Decathlon have bike components using their B-Twin branding. I trust this shop and they have a casual returns policy, and they also tend to offer quality products as their own brand at much cheaper prices than alternatives.

So currently they are my first point of reference when looking for anything to do with cycling including clothes

There are only a few stores in the UK. They have the same type of store presence as IKEA.

Decathlon UK Cycling dept

Items I have bought

7/8 speed 11-34 tooth rear derailleur : £7.99
to replace Shimano

V-brake pads 

Using a KMC 'missing link' removeable chain connector on my chain

Recommend : A removeable chain connector on your chain
Why ? : It makes changing chains or shortening them much easier

Here I am using the KMC 'missing link' bicylcle chain connector. This is by far the easiest removeable chain link I have used, though I have heard they have altered the design of the new one slightly, possibly due to it potentially falling off too easily (not happened to me).

When buying a removeable link, make sure it is not one that can only be put on once.

I recommend this KMC 'missing link' and presume the newer one is just as good.