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.

Long John's for commuter cycling : Aldi v Lidl

Long johns : Aldi good, Lidl bad

About : Men's base layer trousers for commuter cycling
Comparing : Aldi brand versus Lidl brand (both around £15)
Verdict : Aldi pair is great whilst Lidl pair is itchy and uncomfy

Note : I have only worn the Lidl pair twice and the Aldi pair about 5 times. But I will be using the Aldi merino long johns as my 'base layer trousers' on cold days.

The base layer trousers on review :

Aldi merino long johns

Aldi merino long johns

Aldi Crane Merino base layer long johns
Price around £15
100% merino wool
Weight (size x large) : 172g
SKU : 25335774 (?)
Verdict : Great

Lidl merino long johns

Lidl merino long johns

Lidl Crivit Natural Merino Performance Trousers
Price around £15
42% merino wool / 58% polyester
Weight (size 38/40 GB) : 126g
SKU : 8051564772201
Verdict : Itchy and uncomfy.

Aldi long johns

Aldi Crane Merino base layer long johns :
These were comfy and well-fitting. Seem to wick away moisture decent enough for commuter cycling.

Lidl long johns

Lidl Crivit Natural Merino Performance Trousers :
These were really uncomfy. Really prickly causing itchiness, and you always knew you were wearing them. Not sure why they are not 100% merino. Perhaps to make them lighter and more 'performance shaped' (?) I wore them on a day that turned out quite hot and they were quite sweaty to wear, but I cannot tell if they should perform any differently on a hot day. The Aldi long johns say they 'cool' you in hot weather.

My verdict :
For commuter cycling anyhow, I suggest the Aldi pure merino long johns easily. Both were the same price (£15) in September 2014. 

My review : Polaris Windgrip Gloves (Vortex Wind Protection)

Current opinion (after a year of use)
These gloves seem to serve a very limited purpose for me, so I can't recommend them. They seem to let cold through at not too cold conditions, but are too hot for mildy warm conditions.   

UK : Cycle multi-tool in Wilkinson Stores

Cycle Multi-tool I would suggest for commuter cycling it's a good idea to have a multi-cycle tool that is lightweight and will fit most bolts and screws on a commuter bike. There are multi-tools that include a lot more but I prefer a multi-tool that is as lightweight and small as possible.The allen keys seem to fit all the bolts on my bike. In the UK I went for this : Wilko Multi-cycle tool Price : £3.29 Shop : Wilkinson Stores