Full Windsor QuickFix
The Full Windsor QuickFix fender is a cleverly designed product. Cut from simple 1.2 mm polypropylene sheeting, the QuickFix is scored and ready to be folded into shape. It features three simple snaps which hold the fender in place, yet allow it to be quickly and easily removed.
And that’s the point of this product—it’s a temporary fender. For many people, fenders just don’t seem cool, but their value is unmistakable. With the QuickFix, you can literally keep it in your bag for a rainy day. When the opportunity to use it arises, you’ll be glad you had it with you. Though it won’t block water nearly as well as full-coverage, bolt-on rigid fenders, it is an effective tool for keeping your back and bum a little less wet when riding in the rain. And it’s considerably less cumbersome than rigid fenders.
At first it takes a tiny bit of “faffing” to get the fender to sit just right, and in some ways it never seems to stay exactly where you would want it to, but that seems to be part and parcel when it comes to removable fenders. In any case, once you’ve used it a few times you’ll be able to slap it on your bike in seconds.
Perhaps my only real nit to pick with Full Windsor fenders is that they don’t work with cantilever brakes. My initial thought was that I would put a set on one of my cyclocross bikes, since that’s what I reach for when the weather turns foul. Alas, I was foiled. You may also be out of luck if your frame is a wishbone or mono stay design.
The QuickFix is available in six color choices and retails for about $21.
Check out www.full-windsor.com
Green Guru Gear Shifter Saddle Bag
When it comes to riding all day or riding hard for just a few hours, I do everything I can to not have a backpack. Seatpacks have long been a mainstay of my stable—the very first one I purchased back in 1994 still sees regular use. When the Green Guru Shifter saddle bag showed up for review, I immediately stocked it for use on my next road or cross ride.
Green Guru is a USA company, producing durable goods out of reused and recycled materials whenever possible. Many of their products utilize reclaimed bicycle tubes from shops, including the main construction of this saddle bag, along with a reused piece of wetsuit for the neoprene strap securing it under the seat. It’s a fairly generous size, easily allowing me to fit two road tubes, a small multitool and patch kit inside the single zippered compartment. The bag doesn’t bulge beyond my seat meaning that I don’t rub my thighs on it as I do some wider profile bags, and the neoprene and hook and loop closure keeps the bag secure. The small light loop on the back is a useful touch as the bag will otherwise likely prevent you from using a seatpost mount blinkie.
While I’ve not used the bag in an all out storm situation to test how absolutely waterproof it is, in my use in light rain and muddy trails I’ve not noticed the contents getting wet in the least. My only real complaint is that the metal zipper can vibrate and jingle when I’m riding—easily fixed with a diagonal cutter and a knotted piece of paracord and reportedly swapped to just that for production models.
The Shifter saddle bag is available for $25. See the Green Guru website for their entire line of bags and accessories made from similar repurposed materials rescued from the landfill.
Check out www.greengurugear.com