A local visit to Exmouth's Bikelands

After having visited Bikelands in Exmouth a first time early January, a second visit took place to check even more all products on display. Bikelands is located in Exmouth town centre by The Strand.

Stuart who moved from London to Devon is running this bike shop...but it is a neat space. A showroom of cycles of all sorts, accessories (helmets, bags, Brooks saddles, BLB tools and parts, books & magazines from Boneshaker to Coven).

After spending almost an hour chatting, it was time to pay for the BLB ratchet wrench.

But, after stepping back to look a last time at the little bits, the Linus Pouch became a new subject of conversation.

Stuart explained that it is very practical to attach at the front of the handlebars or even at the back of the saddle to store bits and bobs.

Our community being mainly fixed gear and single speed riders, something just clicked. The alternative way to use it, to put smartphone, wallet, keys or even gloves...wear it around your waist by just sliding your belt through the vintage (adjustable) straps. What does this mean? With Spring and Summer on the way, drop the jacket and the backpack full of layers, for a pouch which is light, practical and does the job for riders who want to go for an urban spin or even explore the countryside.

Bikelands is an interesting place to explore, browse and discover. Of course, there is the website if you can't be bothered to go there in person.

There are even some Home mechanic Workshops to improve your knowledge and skills to fix and adjust the pedal powered machine when something doesn't sound right.

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Linus Bike Pouch

Reviewed by Fixed Gear Exeter

on Feb 04 2013

Rating: 4

Restrap Horizontal Foot Straps Review

Pretty soon after I started riding Fixed Gear I realised I was going to have to use a foot retention system. Gentle rides without having your feet attached to your pedals are fine but when it comes to skidding or getting up big hills you need the extra leverage (and danger!) being attached provides.

I've never used toe clips but they don't look particularly secure and I wasn't sure how they would work with a range of footwear. Clipless pedals aren't for me so that leaves Foot Straps.

I decided to get my straps from Restrap because they are a small UK company and they use recycled materials. I bought their horizontal straps (rather than diagonal) as they seemed like they would be more secure.

Verdict

Ass Savers Mudguard Review

If like me you aren't too keen to attach a big mudguard to your bike but still want to arrive at your destination with a dry bum then you might be in the market for an Ass Saver. It sounds like someone who helps you out ("Thanks for that Jeff, you're a real ass saver!") but it's actually a small folding mudguard made from (mostly recycled) thin, foldable plastic.

"The SmartAss fits nicely onto the rails of your saddle without any tools or fittings. When it stops raining, simply fold it up and store it underneath your saddle until next time. The SmartAss fits about 80% of all standard rail saddles"

This video shows how it works: