My new Caldera

thisisthecount said:

Hi, just purchased an almost new Caldera and I love it.

Found this form and thought it would be an ideal place to join to get advice.

just a couple of questions from a novice -

1/ The grips on the handlebars are closed on the end with no caps. I have a mirror I used to use and insert into the end of the bar - is the only option to cut the lovely logo off the end?

2/ anyone recommend some standard pedals as it came with clip in ones and I just want o be able to ride the bike with normal footwear. maybe straps would be a good option?

3/ anyone else using a cradle for their phone on the bike? any recommendations.

thanks

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If you are actually going to be using that bike for mountainbiking, why would you want to put on a mirror? There wont be significant traffic behind you, it will reduce your ability to clear trees on the side of the trail, and it will likely be destroyed during your first crash. If you are just using the bike for commuting I'm not sure why you bought the caldera because such a nice bike will likely get stolen quickly if you lock it up somewhere.
As for the pedals, I wouldnt worry about straps. Most beginning mtbers will dislike the clipless pedals and get rid of them initially (myself included), but will later put them back on when they are comfortable with the bike and realize the benefits. Put the clipless pedals in a box and buy $15 platform pedals and ride those until you see the light.
Do not put a phone cradle on your bike. If you ever crash your phone will go flying or the cradle will break. There are no benefits to installing a cradle since you should never be on the phone while riding your bike. Put it in your camelback/pocket.

thanks guys.

the bike will mostly be used on some farm road tracks, hill areas and tracks around here and will be used 20% of the time on the road.

The mirror was for when I was on any major roads really for safety.

the cradle was for my phone as it is an mp3 player as well.

the pedals, I see what you mean - will get some cheap ones for now.

in terms of security - I guess yes, it might be subject to being stolen. any advice on locks? I have the barrel type at the moment - what would you say would be the best bet?

Get a quality u-lock (i.e not a deparment store $10 lock but something like the higher end kryptonite-brand locks) and also a thick cable. Whenever you lock the bike up attach the frame to a stationary object that cant be easily sawed through, and put the cable through the wheels. Under no circumstances leave the bike locked up for longer than a few hours, and only during the day. Preferably you wouldnt lock it up in public anywhere. This might sound paranoid but I have had my first mtb stolen from my backyard (with a lock on it), my gf's mtb was stolen when she parked it during daylight on a busy street with both a u-lock and cable on it for an hour (cheap locks) Her second mtb was locked up with quality locks but all the parts were stripped when she left it in public overnight. Now we store our bikes locked up in a shed with u-locks/cables on each of the individual bikes. I hope your area is better with regards to bike theft, but then again, it might not be. Good luck and enjoy your new bike!