 Gadgets
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What gadgets do you use and recommend, or not recommend? GPS? Helmet sound? Is there wireless helmet sound, like Bluetooth? Will voice GPS connect to helmet speakers? What else?
He was fun while he lasted.
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Re: Gadgets
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Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
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i-Pod with Shure EC-2 buds. 
A word to the wise is not necessary. It is the stupid ones who need the advice.
Pat
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Re: Gadgets
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Loquacious
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Mark
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Re: Gadgets
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Learned Hand
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Quote:
i-Pod with Shure EC-2 buds
Ditto ('cept I have a generic MP3 player)
Ride On!
Airguy
--------------------
You gotta' be smart to be lazy(and get a job done)
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Re: Gadgets
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Which I could hear my iPod on the bike. When I picked it up and rode it home for 2 hours (equipped with $100 Bose ear buds), I could not hear it over the wind/exhaust noise.
Pedal Till You Puke
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Re: Gadgets
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Aren't those called "farkles". And where the heck did "farkles" come from?
Women and cats will do as they please. Men and dogs should just get used to that fact and relax
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Re: Gadgets
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Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
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Recent thingies tried out on the GA run:
-handlebar mount GPS was great fun and modestly useful
-heated grip wraps were wonderful.
-a camera bag cleverly mounted to my windscreen made a great home for my... camera!
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Re: Gadgets
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I had no idea it was mostly associated with the sport-touring crowd. Perhaps we need to come up with a BA.com version of the Brent, Rivco, Fast Eddie and Triumph shiny bits that we seem to be so enamored of... I'm a speedy guy so I'm not much on the shiny bits, but I likes bits none the less 
Women and cats will do as they please. Men and dogs should just get used to that fact and relax
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Re: Gadgets
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I use my iPod and some sennheiser buds. But I find that as I have stock pipes the whole deal makes me feel disconnected from the bike. There are a number of products available that velcro onto or sit behind the lining of the helmet. This should give a better balance between the bike generated tunes and the iPod ones...maybe I'll just get the thunderpipes then worry about it 
Last edited by Keets; 05/14/2007 7:41 PM.
...yes, that is a single seat...no, I will not put the other seat on...yes, I am selfish...yes, you should buy your own bike
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Re: Gadgets
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"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
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Quote:
Which I could hear my iPod on the bike. When I picked it up and rode it home for 2 hours (equipped with $100 Bose ear buds), I could not hear it over the wind/exhaust noise.
You must be riding without a helmet. I can hear the music just fine with my Sony earbuds under my helmet.
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Re: Gadgets
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Joined: Sep 2006
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Quote:
tires & sparkplugs
Ditto. There are too many distractions w/o all that techno-crap attached to your head. When the rider with the pod meets the driver with the phone there can only be bad ju-ju.
2004 Triumph Speedmaster (J Lo) 2006 Yamaha Stratoliner (Adele)
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Re: Gadgets
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Joined: Jan 2005
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"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
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Quote:
Quote:
tires & sparkplugs
Ditto. There are too many distractions w/o all that techno-crap attached to your head. When the rider with the pod meets the driver with the phone there can only be bad ju-ju.
I would agree with that statement (other than I don't listen to techno), within populated areas. When I'm in BFE-Montana I want my tunes.
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Re: Gadgets
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Learned Hand
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Well FJ, I suppose if there is a place on the face of the Earth that one might be reasonably safe whilst listening to a pod, its in Montana - I suspect the roads can be pretty lonely. 
2004 Triumph Speedmaster (J Lo) 2006 Yamaha Stratoliner (Adele)
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Re: Gadgets
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I put a Vista cruise control (throttle lock) on this weekend and love it. I adjusted it so there is just enough friction to prevent the throttle from turning but so it is easy to adjust even when engaged. Does anyone have an opinion on the safety of using one of these? It's nice to be able to release the right grip and get the blood circulation, adjust gear, etc. I've never used one before and would like inputs.
2005 Triumph America
2011 BMW R1200RT
2013 V-strom DL650
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Re: Gadgets
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Joined: Jun 2006
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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John,
Mounted an XM radio for the trip to GA. I had to experiment with several ear phones to find one that worked.
I bought a Sony noise canecling headset $99.00 that comes with an inline amp. works really well. If you want it louder go to Radio Shack and buy an inline amp and spliter you can hook up four head sets to one source and cost $19.99 it is the size of two AA batteries and really does the trick over 60.
John 06 America Mulberry\Silver
"Seemed Like A Good Idea At The Time"
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Re: Gadgets
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I have had my vista cruies control on my bike for well over a year. I started using them back in the early 80's and never had any trouble with using them. My only suggestion is to make sure that while it is engaged that you can still twist the throttle to decrease your speed. You do not want it so tight that it will be hard. It is a nice additon for me and I have no second thoughts about using it safetly.
You may say I'm a dreamer but I'm not the only one
John Lennon
Imagine
Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty, anyone who keeps learning stays young, the greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young.
Henry Ford
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Re: Gadgets
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I'm not so much interested in music as I am an audio GPS. Anyone have any experience with them?
He was fun while he lasted.
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Re: Gadgets
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Joined: Mar 2007
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Check Pants
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Check Pants
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Quote:
i-Pod with Shure EC-2 buds.
Same setup I use.
I started using the tunes to block out the wind noise when riding slab. The noise was so intense I found myslef going into a daze. The music seems to allow me to tune out the noise.
I have also just put the buds in a few times. They seal well and block out noise but still allow me to hear the bike.
SOLD: 07 Black BA, 39mm FCRs, TPUSA stage 1 head, TPUSA 813 cams, TPUSA 10.8:1 pistons, TTP #3 igniter, Specialty Spares Long Cannons, Tsukayu Hard Bags. 82HP/55tq
NEW: 19 Goldwing Tour DCT
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Re: Gadgets
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Have used the VistaCruise for years - just keep it loose enough. And don't fall asleep (been there/done that/survived).
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Re: Gadgets
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Joined: Sep 2006
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3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
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Quote:
Ditto. There are too many distractions w/o all that techno-crap attached to your head. When the rider with the pod meets the driver with the phone there can only be bad ju-ju.
What Pipedr said
I love the sound of my bike... and like to hear (sort of) what's going on around me
just my 2 cents
Trev
07 TBA Pacific Blue and White.. stock for now!
A bike has half the wheels my cage does.. but 3x the fun factor
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Re: Gadgets
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Loquacious
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These work very well too. They block out engine & exhaust noise. I'm down to the pod player now & then, a vista cruiser and a cramp buster. The cramp buster helps me cover the front brake comfortably with 2 fingers here in Bambi land. I took the XM and bird dog off. The throttle lock is extremely handy if one needs a free right hand while in motion. (I can do double BA.com waves too) These ear plugs work very well too. They partially cut down the sound level, but still allow the full range of the sound spectrum, and enable the wearer to hear the engine and surrounding sounds. I have around 1,000 miles on a pair, and they work exactly as promised. They're a little pricey, but seem to be durable and are washable.
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Re: Gadgets
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Quote:
I'm not so much interested in music as I am an audio GPS. Anyone have any experience with them?
When traveling what I consider long distances (others might not) I use a Garmin Streetpilot III plugged into a set of Etymotic ER6's. The ER6's are better than any earplugs I've ever used. The Streetpilot only comes through on one side, but that's fine. It's only for distance riding and the voice is handy when I'm taking in the sights or daydreaming and forget where I'm going, the GPS wakes me up and keeps me on the right track. I also use a Chatterbox X2 for bike-to-bike and to control the Sirius and cel phone. The Chatterbox helmet speakers do a great job with the Sirius radio, I use it everyday commuting.
You can look through the trip photos here and see the dash here. On the first page you'll see a Garmin SPIII on the left and a Quest on the right, brought the Quest along on that trip only for the extended tracking it provided. The last page has a photo with the standard setup (I've since added a Westach dual CHT gauge).
The voice GPS was especially helpful when I was cranking trying to get through the last of the national parks ride. I only had a Monday and Tuesday, so I mapped out a route from Alex, VA to Russell Cave, AL with a group of national parks in between. I was concentrating on the driving and the GPS was navigating for me. GPS also came in handy when I got to Cuyahoga Falls Natl Park (different trip) after it had closed and needed to find a place to stay, GPS gave me a location and phone of a motel 2 miles away. And if you've ever been hurting for gas, GPS is a lifesaver, finding nearest gas is only a couple of button pushes away.
... of course I don't ride much, but hopefully it addressed your question.
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Re: Gadgets
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Loquacious
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I'm not putting any more crap on my bike.
No clock, no oil gauge, no thermometer, no phone, no GPS and no music.
The wind is my music and the bike is my escape from electronic leashes.
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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Re: Gadgets
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Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
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John I tried a comm unit years ago. Rider/passenger type. Purchased the bottom of HJC's line. Above 50 mph and the white noise was so loud you couldn't really use it. The braille system works better. Now a comm unit in the 4 to 5 Andrew Jackson range would be most excellent. Farkles. Term used in motorsickle rags when talking about Iron butts. Or boxers. ME? I ditched the HJC-50 yanked the helmet speakers too. I do have a power plug and carry a cell phone charger. My only farkle is a walmart wrist watch that I removed the wrist band from and dremeled off the band ears. Velcroed to the handle bar spot between the risers. That and bits of chrome here and there.
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: Gadgets
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Loquacious
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Quote:
of course I don't ride much...
That must mean you're down to what, 70,000 miles per year? 
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Re: Gadgets
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Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
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Quote:
You can look through the trip photos here and see the dash here.
ROTFLMAO
ok, I'm a bit jealous but still - that's way over the top. And what the heck is that stuff on the right hand bar?
Great photos though. Looks like an excellent trip.
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Re: Gadgets
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Quote:
And what the heck is that stuff on the right hand bar?
Great photos though. Looks like an excellent trip.
A Boostaroo.
Man, all trips are excellent! Some more than others.
The 5k mile week from Alexandria to Vegas and back was done the way Kevin likes it, only the wind and the bike. A very good ride.
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Re: Gadgets
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Put two new gadgets on this year. Don't like many. First was a compass (great for going new places without a map). Second, a BIG clock (Police SL model with black face)-very easy to read WITHOUT my glasses. Both higly recommended. Both mounted on P-Mounts on handlebars. Both from FORMOTION at: http://www.formotionproducts.com/PoliceSL.htm
--Tom
02 TBA; 130 mains; TBS; Nology Coils&Wires;Unifilter/opened Airbox; -AI/snorkels; -2 baffles;Progressive 440s & Springs
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Re: Gadgets
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Tom, can you post a picture of your bike with the police clock? I'm curious to see how it looks in the context of a Bonny.
Pedal Till You Puke
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Re: Gadgets
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Police SL Clock, and Compass mounted on P-mounts made by FORMOTION, ordered through Fast Eddy. (Clock was a special order, $99 but worth every penney! Its half again bigger diameter than other clocks. VERY easy to read without glasses.) (Also, bike was on sidestand, that is why compass appears tilted.) 
--Tom
02 TBA; 130 mains; TBS; Nology Coils&Wires;Unifilter/opened Airbox; -AI/snorkels; -2 baffles;Progressive 440s & Springs
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Re: Gadgets
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It looks great, thanks for posting the picture. One clarification. Did the hardware you used to mount it come with the clock or are you using that chrome mount that that is available as an extra?
Pedal Till You Puke
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Re: Gadgets
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The P-Mounts are extra, and are about $19 each. They are top quality mounts though, and let you position the guages at any angle.
What come with the clock is an almost flat piece of chromed steel with a hole in each end. With the compass comes a black steel 90 degree angled piece. However, these limit your choices of mounting and angles. They probably would be okay if you were mounting to the handlebar switch assemblies like that shown on the Formotion site.
Last edited by tomv; 05/15/2007 10:59 PM.
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Re: Gadgets
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Thanks Tom, I think I will get one with that extra chrome mounting piece. As I recall, I used that for the clock I mounted on my VTX some years ago (went with the bike when I sold it).
Pedal Till You Puke
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Re: Gadgets
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I just found a great deal on the Police clocks - under 80 bucks: http://www.mawonline.com/FORMOTI2.HTM
Pedal Till You Puke
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Re: Gadgets
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Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
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The clock I have is from http://www.Clocks4bikes.com only $40 and included the handlebar mount.  Soren
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Re: Gadgets
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Soren:
Everytime I think I have made a decision on another accessory, someone turns my head with another good choice. Those are very nice. I went to the website, and for the price of one Formotion police clock you can get the clock and matching thermomenter which makes a very nice package! I wish there was room for both clock and thermometer between the risers, but it looks like it won't quite make it. Guess if both are purchased they will have to be mounted on either side of the risers, but I like the looks of the center mount. Which size is it that you have?
Last edited by pedalmasher; 05/16/2007 9:27 AM.
Pedal Till You Puke
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Re: Gadgets
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Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
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My bike has to live out side in the rain. In the last two years of having my clock never had any problems with it.
Soren
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Re: Gadgets
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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My friend has the same one as Soren. He tested it by standing with a garden hose and spraying it constantly it passed with flying colors!! 4 years later and still like new.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Gadgets
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Quote:
The clock I have is from http://www.Clocks4bikes.com only $40 and included the handlebar mount.
Soren
Quick service too! I ordered mine two hours ago as soon as I saw that pic, and just got the email saying it has shipped already.
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