Save Time and Money. Replace Your Worn Tire Early.

The rear tire on my commuter bike was wearing thin, and I thought I could get a couple more hundred miles before it reached the recommended replacement mileage.

Bad idea.

I had four flats in the past two weeks. The last one was a blowout, and I ran out of spare tube, forcing me to phone for rescue. The time and money I spent for the four spare tubes and CO₂ cartridges could have gone towards a new tire.

When to Replace an Old Tire?

• When the tread is worn so thin that you start getting a lot of flats from small pieces of glass and the like, or the fabric shows through the rubber.
• When the tire’s fabric has been damaged, so that the tire has a lumpy, irregular appearance somewhere, or the tube bulges through the tire.

Do I really need polarized sunglasses for cycling?

Polarized lenses reduce light glare reflecting from objects. For cycling, the benefit is minor. Unlike skiing or sailing where ones encounters sunlight reflecting from the snow or the ocean, cyclists rarely encounter sun glare while riding, except from newly paved, shiny pavement. Occasionally I might find myself riding behind a driver whose rear wind shield reflects the sunlight like a mirror.

Oakley sunglasses offer a wide selection of lens colors and shades, but polarize lenses are limited in selections. Polarize lenses average $60-80 more. For the budget conscious, the non-polarize lenses are the logical choice.

Zoot ULTRA CompressRx Recovery Socks

It was just last year when I bought my first pair of compression socks. There weren’t too many brands or options then. This year the brands and selections have exploded in sporting goods stores. Zoot alone offers three different compression socks, and selecting the right one for yourself can be confusing. The chart below hopefully makes the task easier.

Performance CompressRx Sock	ULTRA CompressRx Recovery Sock (was Active CompressRx)	ULTRA CompressRx Sock
Reduced muscle fatigue. Less lactic acid build-up. Comfort. Faster recovery. Experience the benefits of the Zoot Performance CompressRx Socks.	With a soft lightweight fabric, the ULTRA Recovery Compression Sock will speed up your recovery and make you feel better for tomorrow’s workout.	The CompressRx sock gets upgraded with ZoneRx technology in 2011. You will feel the amazing difference of zoned muscle support for improved performance and quicker recovery.
Size: 2, 3, 4, 5	Size: 2, 3, 4, 5	Size: 2, 3, 4, 5
Color: White	Color: Black	Color: Black, White, Classic Blue
Fabric: ZoneRx – Muscle specific zones of compression stabilize the calf muscles reducing muscle damage during exercise; CRx – Graduated compression from the ankle to the top of the calf that helps remove lactic acid and improve blood circulation back to the heart. EnduraRx provides moisture management and temperature regulation. Achilles tendon support. Padded foot soles prevent foot irritation	Fabric: ZoneRx – Muscle-specific zones of compression stabilize the calf muscles reducing muscle damage during exercise; CRx – Graduated compression from the ankle to the top of the calf that helps remove lactic acid and improve blood circulation back to the heart. SynchroRx provides moisture management and temperature regulation; Achilles tendon support; Padded foot soles prevent foot irritation	Fabric: ZoneRx – Muscle-specific zones of compression stabilize the calf muscles reducing muscle damage during exercise; CRx – Graduated compression from the ankle to the top of the calf that helps remove lactic acid and improve blood circulation back to the heart. SynchroRx provides moisture management and temperature regulation. Achilles tendon support. Padded foot soles prevent foot irritations
mmHg: 15-20mmHg	mmHg: 18-30mmHg	mmHg: 18-25 mmHg

The main difference among the three models are the amount of compression force (mmHg).

I bought Zoot because physicians recommended them over other brands. I wear mine mainly to speed up post ride recovery and have even worn them on long flights oversea.

I wear a size 4. Check Zoot’s website for your size.

Performance Bike’s top cycling bib shorts get an upgrade this year.

How do you take a superb high end pair of shorts and make it better? Listen to your customers and improve on it.

New in 2011 are Powerband leg openings, using the same Eschler compression fabric which made up the majority of the shorts.  They replace the silicon grips in the last year’s model, which can be too tight or can chaff and irritate the skin without anti-friction skin. (The first time when this happened to yours truly, I thought it was from sun burn.)

The Ultra II Bib Shorts wear like high-end shorts without the high-end price tag, MSRP $89.99. (I bought mine at discount for $44.99, and at this price I could buy few extra pairs – a clean pair for each day I ride.)

 

Unchanged from last year is the chamois, an area that could be improved.  The Italian-made TMF Asteria chamois is dense and sturdy yet quick drying and comfortable on long rides.  However, unless sitting down, it does not conform to the body’s contour as nicely as the more expensive bike shorts by Pearl Izumi or Castelli. 

All in all, the Ultra II bibs are excellent shorts to wear on regular training rides or long events.

 

These cycling bib shorts are perfect for discerning, high-mileage cyclists who demand the best in quality and performance. Highly technical, fast-wicking fabrics, 10 high-compression panels, and Italian-made, multi-density chamois achieve new levels of comfort, fit and support.

• Eschler fabric with a gridded texture improves aerodynamics, transfers moisture away from your skin and provides higher compression at a lighter weight
• Nylon/spandex bib upper enhances breathability
• 10 contoured panels maximize muscle compression for a more efficient pedal stroke while maintaining enough flexibility during hard efforts
• TMF Asteria chamois with 4-way stretch features multiple densities and layers of padding, designed to move with you for true cycling comfort
• Flatlock seams eliminate chafing
• Reflective logos add visibility
• Powerband leg openings give you a better fit in motion

Specialized 2009 Langster – Tokyo

My birthday gift from my brother.  Retail $800.  Final Sale Price $500.

Sweet paint job!

Geometry	Size 58
Seat-Tube Length, B-B Center to Top	540mm
Top-Tube Length, Horizontal	582mm
B-B Drop	67.5mm
Chain-Stay Length	407mm
Seat-Tube Angle	73°
Head-Tube Angle	73°
Fork Rake	43mm
Trail	59mm
Front-Center	610mm
Wheelbase	1008m
Stand-Over Height	808m
Head-Tube Length	205mm
Handle-Bar Width	440mm
Stem Length	110mm
Crank Length	170mm
Seat-Post Length	350mm

Sizes 49-61 *Not all sizes available in all markets
TT is measured horizontally from center of HT to center of ST

Specification
FRAME	Specialized A1 Premium aluminum, fully manipulated tubing, compact design, integrated headset
FORK	Specialized FACT carbon, carbon legs, aluminum crown and steerer
HEADSET	Specialized Mindset, 1-1/8" integrated threadless, steel cage bearings, 20mm alloy cone w/ 10mm alloy spacer
STEM	Specialized Sport, 3D forged alloy, 6 degree rise, 31.8mm clamp
HANDLEBAR	SS-Works Track, 31.8mm, 2014 alloy
TAPE Body	Geometry cork ribbon
FRONT BRAKE	Ultralight dual pivot brakes, Teflon pivots, forged alloy w/ cartridge pads
REAR BRAKE	Ultralight dual pivot brakes, Teflon pivots, forged alloy w/ cartridge pads
BRAKE LEVERS	Specialized secondary brake levers, 31.8mm clamp, with inner cable compatibility
CASSETTE	Shimano SF-MX30 Freewheel, 16t
CHAIN	KMC Z-510HX 1 Speed
CRANKSET	Sugino Zen Messenger
CHAINRINGS	42t
BOTTOM BRACKET	Sealed cartridge, square taper, 68mm x 103mm
RIMS	Alex Race 32, sleeve joint, CNC sidewall 32h
FRONT HUB	Track, bolt-on w/ track axle nuts, 32h
REAR HUB	Track bolt-on w/ track axle nuts, 32h
SPOKES	Stainless 14g
FRONT TIRE	Specialized Mondo Sport, 700x23c, wire bead, 60TPI, Flak Jacket
REAR TIRES	pecialized Mondo Sport, 700x23c, wire bead, 60TPI, Flak Jacket
REAR TIRES	Specialized standard presta tube
SADDLE	Specialized Comp Road, full padding
SEATPOST	Specialized carbon wrapped, two-bolt clamp, 27.2mm
SEAT BINDER	Specialized alloy 31.8mm
NOTES	Chain stay protector, clear coat, owners manual

CycleOps Tempo Resistance Trainer

Blackburn should recall its TrackStand Ultra. After 22 uses (423 mile, 27 hours), I returned the trainer. I started noticing the difference in the resistance after 16 uses (17.5 hours). At first, I thought that I was getting stronger from the training, that I was able to ride faster with less effort. It seemed unlikely that my average speed increased more than 5 MPH from 18 MPH in the matter for 2.5 weeks. I was able to sustain 90 RPM cadence in the highest gear — unbelievable. I proceeded to uncover numerous negative reviews on the web.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=387787

The centrifugal clutch resistance unit was almost too difficult to turn when brand new but offered a smooth ride after few uses. Then the unit would failed: inconsistent resistance during workout of between pedal strokes, too hard when starting from a complete stop and almost no resistance when turning it fast. I tried cleaning the resistance unit, taking it part to clean the friction pad surface and steel ball bearings, but the problem persisted. The Blackburn’s customer service assured me that the unit required no regular maintenance and that they had not had reports of similar problems. I gave up messing around on a faulty product. Luckily, Performance gave me a full refund even after having the unit for more than 30 days.

I exchanged it with CycloOps Tempo with a fluid type resistance unit, a pre-2007 model similar to the current Fluid2. Online reviews seem favorable and indicate little performance difference between the two. I tested out both models in two workout sessions and found little difference. The units offers sensational road feel, far superior than TrackStand Ultra. My only concern now is the reported issues with leaking resistance unit. The two-year only manufacturer’s warranty leaves me unsettling and uncommitted to this unit.

Indoor Trainer, a Wonderful Addition during the Raining Season.

I picked up my Blackburn TrakStand Ultra trainer from Performance Bike yesterday, just in time for the raining season.  This was my first trainer, and I couldn’t wait to try it out.

The unit was very well constructed, and setting it up was a snap.  The unit comes pre-configured in the medium resistance setting (Standard, Hard and Very Hard).  To adjust the setting, one has to unscrew resistance unit and remove or add resistance ball bearing.  According to the manual, the unit generates approximately 351 watts when spinning at 25 MPH.  That’s roughly 302 Calories per hour based on pure energy conversion.  The human body is very in efficient in converting pure energy into force.  Some is converted into heat, for example, sweating during exercise.  Some is used to converting the food we eat into some other forms of chemicals used by our bodies to power our muscle.  That is a topic of a whole other conversation.

I left the setting as it is, figuring I would give it a spin and see if I will need to increase the unit’s resistance setting.  “Hmm,” I thought, “350 watts @ 25 MPH is not a whole lot giving that some other units advertise >3,000 watts.  Plus my average speed is only around 18 MPH.”  I got my doubts.

My first impression was that unit runs extremely quiet.  My drive train had made more noise than the trainer.  I was very pleased.  Other units I had tested out, such as ones based on fan, magnetic or fluid resistance, were much noisier.  The other plus is the roller on the resistance unit is smooth stainless steel which help reduce tire wear.

The second thing I noticed was that riding on the trainer was tougher than training on the open road.  There were traffic lights or stop sign to let me catch my breath.  I couldn’t coasting; the resistance unit slowed down the wheel faster than being on the flat, open road.  Poor peddling technique with choppy stroke was made much more noticeable by the flywheel on the trainer.  In order to not wear myself out too soon, I needed to pull up as well as push down the peddles.  It helped having smooth, circular peddling actions.

All and all, I am thrilled having purchased the unit.  I feel that spending time on the trainer will help improve my overall fitness and peddling technique.  Everyone who is serious about cycling should spend time riding on a trainer even if it never rains outside.

Cool Shade

My custom new shade — Radar from Oakley.

It’s a kind of magic
It’s a kind of magic
A kind of magic
One dream one soul, one prize
One goal, one golden glance of what should be
It’s a kind of magic
One shaft of light that shows the way
No mortal man can win this day
It’s a kind of magic
The bell that rings inside your mind
It’s challenging the doors of time
It’s a kind of magic
The waiting seems eternity
The day will dawn of sanity
Is this a kind of magic?
It’s a kind of magic
There can be only one
This reign that lasts a thousand years
Will soon be gone
This flame that burns inside of me
I’m hearing secret harmonies
It’s a kind of magic
The bell that rings inside your mind
It’s challenging the doors of time
It’s a kind of magic
It’s a kind of magic
This reign that lasts a thousand years
Will soon be, will soon be
Will soon be gone
This is a kind of magic
There can be only one
This reign that lasts a thousand years
Will soon be gone
Magic – it’s a kind of magic
It’s a kind of magic
Magic, magic, magic, magic
It’s magic
It’s a kind of magic