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Posts tagged Cycling
Left on Batman Avenue
Today, it was time for increased activity and a short stint into town to see a bit of Melbourne‘s CBD. The best way to do that is by bicycle, which is a really great idea. Since travelling with a bicycle is a bit of an issue, I rented a rather capable mountain bike from Rentabike close to Federation Square. The Gitane something or other was decked out in a stylish blue, replete with working everything – no issues with the functionality of my steed!
The supplied bicycle lock has the code 1956. That’s the year the Olympic Games were held in Melbourne.
Clever! That way, anyone unable to remember the combination has a second chance: at least one or two people in Melbourne should remember the date they last hosted the Olympic Games… Starting at the intersection of Russel Street and Batman Avenue we made our way on a longish loop through the city. How cool is it to be in a city with a Batman Avenue?
John Batman was an Australian farmer and businessman who was one of the first settlers of Melbourne and known for founding Victoria. And here you’re thinking Bruce Wayne…
Since this was no hectic cycling event, we had decent time for a few photographs and to look around.
A curry on the way never hurt anyone…
I can recommend TIFFINs to anyone in the inner city eager for a delivered meal. A coffee close to the location of the world’s latest tourist attraction: the observation wheel. London has one, as does Singapore. Melbourne‘s Southern Star is another in a long line of similar structures. Not yet open to the public, we’re hoping to take a round-about trip sometime during the weekend. The surrounding harbour with its views of the city is quite spectacular.
For someone who’s not at all interested in cricket, a slow cycle around the MCG was more about seeing the impressive structure and its surrounds. Once again, some great views of the cityscape from that side of town. We made our way home after a solid three hours on the road: some Beard Papa goodies for the wives and kids…
Shimano flat-top pedal inserts
It’s such a shame that the mountain bike couldn’t join me on this trip. It would have been great fun to zip around Singapore… SGD 1000 fines for cycling in certain areas, though.
Not having the bike with me also means I don’t get a chance to just hop on and cycle without having to change into all the requisite gear, especially the shoes with the cleats. A visit to Morningside Cycles last week resulted in me finding an accessory that’s been eluding me for a couple of months: flat-top pedal inserts for the SPD system. The concept is simple: the oblong piece of plastic is inserted into the clip of the pedal. Now, one side is used for the cycling shoes with the cleats while the other provides a traditional pedal surface. No more having to hobble around on the smallish clip-in pedal if a short cycle is required.
And the Shimano PD22 can easily be removed with the aid of a screwdriver should the need arise. It seems that these inserts are generally delivered on the newer range of mountain bikes featuring Shimano components.
Topeak HighLite Combo
Even though we are seemingly done with winter in Johannesburg, light does fade quite rapidly once the clock ticks past 17:30. If, like this afternoon, there’s a ride planned that cannot avoid some sections of public road, it’s best to be prepared and bring along some light.
Of all manufacturer’s of bicycle accessories, I like Topeak‘s products the best. Generally of a high quality and standard, but available at a reasonable price.
When it came to selecting a small light to attach in conditions of poor visibility, I encountered a dizzying array of lights in all shapes and sizes. Since I’ll be using the light only on odd occasions, I wanted something that would fit easily into the saddle bag but would also provide the best possible indication of my presence. Ideally, I wanted both a front and rear light. The Topeak HighLite Combo is sold in a small box that contains both the WhiteLite and RedLite.
The WhiteLite features three LED‘s and weighs 35g. It attaches to the handlebar with a snug-fitting rubber strap. The two included batteries should keep it operating in either the blink or constant-on mode for roughly 60 hours. The WhiteLite is rated at 0.8 Lux at a distance of 5m. On the seatpost, the RedLite is mounted with a rubber O-ring that clips onto the light’s holder. There are 4 LED‘s that should also perform for about 60 hours. Blinking or constant-on are the selectable modes and the unit weighs 18g. If you have a Topeak saddlebag, the RedLite may also be clipped into the receptacle on the back of the bag.
At ZAR 399 this is not cheap, but it’s a good product that is easy to mount and remove when not needed. I find the fact that I make myself more visible the main selling point, but am taken with the tiny form factor and the weight.
Cycling on automatic
If Shimano has its way, cyclists will no longer need to worry about shifting gears by effectively pulling or releasing wire strands connected to derrailleurs and chain guides.
The new Di2 system introduces solid-state switches and rubber-coated wires in place of the bare, twisted metal wires we’ve all grown accustomed to.
The idea is to provide more accurate and faster gear changes, whilst also minimizing the risk of mechanical breakages and the effects of friction. Not to mention the grit and grime faced by those components during a downpour or a muddy downhill race. Of course, these components won’t be cheap and will be fitted only to very expensive bicycles when the Di2 system launches to the public in 2009.
The entire system runs on electricity, so the inclusion of a rechargeable battery pack is necessary. That 7.4V Lithium Ion battery should last roughly 1000 hours before a recharge is necessary.
Who would have thought that bicycles would go electric long before cars do? A very strange idea. What if you’re on the open road and the battery dies? Call Shimano Roadside Assistance? Or be sure to carry an emergency recharging device in the saddlebag…
Stainless multitool
My recent addition to the mountain bike ensures that I shouldn’t get lost on the trail or from the Sunday morning paper route. But what good is knowing which route to follow if you break down halfway? Enter a rather nifty, compact multitool.
The Lezyne Stainless multitool is super-compact, measuring about 7cm in length and about 5cm in width. Available in various configurarions, the primary tools include hex, screwdriver, tire lever, chain breaker and, most importantly, a bottle opener!
The whole package neatly folds together and the actual tools are protected by a neoprene cover that is easy to remove and replace.
A weight of about 100g means an extra banana or two (not counting the one in the saddle) can be carried along without fear that those nasty hills will prove to be an issue…
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