Wireless Bike Computers

I’ve been using these for a year now and I think they are great value so thought I’d post a link here.

You can buy them from eBay in the UK and as a Wireless fully functional device they are faultless and have the unusual feature of temperature display which is handy on cold days.

LeJOG 2007 update

We're getting closer to finalizing a date barring a few personal and work calendar clashes so it'll be mid July sometime with a bit of luck.

After a meeting with my buddy we've decided to ditch the campercan idea and opt for the B&B route instead. This way we can take a car which makes it an easier proposition for a driver and will add some fun back into the tour with a Beer at the end of each day with a beer at the end of each day.

We may have a third cyclist coming onboard but still to be confirmed.

I've also set up a separate website covering the news and progress towards this marathon goal which can be found at http://www.end2end.thecheshirecarriagecompany.co.uk hosted by one of our sponsors.

More sponsors and support required though so don't be shy to come forward.
If you have any gear you'd like us to carry - cycling related - and review on this site then please get in touch via a post on this blog or through the main site and link above.

I will also look to embed this Blog into the site so that I can update and edit while on the move. Just got to figure out the best way to acheive.

Sportsdo and GPS tracking

I've solved the problem of online tracking, route tracking and all from the Bike seat.

I bought a Matchbox sized GPS for £20 off eBay and paired it to my Smartphone - this is an Orange SPV C500 which runs Windows Mobile 2003 - to provide activity tracking.

After searching microsoft.com I stumbled on a great little solution to the software and online side of things called SportsDo - http://www.sportsdo.net. These guys originally developed Software for skiers but realised its general purpose application for Runners and Cyclists.

After an install of the Software £50 I tracked a few walks and rides before finding an upgraded GPS unit from the same supplier which provides enhanced i.e. in the pocket GPS. The original unit dropped out and in and caused spikes but still a very neat introduction and backup.

Basically you load the software onto the phone. Connect to the GPS via Bluetooth (sometimes a little fiddly) and then start a new activity.

The software then picks up all movement via GPS and collects the data on speed, duration and the following:

1. Calories
2. Route tracing
3. Altitude
4. Time spent
5. Speed

It then allows you to upload this to the online Sportsdo Portal and for an extra £5 a month you can keep this online log going.

The upgraded GPS SiRF II currently costs £45 and is excellent. So for £100 problem solved in a very neat fashion and as well as an added boost to keep training during the winter it will be great on the LeJOG.

Specialized Sirrus Comp 2007

Well in light of the planned LeJOG (Lands End to John O Groats) trip this June July I thought I'd treat myself to an upgrade on my faithful Sirrus Sport.

After much deliberation and spec reading I settled on the Sirrus Comp 2007 model from Specialized which add the following key upgrades from my trusty steed:

1. Carbon Front Forks
2. Carbon Rear - Seat Stays
3. Zertz Inserts for more damping

I figured I'd need all the help I could get on the long days in the saddle planned this year.

I've now completed a few rides on it but the grit has already killed one chain so I've reverted back to the Sport with it's mudgaurds and dour grey colour for the Winter training period.

I sold the Allez after around 100 miles on the road as I could not adjust to the more aggressive down in the drops position and lack of steering control after a couple of thousand miles on hybrids.

The Sirrus I think is just as fast and benefits from a more relaxed geometry for my advanced years i.e. 40+.

End to End next!

Met with Paul last night and we decided to give the Lands End to John O'Groats a go in the summer of 2007.

It's around 800 miles and will take around 10 days I think.
We're planning to ride for a charity and have a few ideas already.

We're also planning to hire a campervan so anyone who wants to drive it could well find themselves a job! May 2007. More soon.

Giant Expression N3

Looking for a bike to encourage your lady partner onto the road with you?

Then I think this is it, the Giant N3 Expression. It's uncomplicated, comfortable, well equipped and has a tep through frame with twist gears to help on the hills.

Search it out but a very nice and reasonably priced machine £230 in the UK.

Specification:


FRAME ALUXX aluminium
FORK HiTensile steel, rigid
BRAKES Shimano Nexus roller brakes
WHEELS Aluminium rims, Shimano Nexus hubs
DRIVETRAIN Shimano Nexus 3 speed
SIZES 15, 17, 19, 21"

Specialized Allez 2007

Well I thought I'd upgrade as per my last post, so I ummed and arred and then research the Specialized range and decided on a racing road bike in the form of the current Allez Triple.

Well I got it and started to ride but have concluded that for my style and distance of riding:

20 mile ride cross tarmac, country lanes
once, twice or three times per week

That the Sirrus Sport is a more apt machine and so I'm going to downgrade again and seek another upgrade within the Sirrus range. This might not work for everyone but I hope my view helps some in a similar situation.

Specification

Frame
A1 butted alloy frame tubes
Fork
Carbon blade, alloy crown and steerer
Stem/Bar
3D Oversize
Transmission
Tiagra & Sora either double 16 speed or triple 24 speed
Brakes
Dual Pivot
Wheels
Jalco GX460 Sealed Bearing Hubs Straight pull spokes
Tyres
Specialized Mondo
Post/Saddle
Carbon round / Specialized Comp
Colour
Black/Silver

Price RRP £529

Specialized Sirrus Sport 2006

I bought a Specilized Sirrus Sport Hybrid this year - 2006 model in Grey and thought I'd post a few thoughts.

I'd been riding a Specialized Expedition purchased in the US which rekindled my interest in cycling and got me into the regular 12 mile habit which I've now expanded to 25 miles on a run.

The Sirrus Sport is a great bike with a compact frame, excellent geometry and great speed and weight without the ramped style of a road racer with drops. The gears Shimano Tiagra are smooth and fast and the suspension seatpost is a real boon.

I'm 6'1" and the 58cm frame is a tad on the small side - specialized call this Large and it's fine with some adjustments. I've added Shimano SPD clips, a wireless computer (TWINS from eBay) as well as dual bottle cages.

The tyres are very robust and in 1800 miles I've had not one puncture from the standard specialized Nimbus despite copious country lane mileage.

I did the C2C on the machine in May 2006 and it was difficult to fault, being speedy, comfortable and ruggid all in one.

Verdict - Recommended - time to upgrade.

Coast to Coast on a Pedal Bike?

Well I'm just back from Cycling across the whole of the UK in 3 days with my pal Paul.
The C2C trip is a signed route of tracks, roads and off road sections and covers 150 miles. We started in Whitehaven and ended in Sunderland with ceremonial wheel dipping at both the Irish and North Sea - quite a trip.

I'll post a few pictures once I've got them from Paul but for now I though I'd post a few tips for anyone considering doing the same to give you a head start:




Questions and Answers

1. Can anyone do it? Yes but only if you're fairly fit and and can climb hills on a Bike, it's a fair ride and 3 days makes it comfortable. Only try it in a shorter time if you are exceptionally fit and keen. I cycle 3/4 times a week with distances of up to 27 miles and I found it fairly easy and didn't need to walk an inch. Take 4 days if you're not fit and take it easy and walk up the hills.

1. What sort of Bike should I take? A Hybrid Road Bike is best in my opinion. I did it on a Specialized Sirrus Sport. i.e. one with some tread on the tyres but not a mountain bike or out and out racer. Unless you want to go up and down the mountain trails, which we avoided, then a mountain bike would be a drag due to the extra weight and energy lost through suspension (although some may argue it'd make a comfier ride) None of the journey is really severe enough to require a mountain bike though, other than the optional off road sections.

1. How did you get your luggage across? We used the services of The Sherpa Van project which picked up and dropped our bags at each of the guesthouses then ran us and our bikes back from Sunderland to Whitehaven in around 3 hours. An excellent fuss free service.
2. Where did you stay and were they any good? Night one we stayed at Motherby House then one night at The Rookhope Inn which both did great breakfasts and offered a friendly place to sleep.

1. Memorable moments? Glass on the track at Whitehaven, getting to the top of Hartside and Black Hill which are both 2,000 feet above sea level. Kids with airrifles shooting into the river on the way into Sunderland - needless to say we sped up and got out of range quickly, whizzing along at up to 40 mph on some empty tracks, the waskerley way, beer and lunchtimes, completing the journey in Sunderland.

1. Punctures? No not me as my tyres are resistant, Nimbus Flak Jacket, but my pal Paul suffered 4 on his thinner racing tyres. Lesson from this is to take spare innertubes with you and some basic tyre levers and tools to allow for quick changes - latex gloves help keep the oil off too! I stuffed two spare tubes in an underseat bag but didn't need them I have read of one chap having 7 on the 1st day so better safe than sorry.

1. Food and Drink on the Bike? Take plenty of Energy or Fruit and Fibre Bars or Cake Slices or Bananas although eat them quickly as the Bananas get bruised on the bike. Take water with powdered energy additive to keep you going on the hill sections.

1. Would you do it again? Yes - although getting good weather is the key, it would be miserable in the Rain. Great views, tranquility excercise, Beer and Food and a great little break from the realities of daily life and a sense of real achivement!

1. Other tips? Go early or late season as mixing it with lots of other cyclists and walkers could be a drag. Go mid week rather than weekend. Buy the Definitive C2C Guide from Amazon and the Sustrans C2C map. Watch out for Glass on the tracks and Kids. Stop for an Indian meal on the way home in Penrith rather than do Motorway food.

Useful C2C resources

• http://www.c2c-guide.co.uk - great guide site
• http://www.sherpavan.com - transport of bags bikes and people
• http://www.motherbyhouse.co.uk - guesthouse night one
• http://www.rookhope.com - pub b&b night two