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+.