Single Speed - Myth or Magic? Specialized Langster

During 2008 I also stumbled across another revelation for a 40 year old.

Bikes with only one gear, Single or Fixed speed Bikes.

Well they've become very trendy of late with most retailers stocking the Langster, Charge Plug or similar town, city aimed Single Speed bikes so I thought I'd post my thoughts and FAQs.

Yes I realise they are my views but I've done several 100 miles on a Langster now and call myself an keen cyclist.

Are they any good?

Yes - they brilliant for trianing and fuss freee commuting

Why?

Well the single speed machine is simpler. It frees the mind while cycling with no worrying about what cog or gear to selectg up or down. While it is initially harder up hills you soon learn to keep the momentum up and climb rates accelerate rapidly. They are also maintenance free except for Brakes and a bit of oil now and then as well as quieter, smoother and more efficient.

Whats fixed speed like?

Not for everyone. Terrible for me - it's difficult to master but has a cult like following. I tried it on several occassions but the danger factor of downhills and reaching for the water bottle meant that I soon reverted to the single rather than fixed speed. The Langster has a flip flop arrangement.

Would you buy another?

I already have, after doing several hundred miles on the Langster I bought a cheap eBay cruiser for everyday knocking about use and it's equally simple and very enjoyable. I'm also planning to make more from old parts.

Whats the Langster like?

Fantastic - but then I am a Specialized fan. The balance of Equipment, price and specification are unmatched and mine is the trendy 2007 brown model. I love it.

Give it a try, pick one up from ebay and you won't look back.

Cadence discovery - Cateye Astrale 8

Another minor discovery after years of cycling.

Cadence - the speed your legs go round is important.

You always knew this right?

But you were never quite sure whether slow or fast was best?

Well after a winter training session I needed a rear wheel sensor/bike computer to monitor speed and distance as my traditional wireless one didn't do anything when perched on a Bike wheel.

Well I stumbled upon the Cateye Astrale 8 which had both rear wheel sensors for speed/distance as well as separate Cadence sensor measuring RPM.

After cycling into work intially at around 60/70 RPM I decided to read up.

I found out from some reading that most advice points towards spinning faster - up to 100 RPM and beyond.

Apparently Lance Armstrong advocates up 120 RPM but he is an exception rather than the norm.

Why?

• Well it helps you maintain momentum
• Damages the muscles and knees less
• Keeps you from getting worn out quicker

So I've settled on monitoring the gears and progress to attain around 90RPM and it really makes quite a difference. My average speed is up and my climbing is better on the inclines.

Go get a Cateye Astrale 8 and try it out for yourself. I got mine for £30.

Heres the official spec..

The Astrale 8 is the standard for wired speed and cadence, now with a larger display and new design. Speed is picked up from the rear wheel, allowing you to measure your speed even while training indoors. Comes standard with universal handlebar and sensor mounts for quick, easy set-up.

Functions
Cadence Current Speed Maximum Speed Average Speed Trip Distance Odometer Elapsed Time Clock

Features

Rear speed sensor Auto start/stop Auto power-saving mode Universal magnet and sensor Programmable display Universal speed magnet and sensor Universal cadence magnet and sensor Speed display up to 300kph/185mph

Specifications
Handlebar mount size: 22-32mm
Sensor mounts: 11-55mm
Battery: CR2032
Rear wheel mount speed cadence wired sensor
Wired transmission distance up to 55 inches or 140cm

Satnav on a Bike - you're kidding

Well yes - I am officially Mr Techno, Shopper suspect no 1, Mr Consumer - whatever.

I went shopping again pre Commuting for a device that could both help me navigate the Route into Manchester as well capture all the Bio data, speed, heart rate etc.

After a quick chat with a cycling Buddy Paul - he recommended the Edge 705 as he'd been using a previous model and it's a hit.

After using a cycle computer forever, the Garmin is a significant upgrade - and not a cheap one at circa £200. But the extra facilities and clear display plus the ability to download rides and performance to a pc and then onto Google Earth is great.

I've not stretched it to the limit yet but the ability to download GPX data from websites such as Bikely allowed me an error free trip into a Major City following in another cyclists footprints. Data is simply downloaded onto a Micro SD card and you set the unit to follow a previous route.

Not sure about the mapping other than following routes but I'll see as I am in the early stages of planning a dash round Ireland later this year.

So far though, very robust, good Battery life and great tracking. Save up.

Rackless paniers for commuting

Well the first thing to figure out when cycling to work is how you'r going to move your stuff.

Two options become obvious:

1. A Rucksack

2. Rack and Paniers

I've had a bike with a traditional panier system for some time and it's been handy for local shopping, fish and chip runs and the like but it is bulky and fairly ugly and the rack has to be fitted permanently.

I've also tried the Backpack route, which is cheap and simple and definetely works. Downsides are a sticky back and again some balance issues on the Bike. Also pulls on the shoulders which start to ache after a while.

Well I found an alternative in the nattily entitled Knog Dog range from Australia.

In essense they offer a variety of Rackless Paniers - which clip to the Bike frame with sturdy clips and then can be stored when not in use off the bike leaving the whole frame clear, clean and rack burden free.

The one I bought was the £109 item which fits several shirts, undies, socks and a Laptop and Power Supply and works well.

Of course balance on the Bike is effected and extra caution is required when sprinting along but on balance it's a great solution as it can left off the bike and in the office until the end of the week and leaves others standing.

Recommended - seek it out.

Meanwhile here is the Manufacturers spec:

Manufacturers funky website : http://www.knog.com.au

Rackless double pannier bag.Super light weight internal bag frame slips smoothly and securely into three nano small frame attachments.Handmade wter resistant construction using heavy weight 1200D fabric with taped and sealed seems.Water sealed zippers all round keep dust and water out.Wheelside, waterproof hardwearing tarp and a full wrap raincoat.Drape your threads over and ride crease free.An extra tough padded 'no fleck' laptop sleeve vertically fits laptops up to 15.5", there are pockets for your mp3, phone, pda or bike tools.Internal organiser pockets and a zippered rear pocket complete the inside.Can be unzipped to the full length of your clothes. Hardware allows you to wear you NEAT DOG left or right handed.

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.

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.