Expressing My Wishes
It's good to put our requests out there. There's a better chance of them happening. Just look. I was lusting after a titanium bike a few months back. Now I have two :)
So, here goes. I wish to go on a family cycling holiday. It's healthy and unique. Holidays involve eating too much so what better way to justify the bingeing. Anyway, there's a lot of different things to see and a very unique perspective seeing things on two wheels. So I hope to go on lots of family cycling holidays from now on. Both regionally and internationally.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
CarryMe
Yesterday morning I had to deliver the in-laws' car to the workshop in Sin Ming. I put my Carryme foldie in the trunk with my bike helmet. And I cycled back - mostly pavement and a little bit of road. It was fun. It took me about 25 minutes to get to Sime Road. Actually 20 minutes because the other 5 minutes was for waiting at the traffic light to cross to the MacRitchie side.
It was a breeze carrying the bike up and down the overhead bridge just before Sime Road. Only 8kg. I think that's 2-3kg lighter than my Strida. Big difference. There is no safe way to cross the PIE except to go left on Sime Road, under the PIE and the end of University Road. So I did that. Then I crossed at Adam Road hawker centre back and came home via Shelford Road. Total travel time 45 minutes. Not bad. Not bad at all.
Yesterday morning I had to deliver the in-laws' car to the workshop in Sin Ming. I put my Carryme foldie in the trunk with my bike helmet. And I cycled back - mostly pavement and a little bit of road. It was fun. It took me about 25 minutes to get to Sime Road. Actually 20 minutes because the other 5 minutes was for waiting at the traffic light to cross to the MacRitchie side.
It was a breeze carrying the bike up and down the overhead bridge just before Sime Road. Only 8kg. I think that's 2-3kg lighter than my Strida. Big difference. There is no safe way to cross the PIE except to go left on Sime Road, under the PIE and the end of University Road. So I did that. Then I crossed at Adam Road hawker centre back and came home via Shelford Road. Total travel time 45 minutes. Not bad. Not bad at all.
Bike Shop Help
If I get a flat, I have a vague idea what to do but I hope I never get a flat. My technical knowledge of bikes is shameful. I'm also not very interested in learning. So I rely heavily on bike shops.
Last week, I brought my Bella and Cannondale into Treknology3. I needed help to shift all the components over. 5 things. Front light, rear light, cyclometer, pump & saddle bag. Turns out I needed to get another saddle bag because Topeak couldn't fit. So $36 for a Trek saddle bag. Another $24 for all the labour involved for the other things. $60.
Yesterday I brought Tim's Tank Elite & my Dean Scout into Tay Junction to do several things. For Tim's bike, needed to change the road tires back to off-road tires. He didn't like my Terry Butterfly saddle so I had them change it back to the original red Selle Italia gel. For my Dean Scout, I wanted the Terry Butterfly instead of the super hard Selle Italia saddle. Also needed the seat tube cut so can lower the saddle to the minimum. Last, I needed a shorter stem. The Dean stem was super long. So got a Thomson 70mm stem ($120) instead. My Dean is super light but unfortunately still big for me. It's ok for road and probably simple off-road but I'd have to think twice if I can go Ketam or Bukit Timah hill on it. Anyway, total bill $150.
If I get a flat, I have a vague idea what to do but I hope I never get a flat. My technical knowledge of bikes is shameful. I'm also not very interested in learning. So I rely heavily on bike shops.
Last week, I brought my Bella and Cannondale into Treknology3. I needed help to shift all the components over. 5 things. Front light, rear light, cyclometer, pump & saddle bag. Turns out I needed to get another saddle bag because Topeak couldn't fit. So $36 for a Trek saddle bag. Another $24 for all the labour involved for the other things. $60.
Yesterday I brought Tim's Tank Elite & my Dean Scout into Tay Junction to do several things. For Tim's bike, needed to change the road tires back to off-road tires. He didn't like my Terry Butterfly saddle so I had them change it back to the original red Selle Italia gel. For my Dean Scout, I wanted the Terry Butterfly instead of the super hard Selle Italia saddle. Also needed the seat tube cut so can lower the saddle to the minimum. Last, I needed a shorter stem. The Dean stem was super long. So got a Thomson 70mm stem ($120) instead. My Dean is super light but unfortunately still big for me. It's ok for road and probably simple off-road but I'd have to think twice if I can go Ketam or Bukit Timah hill on it. Anyway, total bill $150.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Reflecting on My Tri Journey
Today is 10th June. Last year on 12th June I blogged about how I had signed up to do the Triladies Sprint distance. So it's been a year. I realize that I've come quite a way. One Sprint attempt in Sept (Triladies was rained out after bike leg), a successfully completed Sprint in Nov and an enjoyable Olympic Distance in May. I can now swim freestyle comfortably although still use breaststroke for the race. I still love my Cannondale but am now also a proud owner of a gorgeous titanium frame named Bella.
Along the way, I bought a bicycle for each member of my family. We don't cycle as a family unit as often as I'd like but it is an additional family activity that we all enjoy when we do get round to it. For myself, I discovered a fascination with foldable bikes and am a proud owner of the unique Strida and the dependable Dahon. The Dahon is well travelled. Tim used it in Bintan and we brought it along to Tioman as well.
I also picked up trail riding this year using both Luke & Elliott's mountain bikes. I have become well acquainted with both Gangsa Loop and Bukit Timah Hill trail. I wore out Elliott's brake pads and had some spectacular falls into ditches. My battle scars were a blue-black butt and multiple grazes but smiling all the way. Obsessed with owning a Titanium bike, I succumbed to a 16" Dean Scout to call my own. It's so light but I know the frame is actually a little too big for me. Fine for road riding around the estate but not perfect for me to go trail riding. It can be done but it's not ideal. Elliott's bike is a 17" so it should be better than that.
Finally, without really trying very hard, I got my husband Tim sucked into all this too. He signed himself up for the Singapore Sprint Series earlier this year. He clocked some respectable times for the Biathlon in Sentosa and the Duathlon in Mandai. This coming Sunday (yes, Father's Day!) he will be doing his first Sprint distance.
So much can happen in a year!
Today is 10th June. Last year on 12th June I blogged about how I had signed up to do the Triladies Sprint distance. So it's been a year. I realize that I've come quite a way. One Sprint attempt in Sept (Triladies was rained out after bike leg), a successfully completed Sprint in Nov and an enjoyable Olympic Distance in May. I can now swim freestyle comfortably although still use breaststroke for the race. I still love my Cannondale but am now also a proud owner of a gorgeous titanium frame named Bella.
Along the way, I bought a bicycle for each member of my family. We don't cycle as a family unit as often as I'd like but it is an additional family activity that we all enjoy when we do get round to it. For myself, I discovered a fascination with foldable bikes and am a proud owner of the unique Strida and the dependable Dahon. The Dahon is well travelled. Tim used it in Bintan and we brought it along to Tioman as well.
I also picked up trail riding this year using both Luke & Elliott's mountain bikes. I have become well acquainted with both Gangsa Loop and Bukit Timah Hill trail. I wore out Elliott's brake pads and had some spectacular falls into ditches. My battle scars were a blue-black butt and multiple grazes but smiling all the way. Obsessed with owning a Titanium bike, I succumbed to a 16" Dean Scout to call my own. It's so light but I know the frame is actually a little too big for me. Fine for road riding around the estate but not perfect for me to go trail riding. It can be done but it's not ideal. Elliott's bike is a 17" so it should be better than that.
Finally, without really trying very hard, I got my husband Tim sucked into all this too. He signed himself up for the Singapore Sprint Series earlier this year. He clocked some respectable times for the Biathlon in Sentosa and the Duathlon in Mandai. This coming Sunday (yes, Father's Day!) he will be doing his first Sprint distance.
So much can happen in a year!
Sunday, June 08, 2008
The Fizik Vitesse Tri saddle is built for the ladies. Let's face it, most saddles target problem areas for the men in our sport. The Fizik Vitesse Tri saddle hopes to change that!The Vitesse TRI saddle is almost 30mm shorter than the Arione series as well as roughly 20mm wider in the back. This directs the pressure onto our naturally wider pelvis area and provides much more comfort than the majority of other saddles out there. Plus the integrated clip system can be used to attach a BLINK!!Features:Color: Black
k:ium rails - stronger and lighter than titanium rails
Microtex cover
Foam padding and additional technogel throughout the pose, wing flex
Length: 270mm, Max Width: 150mm
280g
I haven't had a chance to test my Bella properly yet. The previous owner kept the pedals so I have to bring her in to the bike shop for new ones. I have been lusting after a Litespeed for a few months now. I have to say...she looks really good sitting in my living room. I spend an obscene amount of time researching what others' write about the bike as well. Like this.
The new old school IT'S SO '90s--AND THAT'S GOOD: Carbon frames have been all the rage for a few years now, overshadowing the smooth, supple ride of titanium. Ti, the "it" material of the '90s, combines the lightness of aluminum with the sprightliness of steel, and, a plus for the low-maintenance riders among us, doesn't corrode. But titanium can be difficult to machine, requiring special tools and skills, which adds to the cost. YOU CAN FEEL THE EXPERIENCE: Litespeed has been making ti bikes since 1986, and the Bella since 2004.
The new old school IT'S SO '90s--AND THAT'S GOOD: Carbon frames have been all the rage for a few years now, overshadowing the smooth, supple ride of titanium. Ti, the "it" material of the '90s, combines the lightness of aluminum with the sprightliness of steel, and, a plus for the low-maintenance riders among us, doesn't corrode. But titanium can be difficult to machine, requiring special tools and skills, which adds to the cost. YOU CAN FEEL THE EXPERIENCE: Litespeed has been making ti bikes since 1986, and the Bella since 2004.
Bella means "Beautiful". and that's the only way to describe Litespeed's Women's specific frame design for 2007 crafted from 3AL/2.5V titanium tubing to fit female body proportions. The Bella is everything that a Litespeed should be - aggressive, graceful, responsive and beautiful. It's oversized seat tube adds drivetrain stiffness and precise shifting when the going gets tough
Oh gosh. The run was soooo loooong. I was happy with my swim and bike time. But it seemed like just about everybody overtook me on the run. Took me 1 hr 30 min to do 10K. Actually that's only slightly longer than my usual snail pace so I don't know why I'm complaining. But I guess I now realize that I really need to do something about my running. It's tooooo sloooowwwww. So, I completed the OD in 3 hrs 53 minutes. I wasn't last. I was still smiling (as you can see) as I was running down the finishing chute. So happy. So very happy. I did it.
Spent less than 2 minutes in Transition 1 to get my helmet, shades, race belt, socks & shoes on. Walking my trusty Cannondale R600 out to the Bike Start. I really enjoyed the bike route - all 40km. Bintan roads are very good and the scenery was gorgeous. It was undulating.....and the climbs took effort but it was worth it. Improved on my bike time compared to the training camp. Wasn't so dead this time. Took about 1 hr 30 mins.
Bintan Triathlon 24 May 2008Coming out of the swim 1.5km or 37 minutes later and running through the showers. There were no jellyfish this time. I was swimming in the wake of another breaststroker - Mr Pearl Izumi. At least that's all I could see on his neckline. Was a little surprised that Buzz was nearby too. It was a nice swim at my own pace. Still felt fresh.
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Should I? Should I not?
Excellent condition 1 year old Litespeed BellaSize XS top tube 49.5cm, seat tube 44cmUltegra 10 speed group setKsyrium elite wheelset (6 mths old)Fizik Vitesse Tri saddleITM Elle handlebar size 38cmRitchey carbon pro seatpostHave not registered for lifetime warranty Bike was sent for servicing last monthFull Bike $4500. All prices are negotiable. Not selling components or group set seperately.Price excludes speedometer, front, rear lights and pedals.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
I succumbed to this togoparts ad. Damage $2.3K.
Here's your chance to own a titanium bike with good parts at an affordable price!LAST CALL!!! Before I strip the whole bike, sell the parts and keep the frame for a future build.Specs are as follows :
Frame : Dean Scout Titanium 16"
Fork : Rock Shox SID 06' with poploc
Wheelset : Mavic Crossmax SL
Crank : XTR Hollowtech
Shifters : Sram X.O. Gripshift
Brake Levers : XTR
V Brakes : XTR
Front D : XTR
Rear D : Sram X.O
Stem : Dean
Seatpost : Dean
Headset : Chris King
Handlebar : Easton EA70
Tires : Maxxis Larsen TT
Skewers : Salsa
Saddle : Selle Italia Flite Titanium
No Pedals Included.
I'm moving house, and my new place can't accomodate 4 bikes...so sadly, this has to go. My loss, your gain.
Action Options
Here's your chance to own a titanium bike with good parts at an affordable price!LAST CALL!!! Before I strip the whole bike, sell the parts and keep the frame for a future build.Specs are as follows :
Frame : Dean Scout Titanium 16"
Fork : Rock Shox SID 06' with poploc
Wheelset : Mavic Crossmax SL
Crank : XTR Hollowtech
Shifters : Sram X.O. Gripshift
Brake Levers : XTR
V Brakes : XTR
Front D : XTR
Rear D : Sram X.O
Stem : Dean
Seatpost : Dean
Headset : Chris King
Handlebar : Easton EA70
Tires : Maxxis Larsen TT
Skewers : Salsa
Saddle : Selle Italia Flite Titanium
No Pedals Included.
I'm moving house, and my new place can't accomodate 4 bikes...so sadly, this has to go. My loss, your gain.
Action Options
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Tribob's Bintan Training Camp
These are the other crazy people who paid to work their bodies hard over the weekend. On Saturday, the Red & Black groups rode 150km around Bintan. I was in the White group that rode 75km. A very undulating terrain of rolling hills...up, down, up, down....to Tanjung Uban to eat lunch and back to Nirwana Gardens. That's a first for me....such a long distance. Well, I survived.
Next day, we all did a trial run of the Olympic Distance triathlon. That's 1.5km swim, 40km bike and 10k run. My legs were shot by the end of the ride so I only managed to walk 1 lap of 5km. Took me 3 hrs 30 minutes. Very long. I have a lot of work to do for the next 6 weeks to get in shape.
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Cycling Route
Today we did the route in the opposite direction as we normally do. This is because of the long, long trail of trucks waiting in line to get past causeway. Last time the truck driver opened the door just barely missing us cyclists on the road. Not to mention the pollution.
I think these are all the roads we took:
Hillview Ave-Upp Bukit Timah Rd-Mandai Rd-Sembawang Rd-Canberra Road-Admiralty Dr-stopped at Blk 19 Marsiling for yummy soft boiled eggs, kaya toast, 100 plus & China Apple-then Woodlands Ave-Woodlands Rd-Upp Bt Timah Rd-Hillview Ave. 38km.
I can keep up with Buzz & Ricky on the flats. Drafting nicely with ave speed 29-32km/hr. But I get dropped on the hills. My speed drops to 20km/hr and can feel my heartrate going thru the roof. It's double whammy. Both the machine & the engine. The machine....well, I ride an old aluminium that is not as light & spiffy as their carbon fibre frames & super light wheels. The engine....my legs just aren't there yet. Dunno when either. But it's ok. At least my gearing is up to standard. I catch up with them on the flats and they don't have to wait for me.
Today we did the route in the opposite direction as we normally do. This is because of the long, long trail of trucks waiting in line to get past causeway. Last time the truck driver opened the door just barely missing us cyclists on the road. Not to mention the pollution.
I think these are all the roads we took:
Hillview Ave-Upp Bukit Timah Rd-Mandai Rd-Sembawang Rd-Canberra Road-Admiralty Dr-stopped at Blk 19 Marsiling for yummy soft boiled eggs, kaya toast, 100 plus & China Apple-then Woodlands Ave-Woodlands Rd-Upp Bt Timah Rd-Hillview Ave. 38km.
I can keep up with Buzz & Ricky on the flats. Drafting nicely with ave speed 29-32km/hr. But I get dropped on the hills. My speed drops to 20km/hr and can feel my heartrate going thru the roof. It's double whammy. Both the machine & the engine. The machine....well, I ride an old aluminium that is not as light & spiffy as their carbon fibre frames & super light wheels. The engine....my legs just aren't there yet. Dunno when either. But it's ok. At least my gearing is up to standard. I catch up with them on the flats and they don't have to wait for me.
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Run Interval Training
This is a 20 minute session that looks very easy to do. After all, what's 20 minutes? Best part is. Consistent interval training of just 20 minutes a few times a week is probably more effective in increasing stamina & performance than hours of running at the same pace.
Well, it looks easy but I was breathless and seconds seemed like minutes when I did it today.
3 mins - easy jog warm up
3 mins - medium/fast running
60sec - walk or stretching
90 sec - fast run
60 sec - walk
90 sec - fast run
60 sec - walk
90 sec - fast run
60 sec - walk
90 sec - fast run
60 sec - walk
90 sec - fast run
60 sec - easy jog
Give it a try. Then you'll know what I mean by seconds feeling like minutes!
This is a 20 minute session that looks very easy to do. After all, what's 20 minutes? Best part is. Consistent interval training of just 20 minutes a few times a week is probably more effective in increasing stamina & performance than hours of running at the same pace.
Well, it looks easy but I was breathless and seconds seemed like minutes when I did it today.
3 mins - easy jog warm up
3 mins - medium/fast running
60sec - walk or stretching
90 sec - fast run
60 sec - walk
90 sec - fast run
60 sec - walk
90 sec - fast run
60 sec - walk
90 sec - fast run
60 sec - walk
90 sec - fast run
60 sec - easy jog
Give it a try. Then you'll know what I mean by seconds feeling like minutes!
Monday, March 31, 2008
Latest Exercise ToolIt looks like a metronome.....and it is a metronome. Got it from a guitar shop. About the size of a credit card though slightly fatter. This is going to help me run more efficiently. The plan is to increase my running cadence to as close to 180bpm.
Tested it out today. Was able to maintain about 140-150bpm for a short 3km route. But I was holding it in my hand and all that bouncing around made it go berserk. Started going off by itself. Went back to 100bpm by itself. Got rather fed up. Thought I probably spoilt the little thing. But it seems to be back to normal now. Only problem is.....it's a moody metronome.
Thinking may have to invest a little more and get the clip-on Seiko DM 50 instead. Hmmm...hope Swee Lee has it.
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