Is this the best Touring Bar Tape one can buy?
One thing that I never skimp on besides tyres is bar tape. A good tape is paramount to a good ride. A good tape is more than just looks, it acts as a mini shock absorber, and a good grippy tape helps keep your hands on the bars, especially in wet weather. A good thick tape helps with hand spasms and soreness in the palms. Let's not forget the last thing, a good tape is durable and last long on the bars in all kinds of weather.
I have always been a big Lizard Skin fan and for my road bikes I would never have anything else on. My Domane had Lizard Skin on the bars for the last twelve months pf me owning it. It didn't matter how wet it got from rain, or sweat you were able to keep a good hold of the bars no matter what.
But Lizard Skin leaves a little to be desired for the Kona Sutra Touring Bike. Whilst on the road it excelled, it fell short on long days in the saddle over a mixed terrain, mostly gravel roads and rough dirt tracks.
Ever since then I have been on the search for a tape that will serve my purpose. I have tried a few on the Kona, like I said Lizard Skin, and a LS knock off, Velotape. It is very similar in feel but like a lot of cheaper tapes, stretches much more when applied to the bike. This, depending on the tape isn't always a good thing. The Velotape held up for a while but in the end it began to split, crack and peel.
Then along came Brooks Microfibre Waterproof Tape. I always knew it was there, but had never purchased it. But my time has come and I have to say how happy I am with this tape in the beginning of my new found love affair.
The Brooks Microfibre Waterproof Bar tape is, like I would say all bar tapes are, made in China, not England like their saddles. But don't let that sway you. Once out of the box I knew it would was a good quality tape, it just had that feel.
It is 30 mm wide, 3 mm thick, a synthetic material that is treated with a waterproof treatment. It is quite a stiff tape that does net stretch a great deal. It goes on with minimal stretching involved, much like Lizard Skin. It almost has a new leather feel.
Being a thick tape I thought it might have been a bit of a pain to apply, but I was wrong. This tape went on easily and considering that I have bar end shifters with a cable sticking out of the front of my drops, it was very easy to manipulate around the bar's curvature and hoods. Even around the hoods it did not feel overly thick and tucked in under the covers extremely well .
Being 3 mm thick it offers a good cushioning between your hands and the bars, soaking up the bumps, and this is what I am after. I don't mind paying a little extra if it works. In the long run good tape works out cheaper as it lasts longer.
The 30 mm wide tape covers the bars easily and there were no issues trying to get it to mould onto itself as it was wrapped around.
I wasn't able to take it for much of a ride as I am still in recovery mode, so I look forward to checking this out more very soon.
You can check it out i more detail here on my You Tube Channel.
Cheers guys, and as always, ride safe.
Sunday 26 August 2018
Monday 20 August 2018
MES...The Infliction On Today's Society!
There is a lot of contention amongst motorists and the anti-cycling media at present in Australia. I don't think it is isolated to Australia alone, as I here it come up on overseas forums often. That contention, not debate, contention, is over single file versus two abreast.
It all stems from the whole "Bikes don't belong on the road" mentality. I suppose you can call it MES, Motorist Entitlement Syndrome. MES is a disease that attacks the common sense regions of the brain, allowing you to think of what is important, or inconvenient to you. I don't think MES attacks the brain in regards to cyclists alone, but in regards to anyone on the road asides the motorist themself.
It also gives the illusion that you are the best driver on the road. I've never met a bad driver, just ask them, they'll tell you. You begin to know the road rules far better than anyone else, and the rules become what you think they should be, rather than what they actually are. Your driving skills become better than that of an experienced Formula 1 driver (in your own mind) and you have right of way, and passage over everyone else on the road. You begin to get agro and abuse others for the same things that you do wrong on the road, but when you do it it's not wrong.
But unfortunately it becomes far more manifested when a cyclist is added into the mix. The whole motorists versus cyclists debacle is based on the debilitating disease of MES.
Since the introduction of Mandatory Distance Laws (MDL's) several years back this contention has grown. I don't think it has grown in regards to actual manifestations because here in regional Queensland I honestly think things have improved. It does, however appear to be worse in the cities. Sure, you still get your odd dick here, and there is no specific demographic that is worse than the other.
But one of the laws that were introduces with MDL's was for cyclists to ride two abreast, and here we meet with the contention. Unfortunately MES does not allow for the suffering motorist to see reason in this, with the average Mr/Mrs motorists thinking it all about the cyclists. But it's not. Two abreast over single file is far better for cyclists and motorists.
- Two abreast shortens the over taking distance and makes it safer for motorists.
If you have twenty cyclists at an average length of 2.0 meters and a gap of 30 cm's between them that twenty cyclists riding single file become a total length of approximately 45.4 meters. Now allow a 3 meter gap at either end...makes a total length of 51.4 meters
The average width of a cyclist would be around the 50 cm mark, give or take, that's 0.5 of a meter. A cyclist, for safety's sake sits approximately 0.5 - 1.0 meters from the side of the road.
Let's consider road width now, and yes this does vary depending on the road/motorway/highway etc. Let's say that average width of a road way is between 2.7 - 3.5 meters, so if we average that out we can safely say, around the 3 - 3.2 meters.
The average vehicle width would be around 1.5 - 2.6 meters, so let's say 2.0 meters for this exercise.
Now let's take into account that a motorist has to give a minimum of 1 meter in a zone under 60 km/h and 1.5 meters over a 60 km/h speed limit.
If a group of cyclists are riding in single file with the examples I have set, this group would be sitting approximately 1 - 1.5 meters into the road way. Yes, road way, not motor vehicle lane. With the average width of a vehicle being 2 meters and roadway being 3 meters, this would require the motor vehicle to exit largely one lane and enter into the other. Now consider it was on a single lane roadway and that would require the motor vehicle to be largely on the other side of the road in front of possibly oncoming traffic.
All that at an average speed of say, 80 km/h would take a motorist to overtake a group of single file cyclists averaging 25 km/h 11 seconds, at a length of 207 meters. If the same vehicle was to overtake a group of the same twenty cyclist riding two abreast that overtaking distance would be 8 seconds at a length of 171 meters. This is of course allowing for a 3 second gap between overtaking vehicle and cyclists.
Now 3 seconds and 36 meters might not sound much, but when you consider a vehicle may be coming in the opposite direction at 80 km/h, that is a world of difference. That's an average of nine car lengths difference to put it into perspective.
Riding two abreast offers greater safety to the cyclists involved. It offers better visibility and that is an issue that seems to be thrown up in cyclists face all the time. But it doesn't matter how much fluro a cyclist wears, how far out into the lane they ride, the first excuse that comes of a motorists mouth after a collision is, "I didn't see them". But look, we can't take it personally, it is the same excuse for everything, or incident. This is what MES does, it replaces reality and accountability with something else to blame. The simple fact that when driving a motor vehicle it is "your" responsibility to be aware of what's around seems to disappear with MES sufferers.
When it comes to cyclists, two breast, or overtaking them, MES causes the sufferer to believe that it is the slower cyclist that forced them over to the other side of the road and into a dangerous situation. It is for this reason many cyclists choose to ride two abreast or out into the lane (commonly known as taking the lane). We all know how possible for a 10 kilo bike to force a 1.5 tonne vehicle out of their lane, it happens all the time, well for MES sufferers.
MES causes the sufferer to believe that the road is theirs. Roads do not belong to motorists or cyclists, they belong to tax payers. We don't need to enter into this in great detail, we all know the Great Rego Debate, and I don't need to go there.
When we look at it road users have to tackle many issues and dangers throughout the day. Most cyclists ride at an average speed of 25 kn/h or more. Tractors, slashers, farm machinery (many of which are oversized), broken down vehicles, animals are all part of it. I don't know how many times I have overtaken all these on my bike.
Unfortunately MES is spread by the ignorant/arrogant few, many of which are in the media. MES causes one to be self absorbed and centred.
I'm just having a little fun tonight, as we are all road users, and we are all people. We are all entitled to use what we pay for with our taxes. We are all equal and like it or not the motor vehicle is dying a slow and ungraceful death. It will take some years yet, but as cycling and other forms of transport continue to rise in popularity, motorists will have no choice but to accept it.
At the end of the day a cyclist, or group of cyclists may cost a motorist around 30 seconds off their trip, is the angst worth it? Well maybe for those who suffer Motorist Entitlement Syndrome.
Cheers guys, and as always, ride safe.
It all stems from the whole "Bikes don't belong on the road" mentality. I suppose you can call it MES, Motorist Entitlement Syndrome. MES is a disease that attacks the common sense regions of the brain, allowing you to think of what is important, or inconvenient to you. I don't think MES attacks the brain in regards to cyclists alone, but in regards to anyone on the road asides the motorist themself.
It also gives the illusion that you are the best driver on the road. I've never met a bad driver, just ask them, they'll tell you. You begin to know the road rules far better than anyone else, and the rules become what you think they should be, rather than what they actually are. Your driving skills become better than that of an experienced Formula 1 driver (in your own mind) and you have right of way, and passage over everyone else on the road. You begin to get agro and abuse others for the same things that you do wrong on the road, but when you do it it's not wrong.
But unfortunately it becomes far more manifested when a cyclist is added into the mix. The whole motorists versus cyclists debacle is based on the debilitating disease of MES.
Since the introduction of Mandatory Distance Laws (MDL's) several years back this contention has grown. I don't think it has grown in regards to actual manifestations because here in regional Queensland I honestly think things have improved. It does, however appear to be worse in the cities. Sure, you still get your odd dick here, and there is no specific demographic that is worse than the other.
But one of the laws that were introduces with MDL's was for cyclists to ride two abreast, and here we meet with the contention. Unfortunately MES does not allow for the suffering motorist to see reason in this, with the average Mr/Mrs motorists thinking it all about the cyclists. But it's not. Two abreast over single file is far better for cyclists and motorists.
- Two abreast shortens the over taking distance and makes it safer for motorists.
If you have twenty cyclists at an average length of 2.0 meters and a gap of 30 cm's between them that twenty cyclists riding single file become a total length of approximately 45.4 meters. Now allow a 3 meter gap at either end...makes a total length of 51.4 meters
The average width of a cyclist would be around the 50 cm mark, give or take, that's 0.5 of a meter. A cyclist, for safety's sake sits approximately 0.5 - 1.0 meters from the side of the road.
Let's consider road width now, and yes this does vary depending on the road/motorway/highway etc. Let's say that average width of a road way is between 2.7 - 3.5 meters, so if we average that out we can safely say, around the 3 - 3.2 meters.
The average vehicle width would be around 1.5 - 2.6 meters, so let's say 2.0 meters for this exercise.
Now let's take into account that a motorist has to give a minimum of 1 meter in a zone under 60 km/h and 1.5 meters over a 60 km/h speed limit.
If a group of cyclists are riding in single file with the examples I have set, this group would be sitting approximately 1 - 1.5 meters into the road way. Yes, road way, not motor vehicle lane. With the average width of a vehicle being 2 meters and roadway being 3 meters, this would require the motor vehicle to exit largely one lane and enter into the other. Now consider it was on a single lane roadway and that would require the motor vehicle to be largely on the other side of the road in front of possibly oncoming traffic.
All that at an average speed of say, 80 km/h would take a motorist to overtake a group of single file cyclists averaging 25 km/h 11 seconds, at a length of 207 meters. If the same vehicle was to overtake a group of the same twenty cyclist riding two abreast that overtaking distance would be 8 seconds at a length of 171 meters. This is of course allowing for a 3 second gap between overtaking vehicle and cyclists.
Now 3 seconds and 36 meters might not sound much, but when you consider a vehicle may be coming in the opposite direction at 80 km/h, that is a world of difference. That's an average of nine car lengths difference to put it into perspective.
Riding two abreast offers greater safety to the cyclists involved. It offers better visibility and that is an issue that seems to be thrown up in cyclists face all the time. But it doesn't matter how much fluro a cyclist wears, how far out into the lane they ride, the first excuse that comes of a motorists mouth after a collision is, "I didn't see them". But look, we can't take it personally, it is the same excuse for everything, or incident. This is what MES does, it replaces reality and accountability with something else to blame. The simple fact that when driving a motor vehicle it is "your" responsibility to be aware of what's around seems to disappear with MES sufferers.
When it comes to cyclists, two breast, or overtaking them, MES causes the sufferer to believe that it is the slower cyclist that forced them over to the other side of the road and into a dangerous situation. It is for this reason many cyclists choose to ride two abreast or out into the lane (commonly known as taking the lane). We all know how possible for a 10 kilo bike to force a 1.5 tonne vehicle out of their lane, it happens all the time, well for MES sufferers.
MES causes the sufferer to believe that the road is theirs. Roads do not belong to motorists or cyclists, they belong to tax payers. We don't need to enter into this in great detail, we all know the Great Rego Debate, and I don't need to go there.
When we look at it road users have to tackle many issues and dangers throughout the day. Most cyclists ride at an average speed of 25 kn/h or more. Tractors, slashers, farm machinery (many of which are oversized), broken down vehicles, animals are all part of it. I don't know how many times I have overtaken all these on my bike.
Unfortunately MES is spread by the ignorant/arrogant few, many of which are in the media. MES causes one to be self absorbed and centred.
I'm just having a little fun tonight, as we are all road users, and we are all people. We are all entitled to use what we pay for with our taxes. We are all equal and like it or not the motor vehicle is dying a slow and ungraceful death. It will take some years yet, but as cycling and other forms of transport continue to rise in popularity, motorists will have no choice but to accept it.
At the end of the day a cyclist, or group of cyclists may cost a motorist around 30 seconds off their trip, is the angst worth it? Well maybe for those who suffer Motorist Entitlement Syndrome.
Cheers guys, and as always, ride safe.
Tuesday 14 August 2018
Arthroscopy Ahoy!
Sitting here now in my hospital bed after all is said and done, what would I do...blog if course. After a long day, and even longer morning it is good to have it all over and done with.
It all started last night with my last meal. No, not on death row, but by lunch time today it sure felt like it. I was suppose to be arriving at the hospital at 6.00 am this morning. But for some reason that changed...to 10.30 am. My fast time was the same cut off at midnight so it made it a longer wait for some grub to fill the pot. I did have an exception, I could have a weak black tea prior to 5.00 am. Who bloody well drinks tea at that time of the morning? And who drinks their tea bloody weak? Everybody knows that it is only coffee which is to be consumed before midday. Anyhoo, needless to say I was a good boy and followed the rules, no tea though.
After my shower with my speacial surgical sponge I made my way up to the hospital, a little anxious, but not too bad. I've been through this before on the left knee, a truckies lament.
After a short wait at the nurse's station I was escorted to my room where they didn't muck about prepping me for the task ahead. Knee shaven, sexy attire and undies donned, I resembles some kind of sexually deviated transexual Frankenstein's Bride, then off they whisked me.
With cannula in my wrist from the anethetist, it was long before the room was turning shady. Should I be worried drugged to the hilt and dresses as I was...lol.
Onto the opperating table and under the large disco light of surgical love the anethitist hit with the final, fatal dose. I can remember him say, "Breath deep, deep breaths", as the nurse gently suffocated me with an oxygen mask, again a little apprehisive...lol. As that was happening I couldn't help but think about fluffy unicorns, and designer guinea pigs...oh wait, different drugs... I couldn't help but think that it seemed to take forever for me to go under. It really wasn't that long, everything was just in slow motion...yes, right drugs...lol.
Next thing you know I was waking in recovery and asking for a steak burger... I was so hungry. So much so that I could've eaten a horse then chased the jockey...and still no coffee!!!
It wasn't long before I was reasonably with it and back in room. The kind nurse bought me a delightful coffee. I thought it might've been instant, but I was willing to swallow my coffee snoberry pride at this stage. Wonderfully it was from a pod machine... Phew! Crisis averted, coffee fix had and pride still intact. What more could I ask for?
Dinner had, well entre' really, filled the hole somewhat, but the kind nurse has just topped me up with a ham, cheese and tomato sanga, (that's Aussie for sandwich). That's better.
So all is good in Bumtopia tonight. The knee isn't overly painful (I'll re-assess that in the morning) and I am sitting here in bed blogging to my favourite peeps, waiting anxiously with bated breath for my physio visit in the morning. It will be then when the rubber meets the road and the holiday will be over.
I hope to be home by mid to late morning, all things going well. Although with three young daughters at home, another night or four in hospital wouldn't be too bad...lol.
We'll just have to see what tomorrow brings. One thing I am confident of, with tbe knee damage repaired it won't be too long for weekends away to start happening, regular riding and commuting, and for that I can't wait.
Cheers guys, and as always, ride...or wobble...safe out there.
It all started last night with my last meal. No, not on death row, but by lunch time today it sure felt like it. I was suppose to be arriving at the hospital at 6.00 am this morning. But for some reason that changed...to 10.30 am. My fast time was the same cut off at midnight so it made it a longer wait for some grub to fill the pot. I did have an exception, I could have a weak black tea prior to 5.00 am. Who bloody well drinks tea at that time of the morning? And who drinks their tea bloody weak? Everybody knows that it is only coffee which is to be consumed before midday. Anyhoo, needless to say I was a good boy and followed the rules, no tea though.
After my shower with my speacial surgical sponge I made my way up to the hospital, a little anxious, but not too bad. I've been through this before on the left knee, a truckies lament.
After a short wait at the nurse's station I was escorted to my room where they didn't muck about prepping me for the task ahead. Knee shaven, sexy attire and undies donned, I resembles some kind of sexually deviated transexual Frankenstein's Bride, then off they whisked me.
With cannula in my wrist from the anethetist, it was long before the room was turning shady. Should I be worried drugged to the hilt and dresses as I was...lol.
Onto the opperating table and under the large disco light of surgical love the anethitist hit with the final, fatal dose. I can remember him say, "Breath deep, deep breaths", as the nurse gently suffocated me with an oxygen mask, again a little apprehisive...lol. As that was happening I couldn't help but think about fluffy unicorns, and designer guinea pigs...oh wait, different drugs... I couldn't help but think that it seemed to take forever for me to go under. It really wasn't that long, everything was just in slow motion...yes, right drugs...lol.
Next thing you know I was waking in recovery and asking for a steak burger... I was so hungry. So much so that I could've eaten a horse then chased the jockey...and still no coffee!!!
It wasn't long before I was reasonably with it and back in room. The kind nurse bought me a delightful coffee. I thought it might've been instant, but I was willing to swallow my coffee snoberry pride at this stage. Wonderfully it was from a pod machine... Phew! Crisis averted, coffee fix had and pride still intact. What more could I ask for?
Dinner had, well entre' really, filled the hole somewhat, but the kind nurse has just topped me up with a ham, cheese and tomato sanga, (that's Aussie for sandwich). That's better.
So all is good in Bumtopia tonight. The knee isn't overly painful (I'll re-assess that in the morning) and I am sitting here in bed blogging to my favourite peeps, waiting anxiously with bated breath for my physio visit in the morning. It will be then when the rubber meets the road and the holiday will be over.
I hope to be home by mid to late morning, all things going well. Although with three young daughters at home, another night or four in hospital wouldn't be too bad...lol.
We'll just have to see what tomorrow brings. One thing I am confident of, with tbe knee damage repaired it won't be too long for weekends away to start happening, regular riding and commuting, and for that I can't wait.
Cheers guys, and as always, ride...or wobble...safe out there.
Monday 13 August 2018
Rollin', Rollin', Rollin' !
Here I go again... There are many things about bicycle touring that I have found to be nothing more than myths. My last blog I talked on luxuries, and how a little extra weight can make your trip more enjoyable, rather than weight weenying because the extra weight slows you down.
Today I want to chat about tyres and another, I don't know the term for it, myth creeping in. I hear a lot of talk about rolling resistance. I don't know where this originated, maybe Audax or Randoneau riders with bike packing set ups. For touring, really? Rolling resistance! Now I get it on a roadie, rolling resistance is a big thing. Although for the average MAMIL I have to question it.
Honestly, you want to load your bike up with thirty something kilograms of weight then want to worry about rolling resistance???
When it comes to tyres for touring there are only two factors you need be concerned about. 1. Comfort, 2. Durability. Anything else is just woolly fluff and poppy cock.
Comfort is a big thing, and it is well known that the larger the tyre, the more comfortable the ride. Now I'm not talking specifics in regards to diameter. It doesn't make that much difference whether you run 26", 27.5" or 29"/700C rims, although I do think a larger rim size has it's benefits. But the width of your tyre plays a major part.
When I had my Trek Domane 5.2, nothing less than 25 mm tyres went on it. My track bike was different, I only had 23's fitted to it. But, just before I sold the Domane I squeezed 28 mm tyres on it. I didn't think you could make an awesomely comfortable bike any more comfortable. I was wrong, the one size extra in the 28's made such a big difference. I think that if I bought another road bike it would have to be fitted with 32 mm tyres and disc brakes, maybe a new Flying Machine (dream, dream, dream).
There's plenty of scientific proof to show that narrower tyres do not offer significantly less rolling resistance over wider ones. We see this as major players in the sport are increasing tyre sizes. Now of course this is to a point. Tread patterns, TPI (Threads per Inch), tyre compounds all play a part in this. Now, I'd have to think that a 2" wide tyre would offer more rolling resistance than a 32 mm tyre.
But when touring you want comfort, more so than less rolling resistance. Now, it's not just width that plays a part in comfort. Again, it's a combination of width, pattern, TPI and compound.
A mountain bike tread, for instance, may be comfortable on the trail, but can be damn annoying and uncomfortable for long periods on the road. Vibration sets in, and it just shits you off, and they can be hard work to pedal on the tar. A road tyre, although great on the road can be unstable and unforgiving on a trail. So a combination all terrain tyre may offer a better scope.
A higher thread count means the fabric is thinner, more flexible, comfortable, and yes, offers less rolling resistance. The rubber compound on the outside of the tyre is mainly added as a protection for the fabric, and grip. A softer tyre with a 120 TPI is far softer and more compliant than a tyre with 60 TPI. Add that with a softer compound on the outside you have on smick tyre. Well, in the perfect conditions, anyway.
But although a tyre with a higher TPI may be more comfortable, they do have a tendency to be less durable. A 120 TPI tyre is more likely to more easily damaged that say, a 60 TPI tyre.
When I first purchased my pride and joy it came with Clements XPlore MSO's which are a fantastic tyre. So much so that I replaced them with the same brand and specs...or so I thought. It seems that the newer tyres are a 60 TPI tyre compared to original 30 TPI tyres. My first trip on the newbies saw a piece of steel run through the tyre. Well it would've happened anyway, the puncture wasn't the issue. Problem is that it not only punctured the tyre, it sliced it so, that I had to repair it with a patch on the inside. Something I don't think would have happened on the older heavier tyres. This is the conundrum we as bicycle tourers face...comfort or durability.
But this is where size can matter. A wider tyre at a lower TPI can be as, if not more, comfortable than a narrower, more compliant tyre. If I could I would rather have the 30 TPI Clements on the Kona than the 60's simply because I have noticed a big difference in wear rate. Actually, if I could, I would love to squeeze some 2" tyres on it, but they won't fit with the guards on. This is the big reason I chose the Kona Sutra over the Trek 520 and the Wayward Cape York, wider tyres with guards.
This is what you have to work out for yourself, the balance. My recommendations are that you don't go above a 60 TPI tyre unless you are doing strictly asphalt roads that are in good condition, and even then with load etc, well... The heavier tyres are more likely to have a better puncture resistance, and a far less likely to suffer damage from dirt roads, or roadside debris.
Now that I have said this, the last thing you want to do is to go to K-Mart or Big W and buy a cheap $20.00 tyre thinking it will last. Yes, it will be hard compound, and likely to be a low thread count...BUT...you get what you pay for. A cheap tyre like this will offer little comfort, little grip and is likely to start cracking in the walls a little down the road. Tyres and bar tape are two things I will pay extra for. But having said that, there are plenty of bargains out there, and there are plenty of other brands rather than Scwalbe that are perfect for touring. I suggest that you get a decent tyre and go for the largest you can safely fit on your bike. Don't skimp, at the same time don't pay through the roof. Work out what sort of riding you intend to do on your trip and buy accordingly to that.
When touring you're on a holiday, rolling resistance, and other roadie minded thingies, should be the furthermost things from your mind.
Buy for comfort and durability.
Cheers guys, and as always, ride safe.
Today I want to chat about tyres and another, I don't know the term for it, myth creeping in. I hear a lot of talk about rolling resistance. I don't know where this originated, maybe Audax or Randoneau riders with bike packing set ups. For touring, really? Rolling resistance! Now I get it on a roadie, rolling resistance is a big thing. Although for the average MAMIL I have to question it.
Honestly, you want to load your bike up with thirty something kilograms of weight then want to worry about rolling resistance???
When it comes to tyres for touring there are only two factors you need be concerned about. 1. Comfort, 2. Durability. Anything else is just woolly fluff and poppy cock.
Comfort is a big thing, and it is well known that the larger the tyre, the more comfortable the ride. Now I'm not talking specifics in regards to diameter. It doesn't make that much difference whether you run 26", 27.5" or 29"/700C rims, although I do think a larger rim size has it's benefits. But the width of your tyre plays a major part.
When I had my Trek Domane 5.2, nothing less than 25 mm tyres went on it. My track bike was different, I only had 23's fitted to it. But, just before I sold the Domane I squeezed 28 mm tyres on it. I didn't think you could make an awesomely comfortable bike any more comfortable. I was wrong, the one size extra in the 28's made such a big difference. I think that if I bought another road bike it would have to be fitted with 32 mm tyres and disc brakes, maybe a new Flying Machine (dream, dream, dream).
There's plenty of scientific proof to show that narrower tyres do not offer significantly less rolling resistance over wider ones. We see this as major players in the sport are increasing tyre sizes. Now of course this is to a point. Tread patterns, TPI (Threads per Inch), tyre compounds all play a part in this. Now, I'd have to think that a 2" wide tyre would offer more rolling resistance than a 32 mm tyre.
But when touring you want comfort, more so than less rolling resistance. Now, it's not just width that plays a part in comfort. Again, it's a combination of width, pattern, TPI and compound.
A mountain bike tread, for instance, may be comfortable on the trail, but can be damn annoying and uncomfortable for long periods on the road. Vibration sets in, and it just shits you off, and they can be hard work to pedal on the tar. A road tyre, although great on the road can be unstable and unforgiving on a trail. So a combination all terrain tyre may offer a better scope.
A higher thread count means the fabric is thinner, more flexible, comfortable, and yes, offers less rolling resistance. The rubber compound on the outside of the tyre is mainly added as a protection for the fabric, and grip. A softer tyre with a 120 TPI is far softer and more compliant than a tyre with 60 TPI. Add that with a softer compound on the outside you have on smick tyre. Well, in the perfect conditions, anyway.
But although a tyre with a higher TPI may be more comfortable, they do have a tendency to be less durable. A 120 TPI tyre is more likely to more easily damaged that say, a 60 TPI tyre.
When I first purchased my pride and joy it came with Clements XPlore MSO's which are a fantastic tyre. So much so that I replaced them with the same brand and specs...or so I thought. It seems that the newer tyres are a 60 TPI tyre compared to original 30 TPI tyres. My first trip on the newbies saw a piece of steel run through the tyre. Well it would've happened anyway, the puncture wasn't the issue. Problem is that it not only punctured the tyre, it sliced it so, that I had to repair it with a patch on the inside. Something I don't think would have happened on the older heavier tyres. This is the conundrum we as bicycle tourers face...comfort or durability.
But this is where size can matter. A wider tyre at a lower TPI can be as, if not more, comfortable than a narrower, more compliant tyre. If I could I would rather have the 30 TPI Clements on the Kona than the 60's simply because I have noticed a big difference in wear rate. Actually, if I could, I would love to squeeze some 2" tyres on it, but they won't fit with the guards on. This is the big reason I chose the Kona Sutra over the Trek 520 and the Wayward Cape York, wider tyres with guards.
This is what you have to work out for yourself, the balance. My recommendations are that you don't go above a 60 TPI tyre unless you are doing strictly asphalt roads that are in good condition, and even then with load etc, well... The heavier tyres are more likely to have a better puncture resistance, and a far less likely to suffer damage from dirt roads, or roadside debris.
Now that I have said this, the last thing you want to do is to go to K-Mart or Big W and buy a cheap $20.00 tyre thinking it will last. Yes, it will be hard compound, and likely to be a low thread count...BUT...you get what you pay for. A cheap tyre like this will offer little comfort, little grip and is likely to start cracking in the walls a little down the road. Tyres and bar tape are two things I will pay extra for. But having said that, there are plenty of bargains out there, and there are plenty of other brands rather than Scwalbe that are perfect for touring. I suggest that you get a decent tyre and go for the largest you can safely fit on your bike. Don't skimp, at the same time don't pay through the roof. Work out what sort of riding you intend to do on your trip and buy accordingly to that.
When touring you're on a holiday, rolling resistance, and other roadie minded thingies, should be the furthermost things from your mind.
Buy for comfort and durability.
Cheers guys, and as always, ride safe.
Thursday 9 August 2018
Investing In Luxury Items
When bike touring, the dogma echoes out that less is best. But is it? Is forsaking some pleasurable luxuries worth a few extra grams saved. Honestly, when you look at it, most weight saving is less than a good morning's dump behind the tree.
I suppose I don't get the whole weight weeny things. Even when I was entrenched in MAMALia a good light carbon bike was good, but I could never justify the few grams of weight saved with carbon tid bits like rims etc. I suppose being a bigger guy, durability always came first. A strong set of aluminium rims that were slightly heavier always trumped an over expensive pair of carbon rims, handlebars etc, that could decay rapidly under my weight and local road conditions.
I think the same way when touring, a steel bike is heavier and more robust. Yes titanium would be wonderful, but really by the time the bike is loaded can the end justify the means...no. I'm like this with my luxuries. When I go away I want to be comfortable. After all it is my legs that are doing the work, nobody elses'. So why should I be told that I should take less? I shouldn't. I hear all the time of how "your bike should be under this weight to tour successfully", cods wallop.
I, like my convictions, never tell anyone what they should or shouldn't take. Yes there are the norms of course, such as bike...duh! But really, what you take is up to, umm, you and you alone. Yes, you will work out over time what works for you. Yes, you will gather the knowledge of what you need and use, verses what you just take for taking's sake.
But luxuries aren't this. You don't take them for the sake of taking them. You bloody well use them and they make your life a hell of a lot more comfortable whilst on the road. So I say #luxuriesonabike...lol.
Some of the stuff I take I have decided to take over time. You all know by now about my knee issues, plus I'm not young anymore, hence Old Bum On a Bike. So things like a folding chair make sense to me. It saves my knees, my arse from sitting on the ground and my bones from the strain of getting up and down all the time. One kilogram is worth it. I used mats to sit on the ground for a while but found a delightful three legged folding chair, with backrest, at Bunnings for $14.95. How could I resist?
Good cookware is another. I like to cook and so I would prefer to have more than just a titanium cup and a micro gas stove. I take two stoves, my Colemans One Peak gas stove along with my Suto multi fuel stove. Why two? well one could die, I could run out of gas, or I may just want to use to stoves when cooking like at home with more than one hotplate. You know, cook a steak in my frypan, whilst cooking the vegies in my pot. In my cookware kit I have three different sized pots and a frypan. My largest pot acts as a good washing up sink, plus bath...see it multi tasks.
That brings me to food. I like to take a range of fresh, tinned and dried food with me. 1. it's cheaper 2. it's tastier. The dehydrated hiking food is quite expensive in comparison, and who wants to live on two minute noodles. Being able to pull up on the side of the road after a day in the saddle, and having the ability to cook up a good meal is heaven to me. A cup of tea, that's my afternoon drink of choice when beer isn't available, whilst a curry or creamy pasta dish is on, just wow.
Electronics are becoming less of a luxury and more of a necessity these days. But I like my Garmin, my phone, my cameras (especially now I've upgraded) and accessories, and my tablet. My Garmin, well if it's not on Strava it never happened...lol. My phone is essentially my lifeline and navigational tool. My cameras, rather self explanatory, and my tablet...my little Samsung A8 has done me proud. It is my computer basically. Coupled with a small wireless keyboard, I post, blog, transfer photos to USB drives, and it's much smaller than a laptop. No, it might not do what a laptop does, but with newer apps coming out it is fast catching up.
I probably take more clothes than I need, but in Australia weather can change quickly. It's like that everywhere I suppose. It's not so bad in Queensland, but the further south you go, cool or hot changes can happen. Here in Central Coastal Queensland we just go from hot to wet.
I like to take my trekking poles with me. They come in handy for the rain as well as a walk. "The rain" you may ask? Yes, they are extremely helpful as a set of tarp poles if rain sets in. My little Outdoor Expedition Falconette 1800 doesn't have much in regards to a large enough vestibule to cook in during bad weather. The tarp lays over the tent and ties to trees, or my trekking poles giving me an awning to sit under.
My tarp...like I said...lol
I have to take my trail runners with me. I probably don't need them given that I wear thongs as much as possible. No, not the thongs you may be thinking of, in Australia we wear our thongs on our feet. You may know them as flip-flops...never, they're thongs. The trail runners are a comfortable winter slipper, good for walking after a day in the saddle which I like to do; and in the case of tackling a rough track I'm not sure of, off come the FLR Bushrangers and on go the New Balance All Terrains.
Coffee is not so much a luxury as it is a necessity. It is not possible to survive life without coffee, yes I am well and truly addicted...so sue me. It's not so much the coffee that is the luxury but more my equipment that I use to produce such a gorgeous nectar. I have to have my Aeropress and my grinder. OK, I'm a fully fledged coffee snob, and I'm proud of it. I can't do instant, instant isn't coffee so notice how I referred to it as just 'instant'. Coffee bags don't do it, although I can suffice on a small over night hike or such, but no way long term. I just love freshly ground and perfectly pressed black coffee, and if I had to leave this gear behind I think I'd rather not go at all...lol.
So this is just some of my luxury items that I take. No, they are not necessary. Yes, they add weight. No, I will not ever leave them behind. They are mine and make my trip far more comfortable than they do restrict my riding ability on the road.
No-one can tell you what to take, or not to take. This is something that you figure out as you go. Yes, advice is good as a guideline only, but at the end of the day a bicycle trip is meant to be a holiday, and holidays are never meant to be miserable.
Cheers guys, and as always, ride safe.
I suppose I don't get the whole weight weeny things. Even when I was entrenched in MAMALia a good light carbon bike was good, but I could never justify the few grams of weight saved with carbon tid bits like rims etc. I suppose being a bigger guy, durability always came first. A strong set of aluminium rims that were slightly heavier always trumped an over expensive pair of carbon rims, handlebars etc, that could decay rapidly under my weight and local road conditions.
I think the same way when touring, a steel bike is heavier and more robust. Yes titanium would be wonderful, but really by the time the bike is loaded can the end justify the means...no. I'm like this with my luxuries. When I go away I want to be comfortable. After all it is my legs that are doing the work, nobody elses'. So why should I be told that I should take less? I shouldn't. I hear all the time of how "your bike should be under this weight to tour successfully", cods wallop.
I, like my convictions, never tell anyone what they should or shouldn't take. Yes there are the norms of course, such as bike...duh! But really, what you take is up to, umm, you and you alone. Yes, you will work out over time what works for you. Yes, you will gather the knowledge of what you need and use, verses what you just take for taking's sake.
But luxuries aren't this. You don't take them for the sake of taking them. You bloody well use them and they make your life a hell of a lot more comfortable whilst on the road. So I say #luxuriesonabike...lol.
Some of the stuff I take I have decided to take over time. You all know by now about my knee issues, plus I'm not young anymore, hence Old Bum On a Bike. So things like a folding chair make sense to me. It saves my knees, my arse from sitting on the ground and my bones from the strain of getting up and down all the time. One kilogram is worth it. I used mats to sit on the ground for a while but found a delightful three legged folding chair, with backrest, at Bunnings for $14.95. How could I resist?
Good cookware is another. I like to cook and so I would prefer to have more than just a titanium cup and a micro gas stove. I take two stoves, my Colemans One Peak gas stove along with my Suto multi fuel stove. Why two? well one could die, I could run out of gas, or I may just want to use to stoves when cooking like at home with more than one hotplate. You know, cook a steak in my frypan, whilst cooking the vegies in my pot. In my cookware kit I have three different sized pots and a frypan. My largest pot acts as a good washing up sink, plus bath...see it multi tasks.
That brings me to food. I like to take a range of fresh, tinned and dried food with me. 1. it's cheaper 2. it's tastier. The dehydrated hiking food is quite expensive in comparison, and who wants to live on two minute noodles. Being able to pull up on the side of the road after a day in the saddle, and having the ability to cook up a good meal is heaven to me. A cup of tea, that's my afternoon drink of choice when beer isn't available, whilst a curry or creamy pasta dish is on, just wow.
Electronics are becoming less of a luxury and more of a necessity these days. But I like my Garmin, my phone, my cameras (especially now I've upgraded) and accessories, and my tablet. My Garmin, well if it's not on Strava it never happened...lol. My phone is essentially my lifeline and navigational tool. My cameras, rather self explanatory, and my tablet...my little Samsung A8 has done me proud. It is my computer basically. Coupled with a small wireless keyboard, I post, blog, transfer photos to USB drives, and it's much smaller than a laptop. No, it might not do what a laptop does, but with newer apps coming out it is fast catching up.
I probably take more clothes than I need, but in Australia weather can change quickly. It's like that everywhere I suppose. It's not so bad in Queensland, but the further south you go, cool or hot changes can happen. Here in Central Coastal Queensland we just go from hot to wet.
I like to take my trekking poles with me. They come in handy for the rain as well as a walk. "The rain" you may ask? Yes, they are extremely helpful as a set of tarp poles if rain sets in. My little Outdoor Expedition Falconette 1800 doesn't have much in regards to a large enough vestibule to cook in during bad weather. The tarp lays over the tent and ties to trees, or my trekking poles giving me an awning to sit under.
My tarp...like I said...lol
I have to take my trail runners with me. I probably don't need them given that I wear thongs as much as possible. No, not the thongs you may be thinking of, in Australia we wear our thongs on our feet. You may know them as flip-flops...never, they're thongs. The trail runners are a comfortable winter slipper, good for walking after a day in the saddle which I like to do; and in the case of tackling a rough track I'm not sure of, off come the FLR Bushrangers and on go the New Balance All Terrains.
Coffee is not so much a luxury as it is a necessity. It is not possible to survive life without coffee, yes I am well and truly addicted...so sue me. It's not so much the coffee that is the luxury but more my equipment that I use to produce such a gorgeous nectar. I have to have my Aeropress and my grinder. OK, I'm a fully fledged coffee snob, and I'm proud of it. I can't do instant, instant isn't coffee so notice how I referred to it as just 'instant'. Coffee bags don't do it, although I can suffice on a small over night hike or such, but no way long term. I just love freshly ground and perfectly pressed black coffee, and if I had to leave this gear behind I think I'd rather not go at all...lol.
So this is just some of my luxury items that I take. No, they are not necessary. Yes, they add weight. No, I will not ever leave them behind. They are mine and make my trip far more comfortable than they do restrict my riding ability on the road.
No-one can tell you what to take, or not to take. This is something that you figure out as you go. Yes, advice is good as a guideline only, but at the end of the day a bicycle trip is meant to be a holiday, and holidays are never meant to be miserable.
Cheers guys, and as always, ride safe.
Tuesday 7 August 2018
Touring Tools & Spares
In this blog I want to talk about some of the tools and spares I take with me on a trip. Of course this kit may vary depending on the length of trip I take.
We can't take a whole bike shop full of tools and spares with us as we pedal our way to two wheeled utopia. But going without anything is just bicycle touring suicide. Even on a short trip some basics "must" accompany you on your trip. Now, you don't have to break the bank either, just some basics to give you that little bit of assurance as you ride.
There are those who take a whole myriad of parts, and being that they may be travelling to remote or far off distant lands, it could be maybe justified...but really. I've read where people have taken derailleurs, BB's and bearings. But in the end, if you have your bike serviced regularly, and especially before you leave, a lot of these things can be negated.
Things I take are -
Tubes - I always take at least three tubes with me. I had an instance on one trip that I stuffed my tube stem before leaving in the morning. I only had one spare and used it to get me going. I thought, "She'll be right mate". Needless to say, it wasn't. In the middle of the bush, with a a tube that resembled a tea strainer, no amount of patches were going to fix it. Luckily for me I was only fifty kilometres from home and my wife was able to run me out some the next day when the shops were open. Ah, the joy of learning.
A Puncture Repair Kit - along with tubes I always take a repair kit with me. It comes in handy and saves money along the way. I like to carry both types, the compound glue variety along with the self adhesive kind.
When suffering a puncture it's always quicker to just swap tubes. But at night when camped up, I usually pull out the punctured tube and repair it, giving me that extra spare yet again. Compound patches are also handy for repairing tyres. Last trip I got a piece of metal through my front tyre leaving a decent split in it. A patch on the inside with a decent amount of glue and Bob's ya' knob, problem solved.
The self adhesive patches are good, but not for a long time. They're a handy little bit of gear to just patch and go on the run. Compound glue takes some time to set properly and become air sealed. But the self adhesive variety may be a quick fix, but it's a good idea to eventually repair it with a proper patch, as they give way after a while. It might not happen over night, but it will happen.
A Spare Tyre - whether I go for two days, a week or a month I always take a spare tyre along with me. A lot of people may not think this is necessary, but given some of the roads I travel and areas I embark to, I wouldn't go without one. I have never used my spare yet, and I don't consider this a bad thing. It also doesn't mean that I would go without it. After the tube incident, I'm not taking any chances.
Spare Spokes - spokes are not something I take all the time. They are mainly something I take on a longer trip. Usually for a weekend away, if you break a spoke you can make do, especially with disc brakes. Even V-brakes it's easy to get through by just releasing the brakes. But a broken spoke isn't something that want to really endure on a longer trip. One broken spoke can weaken the rest over time.
I've only had one broken spoke whilst travelling. That was on the old Merida and I was on my way home. The only time my Kona has suffered such an injury is when my youngest knocked it over in the shed from it's stand...never mind that little hump that resembles a grave in my back yard...lol.
Spare Chain - again, not something I would take on a short trip, but on a longer one, I think it's a must.
Missing Links - they are a must for me now even on a day ride. I have always had one, even when being a MAMIL roadie, one was in my saddle bag. The only time I didn't have one with me, I broke a bloody chain. So now one, or two, has pride of place always in my bag.
Cassette/Derailleur Hanger - These are things that I would take on an extensive trip.
Tools I take with me are -
Multi Allen Key Set - I have a Park Toll multi allen key set that is compact and has every size I need. It, like many other things live in my saddle bag and is never removed.
Screw Driver - I have a small screw driver that is a flat driver one end, and a phillips on the other. You just swap it around as necessary. It comes in handy for minor adjustments that may be needed along the way.
Tyre Levers - would you ever ride a bike without them.
A Cheap Leatherman Knockoff - this is just a small Leatherman type multi tool. It has the usual pliers, knife bald, screw driver etc. I think it was around three bucks from Supercheap Auto.
Chain Breaker - funny enough I always carry one with me. Rest assured if you break a chain it won't be where it can just be easily replaced with the missing link without taking at least one link out.
Spoke Spanner - not something I take on short trips, but longer trip...definitely.
Small Shifting Spanner - just something that I like to have.
15 mm Open End Spanner - seeing that most nuts on my bike are this size, it comes in handy for everything from pedals to cones.
Cassette Removal Tool/Chain Whip - on a long trip I decide to take this stuff with me. There is always the chance that you do a cassette in. Seeing that cassettes are the best part of $80.00 - $90.00, it's much cheaper if you can just buy the cassette and change it yourself.
Pump - this needs no reasoning.
So guys, these are the things I take with me on a trip. Yes, they vary depending on the trip but essentially remain a staple.
Your kit may vary. Let me know...
Cheers guys, and as always, ride safe.
Edit :- Along with the above spares I always make the habit of carrying some other essentials. These being insulation and gaffa tape, some cable ties and some spare M5 and M6 allen bolts for racks and cages. Cheers all.
We can't take a whole bike shop full of tools and spares with us as we pedal our way to two wheeled utopia. But going without anything is just bicycle touring suicide. Even on a short trip some basics "must" accompany you on your trip. Now, you don't have to break the bank either, just some basics to give you that little bit of assurance as you ride.
There are those who take a whole myriad of parts, and being that they may be travelling to remote or far off distant lands, it could be maybe justified...but really. I've read where people have taken derailleurs, BB's and bearings. But in the end, if you have your bike serviced regularly, and especially before you leave, a lot of these things can be negated.
Things I take are -
Tubes - I always take at least three tubes with me. I had an instance on one trip that I stuffed my tube stem before leaving in the morning. I only had one spare and used it to get me going. I thought, "She'll be right mate". Needless to say, it wasn't. In the middle of the bush, with a a tube that resembled a tea strainer, no amount of patches were going to fix it. Luckily for me I was only fifty kilometres from home and my wife was able to run me out some the next day when the shops were open. Ah, the joy of learning.
A Puncture Repair Kit - along with tubes I always take a repair kit with me. It comes in handy and saves money along the way. I like to carry both types, the compound glue variety along with the self adhesive kind.
When suffering a puncture it's always quicker to just swap tubes. But at night when camped up, I usually pull out the punctured tube and repair it, giving me that extra spare yet again. Compound patches are also handy for repairing tyres. Last trip I got a piece of metal through my front tyre leaving a decent split in it. A patch on the inside with a decent amount of glue and Bob's ya' knob, problem solved.
The self adhesive patches are good, but not for a long time. They're a handy little bit of gear to just patch and go on the run. Compound glue takes some time to set properly and become air sealed. But the self adhesive variety may be a quick fix, but it's a good idea to eventually repair it with a proper patch, as they give way after a while. It might not happen over night, but it will happen.
A Spare Tyre - whether I go for two days, a week or a month I always take a spare tyre along with me. A lot of people may not think this is necessary, but given some of the roads I travel and areas I embark to, I wouldn't go without one. I have never used my spare yet, and I don't consider this a bad thing. It also doesn't mean that I would go without it. After the tube incident, I'm not taking any chances.
Spare Spokes - spokes are not something I take all the time. They are mainly something I take on a longer trip. Usually for a weekend away, if you break a spoke you can make do, especially with disc brakes. Even V-brakes it's easy to get through by just releasing the brakes. But a broken spoke isn't something that want to really endure on a longer trip. One broken spoke can weaken the rest over time.
I've only had one broken spoke whilst travelling. That was on the old Merida and I was on my way home. The only time my Kona has suffered such an injury is when my youngest knocked it over in the shed from it's stand...never mind that little hump that resembles a grave in my back yard...lol.
Spare Chain - again, not something I would take on a short trip, but on a longer one, I think it's a must.
Missing Links - they are a must for me now even on a day ride. I have always had one, even when being a MAMIL roadie, one was in my saddle bag. The only time I didn't have one with me, I broke a bloody chain. So now one, or two, has pride of place always in my bag.
Cassette/Derailleur Hanger - These are things that I would take on an extensive trip.
Tools I take with me are -
Multi Allen Key Set - I have a Park Toll multi allen key set that is compact and has every size I need. It, like many other things live in my saddle bag and is never removed.
Screw Driver - I have a small screw driver that is a flat driver one end, and a phillips on the other. You just swap it around as necessary. It comes in handy for minor adjustments that may be needed along the way.
Tyre Levers - would you ever ride a bike without them.
A Cheap Leatherman Knockoff - this is just a small Leatherman type multi tool. It has the usual pliers, knife bald, screw driver etc. I think it was around three bucks from Supercheap Auto.
Chain Breaker - funny enough I always carry one with me. Rest assured if you break a chain it won't be where it can just be easily replaced with the missing link without taking at least one link out.
Spoke Spanner - not something I take on short trips, but longer trip...definitely.
Small Shifting Spanner - just something that I like to have.
15 mm Open End Spanner - seeing that most nuts on my bike are this size, it comes in handy for everything from pedals to cones.
Cassette Removal Tool/Chain Whip - on a long trip I decide to take this stuff with me. There is always the chance that you do a cassette in. Seeing that cassettes are the best part of $80.00 - $90.00, it's much cheaper if you can just buy the cassette and change it yourself.
Pump - this needs no reasoning.
So guys, these are the things I take with me on a trip. Yes, they vary depending on the trip but essentially remain a staple.
Your kit may vary. Let me know...
Cheers guys, and as always, ride safe.
Edit :- Along with the above spares I always make the habit of carrying some other essentials. These being insulation and gaffa tape, some cable ties and some spare M5 and M6 allen bolts for racks and cages. Cheers all.
Monday 6 August 2018
New Gear
So I've been a little busy lately purchasing some new gear. Some of my stuff was old and needed replacing, some was just to add to my kit and some was just to try.
My old li'l Lenovo G50 Laptop was really struggling with all the paces I was putting it through. Plus it was having issues like reading USB drives, SD cards and my much loved Samsung S9.
I'll still keep it, it'll get a service, then come in handy to take away on road trips etc. It's no good for bike trips, the 15" screen is too big to squeeze into a pannier. That's what I have my little Samsung A8 Tablet with wireless keyboard coupled to it.
I ended up purchasing a new desktop with larger monitor this time. An Acer Nitro 50 with HP 27" monitor will help, and has helped, edit videos more efficiently. It's much better looking at a larger screen when it comes to editing. It's not top of the range but is working well thus far. I'm still learning to use it, you know, which way to hold your tongue etc.
Along with the new computer I decided to do an upgrade on my editing software. Up to Power Director 16 from 15. Not alot of difference but appears to help with the larger resolution videos...or maybe it's the computer...lol
One purchase I am so loving and will continue is an upgrade in camera equipment. I am slowly getting there. I still love my Nikon D3100 DSLR but it was far too big to take touring. In the interim I was sufficing with the combination of my then Samsung S7 a little Nikon Coolpix L31. The little L31 was pretty average and especially once a change of zoom was entered.
I have now purchased a new Sony Cybershot DSC HX90V, and I have to say..."Wow. What a little beauty".
Those who know me know that this upgrade has taken some time. I was origiannly looking at the Sony A 5000, but in the end decided that I need two lenses to achieve the zoom I want, especially for stills. I do have my S9 but find the 8 x zoom lens gets a little grainy when maxed out.
The HX90 is perfect for my needs. Extremely compact, no extra lenses and super good in the quality stakes. OK, admittedly it's no RX100, but great quality in my budget range.
I upgraded my action camera some months ago and have found the Sony HDR AS50 a great little additive to my kit. Yes, I know the whole world screams Go Pro, but not me, and honestly Sony has caught up with, and possibly overtaken the Go Pro, in my opinion.
The AS50, being the base model is a great start up of a fantastic line of action cameras.
I have some new things on the way from Amazon and Wish. As mentioned before I am waiting on a little micro SQ11 action camera. This is no an upgrade but for AUD$12.00 I thought it might make a little inconspicuous helmet cam, or handlebar mounted selfie cam.
Another Wish item is a dead cat for my lavelier mic. I tried to do a cycling vlog the other day but where I had my mic mounted it caught the wind and every other sound except my voice. So, needless to say no cycling vlog. This is a real bummer as I have wanted to start these for a while, and now with my knee operation, I may have missed the boat for a few weeks.
In the Amazon parcels there is, what turned up today, a helmet mounted mirror. I love my little bar mount but when touring loaded, the panniers block my rear vision. The helmet mount may help act a combination mic mount as well.
I also have a new bike horn coming. A Hidream Loud Horn. That should stir up the headphone wearing pedestrians, and the phone gawking motorists..lol
I have a new top tube coming as well. I had a good one that served me well. Unfortunately with the change of phone to the somewhat larger Samsung S9, it was a squeeze. Actually, a squeeze to the point that the stitching tore on the phone sleeve. The one coming to replace it is only a $30.00 one, but has added side pockets, like little panniers. I thought this would be great for camera storage.
I'll do a video on all these when I get all the packages in and do a combined What's In The Box.
Anyway, there's all my updates and upgrades. Keep an eye on my YouTube channel for reviews and reveals, being on crutches I'll have plenty of time to vlog...lol
Cheers guys, and as always, ride safe.
My old li'l Lenovo G50 Laptop was really struggling with all the paces I was putting it through. Plus it was having issues like reading USB drives, SD cards and my much loved Samsung S9.
I'll still keep it, it'll get a service, then come in handy to take away on road trips etc. It's no good for bike trips, the 15" screen is too big to squeeze into a pannier. That's what I have my little Samsung A8 Tablet with wireless keyboard coupled to it.
I ended up purchasing a new desktop with larger monitor this time. An Acer Nitro 50 with HP 27" monitor will help, and has helped, edit videos more efficiently. It's much better looking at a larger screen when it comes to editing. It's not top of the range but is working well thus far. I'm still learning to use it, you know, which way to hold your tongue etc.
Along with the new computer I decided to do an upgrade on my editing software. Up to Power Director 16 from 15. Not alot of difference but appears to help with the larger resolution videos...or maybe it's the computer...lol
One purchase I am so loving and will continue is an upgrade in camera equipment. I am slowly getting there. I still love my Nikon D3100 DSLR but it was far too big to take touring. In the interim I was sufficing with the combination of my then Samsung S7 a little Nikon Coolpix L31. The little L31 was pretty average and especially once a change of zoom was entered.
I have now purchased a new Sony Cybershot DSC HX90V, and I have to say..."Wow. What a little beauty".
Those who know me know that this upgrade has taken some time. I was origiannly looking at the Sony A 5000, but in the end decided that I need two lenses to achieve the zoom I want, especially for stills. I do have my S9 but find the 8 x zoom lens gets a little grainy when maxed out.
The HX90 is perfect for my needs. Extremely compact, no extra lenses and super good in the quality stakes. OK, admittedly it's no RX100, but great quality in my budget range.
I upgraded my action camera some months ago and have found the Sony HDR AS50 a great little additive to my kit. Yes, I know the whole world screams Go Pro, but not me, and honestly Sony has caught up with, and possibly overtaken the Go Pro, in my opinion.
The AS50, being the base model is a great start up of a fantastic line of action cameras.
I have some new things on the way from Amazon and Wish. As mentioned before I am waiting on a little micro SQ11 action camera. This is no an upgrade but for AUD$12.00 I thought it might make a little inconspicuous helmet cam, or handlebar mounted selfie cam.
Another Wish item is a dead cat for my lavelier mic. I tried to do a cycling vlog the other day but where I had my mic mounted it caught the wind and every other sound except my voice. So, needless to say no cycling vlog. This is a real bummer as I have wanted to start these for a while, and now with my knee operation, I may have missed the boat for a few weeks.
In the Amazon parcels there is, what turned up today, a helmet mounted mirror. I love my little bar mount but when touring loaded, the panniers block my rear vision. The helmet mount may help act a combination mic mount as well.
I also have a new bike horn coming. A Hidream Loud Horn. That should stir up the headphone wearing pedestrians, and the phone gawking motorists..lol
I have a new top tube coming as well. I had a good one that served me well. Unfortunately with the change of phone to the somewhat larger Samsung S9, it was a squeeze. Actually, a squeeze to the point that the stitching tore on the phone sleeve. The one coming to replace it is only a $30.00 one, but has added side pockets, like little panniers. I thought this would be great for camera storage.
I'll do a video on all these when I get all the packages in and do a combined What's In The Box.
Anyway, there's all my updates and upgrades. Keep an eye on my YouTube channel for reviews and reveals, being on crutches I'll have plenty of time to vlog...lol
Cheers guys, and as always, ride safe.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)