Over cooking it & some well deserved respite
What a week! Truth be known, the past three weeks efforts have finally caught up with this weary bloke and after 3 days off- I’m just coming back to earth. I’ve clocked up over 240KM in this time and Tuesday’s run was “the run” that made me think twice about how much I’m putting my [...]
Oakley Radars Vs. Oakley Jawbones
I have been using the latest Oakley Radars for sometime now, well since they sort of came out. The model I have is with the Photocromatic lenses, which I rate really highly. The lense changes with the light level so to speak. If out in the bright in a clearing etc, then head back into [...]
My playground
Today is the first day of Spring and the weather has been mighty fine for some time now. With a forecast of warm sunny days and cold crisp nights- it is now my fave time of the year here in Christchurch. It won’t be long now before the snow melts and the mountains dry out [...]
Garmin Forerunner 50 has arrived
As part of my training plans- I’ve treated myself to a new toy in the form of the fantastic Forerunner 50 watch by Garmin. I’ve been on the look out for a good watch and heart rate monitor for some time but the lack of choice and cost here in New Zealand has been a [...]
New Brooks Adrenaline ASR 5 running shoes
We all like new shiny gear right? Well after having enough of my Nike Pegasus runners that are like running on marshmallows (and are basically worn out in less than 3 months) I’ve just picked up a pair of Brooks Adrenaline ASR 5 Running Shoes. With advice from Nick at Feet n Motion that I [...]
My bikes. 2000 – 2009
Marin Wolf Ridge. Current. It’s a six inch machine that rides and feels like I’m on a XC bike. This is my current trail bike. It is a 2008 Marin Wolf Ridge with 6 inches of travel. I absolutely adore this bike as it’s light enough for 8hr epics, but it has enough boing and [...]
Winter ride in the Port Hills
Due to wintery weather, the Marin Wolf being at BikeHQ for a good service, repair (more of which I’ll talk about later) and of course my slackness, it has been at least a six weeks (yeah I know) since my real last MTB ride. I’ve been running, commuting and doing other sports- but it is [...]
Back to 27spd on the Giant Trance
Many 29er riders say that once you get a big wheel bike you won’t like your other bikes anymore. I’ve found that’s completely true but like it or not I’ll have to keep the Trance for a while so I’m trying to improve a few things that don’t concern wheel size. Summer is here, the [...]
Shimano DX (SH-MP66) SPD trail shoes
Since my Specialized Tahoe shoes cracked after just 6 months of use, I’ve been looking for a replacement. When I first saw the Shimano DX shoes the solid sole, Velcro flap over the laces to keep the winter crap out and high inner ankle protection seemed to be great trail riding features! Today while I [...]
Winter riding & the value of a Shimano Alfine internal geared hub
Winter is fast approaching our NZ shores and already the trails seem to turn to mush at the first downpour. Each year the single speed is the bike of choice for many winter warriors but what if we could ride our geared bikes all year without the cost of replacing many worn out parts come [...]
Camelbak Cloud Walker back pack review
One pack to rule them all? Truth be known….. I have a bit of a backpack fetish… pretty much like what alot of ladies have when it comes to shoes…..I just love the things! I could quite easily spend hundreds and hundreds of $$ on backpacks because every day being so so different requires a [...]
Schwalbe Nobby Nic 2.25″ review
Am I drinking the Koolade? I’ve ridden this tyre now for a good 8+ months “on and off” on several bikes from a rigid single speed to a 5.5″ trail dually on both front and rear. I’ll cut to the chase here and step away from the ‘Koolade’ crowd…. I just don’t rate this tyre [...]
Mountain Monk – hike up and ride down!
Now this is quite interesting! Imagine being able to carry a bike in a back pack up the mountain and then ride down in style (well maybe in not that much style :D). *enters a dude dressed as a monk on a bright orange mini MTB* from www.bergmoench.com The Mountain Monk concept works (if you [...]
Cycling gifts for under $100 this Christmas
Each year my Wife and I set aside $100 for each others gifts… not a huge amount… but we don’t want for much all year so why be greedy? Anyway I’ve just sat down and made my yearly list of “possibles” and it is funny to see that most are related to cycling or the [...]
2008 Marin Wolf Ridge- a change of plan
This morning I decided that If I’m going to go dually I go dually so I’ve changed my mind about what bike I’m going to lay my cash on. A quick phone around and I’ve now decided I’m going for a Marin Wolf Ridge- not the Ridge Zone!. I know I know…. I’m like a [...]
Chain Reaction Cycles warranty woes – faulty rockshox revelations
I’m not one to rant and jump up and down when it comes to customer service these days as its generally crap across the board- but my recent experience with Chain Reaction Cycles UK is blog worthy (and I want to see how well this rant ranks in Google :D). To date I’ve yet to [...]
Chris King headset & Hope stainless steel bottom bracket
I love parcels! I arrived home today to discover a few gems in the post box…. a King headset and a Stainless Steel Hope bottom bracket. Both of which I’ve used on other bikes and they are fantastic bits of kit. I’ll never tire of how great King stuff looks…. *drools*. The headset is from [...]
Rock Shox “U-Turn” Revelations that go clunk
Headed up to Port Hills today with a magnificent Autumn day of 16degs and sunshine. Infact the weather has been great for weeks with chilly starts- and crisp sunny days. It is currently the first “real” autumn I’ve seen in 8+ yrs since moving from the UK, with leaves of yellow and even frosty grass [...]
Some quick updates
I’ve been busier than a long tailed dog in a room full of rocking chairs the past month or so… with a new job…riding…cooler weather….commuting…. :) But things have kind of settled into a bit of a groove now….. well sort of. I’m REALLY loving the single speed thang’. Riding it daily to work and [...]
It’s cold and I want my single speed
It’s officially the start of the Kiwi autumn with crisp days and nights (cold) and with leaves falling to the ground and earthy colours and smells, it is quite magical. The thing is, that after not experiencing temperatures of 2 degs over night (or less) in a very long time (try 8+ yrs) it’s feeling [...]
Angry bees….the Chris King hub
Ever wanted to hear the infamous King in action? Here you go. Obviously I need to get out more :D
Cove Handjob & Rockshox Revelations arrive (at last!)
Well the Cove Handjob arrive today. After waiting WEEKS and getting stung for GST at customs (bastards!)- It is nice to be bonding with it at last. *sniff* My instant reaction on opening the parcel was WOW what a great looking frame. The welds are perfect, the paint job looks ninja mean and it is [...]
