Santa brings it on.

Merry Xmas, Happy New Year etc etc :)

So, a little update re: my new wheels previously mentioned, and some loot that Santa (in the form of myself) arranged!

First off, my new TWE wheels. After 300 or so kms, the verdict is - Perfect! Smooth, straight, vertically supple yet no lateral sloppiness, roll like nobodies business, and look great to boot! Too easy! Here's a pic below of them on my Masi 3vc (and link to larger pic):



My Bike with TWE Wheels (large pic)

Fits the colour scheme perfectly! Well - I'm happy :).

Next - Santa's pressies (thanks from me to me!)

Featuring first, my new Lazer Genesis Helmet. Piccies and links commence below.



Helmet Top from front (large pic)

Again, fits the colour scheme, and looks great as well.



Helmet Top from rear (large pic)

The red roller button adjusts a band inside the helmet to your head - slap on the helmet and tighten it up. Excellent system!. Still has the under-jaw straps as well of course.



Helmet Front (large pic)

Very low profile front = less resistance and low noise.



Helmet Rear (large pic)

The helmet adjust mechanism leaves the lower rear of the head below the helmet free, so bandanas etc fit great.



Helmet Side (large pic)

Love this lid! Comfortable, light, quiet and looks A1! Not much more to ask for.

Next up, shoes - Sidi Genius 5's to be precise. Early 2007 model, and not carbon, but the 'Millenium 2' sole is stiff-as, and the buckle is great - smooth, fits well, and ratchets perfectly. Overall, the best shoes I've had (mainly been a Shimano man), with comfort, no hot-spots, light and excellent quality. OK - piccies!:



Shoes Top (large pic)

Bright silver, but not as garish as the bright blues of the former shoes!



Shoes Top and Underside (large pic)

Replaceable heel pad, and fits SPD-SL's well.



Shoes Right Side (large pic)



Shoes Left Side (large pic)

Again, really happy with these. Riding is definitely better with Santa's goodies :)

Got the lid and shoes from a UK place called ProBikeKit who ship to Australia - worked well for me, altho' delivery takes a while over the Xmas period. Check 'em out:

ProBikeKit Website

Catch you on the road!

City of Perth Great Bike Ride

Had a blast doing the City of Perth Great Bike Ride on Sunday the 25th November! Whilst it's not meant to be a race, it definitely has that competitive flavour, which makes it interesting!

I started off in group K (groups A to D were for the two lap 106km ride whilst groups E and back were for the 1 lap 53km version), as not having done it before I was a little unsure of what to expect. Next time I'll get up into the higher groups: the sheer number of riders (3,845 this year!) means that, although you start off in groups separated by a minute's gun time, you very quickly catch up with groups ahead if you are back in the field and can motor at a decent pace. The road course is restricted to one lane, so it quickly becomes slightly difficult to maneuver around riders and progress forward, particularly in the earlier part of the ride. Riding by myself did however mean that I was able to scoot around various groups riding together which was fun!

The course was generally flat, with a few larger hills at about one-third distance mark, and some undulating territory in the last half: overall, a good and enjoyable ride. Rolling down the freeway on the run home was a buzz, although the anticipated following wind was more of a side one but never mind!

Overall, I managed to make up a few positions, finishing 219th in a time of 1:30:30 at an average of exactly 35km/h. I was hoping to beat 1:30:00, but maybe next year. Although I may do the 106 km two lap ride - depends on if I can get up at 5am or not!

Amusingly, the organisation responsible for the timing on the day has my age listed as 22 in the results sheet! Hehe - not sure what's going on there: clearly my youthful appearance belies my actual chronological age of 47!

Anyone interested in checking their times can do so at the following link:

blueChip Timing

My Masi 3VC Volumetrica performed beautifully - well suited to this ride, with supple vertical performance and nice handling. My new TWE wheels were a revelation: super stiff laterally but with nice vertical compliance and superb rolling! If I'd have known custom built wheels could be so good I would've swapped long ago! Thanks to Greg Ryan at TWE:

TWE Wheels