A couple of weeks ago, I noticed that I’d worn out another rear tire. Its a habit I seem to have. Luckily I had a new tire ready and quickly replaced it. I thought I’d change the front as well (was looking rather cut up), as a few long rides were approaching, and it had been on since just after the 2010 Tour Down Under Challenge Ride.

I toke the front wheel off, was struggling a little and then it came free. I heard something bouncing on the floor. It was the front speed sensor. I’d somehow managed to collect it in the wheel and it just snapped off… Was not happy at all.

The front sensor was for the VDO X2DW that I’d had since I purchased the bike late 2009. I’d had a little bit of trouble with the actual mount for the main unit and had that replaced. I tried to see if I could reafix the speed sensor but it wasn’t going to happen.

I spent the rest of that long weekend not using a trip computer. There is something about cycling and knowing how far you’ve gone, what your current speed is and current cadence. Its just one of those things I guess – everyone knows they should just be out enjoying the cycling but…

I had a decision to make early the following week. Was I going to fix the VDO X2DW setup or go for a GPS setup. I had used my iPhone 3GS, in the past with MapMyRide but it drains the battery on a Lobethal loop. The Garmins did look interesting. I did some research on the Internet.

I decided I was going to purchase a Garmin Edge 500 with the Speed/Cadence and Heart Rate monitor options. I researched pricing and the Tuesday after the long weekend I started ringing around the bike shops in Adelaide to see who had stock and what they were charging. There were some rather large discrepancies in price. But I found one, in stock and at a good price. The only catch was I had to wait till 1:30 in the afternoon.

Time passed slowly, I got myself a little distracted with lunch and tweeting. I cycled up and picked it up. I was now a proud owner of a nice Garmin Edge 500. I’d finally done it.

Now was it going to meet my expectations.

As soon as I got home, I unpacked it, charged up the main unit, removed the old gear and installed the one speed/cadence sensor (there is nothing now on the front wheel). I played around with the configuration a little and then went for a spin around the block. I adjusted some of the settings and then went around the block again (well It was a few blocks). I connected to Garmin Connect and uploaded some data. You can see one of those early laps here: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/36946199 . Its fairly impressive the information that you now have. Needless to say, I was occupied for the rest of that evening with investigating everything on the new toy.

I was very interested in what it meant to be able to train with a Heart Rate Monitor, as I’d never had one before. There were two items I needed to work out what was my resting heart rate and what was my maximum heart rate. There were also five heart rate zones that could be more accurately calculated that could be used to improve your riding. This was an excellent article that I read on the subject http://www.cycling-inform.com/articles/60/1/How-to-use-heart-rate-m…

I worked out an indicative resting heart rate the following morning. Mine was somewhere between 56 and 58 (sitting on the couch I make it get down there) but to get an accurate reading you are supposed to take a reading before you arise in the morning from bed. So I wore the Heart Rate Monitor on me to bed that night and toke a reading first thing.

How was I going to work out my Max Heart Rate? A good hill climb was in order. I proceeded to Thirkell Av, to climb up to Mt Osmond. One thing I had done, was to set an alert to sound if I reached the current max heart rate in the device, which was set to 185 BPM (Beats Per Minute). I started the climb, and the heart rate grew steadily, the Garmin device started beeping. I wasn’t at the first 25 KM/H corner yet. It started again, my current heart rate was 188 BPM. Well the thing kept beeping at me until I got to the top. The maximum I reached was 191 BPM. You can see that ride here: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/37241153.

After playing around a little I’ve now got the Heart Rate Zones setup for myself. I’ve still not quiet happy with how I’ve configured the data pages on the Garmin Edge 500. You have three pages, where you can assign whatever data elements (e.g. Speed, Heart Rate, Cadence, Temperature etc.) you like. Fingers crossed I’ll get there soon.

I’ve spent this afternoon after my ride playing with a number of different tools and websites like MapMyRide, TrailRunner, EveryTrail.com GPSies.com and of course Garmin Connect. Its amazing what you can do with your ride data (lots of formats to exchange it in). One thing I did do, which I hope cyclists here will enjoy is through TrailRunner, I’m publishing a blog of my cycling data here: http://web.me.com/hortovanyi/trailrunner/weblog.html. A summary of it appears now on my Adelaide Cyclist profile page.

Has it been worth upgrading to the Garmin Edge 500? Yes. I believe, it will allow me to concentrate on improving my performance. Besides sharing the more detailed cycling routes, will always be of interest I believe to other fellow cyclists. So hope you enjoy!

If you have some routes to share around Adelaide through GPSies.com, EveryTrail.com, I’d like to hear about them and see if I can transfer them electronically into some of these tools to upload into the Garmin device as a course.

Nick also works in the IT technology industry and has a great blog that you can follow.

Leading in innovation and design, Shimano introduced the Dura-Ace with Di2 electronic road components in 2009. As an addition to the upgraded mechanical Dura-Ace 7900 series, the electronic Dura-Ace 7970 DI2 system delivers state-of-the-art technology that will give road riders a revolutionary riding experience. Di2 stands for Digital Integrated Intelligence.

The innovative shift technology is based on the Shimano Index System (SIS) that has proved its superior gear changing characteristics over the years. The big difference being that the shifting action is provided for by electronics instead of mechanics.

This electronic shifting system has been tested extensively by professional riders in all conditions possible and was used in the grand tours such as the Tour de France and the Giro.

The DI2 system consists of Dual Control Levers, electronically operated front and rear derailleurs and a battery kit. For the other components, such as the crankset and brakes, riders can use products from the new mechanical Dura-Ace 7900 group.

Control Levers

Shifting is executed by simply pressing the buttons located on the brake levers . No power is needed anymore to shift, which gives important advantages since it is easier now to always keep a tight grip on the handlebar and to keep your concentration on riding instead on shifting. The shift system allows accurate and effortless shifting. Furthermore, the shifting performance will never be affected by contaminated or stretched cables since the shifting signal is transferred electronically.

The operating buttons work similar to mechanical Dual Control Levers that all riders are familiar with so you don’t need to re-program your mind for a new system. The ergonomic bracket shape featuring reach adjustment provides a greater degree of ergonomics and control for a variety of riders such as women and those with smaller hands. An optional satellite switch allows shifting from multiple positions on the handlebar.

The DI2 control levers are compatible with the new Shimano FlightDeck computer (SC-7900) that measures data such as heart rate, altitude, cadence, gear position and battery indicator.

Dura-Ace with Di2 technology contributes to Time Trial and Triathlon riding by its multi position shifters. It allows riders to shift while braking, by enjoying an effortless operation even when riding in the aerodynamic position. An electronic satellite switch is  available that can be integrated into time trial handlebar extensions with shift wires guided through the bars for optimal aerodynamics.

Derailleurs

The most remarkable difference you will notice is shifting the front derailleur. Just pushing the button will shift the front derailleur completely effortless and smooth, even under high load. An additional feature, much appeciated by riders, is the automatic trim function. The chain guide moves automatically in response to the setting of the rear derailleur eliminating chain rubbing on the front derailleur. Also, the rear derailleur offers remarkably quick and smooth shifts. It has a wide gear ratio (11-27T compatible) and the electronics are well protected from heavy impacts such as crashes.

Battery

Dura-Ace Di2 uses a long-life 7.4V Li-Ion battery that is compact and powerful. The battery is very easy to mount and remove for charging and it fits any kind of road bike.

The shifting system is not wireless since that would require additional power and  transmittors that would add to the weight of the system A fully wireless system would also decrease reliability.

The Future

The Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 system represents a major evolution in bike hardware. Shimano revolutionised gear changing with index shifting (Shimano Index Shifting – SIS) in the 1980′s followed by the integrated levers (Shimano Total Integration – STI) in the 1990′s enabling the rider to shift without taking the hands off the brake levers.

The effortless control by electronic buttons saves the normal wear and tear that we have come used to with traditional levers that will ultimately lead to less servicing and greater reliability by minimising the number of mechanical parts.

With traditionalists wary of the developments they need to understand that the Di2 system does not automate gear selection or changing but provides an electronic interface to the mechanical derailleurs themselves. A rider still has to understand how gearing works and when to select the appropriate gear during their ride.

The Di2 system is here to stay and has now been proven not to be a gimmick but a serious top-end component. The future is exciting as the bicycle industry takes on technology allowing it to filter down throughout product ranges.

Digital Integrated Intelligence means a revolution in bicycle technology, changing the road racing scene for ever.

For more information about the Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 system visit the Shimano website.

To start this review I will tell you why I wanted these SIDI’s, (you can see I wrote wanted, not needed). First reason is a lady can never have too many shoes, and that includes road shoes. Second reason was I saw Filippo Pozzato (Pippo) wear them at Milan-San Remo 2008. The custom shoes Pippo was wearing had a floral decoration, a reference to the race which is sometimes referred to as the ‘flowers classic’, and the race finishes in San Remo which is also known as the City of Flowers (la Cittá dei Fiori). As soon as I saw him prancing around in them, I wanted them. A couple of months later SIDI released the Genius 5 Pro with the same floral decoration but in blue/white. The colour didn’t matter; they were going to be bought and going to be mine.

The day the shoes arrived and I opened the box, I knew I had made the right choice, they looked fantastic.

The SIDI Genius 5 Pro is made especially for women, SIDI have studied women’s feet, and designed this shoe in order to fit comfortably. The shoe itself has a millennium 3 sole, moulded heel cup, soft padded tongue, SL buckle and a Velcro security closure system.

The Velcro has integrated locking polymer teeth that engage onto each other when the strap is closed. The system ensures the closure is secure by making the Velcro unmovable, and giving you the peace of mind that the shoe will stay closed.

But the most important test is how the shoe feels on & when riding. Once I had placed the shoe on I remember thinking, “nice they feel good” and “they feel very secure”. Off I went for my first ride in the SIDI Genius 5 Pro. I have to say I feel in love with this shoe after my first ride, at no stage did I feel my feet being squashed or tingling, which normally happens with my old road shoes (and yes they were correctly fitted). The shoe felt comfortable at all times and I’m looking forward to riding many more kilometres wearing the SIDI Genius 5 Pro. On many occasions out riding, I have had comments about the shoe, so for the fashion conscious women, this shoe definitely makes a statement.

I had been told that once your wear a SIDI shoe you won’t want any other. After wearing the SIDI Genius 5 Pro, I’m thinking they were right.

For more information check out the www.sidi.com.au

What a Ride takes us back to the beginnings of Rupes’ Tour de France journeys starting in 1987 and doesn’t miss a beat over the years. From Phil Anderson’s 5th place finish to Cadel Evans back to back podium finishes this book will leave you sensing you have stepped back in time to a place where carbon fibre didn’t exist. Rupert has been in France to witness the greats of the sport Miguel Indurain, Marco Pantani, Jan Ullrich and 7 time winner Lance Armstrong acclaim legendary status.

There are humorous and sadly tragic moments, heroes and villains, and testing times when everything seems to go wrong. But there are also days of perfect riding, extraordinary scenery and uplifting successes. One moment of the book that I must say is a favourite is of Rupert not cycling rather running up Alpe d’Huez and reflecting on the names that make this race the most amazing spectacular it is.

This amazing read is available in time for Christmas from all good book shops and if you want to know more about Rupe then follow him on Twitter

So how did it ride? Given that it is designed to be sat on for an extended period of time, I strapped it on for a couple of 3 hour road rides. The general shape worked quite well both in and out of the saddle, offering stable and comfortable seated positions and not getting in the way when standing. The slightly longer nose helped on descents offering a bit more control over the bike through the thighs. The sloping tail of the saddle allowed seamless entry and exit off the back of the bike when the terrain demanded it. Mountain bike riders in baggy shorts will also appreciate the drop nose on this saddle as it guides your pants back onto the bike with the rest of you, no more snags.

As for the ergonomic claims? The saddle did almost everything it claimed it would, there was little or no pressure on the soft tissue between my legs while riding which was really easy to appreciate after a couple of hours on the bike. The characteristic numbness that accompanies long rides seemed conspicuously absent while on the Evolution. The nose dropped away at the front creating space to climb more comfortably although climbing on the nose of the saddle was out of the question as the length mean that you were just too far forward to climb efficiently.

There was a noticeable reduction in shock to my tail bone, but how could there not be with the great chasm built through the saddle?

Overall the saddle performed as the manufacturers claimed, it cut out the numbness and discomfort that goes with long rides, and kept the sleek shape needed to perform as a racing saddle. It offered plenty of control and room to move around the bike, while offering a design that is user friendly to riders in both Lycra shorts and baggies. If you can get past the looks of this saddle, it has plenty to offer the cyclist intent on long sessions on the bike.

To test ride the Evolution contact the team at Ride ‘n Style

Ride ‘n Style
Ph: 08 9284 2451
585 Stirling Hwy
Cottesloe WA 6017
Australia

The Garmin Edge 705 is available in a number of different packages. The packaged reviewed here includes the heart rate sensor and cadence sensor. In my opinion if you’re buying the 705 as the ultimate tool, go for the package that opens up its full potential. The only thing that need to be sorted out with the purchase is what maps to get, the 705 does not come packed with maps.

At first glance the 705 looks huge, only because we’ve been used to the tiny traditional bike computers that display a couple of lines of information. Once installed onto your bikes stem or handlebars and fire it up, you will realise for the first time that you have been missing out in the past.

The 705 is waterproof with solid rubberised buttons on either side of the unit and a joystick and button combination on the front underneath a large colour screen. The rear of the unit has the integrated mounting bracket and the mini USB charging/data connection port.

Setting up the 705 is a cinch. The amount of information you wish to display on a ride is fully customisable, and you have two full screen of user information to customise. On the first screen I displayed eight functions: elapsed time, speed, distance, cadence, heart rate, time of day and calories burned. On the second screen, I have opted for a more basic display showing: speed, time elapsed, time of day and distance – similar data shown by a traditional computer, but on a much large, easy to read display.

The menu button on the lower left side reveals all the settings, navigation entry and stores data. You can easily access saved ride history and pre-determined training ride courses that can monitor your current progress vs a previous – you become your own training partner.

The mode button on the lower left side changes screens by alternating: map, elevation, and the user customised data display. The map and elevation screens can be zoomed in and out with the zoom buttons on the upper right side. The map screen can be customised with user required information. I have displayed: speed and elapsed time so I don’t have to toggle between map and information screens when I just need the map display. Customising the map screen does make the viewable map area smaller, so you would want minimal user information displayed.

Multiple profiles are available for users and bikes. I have a mounting bracket installed on my road and mountain bike and easily switch between the two by selecting the appropriate profile. Nothing else needs to be connected. For the road bike, the cadence sensor monitor cadence and speed. On the mountain bike, I figure that cadence if not required and leave the speed to be monitored by the GPS.

Upon turning on the device it searches for satellites like all GPS devices do. After a few seconds it finds your location and you are ready to roll by pressing the start button. The 705 accurately tracks you route in real-time pausing the elapsed time when you come to a stop. Upon reaching your destination end the ride by pressing the stop button. Before beginning a new ride you have to remember to reset the display. After downloading your information to a computer the unit is automatically reset for the next ride.

The heart rate sensor wraps around the chest in the same way other HRM transmitters do and accurately records your heart rate. Advanced HRM functionality such as training zones can be applied if required. I do question the 705′s accuracy when converting HRM information to calories burned. Compared with other HRMs the Garmin seemed to be rather high.

Battery life is stated as approximately 12 hours which I have never found not enough. I can only see that you will need to supply a charging solution if riding very long rides such as endures or similar. The rear mounted USB port provides standard charging from a wall mounted power source or from a computer. The same USB port downloads data to your computer.

There are a range of software applications for your computer including the downloadable Garmin Training Center and Garmin’s web-based Garmin Connect.

In summary, the Garmin Edge 705 is a very special device. It displays everything you need, provides accurate guidance and records all your data for analysis – it really does it all.

Get the Garmin Edge 705 – you will never look back.

From the time you open this magazine you are deeply entrenched with the amazing array of  variety. Bicycling Australia begins lightly with the mailbag, newsroom and top gear sections that are the perfect introduction and in no way an overdose like other magazines. Following this we move into a couple of heavy hitting feature articles that focus on current major cycling trends or a tour from somewhere around the world that no one considers worthy enough of a yarn, an example of where Bicycling Australia has taken this magazine. If you are like me, someone who can’t get enough information on recommended foods, exercises for cycling, what drinks are the best and so on then this is the magazine for you. Bicycling Australia has on board a Coach, Nutritionist and Therapist….they don’t miss a beat. The magazine has the usual “Where to Ride” feature thou they take you places that you would never think of.

Bicycling Australia has plenty of advertisments thou as mentioned in a previous review, advertises are needed to achieve such a fine magazine as this. In fact the advertisements are story in themselves. Bicycling Australia is published every two months and has a cover price of $10.95. They also publish Mountain Biking Australia that we will review at a later date.

I rate Bicycling Australia a 9 out of 10……It’s a cycling bible!

In the event that a rider goes down and become unconscious (not to mention even worse scenarios) and cannot be identified, there is quite often no way to contact loved ones and family.

RoadID has the perfect solution – Wrist ID Sport. With the Wrist ID Sport the rider carries an easily idenifiable wrist strap that contains relevant contact and/or medical information.

The RoadID wristband is constructed from a durable nylon band that is secured to your wrist by velco, similar to that of a velco watch band. Attached to the wrist band is an attractive laser engraved satin stainless steel plate with your emergency contact information. It comes standard with two 3M reflective stripes to enhance your visibility when training in low light conditions. The Wrist ID Sport is available in six colours – black, blue, red, yellow, pink and purple.

Ordering your RoadID could not be more simple. From the RoadID website select the product you want to order and build your RoadID. After selecting your colour and size you personalise the text that will be engraved onto the stainless steel plate. The WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) interactive web interface allow you to see exactly what your Wrist ID will look like. The Wrist ID Sport plate allows for 6 lines of 24 characters.

Based in the USA, RoadID ships internationally having recieved mine in Australia just days after ordering.

At US$19.99 the RoadID Wrist ID Sport looks great, feels comfortable and just may well save your life.

For more information about the RoadID range visit the RoadID website.

Today we will look at the Bicycling magazine from the United States who claim to be the world’s leading bike magazine. I must admit that I have been reading this magazine for just over 12 months so feel I am in a good position to pass judgment. Lets me firstly say that for a magazine to claim its the “world leading”  then it must associate its self with global matters – this magazine doesn’t. In the time I have been reading this magazine I can’t remember the last time if ever there was a letter to the editor from someone outside of the United States. Another feature of the magazine “Think Your Ride’s Great” only focuses on rides that are once again based in the United States. Simply put this magazine is by far the world’s leading bike magazine.

With criticism comes credit, and for the cover price of $4.99US this magazine is clearly value for money. I have never read an issue in a couple of hours and placed it in the pile with others. Bicycling magazine is a resource of extremely interesting articles that covers everything to do with cycling imaginable. Whether it be articles on professional cyclists, reviews on new equipment, training tips, fitness advice right through to cyclists taking on local Government for additional bicycle paths then this magazine has all that plus more covered.

While the magazine is full of advertisements one needs to understand that without advertises we don’t have magazines such as this one. Oh, and if you don’t subscribe then the 11 issues for $15.00US is great value.

Bicycling Magazine – World’s Leading?… I think not.

I give the Bicycling magazine a 6 out of 10.

The first thing to notice about the Helium is its finish. Words and photographs do not convey how beautiful this bike is finished. The Helium does not have any decals on the frame with all the paint work having been meticulously masked and layered including the logos and brand name – a work of art.

The Helium is a full monocoque carbon fibre frame that impliments various qualities of carbon fibre througout the frame to strengthen stress areas such as the bottom bracket and other areas. As light as the Helium’s frame is, it is one solid bike having performed on the cobblestones of Europe and the Paris-Rouboux classic. The integrated carbon fibre seat post distinguishes the bike from others on the road and provides a very stiff but comfortable ride. As stiff as carbon fibre can be, the Belgium engineers have perfected the Helium to flex where and when required.

The supplied Helium features a full Campagnolo Record, 10 speed groupset which compliments the bike being the same groupset used by team Silence Lotto throughout the 2007 and 2008 season. To keep the Helium rolling, it has Fulcrum 3 racing wheels made by Campagnolo’s sister company. FSA carbon handlebars and stem ensure that you are always in control on the road. Keeping with the Helium’s European heritage, it came complete with a black and red Fizik seat and a pair of Look Keo carbon pedals.

As Cadel Evans could atest, the Helium is extremely light in the hills yet supremely confident and stable on descents. Sprinting is an ease as power is transfered directly through the stiff carbon frame making the bike very responsive. Riding off-road on a not-so-perfect surface is no problem with the rider always feeling safe, secure and in total control.

On the road the Helium is a wonder – providing the perfect combination of power, finess and beauty. The Ridley Helium is a top of the line bike and surpasses all expectations for performance and quality. An absolutely beautiful bike that will blend in with your Saturday morning cycle group but stands out when noticed or recognised.