Preview video of Bicol Ride.

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We plan to ride to Bicol by March.  We can preview how it is to go to Bicol.   Maybe we can start from Calauag up to Naga on first day,  Legazpi on second day and  Sorsogon on third day.    

Do not believe that it is all flat as the video reveals.

Following the Chinese example: having a round thing - a loop

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Surely yesterday a number of groups did a loop.  Maybe Laguna loop.  There were a number who late in the night as we struggled going home going home probably from Laguna loop.   We found posts of groups who had Laguna loop.

This  post accompanied a group of newbies who aspired to do a loop despite limited long ride experience.

Right at the start the group started on a wrong foot (having grown with a more disciplined group)

1.  Late arrival;   three were late and guest riders announced on last minute;

2.  The riders did not conform to the prescribed uniform or color;

3.   When asked to vote on choice of route, the majority (which included the 5 guest riders outvoted the

       leader and sponsor.   At the start there were two distinct two groups on a single ride.  So the group 

       of 7 stuck together

4.  The pack one pack all was not observed.  They rode as one.   And did not mind the sponsor and lea-

      der.   The main purpose of the joiners was to have a boasting ride and mind their ""ëchos

They were able to finish the feat in 18 hours. They have to be congratulated    And more things have to 

learned:

1.  They have to work as a group:   one voice to listen to;  wearing the same uniform

2.  Taking care of one another.  There was a suggestion to divide into two groups so that someone would look after the struggling member or those who are left behind.

3.   Reading the guide previously distributedfor the ride and following them

Good luck to them but over the year they were lead to be riders.  And it is sad to leave them and failed

 to make them as a team.   

Military diet to lose weight

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Try this

Work out to reduce fats and weight fast

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Can you lose 10 pounds in 10 days?.  Some people want to lose weight fast

You can ride faster if you lose weight

HIIT 30 minutes cardio work out.

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During your off days, ie when you cant ride,  you can try this in your house.  This helps you strengthen your heart and helps you maintain your fitness level.   You dont have to wilt when sprinting or when doing your climbs.  

Kalunos lunos ang nasira ng Supertyphoon Odette, sa Cebu at ibang parte ng Visayas, Surigao, Siargao mga tourist infrastructures - nawala

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Tumulong tayo sa mga nasiraan at namatayan sa Cebu, Samar, Leyte, Negros, Surigao, Cagayan de Oron, Iligan City.   

Tried out the Met helmet and S works biking shoes

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Met helmet

Last week, VM Jun Vic gifted me with a Colnago bike, a Met helmet and a S works biking shoes (with Boas and lightweight Dymax  upper.  The Met helmet is equipped with MIPS  (Multi directional Impact Protection System -  it mimics the brain own protection system and its main indicator is the yellow sticker at the bottom of the helmet.  It is claimed to reduce the injury to the brain on impact)

I tried this on bike ride today on MTB.  It takes some getting used to after having been away from cleats shoes for more than a year.   It always feels as though I would fall, as if I would be unable to uncleat.  There is no problem with the helmet.   

You can feel the full power transfer when using the cleats.   The S works shoes (SRP P24K)    is also very light compared to Shimano, Sidi shoes.   

After a month of riding I would get used to cleats again?

Eye protection for clearer vision

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We should provide protection and additional care for our eyes

1.   Sports eyewear either using photochromic or polarized eyewear.  They are affordable from Shopee or Lazada.  It was comfortable for me yesterday using polarized lenses.  There was no glare and  may eyelids did not catch dirt and dust.

2.  Thorough cleaning of areas around eyes and eyelids.  The salty sweat could  ruin the eye and cause cataracts. It is best to wipe the area with water and cotton balls.  

Let me try the photochromic lenses later on

This is applicable to seniors most especially

Changed biking handling and characteristics due to added weights on the bike

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We spend tens of thousands more for lighter bikes.   Yet we add weights unneccesarily by putting:

     1.  Stickers

     2.  More water bottles

     3.  Bike carriers

     4.  Luggage for bike packing

Yesterday, I bought watermelon at Morong at the Manila East Road. It is rather large maybe selling P200 in our town.  It could have weighed 4 to 5 kgs.   It would not fit into a backpack and so had to be in large plastic bag (illegal now)  slung from the handle bar.   Therefore the handling of the bike was quite different and oscillated when ascending hills.   

So this post read posts on bikepacking and the advice was to load only 5 kg max front and back. It has to be light.  The test was could you comfortably lift the bike if forced to carry your bike.   If you were to walk a hill a ravine or walk up to Roro.  

So travel light.   Light is might.   

Essentials of bike packing

Discouraging bike tourism with unreasonable fees

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Many bike tourists swarmed to the post hometown because of unique biking experience and also the presence of many cafe shops that featured boutique cheap coffee, and that offers splendid view of the Metropolis especially at night

We do not know what happened to the people concerned But one day we found the entrance fee of P200.00 being imposed after a series of action:   closing the subdivision gate, placing of razor sharp concertina barbed wire.    etc.

Now who is in his right mind cyclist would pay the P200.00 which is considered exorbitant   This will naturall drive away the cyclists.  The P200.00 is signal for them not come and to drive them away.

Maybe the coffee shops, while providing jobs will find a new spot somewhere but tourism in this town has been dealt a hard blow.  

It is not only in this town.  In another mountainous place, visitors visitors  have to pay  an entrance fee of P200.00.   The free entrance to passers by, Uzi could have boosted sales of the resto and the subdivision.  But some people sweat the small ticket items for short term gains

Sayang

Exiting a gc on biking, biking group

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Was part of a very small private biking group involved in short MTB rides.  This post served as guide and mechanic for the group since most were newbies.  We were able to go on long rides:   Punta Jalajala, Sierra Madre, Pangil, Most short rides were at QR road Mahabang Parang, 

We planned Talim Island, Real, Laguna loop ride, Tagaytay.   However this would not happen because the 3 other members the mjority had work on Saturday or Sunday, one was hija de pamilia had and had curfew hours,   The other had challenges with the better half.

Thus the group was not a group    And the reason for its existence is nowhere now.   They also gravitated towards certain kuyas, and had their own outings.   The posts were non bike and  and as others say, they were full of echos.     No choice but to exit the group and GC

Issues with the MTB while riding to KM 90

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Riding was hard  going to Jariels and I found out the the QR got loose and there was bike rub.   I corrected this at KM 88.   And later the bike ride became effortless.   All that I did was center the brake caliper  (loosen the bolts on the brakes and center the brake, then tighten)

I noticed that I have the same issue with SAVA whenever on long ride;    the hub getting stuck and brake rub.  I should have the QR tightened and  hub more 

The spoke at the back broke when I was all ready in Cardona at Callahan   Today I was able to replace the spoke.  That is the weakness of MTB or wheel set with only 24 spokes.   It is best to have 32 or 36 WS.  Heavier but lesser tendency for spokes to give way

All that I did were:    remove the broken spoke.  It took sometime to loosen the spoke from the nipple.  Then insert the nte spoke at the hub.   (All I did was to look for thehole in the hub without a spoke)  Insert the threaded portion of the spoke to the nipple.  Then tighten.  Good heavens  the wheel was still true.  

Early campaign in the hinterlands

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This is observed in provinces.  It is also a battle of tarp although it is not campaign period yet.   But without the word vote, they seem to be treading the safe path vs the  Election code.   Panalo na kaya?

Great foodstops at Saksak Sta Maria; lunch and merienda for the solo ride to KM 90

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4 Sisters resto -  mura masarap pa.   More affordable compared to food stops near the peak.  

Solo ride to KM 90 at Infanta

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This post made a solo ride to Infanta, at KM 90 now known as Little Baguio. Started at 5 am, and reached the destination at 1 am.  Was at Sampaloc by 9 am, 11 am at Saksak.  The ascent was slow because of brake rub and being alone.  

It was also raining  

This is my 4th ride to the place 2x with Recyclist and once with the Angono MTB (all Maws)

I was inspired by Insant Rommel who has made this place as his playground.  But apparently he is fast because of his constant rides.

Recyclists attendance at Simples Lugawan is high; all are active and riding.; Ride, GO GO GO

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Some younger cyclists have remarked that Recyclists are gone and disbanded.    No group lasts forever.  I said maybe because about 3 have died:  Papa Rick, Ed 7 days, and lately Bigote Machete.

Also many did not ride because of the pandemic prohibitions.  May be not this time

But maybe some of the leaders are not showing up and the only long ride that was achieved was the reverse the  Laguna ride where I suffered.   Maybe because I lacked the training.  Not this time.

I should follow the examples of Insan Smith Unidad whose mileage and destinations are unbelievable.   

This is wake up call for other Recyclists who do not ride so often, nor do not join the group ride.

Recyclists GO GO GO GO

Rode today to OL at Bugarin with two other seniors using this orange bike. Sana OL

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This post rode with two other seniors not knowing if this could keep up.:   Tito and Pastor Exequiel to OL Bugarin     Tito was probably doing 25 kph plus and had trouble keeping up.  Once in a while I could pass him.  Unfortunately got a flat tire in Tanay at Km 54, which was fortunately close to a vulcanizing shop.  (The the Kenda exterior is a tough tire to handle.   I passed a bump which the tire pressure did not take well)

Going up Bugarin, the gears of tito was at 50 by 25t at the rear, 

I thought that at 70 yo, this post could not keep up with Recyclists.  It is time to reactivate Recyclists who do not ride as often...  Get out and ride.

The bike which is being courted for sale at P35K is light, having 1.4 kg Jetfly wheels, carbon seatpost, drop bar and 1.4 kg Bianchi frame.  It has ultegra gs, front chain rin go 53 - 39 and 10 speed cogs 11 - 32,

What do you do with your kalat? The parts left after the upgrade, sell them, give them away or assemble a new bike?

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It is a big problem for me.  I could assemble a new RB with Ultegra 6600 group set, (but without the hood), No WS though, but with  bar, no fork, saddle, crank.    And restrospec crank GS, Zoom brake good enough to have an MTB, two wheels for 29 er.

If you sell them you can only do so at barat almost give away prices.  

The same thing happens if you assemble a bike  But at least, a bike is functional and useful at once unlike parts in  bin or box.

But I all ready have 5 bikes, two more bikes would jam the bedroom.  So better leave things as they are?

New Analysis of BPH, cause of Prostrate problems

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New Hope for prostate conditions  (Prostamend)

Most men over 40 have prostrate conditions.  Unable to control urination.   The drugs for this prescribed by Doctors and big Pharma are expensive and have severe side effect.

The author was prodded to find cure for his brother who suffered the prostrate problem during a wedding.   

He tried to analyze the cause.  It is not the DHT because the  Testosterone level of aged men is actually declining.  

The actual cause  is lack of blood supply going to the prostrate .  This causes the inflammation (the ischemia)  Now if we could improve the blood flow.

He made a concoction composed of about 40 ingredients which contained among other things:

1.  Chinese tea;

2.  Brocolli

3.  Japanese maitake mushrooms

His med is Prostamen or Prostamen.   (limited supply)

Servicing sealed bearings

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Most people say that the disadvantage of sealed bearing is that it is disposable.  And so I thought until I read an article or YT re sealed bearings. Unless there is a wobble or looseness in the hub or concerned bearing, I think this operation is possible to save the bearing.  

It happened that two bikes both rb developed whining and other sounds at the  rear hub.  Naturally the bearings are suspect.   One had two 6802 bearings and I was able to buy only one (the last remaining unit) at P200.00 .  However this were available at Lazada for only P200.00 for ten.  Sayang.

The other bike hub had grating sound when free wheeling.  Naturally the bearing is suspect 

I did not have to have the bearing removed nor replaced.  This post simply followed the advice.

1.  Pry  off the red or blue seal cover (with the bearing installed)with a sharp pointed cutter.

2.  When the bearing becomes visible inspect for grit or rust.   Spray WD 40 or other solvent to remove rust and grit.

3.  Put low density grease or even oil for chain to have lube inside the bearing.   

4.  Reinstall the seals.   

For me the grating sound and rough rotation were solved by this operation.   

Great long ride at the province

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The ride yesterday started at 7:00 am.  But there were sporadic rain showers and we were rained out 2x and our other companions were furiously pedalling at 30+ kmh on mtb.  Whew.   It took us nearly an hour to reach the highway.  

Then another 30 minutes of riding until we reached our "guide" heiress of a mt river resort who brought some food and refreshment for us.  After 17 km or riding,  10km flat and 7 km from highway to the foot of the mountains we finally made it to the resort.  The last km was a punishing uphill climb that was maybe 15% grade.    I made to the top without tulak.    Clear water with waterfall. and sumptuous lunch

Thanks was able to make this

Thank you Google for respecting our privacy

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This post is grateful and thankful to Google for respecting our privacy.   This post lost 4 accounts (were removed off the site) for älleged violation of community standards"  (My guess is somebody "reported"  Rather than risking a suit, the platform simply removes your post (the entire page) for such reason only

And yet this post brings in thousands of traffic (and clicks) to the site.  

We can only thank them because they hosted our page for sometime free.

But they are seen to be engaged in  censorship and or favoring contents over the other.  

It is certainly their rights over the guests they host.  But it is hoped that competitors will not overwhelm them, or the unpaid writers like us, leave them.  

Removing cracking sound in the headset when turning

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This post experienced hearing cracking sounds from the the headset lately.  I tightened the bolt of the headset.   And even planned of regreasing the bearing (top and bottom)

However this post theorized that it could be the inserts of the internal  cables.   And so I thought of oiling the entrance of the cable to the frame.

And indeed the cracking sound was gone.   It was cause of worry. Any sound in the bike is a cause of worry

To ride or not to ride when it is raining

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Biking in the rain is more dangerous than riding in dry conditions for an obvious reason: slippery when wet. The road itself is slicker, and so are trail obstacles. Painted surfaces and metal road features are like ice.13 Aug 2021

Bike riding when it rains

It is raining today.  And some gc members would like to ride.  But after a decade or so riding, may I suggest not to ride when it rains:

    1.  Roads are slippery when it rains and you are prone to crash especially if you ride over

         man hole cover, steel gratings, road signs.

   2.   The water may get into the cables, bearings bolts and nuts cause rust and speed up many                              malfunctions like stuck up bearing.    The bike can seize be dysfunctional and require

         expensive repair and/or replacement of parts.   

So better stay home and engage in other types of exercise:  stationary bike, weight lifting, calisthenics.. 

Growing interest/shift to ebikes?

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The EV revolution has invaded the bikers world -  a lot more are shifting to e bikes especially those who are challenged when climbing hills.   And for the right reason -  people want things to be easy.  Even when it comes to exercise.

Are you shifting to e bike

Growing trend in Europe

Forbes - booming ebike market

Why so late? What went wrong at Pinugay Sierra Madre climb

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines

7.18.2021

This post went on a bike ride to Garden Cottages and Sierra Madre last Saturday.  However, our anticipated timeline went awry.   The estimated distance to Garden Cottage was only 28 km via Pinugay.   We left at 6:30 and were on schedule despite  rides that can be classified as wall climbing:   2 steep hills at Pinugay and 1 very steep hill at Paenan.  We lost our way for 30 minutes going back to Cogeo

We were at Garden Cottages by 11 am.   However the Garden Cottage sojourn took us 3 hours 

      2 hours climb the 46 to 47 km.   

      1 hour lunch

The distance from Garden Cottage was estimated to be only 10 km turned out to be 18 km with  three challenging climbs,     km 52, km 62 and thereafter  until Sierra Madre.

Then it rained at Sampaloc, one got lost, at about 7:30 pm, and and at 8:30 it rained in Cardona.   

Side pull FD technology - more efficient and less obstruction with the rear wheel; however adapter is hard to find

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Rizal Philippines 

7.12.2021

I just got the latest xt FD however i cant use this nor install this because of the lack of this adapter.

The cable comes out of `1/8 of the slope tube.   It is supposed to be more efficient.

https://bike.shimano.com/en-EU/technologies/component/details/side-swing-front-derailleur.html

                                                    Hard to find

Rotor disc bending when the brake lever is actuated?

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines

7.12.2021

Somebody inquired in a gc why the disc rotor bends when the brake lever is actuated?

This is most likely to occur in mechanical disc brake because only one of the calipers move I think on the right side.  The piston bumps the rotor on one side and the other non drive side is non moving.   So the rotor moves.  It moves less when the disc is centered. 

It does not happen in a hydraulic brake set up.  Because both of the piston move evenly and is self adjusting.   It is scary to see the disc bending as you brake.   Most disfiguremenet of disc occur in mechanical brakes.

Sometime the disc warp because 1.  After hard use/braking somebody poured water on it.  The uneven cooling of hot disc will cause it to warp.   2.  Or wrong tightening.  It has to be tightened in star pattern.  As I found.  

Debate on rim brakes vs hydraulic brakes - which onef is better?

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines

7.12.2021

There is an on going  debate between disc brake and rim brakes   Who is the winner

For the rim brakes:

1.  Lighter

2.  Cheaper to maintain

3.  More mechanically efficient (since the force is applied further from the center)

For the disc brake

1.  Better when conditions are wet;

2.  Less chance of mechanical failure

3.  Thus more reliable

However maintenance for disc brake is more expensive and tedious.  If you do not use this it may get stuck up and you need a lot of skill centering the brake and you change the pads more often.  Then there is the fluid and the bleeding.   It can give you head ache.

I have seen both system.

I favor the hydraulic brake.  Especially the xt system which employs only single finger force.  The hydraulic btake, the Pascal's law and the physics behind this is reassuring.  

Struggling to keep up with young riders despite new bike and bike upgrades

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines

7.12.2021

Des[ote having a lighter bike, with new WS and XT gs,  I find it hard keeping up with young riders who climb hills effortlessly.   While my lungs seem to blow up and thighs on fire, they pedal like the hill was nothing.  

However we see also groups of riders from far away places resting like birds on flight after a long climb at noon time.

Seems like I am getting old am really old or the riders I am with are getting stronger

Investing in good braking system

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines

7.12.2021

While a famous TDF champion said that "when you brake you do not win" it does not mean we should

be able to brake safely

In Mahabang Parang, a rider overshot the dog leg and nearly fell into the ravine (and died probably)

In Tanay, a container van lost brakes hit several motorists and caused several posts to fall

I noticed that in a cycling group, the members do not mind if they bike and have defective or non functioning brakes.  They will invest in something that will beautify them, but not in brakes.  

Every rider must think of his/her safety above all others  and therefore must mind his/her brakes

LIghtening the Twitter Carbon Fiber MTB

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines

7.06.2021

In order to excite yourself, you find ways to make your bike ride better and experience rise to higher level.  My pursuit is to make my twitter  carbon fiber MTB even lighter

           Reported original weight                                                                         12.7 kg

              Item                          Price                    Weight reduced

              Saddle                      P900.00                        100.

              XT group set         16.500.00                   `1,000 grams

                                            Crank set  500

                                            Cogs         200

                                            Brakeset   300

          Wheelset and tires    5,000.00   

                                           Hubs        200 grams

                                           Rimset     200 grams

                                           Tires            ---                 400

         I found out that even with those fancy sounding tires, rims and hubs, the savings is very minimal

         The tires and interior make them heavy.  I guess MTB are designed that way to be stable and 

         reliable.  and the penalty is being heavy

           Total savings                                                1,500 grams         

            Total cost  -    P22,400/1,500  =   `P150.00 gram     

                                                                             Net weight                    11.2 kg.      

    Is this a good weight for a cf MTB.   Other MTB weigh 20 kg.   Off shelf MTB weigh around

    15 - 17 kg even those that are alloy  

      The only way you can radically reduce weight is:

               Shift to  Rigid fork even  carbon      P4,500       `1,600 grams 

                                         P2.81 gram

              Carbon fiber wheelset =    P45,000.00   -    1 kg =   P45.00 gram

     

                                                                

Poor quality MTB editions from the mainland

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines

7.4 2021

Two months ago a fellow rider bought a brandnew MTB from a LBS.  It was brandnew.  Initially priced at P10,000 the bike was sold for mere P8,500.

However in a span of two months the following broke:

1.  The rear derailleur

2.  The shifter

3.   The head set (as if someone chewed it)  Had to pay up P700.00

4.    And just yesterday, the cog, 7 speed China broke the rider can't pedal because the pawl will not engage.   Had to pay P730.00 labor was free;

5.  The brake was not centered and making a lot of noise.  I volunteered to center the brake and clean the pads to remove the noise;

This confirms my bias to always buy bikes or place parts that are made in Japan, except for the mainland.  This is bad for the image of the China company and the LBS. Since this is owned by a relative I had to inform him of the defects of his supplier.  

Removing squeals from disc brakes.

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines

6.29.2021

One of the factors vs disc brake, aside from high maintenance  activities and cost, is its occasional squeal, when the pads and discs are contaminated by oil and dirt.  

I consulted Mr. Mario Toledo a expert mechanic and his advice were:

1.  Clean and sand paper the disc, wipe clean with alcohol.

2.  Remove brake pads (assuming that it is still thick) and clean by rubbing together the friction material after dropping several drops of dishwashing fluid (joy)      Then sandpaper to remove the stubborn dirt or glazed material

3.   Fry the brake pads.  Pinch them together with a plier or vise grip and expose in open flame for 3 to 5 minutes until you see the contaminants evaporate.  

This work for the two bikes I tried to repair last week.  

This is a very common complaint in a page dedicated  to home repair  I hope this helps

Walang endurance ride bago long ride? Hindi puwede...

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines

6.29.2021

May nagyayaya ng long ride sa weekend sa tourist destination sa south.   Eh ang mga takbo lang eh 14 km once a week.  Hindi kakayanin.  Walang endurance eh iyong tourist destination ay kulang2 na 200km.  May titirik at baka maging medical liability.

So training  ride muna.  Next month na long ride.

Nilait ang Rizal sa climbing destination

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines

6.29.2021

Nagkuwento si Insang Smith (Rommel Unidad) tungkol sa isang guest rider na taga Maynila na tila may hangin sa ulo at sinabing walang sinabi ang Rizal tungkol sa matataas na biking destination.   (Hindi pa marahil niya nakikita at nararanasan)  Siya daw ay nag Laguna loop na at basic.  Natural ang salunga lang ay Bugarin at Kalayaan (suwabe pa)

Kaya sinubukan nila.  Sa Bugarin pa lang late na nang 60 minutes at panay pahinga.   

Pagdating sa softdrink hills, pangalawa pa lang latag na ayaw. na.   

Kaya dapat humble tayo at huwag magyabang at manlait tungkol sa lakas natin

Given the chance and the opportunity which of your bike parts would you upgrade

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines

6.29.2021

You have some money and you are confronted with a decision:  which would be your priority?

1.  Group set

2.  Wheel set

3.  or the fork 

The weight of your bike is now may be 11 kgs.  and these are the grams that can be shaved:

1.  Fork  from 2.4 kg to only      .600 grams                                           1,800 grams

2.  Wheelset        hubs -             front                      100 grams

                                                   rear                       100 grams

                            spokes             4 x2 x 10 grams    80 grams

                            rims               100 x 2                  200 grams

                           tires          300  x 2                        600 grams

                                              Total                                                             1080 grams 

                                              GT                                                               2,880  grams =  6.3 lbs

                                              Thats a lot .  Less back pain

Kapadyak suggest the wheelset should be given attention because of the rotating mass.  As in the drive train:    chain, crank, the cogs should be given first priority because thats were you apply the pedalling force.   

                                       

Riding dangerously; how do we remove the dangers?

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines

6.24.2021

We see gruesome pictures of bikers being hit by crazy drivers in US, in the Philippines  deaths and accidents involving motor vehicle and bike riders.  Indeed it is riding dangerously:

     1.  Riders beating the red light;

     2.  Bike riders racing vs motor vehicles in highways;

     3.   Gitgit pina by the Motor Vehicles which are travelling fast;

    4.    Pedestrians suddenly darting out from nowhere;

    5.    Jeepney suddenly stopping in fron of you to load unload

    6.    MC overtaking from your right even if the space is narrow;

    7.    Tricycles MV other bikers riding on the wrong side of the road;

When do we see more educated drivers; and when can roads be safe for every one?

The bike lanes are myth and fancy in the Philippines:  they are not protected;  cars and MC use it, they are used as parking and waiting stations.     They are dangerously built too with potholes and drainage  gratings that can trap the RB thin tires;     

Changing the drive train of a carbon fiber MTB imported from the Mainland

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines

6.24.2021

1/3 of the new bike which this post bought from a e commerce platform has been changed - its drive train:  the rear derrailleur, chainset, the chain ring and crank the chain, the cogs, the brake set and the changer  with xt Shimano group set, a preloved group by an MTB rider from Marikina.   I nearly had the scare of my life when the axle of the crank was seen as short by a mechanic I saw earlier,  yesterday.   But the mechanic I saw today, analyzed the problem and was able to deal with it.  He simply clamped further the  

the bb pressfit.  The seller recommended having spacers (but would further shorten the reach of the crank axle)   He would have scraped if there was a machine shop:   2 mm from both sides of the bottom bracket and 1 mm from the crank arm (for a total of 5 mm which  was the estimate of the first mechanic.  I would be disappointed if the crankset would not fit.   That would be nearly 2/3 the cost of the purchase.

The more challenging part was the removal of old brakeset since the bike frame is internal cabling.  It meant that the brake hose had to be cut, removed, reinstalled with the fitting and bled;  the new one had to be cut also, and inserted from the back, reinstalled. and bled.  I came prepared because I had the pressfit tool for the barb and the olive.  Now I know how to use this firsthand. 

I removed the  42t chain ring and reinstalled the CST shimano 11-36 cogset.   

I must have shaved off:

      1.  Cogset    -        300 grams

      2.  Crankset          500 grams

      3.   Shifter             200 grams

which could further reduce the bike weight to only 11 kg.  If I use a ridgid fork, this would remove about 2.4 - .6 or 1.8 kg.  reducing the weight of the bike to less than 10 kg.    And 24 holes wheelset.  But the mechanics said I would remove the fun out of MTB if I make this very light.    (And very expensive.

        Cost    -          wheelset P8,000;    rigid fork, carbon   -   P4,000.00  but would negate the                                                                                advantage  of RTL

The upgrade which cost a good low 5 figures adds to the prestige and riding experience - smooth shifting and riding.   

What remains is to have an xt brakeset because it appears to be generic now.   The illusion can be made by buying an XT brake lever.  

It should be said that the mainland sellers are very good in marketing,  They oversold me and many others on the Carbon fiber and its technology, on the German design.  But the actual performance and the sales transaction has not been up to par:    they gave me the wrong color size, and groupset.  Their current groupset while it performs normally has a derailleur that is about to give up being thin and weak in it fabrication;  the crankset is heavy and made of tin cans (hahaha -  iron unlike Shimano which is alum) ragged in construction.    They invest much in bloggers and the e commerce platform.   

Great learning experiences from MTB

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines

6.04.2021

There were a lot of things I learned from my incursion into MTB world

1.  While others are debating about use of rim brakes vs disc brakes I was busy understanding this:

     1.  Hydraulic brakes vs cable brakes,   For hydraulic brakes, use of mineral oil vs. DOT 5 (for                       SRAM avid models

     2.   Bleeding hydraulic brakes   (bottom bleeding, the hacks for bleeding   Substitute - syringes

     3.  Centering brakes  (in three directions)

     4.   Conversion from 160 to 180 mm;  the adapter kits 

     5.   4 piston vs 2 piston

           Which is better the 4 piston or bigger disc (180 mm nd 203 mm)

     6.   The icetech technology by Shimano; floating disc by Sagmit or 3 Pro

     7.   The one by two by and three by conversion.   Why two by is better

           How can you have two by without buying Deckas.?   All you need are 4 spacers

     8.   The disassembly of the free hub body to access the pawls

     9.  I missed this -  tightening the hub  with lock ring vs the cone.   (That is why I had difficulty 

          with xt hub of an MTB

    10.  Hacks for missing umbrella bolts of hydraulic brakes

    11.  Disassembly of  front hydraulic shocks.    The tools you need and the cleaning needed.  How

           can you prevent expensive repairs.    Why rubber hoses that can be cut can be used as rubber

           seals of the piston assembly.  (It is difficult to buy these small rings/kits)

2.  Canvassing or reading the  e commerce ads:

    1.   Access and/or buy from reliable platform.   Lazada is better;

    2.   Buy from Philippines store and avoid foreign stores.   Do not buy from sites without reviews

          comments, or none sold

   3     Do not access the viber number of the seller.  The e commerce platform will not return your

          payment if the transaction goes awry

   4.    VERIFY READ VERY WELL WHAT YOU ARE BUYING.  THERE ARE MANY MISLEADING ADS.  Sometime they are selling a bolt or a nut or sticker.  But the picture

advertises the whole bike or equipment

   5.  The prices are misleading.  Sometimes they post the price for the left part or right part but not

         the entire set you intend to buy.   You have to press the family color to know the exact price  

   6.  You have to canvass very well;  sometimes stores that are near one another can have massive

         price differences.

   7.  Do you really need the upgrades being pitched.  Sometimes you dont.  But their pitches are so

       good and being bombarded constantly that is why you succumb.  

3.  Know excactly the adventure that you want?   Road ride, trail ride or bikepacking

     Trail ride can be very dangerous and is not for every one.   Practice have conficence before going

     on trail ride

4.  Use your gears to the max when climbing.  That is why MTBS are preferred over RB because of wide range of gears at your disposal.   

5.  The one by or two by does not make your bike go faster.  You will have additional expenses but

      you get slower for dumping the high chain ring.    or the low low granny gear if you go purely

      one by.  You do not save a lot of weight by removing the derrailleur or the changer.   The cogs 

      which are larger have added weight.   

Tips for MTB bikers

    

Untoward side effect of vaccines to a fellow senior

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines

5.31.2021

A close bike mate related his story about AZ vaccine and he said he got chills, fever, shortness of breath and other side effect usually expected from vaccine.

That is why I told him I am hesitating to have vaccines.   Vaccines as we all know, work by provoking the body prepare antibodies vs virus.  The old method was to inject inert inactive or dead virus;  the new method is via MRNA, ie producing parts of the virus, in this case the spike of the corona to induce body to produce soldiers to combat the real virus when it infects the body.   

In his case, he being a senior like me 70 y.o, it is natural for me him to get side effect.  Furthermore he has co morbidities -  high BS, prostrate, and other complaints.

Fellow senior, would you like to be vaccinated?

Met SNY, friend of VM brod, and brother of deceased barkada

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines

5.31,2021

I met this morning at Wawa, SNY (Sonny Sulit) close friend of my brod VM with 2 of his current bike friends.  They were on MTB.  He was a former RBiker and is resuming physical fitness.  He said he just goes around Angono:   at subdivision and mountain destinations:   Mahabang Parang, DOMSA, Botong Francisco and Eastridge.

I suppose he is now Senior too and its nice to know that he is into biking and physical fitness

Coffee shops abound

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines

5.31.2021

The success and high consumption of expensive coffee in the likes of Coffee Bean, Coffee Project, Starbucks and the pandemic has encouraged (together with Milk Tea) the growth and proliferation of coffee shops at biking sites:

1.  Cafe in the Sky at Botong Francisco

2..  Coffee shop at Unamonte going to East Ridge

3.   Coffee shop at Antenna (midway)

4.  Coffee shop at Quarry Road

5.  Coffee shop at Mahabang Parang

6.  Coffee  shop in Tagpos

Many entrepreneurs.  Many agile individuals - matching the huge number of cyclists these days

Dangerous incidents last Sunday

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines

5.31..2021

I experienced two dangerous incidents last Sunday.

1.  As I was leaving for the destination ride, a lady biker overtook me from the right and we were close on colliding.    I had to say a few words to her that overtaking from the right is illegal and dangerous, and unthinkable 

2.  Going home on the same spot I was all ready in the midline about to make a left turn and a speeding MC overtook me.  (well from the left - we could have collided too)

A lot of mindless non safety conscious riders abound.   Let us be careful.  A number of celebrity has died in USA due to car crash.  

Let us pray they do not happen here.  

First class repair job by Mario Toledo made an old bike brand new - sharp and responsive

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines

5.28.2021

Mario Toledo

One of the famous names among bike mechanics is Mario Toledo who lives at July St., Crystal East Subdivision at Mambog Binangonan Rizal.  But to reach him, you have to ride up 3 steep hills which is by itself a challenge.  He charges reasonably well.

For servicing the hubs (the free hub which took time to fabricate the springs which were all ready weak) and the front shock (replacing the rubber seals with DIY seals cut from tubes - because not was available)

cleaning the springs, and refiling with oil)  The BN hub repair kit  just axle and cone costs P3,100 at an electronic e commerce.  Other hubs would set you back by P6k to P10 k (if you get the straight pull and with center lock)

The improperly set hubs (not the cones trouble) caused all the wobble and the friction on the rear wheels.  Now the bike is running like brand new - sharp and responsive   A good mechanic makes for a good bike and bike ride   Find a good one for your bike

The front shock, provided it will not do river crossing would be good for a year, and the hubs for another five years.    

Thank you Mario for a good job.   

Why investing in Japanese GS is a good and wise decision

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines

5.28.2021

I encountered several riders who bought cheap MTBS with funny sounding GS and several weeks after, the shifter dont work anymore:  the front shifters are busted.

Early on this post invested in top of the  line GS - Shimano XT and  while they were cheap then, they are expensive now.  They work well, do not wear out soon enough and are trustworthy.  Shifts still remain sharp and fast.   I am glad this post did.  

Give me one good reason why I should buy a P19K mtb on a promo with 13 speed gear set

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines

5.28.2021

I went to the bikeshop of a fellow kapadyak who advertised for a P19K promo bike which has 13 speed.  I recently bought a cf MTB.  This is normally priced at 25k.  It has an RL, air shock, one by and 13 speed RD.  It comes with a Chinese RD and cogs

I asked him give me two good reasons why I should buy, or anyone?  Well because it is 13 speed (What is the difference in ride experience for 10, 11, 12 or 13 speed.   

Well maybe none.   

Trending bike lanes - more work has to be done

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines

5.28.2021

Because of the huge number of bikers, bike lanes were hurriedly legislated on, budgets set aside and massive building started.  However as I tried the bike lanes this week end in going to KM 0.

     1.   A bike lane in a minor road in a MM city (but fabulous bike lane in CBD) has bike lanes that

           is rutted, dotted with depressed manhole covers, and I would rate this to be dangerous.  I had to

           swerve and avoid this

    2.  Bike lane in a road in a premier city is non existent in market place -  having been occupied 

         by parking and market stalls.

    3.  In Manila, there is no bike lane at Roxas blvd. but there are on both wings in side streets, service

         road, and sidewalk along Roxas blvd.

This would caution fellow bikers:  The bike lane does not guarantee safety and exclusive use of the lane:

    1.   MC and other MV continue to use the bike lane for their travel;

    2.  MV suddenly stop at bike lanes park, and open their doors.

    3.  There are counterflows by fellow bikers at bike lane and there could be head on collision

A lot more work has to be done in terms of 1.  infrastructure,   2.  education of bikers, other users

3.  enforcement.

We are still experiencing birthing pains in bike lanes.  

Near misses lately - encounter with fellow MTB riders and motorized tricycles

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines

5.25.2021

I had two near misses lately.   One was yesterday.   A fully loaded tricycle from nearby town just darted out from his parking on the sidewalk.  He did not bother to look to the left, nor listened (as we were taught in the elementary)   I had to do an exit maneuver - sudden brake and swerving to the left to avoid a collision.  

Then last week, an MTB overtook me from the right, while I was about to make a right turn.  We were mm away from a collision

A motorized tricycle with no plate number overtook me (from the left)  However it was very close and he did this several times with other vehicles. 

This post keeps encountering vehicles overtaking from the right, then suddenly cutting in from the  right to my surprise.  I taught overtaking from the right is illegal.   Many illiterate drivers roaming the streets.

We continue to pray to the Lord to keep us from harm and accidents.   

Getting used to the two by set up with a 29er

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines

5.25.2021

This post is testing his 29er two by set up:(34 and 24 front chain rings  11 -42 rear cogs combination)     first with a long ride to MM,, and second, hard climb to Antenna hill.   Anxious about chain falling off, and shifting malfunction.     Fortunately there was none;   the set up was DIY and has not been inspected tested by a bike mechanic.  How would the bike hold out vs conventional set up.

1.  On the flat. - I was even ahead of the group at 34 x 10.  If you compute:   34//10  =  3.4 x 29 inches =  98.6 gear inches nearly near to a 53/12 x 27 = 119.  Of course there is still a 19 gear inches difference.  However, this is tough on the calf muscles.  

Now this is the reason why MTBs overtake even RBs on the ride..   

I computed with an Engineer these gear ratios.

If you have a 38 chain ring in front and you have 10 smallest gear at the back  (SRAM has 9), you have 38/10 =   3.8 x 29  =   110.   Then you are at par with a RB with 53t front chain ring   

2.  Going up  -  I tried the set up at Antenna hills where the climbs are stiff and steep.  I stayed at 34 (the primary gear of the two by) and used mostly 34 x 34, and 34 x 36.  I did not have to shift at 42   I did not shift to the 24 (No 1) gear.

I am happy with the bike performance.  Going two by was just keeping up with the trend, and experiencing what other MTB riders are experiencing,