Bike upgrades, making the bike lighter.

Wheels of Happiness

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.   

                                       

Some of the upgrades being marketed at e commerce - are they really functional and needed apt for my age?

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines

4.09.2021

I have been browsing a lot lately the e commerce for the following:

1.  Much lighter suspension fork that could set you back by about  P5k to P10k  (a brain suspension can set you back by about a P100K)

2.   A quad piston brake system  (a low end Shimano generic would cost about P9 to P20K, a Weapon by about P3K (but critics say this isi not good)

3.  A one by upgrade 11 to 12 speed (with RD, shifter, cogset and crank)  would set you back by P15 -20k for SRAM, and almost same amount for Shimano

But really do I need these for my age;  maybe I have illusion of being a trail rider and with dream of still continuing to ride for the next 20 to 30 years.  I pray I will be able to do that still.  

I am tempted.   

Completed most of my wants for the MTB

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines

5.09.2021

Happy Mothers day.

This post has completed most of the wants for the MTB:

1.  Changed the tires for the SAVA with Maxxis Crossmark.  Supposed to be 600 gms only and about 400 gms lighter vs the former supplied tires;

2.  Installed the large cogs - 11 - 42 vs the 11 -36 rusting loose gears;

3.  Installed new III PRO rotor disc at the rear.  have purchased the front 180 mm upgrade;  just awaiting the adopters

I may go for 2by and remove the 44 chain ring and attach a Deckas wide narrow but retain the 24 chain ring  (so that I still enjoy very wide range of gears)

There are no more upgrades.   Just have to keep cleaning and polishing this.   

MTB powertrain upgrade for only P1,000 each

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines

5.08.2021

After weeks of research and reading e commerce platforms, and soc media trading site, this post finally settled for a cogset of only P1K for 10 speed 10 -42 for its upgrade of MTB.

I did not have to use a lot of tools or add ons:  chain links or goat link;  and no case of chain dropping off if I back pedal.    I have a scare moment though when the 11t malfunctioned.  It was a mounting error.   I was not able to seat the 11t cog correctly into the cog.  Otherwise it was perfect upgrade  DIY

(I upgraded my two MTBs and on line seller had his field day.   -  Kyle Cruz

The upgrade could have cost upwards to P20K if it was for a upgrade kit for SRAM, -  NX or GX 

or P15k for an SX upgrade;   or for Shimano 13k to 20K upgrade to Deore.  But these are 11 and 12 speed all ready.  I do not need 11 or `12 speed for my upgrade (a 12 speed from Forever and Tweeter are available.   Forever at about P29k, and Twitter Storm for P50k)

Of if I elected to go Shimano, thi would have set me back by P5K to P9k depending on the model;  or Sunrace at sale was P3K plus.   

With a 42t, I can let it go for 3by or 2b or 1by.   Its a matter of 8t between 50t and 42t and gains will be marginal.  If I go 2by, I will have a wider range of gears compared to say 32 by 11 -50 combination   

I am happy with this upgrade.  In my practice ride this morning, the extra 6 teeth (from 36 teeth I have now) makes a lot of difference -  the legs are fresher and less huffing and puffing at heels.

Plus the pride that:   1.  I did it myself;  2.  I spent for only 1k    3.   That I am trending with younger bikers who love to go 1by.   

Upgrading front disc rotor from 180 to 200mm will up braking power by 30 -40% (wealth penalty only 40g)

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines

4.05.2021

Buying a quad piston brake will set you back by P9,000 k, with minimal 10 to 15% increase in braking power.   

Whereas, the disc rotor brake upgrade maybe 1,000 only with whopping 30 to 40% increase in braking power.  

What is your choice.?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksVRuaxHR5E

The new Shimano 105 R7000 up from 5800

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines
April 6, 2018

From Cycling Weekly News

Shimano launches 105 R7000 from Bike Radar

It was learned that 105 (and I agree) that 105 GS forms the bread and butter of bulk of Shimano users. It is reliable and affordable.  No wonder, it was the last model to be upgraded by Shimano

Shimano days ago announced the  launch of Shimano 105 R7000 moving the 105 closer to the more expensive cousin the Ultegra R$8000. We do not know yet the price.  But what are the key upgrades:

1.  The crank arm has been made wider - just like the crank arm of Ultegra RS8000.

2.  The hoods has been made smaller just like Ultegra

3.  Short shifts just like the Ultegra

4. RD to accommodate up to 34 cogs;

5.  Employment of shadow technology for the RD to keep this off harms way when crashing or falling.

We do not know yet the price.  But definitely it should be moving past P20k mark.  No more  14 - 15 k 105

Cycling news estimate the GS total price to be 505 British pounds or P35,000. (halos bumped price ng RS 8000?

Its all about improving oneself every ride

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines
May 8, 2016

Some of the rules on success and getting wealthy says its all about improving oneself everyday in whatever you do. It is not about getting more money or more material possessions. IT IS ALL ABOUT GETTING BETTER EVERYDAY.

None could be more visible in our rides.  One can ride the same way for the entire year. or you could seek improvement.   Or one could buy upgrades.  The rule is upgrade you.  One may have the latest SRAM 1 x 11 group set with 42 largest cog, or the lightest carbon fiber frame or wheel set.  But you could pedal yet at the same rate or still ride at 20 mph.

Why dont you attempt riding at 30 kph, ascend the hill at 13 kph instead of just 8 kph?  Or sprint before reaching the top when your legs are about conking out?  Or how about chasing somebody who passes you?

As for me for yesterday ride (at San Carlos Antenna) and today's ride (at Cardona loop 2x) I achieved the following:

1. Climbing San Carlos from Gate 2;

2.  Climbing the antenna without falling on the rugged road;

3.  Completing the climb using 34 x 32 (other riders were climbing at 24 x 32 or 28 x 44)

4.  Sprinting at flats at 42 kph using an MTB  ( I managed to chase an MTB from Pasig who was showing off his speed) and even led him at Callahan until Morong.)

Computing for the Gear Inches of MTB with two upgraded chain rings, 26 wheels; upgrade to 1 and 2 chainring and 42t addition

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines
December 24, 2015

                                       Converting to dual chain rings for MTB

Workshop from bike radar - converting to single or double chain ring for 9 speed set up


One way of reducing weight of MTB is to go for 2 chain ring 26 and 36, remove the 18 or 17 cogs, for a 10 speed and add 42 t cogs (with the One upgrade that weighs only 55 grams).  This is possible if you have XT or XT R cogs.

        For an 11 speed set up with XTR, XT gear set.   with 26 er
                                                   26                         36

                10                                67.6                    93.6

                12                                56.3                    78

                14                                48.3                    66.8

                16                                42.2                    58.5

                18                                 37.5                   52    

                21                                 32.2                   44.5

                24                                 28.2                   39

                28                                 24.1                   33.4

                32                                 21.1                   29.

                36                                18.5                    26

                42                                16.09                  22.3


     However, I checked with Haooh in Taytay Rizal and told me  that 24 granny would be easier to acquire

Let us recompute for a 27.5 with a 10 speed  cogs.


As you can see, at 24 x 42, you can really a very low gearing at 15.71!!!    


                                                 24                       36    (for 27.5er)

             11                                59.99                  89.99

             13                                50.76                  76.15

             15                                 44                      66

           (17)                                38.82                 58.23 (this will have to be removed to accept the 42

             19                                 34.73                 52.10

             21                                 31.42                 47.14

            24                                  27.5                   41.25

            26                                 25.38                  38.07

           32                                  20.62                   30.93

           36                                  18.33                   27.5

           42                                  15.71                   23.57

At 36 you can just use one chain ring and not shift (may be this is their choice for single ring.  93 would be near 100 which is near the 50 x 12 gearing..   26 would be enough to cover most hills and ascents.  Now I understand the craze for single chain ring  the 36 choice, and the 42 cog.    Splendid

The upgrade will set you back:

One up 42          -     P2,300

New chain ring

           24     -            1,300

           36                  2,000

Total                        6,600

Practicing hill climb with my upgraded SARS roadie.

Wheels of Happiness

My SARS bike is  now equipped with triplet, 44 32,22 Deore and  12 to 28 105 sprocket.  I used this for bike ride this morning to Mahabang Parang Angono (between Angono and Antipolo)  I did 5x using 44 x 17 to 21 to a hill climb 200 meters from gate of La Farge to the hill crest of Memorial Park.

Then a hill climb of some 500 meters from the river up to the steep Mahabang Parang pass.  I pedalled slowly using 32 x 21 and  felt bette compared to doing this with 34 x 25.   My project upgrade is now paying off. I was not tired doing this.  I could do this 3x.

The only remaining part of the project is to have the triplet work with a Sora 3 x 9 to make the front derailleur visit the 3 chain ring.  I would not with the current Ultegra STI.

I saw one in Cainta but it will set me back by P6,000.  Medyo OP kasi the others sell the same model for  only P4,500.00. I contacted Marauder and promised to let me know by Weds...

Updated Latest Slider Pictures at Jorgeusbiker

Real Cyclists

Rizal PHL   |  March 29, 2013

The slider pictures at the top page has been upgraded to the latest Bisikleta Iglesia 2013, and the Recyclists 2010 on individual and group ride pictures.  The group and solo ride pictures are mostly the work of Richard Ang.  (The Tagaytay Ride which is now old, has been removed)

Visit the site;  watch and enjoy.

Thanks to Richard.