Comparison of Michelin Pro4 and Continental GP 4000 2

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines
July 28, 2018

I had a debate in mind which tires to fit into the  carbon wheelset that I just got.   Conti GP 4000 which was quoted by John Wilkes at P2,700 or the Michelin Pro 4 quoted by Lifecycle at P2,500.  The favor tips in favor of Michelin Pro 4 because of the lesser rolling resistance compared to Conti.

I consulted VM on this and he said decide.  We do not know the longevity and durability of  Michelin. Since he lent me an unused set of Conti priced at P2,500 I settled for this.

How about you? Would you go for Conti - the tried and  tested or new advanced Michelin Pro 4?

In this comparison, lamang ang GP 4000 II mas magaan mas lower ang rolling resistance ng Conti.  Tama ang choice ko?

Better more advanced features of the carbon wheelset with Bora sticker that I just bought

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines
July 28, 2018

I compared the Cosmic 50 mm wheelset that I got 5 years ago that came with Fuji SL from VM with the recent acquisition that I got from an OEM supplier.   It is a Bora Ultra copy  and its features are:

1. Solid carbon construction.  It has carbon brake line and pad (I had to replace the Shimano rubber lining with Basalt pads brown)    The cosmic wheelset has only paper thin carbon cover 50 mm in width between the aluminum brake line and the spokes line.  You can press the carbon cover of Cosmic and will be pressed down upon your touch

2. U shaped rim spokes line vs V shaped for Cosmic.  According to the pitch this makes for better aerodynamics less dirty air and better crosswind performance.

3.  25 mm side rim vs 17 for Cosmic.  Thus when you install 25 mm wide tires, the tires really look big and massive.

4. Nice authentic stickers.... Bora Ultra 2

5. Great looking carbon R36 hubs. Noisy too....

6.  Lightweight.   Mere 1.6 kg.  (vs 1.4 kg for the orig) hehehe.

For me it was money well spent... Great looking  with Pinarello F10 frameset

                                           Carbon R 36 hubs, bladed black spokes

                                                               3k Weave glossy

                                                U shaped spoke line

                                                       G3 lacing 21 spokes for the rear wheel

                                             Ceramic Light Ultimate Technology  (CLUT)

                                                             Carbon hub

                                                     Glossy 3k weave finish

                                                Basalt Carbon pads (rubber pads of RS8000 replaced)

                                        Puwede na 6 cm na interior pero may sapi na Mediplast
                                                     para di kumalog

How to ride faster: make your ride a collection of sprints x 10 seconds

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines
July 27, 2018

Read also 10 tips towards becoming a fitter faster biker

Like the searchers for fountain of  youth, many of elderly riders search for ways on how we can ride faster.
After minding the equipment:  the bike, the tires, the jersey, the helmet, the nutrition, it is time to pay attention on how we ride.

I happened to read page 162 of the Cycling + Magazine with title FASTER FITNESS  that lists 5 ways on how to improve your time in TT rides.   The 4 others prescribe use of a trainer, hill climbs.  But what caught my attention and easy to remember is this:

     PEAK PRACTICE.

     Warm up 15 minutes and 5 x 15 seconds sprint

     Work out  3 sets) x (6 x10 sec  maximum power) 2 minutes rest between interval 5 minutes rest
      between sets.  This is an all out maximum effort.  Pukpukan   You have to do this even on a hill...
      or you feel tired...

      Cool down 15 minutes..

  Doing this consumes the whole time  it takes to ride from Angono to Morong.

What I found out:

1.   It leaves your breathless and you sweat out plenty after the 3 sets;

2.  The km come by faster;

3.  It makes you faster without feeling much pain.   And you dont notice it you get faster.  No need to worry about FTP

Of course to ride faster and better you have mind other things:

1.  Equipment:      lighter aero bikes,   aero wheelset,   tires with less rolling resistance, lesser watts the better
     This means more investment (more PHP)  Aero seat post, seat, handle bar. Removing stuff that make
      bike heavier or create drag:   like spare tube at the back of aero seat post;  two water bottles (make the
     bike heavier and create more drag)   Bar tape on aero cockpit

     Go for lighter bar tape.

2.  Posture:   the more your torso is parallel to the top tube, the better.  And the narrower you are, the
     better. Hence go for narrower handle bar.  Try 38 (which is 40 at the drop) or  40 (which is 42 at the
     drop.

     Hence slam your stem and your seat.  It can save you a lot watts in terms of drag.

3. Diet and nutritious.

    More carbs in your  diet.   Or even fast at times

4.  More rides and practice

    A biker who rides 3x a week will do better and be stronger than a weekend warrior