Me and my Bike

Purchased a TAILFIN T1 carbon rack to use on my commutes and tours. First thing I have to say is....wow! This thing looks sleek, and simple. Quality and feel are very nice as well. But how well does it work? Step 1: Unboxing Package shipped out quickly from the U.K after purchase. Took about 1.5 weeks to get to me in California. Adequate protection in the box. Packaged very nicely. Inside the brown tubes are the booster bars to accomodate non-Tailfin panniers. The above mentioned booster bars. Easy to attach with just a 4mm key. The Tailfin itself. Comes with a removable fender. Very neat!  Possibly the most important piece...the axle. The rack attaches to this specially designed quick release. Thru axle versions are available as well. Step 2: Install Installation is quick and painless. Just change your axle (quick release or thru) and mount the rack on it. Super simple installation. After connecting to the quick release, the aluminum bar attache...

New Years Teardown Took the time today to tear down the whole bike. Some things need to be replaced or changed. This bike did a good job in 2016, and I'll be pushing it again this year in Japan, and possibly South Korea. Things to fix: - New hoods for shift levers               - MicroShift offers replacement hoods on their website for only $9. You get 2 pairs with that! - New Bottom bracket               - I made a mistake of buying an FSA Crank. The crank itself is great. But the bottom bracket has caused me loads of trouble. I've spent 2 hours before in front of home hardware store in AizuWakamatsu stripping down the bottom bracket and reassembling it. Not fun in hot weather! -New Crank (maybe)               - Instead of buying a new MegoEXO BB I've though of just replacing my whole crankset with Shimano or Sram. The cranksets compatible with the MegaEXO BB are not ver...

Here is a little post of what I'm packing in back. I want to be as light as possible, but still comfortable. Japan offers lots of conveniences especially with vending machines and convenience stores everywhere. I don't have to worry about carrying food with me or cooking equipment. Everything I need....hopefully Some descriptions:(Left to Right) - Rear bag cover for when it rains - Rinko Bag - these are a must have in Japan. You can not take your bicycle onto a train without one. I picked this one up at Cycle Base Asahi in Kyoto last year. Costs around 3500 yen. This is the Tioga Cocoon .  You can place your bike in this by taking off the front wheel and strapping it to the frame. Tested it out last year on the bus from New York to Montreal. Got off the bus, wheel and pedals back on, and I was back on the road. - Tools and Spare tubes - I've opted out of using a multi tool, as I'm sick of the allen keys short reach. Instead I'll bring full siz...

October 13th to 16th - 250 km At only $40, this is a great buy if you're in Beijing Trying to increase my daily mileage....it's a a bit difficult, as it means I will be getting home later.  I've been spending a minimum of 2 hours a day on the bicycle, so comfort is definitely a biggie. Monday through Friday, I ride with a loaded pack. For a weeks, Iv'e been using the Tilt 5 backpack from Decathlon. I picked it up here for about $40 USD. It's been a great backpack so far, although at 21L, it's a little on the small side for  me. The backpack has a rigid back plate, padded by four individual pads, which run alongside your spine. Water proof abilities have not been tested out yet. I really like the roll top design, however, I wish the velcro strap was a little longer, so I could pack in a little more. Perhaps I'll upgrade soon to one of Osprey's commuter packs. They have some in 32L sizes! Osprey Spin 32 Sometimes I'll have...

I Can See Clearly Now The smog is gone The winds cleared away the pollution for now...It was so great to check the AQI and see it at 19 points. I made sure I went outside and took in as much as I could get while its still nice. The Carbs Taking a rest day today to gather some supplies together and get a little organized. It seems my room is always in disarray at the end of each, even though I'm never there. Picked up my next few days supply of food from Carrefour, a department store originally from France. Luckily, I had a gift card! I prefer to make my spaghetti sauce from scratch, but with no kitchen, that's too much of a hassle. This should be enough fuel to get me through another week! All together, this cost a little under $28. Should last about a week or so.  The Candy New pedals came in today too! I picked out some Speedplay Zero's the other day to, hopefully, alleviate the pains popping up in my knees from the longer rides. With 0 to 15 d...