Smartest Helmet Invented
I’ve read about this awesome invention from my usual tech magazine T3 and I would like to share with you guys, its called SMART, yup just “SMART” This helmet is created by LifeBeam and they teamed up with LAZER to created this awesome helmet. If you don’t like to read which I doubt cause you are on a blogsphere you can always watch the Youtube video below
I believe they have came up with a winning product here and I can’t wait to get my hands on this to review it. Its on sale now but you have to pre-order it from this website, expected delivery is 3rd quarter of 2013 ——> CLICK TO ORDER <——-
The world’s first smart cycling helmet with an integrated heart rate sensor, allowing real time, accurate, hassle-free heart-rate monitoring without using a chest strap!
The SMART platform is lightweight and incorporates a microprocessor integrated with LifeBEAM’s advanced algorithm, a state-of-the-art optical physiological sensor, accelerometer, and full wireless communication capabilities.
The SMART Solution
We integrated our unique sensor & algorithms, originally developed for fighter pilots & astronauts, into the Lazer’s GENESIS helmet resulting in the SMART – a cycling helmet that provides highly accurate, real time measurements of heart rate under normal as well as extreme physiological conditions without the problems inherent to chest straps.
The information gathered by the SMART appears in real time on your mobile phone, sport watch or cycling computer via ANT+ or Bluetooth.
Our sensing technology was built for intense activities in extreme environments and demonstrated highly accurate results compared to the most reliable ECG chest belts in market. It is, therefore, suitable for high performance athletes in any cycling environment.
Heart-Rate Monitoring
Cyclists who want to monitor and improve their performance cannot ignore their heart rate. Personal heart-rate provides a window to individual’s overall fitness.
Heart rate is commonly monitored using chest straps. Fitness watches, cycling computers & smartphones – all provide a platform that can communicate with a chest strap and display heart rate.
But what if you hate wearing that strap around your chest for hours? Straps can chafe, irritate, lose contact and migrate. We now offer the perfect solution – the SMART.
What do you get with SMART?
The SMART will arrive to you ready-to-use with no assembly required.
The systems includes:
- Lazer Sport GENESIS helmet integrated with LifeBEAM sensing technology
- LifeBEAM’s physiological sensor & processing unit:
- Integrated 3-axis accelerometer
- Bluetooth 4.0 or ANT+ Wireless Communication capabilities
- Rechargeable Lithium battery – at least 15 hours of continuous usage
- Weight: 50 grams (0.132 lbs.)
The sensor & technology integrated into the SMART platform will allow future implementation of additional sensing, sound & display features.
LifeBEAM is a startup company comprised of engineers and pilots, passionate about the development of physiological monitoring solutions. We specialize in remote monitoring of multi-physiological parameters, such as heart-rate, blood flow, oxygen saturation and more.
LifeBeam’s first development was a unique miniature sensing platform that was implemented into fighter pilot and astronaut helmets, to monitor their physiological conditions, help them perform better, and in extreme cases – even save lives.
Now you can use this technology during cycling!
What could be simpler than putting on your SMART cycling helmet integrated with our small and almost invisible sensor, and continuously monitoring your heart rate?!
Technology – main features & benefits
LifeBEAM’s core sensing technology is based on state of the art non-invasive optical methods, using miniature components that allow unobtrusive & continuous physiological monitoring. These unique sensing methods enable a high-accuracy measurement of various physiological parameters.
LifeBEAM’s main technological expertise creates applicative solutions that are significantly insensitive to motion artifacts and thus can be used in dynamic environments and under extreme conditions.
So what’s so cool about SMART?
SMART uses electro-optical technology to continuously measure your heart-rate.
The optical sensor is placed on the helmet’s front, gently touching your forehead. The sensor samples the blood pulse in a high frequency and transmits a raw signal to the processing unit, which is placed in the helmet’s back.
The processing unit filters the signal from motion artifacts and, using the communication module, wirelessly transmits the cleansed pulse to your display device in real-time.
AND…YES, IT WORKS WITH MOST DEVICES AND APPS IN THE MARKET!
The SMART is compatible with Bluetooth 4.0 & ANT+ devices – smartphones, fitness watches, cycling computers – and works with most fitness applications, so use your favorite display device or smartphone app for additional functions, such as: average speed, distance, pace, GPS, calories-burned, etc.
Future Developments
We plan to continue developing the SMART, keeping it up to date with the ever-changing technologies, in order to provide the best and most cutting-edge product for our customers.
Integrating a processing unit and wireless communication capabilities opens the door for various additional sensors & features that will be processed in the helmet and transmitted wirelessly to any place!
A few examples for some optional future implementations:
- Additional Functions: Stand-alone device, Crash detection, Bicycle locator, integration with Cycling training apps for additional parameters and more!
- Advanced display capabilities: head up display capabilities just like in fighter pilots helmets!
- Additional Sensors: GPS, SIM, Logger and more!
- Sound feedback features.
Prototyping process
After successfully monitoring a pilot’s vitals, LifeBEAM wanted to expand and reach new horizons.
On one of their weekend rides, two engineers from our team modified our technology and integrated it into their cycling helmets.
Excited by the outcome and the idea of combining our technology with their love of cycling, they convinced the team to pursue their dream.
On the following 6 months, the R&D team worked together to amend the algorithms to suit the cycling environment and develop a kit that could be integrated into a professional cycling helmet while prolonging the battery life, maximizing the duration between charges, and without adding unnecessary weight.
After numerous testing iterations & prototype improvements, we were ready to choose the right helmet-manufacturing partner.
Cooperation with LAZER SPORT
Lazer is one of the top cycling helmet manufacturers in the world with over 90 years of experience (the oldest helmet manufacturers still operating).
With its headquarter in Belgium, Lazer designs, manufactures and markets helmets in more than 50 countries.
Lazer’s GENESIS cycling helmet (in Canada also called GS) is one of the most popular helmets in the world.
Helmet spec:
- Fit System: Rollsys® Retention System
- Construction: In-Mold (6 pieces)
- Ventilation: 19 vents
- Weight: 280g (0.617 lbs) (M) CE
- Certification: CE – CPSC – AS
- Sizes: M-L
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Awards & Recognitions
In 2010, LifeBEAM won the national innovation contest “Ramon Breakthrough”, sponsored by Google and represented Israel at Singularity program at NASA Ames in Silicon Valley.
In 2012, we were honored to participate in NASA’s R&D activity, where our unique sensors were used and tested during different research activities.
In addition, we have performed a joint research at the European Flights training facility in the Netherlands and with a number of Air Forces around the world. - Rewards/PricingWe created a great list of exciting perks that will allow you to enjoy our forthcoming product & technology while supporting our efforts.
The Pioneer Deal: Early Bird (200 available) – $149
The SMART Package: Own a SMART – $189
The Gift package: Surprise your friend with a SMART Gift– $195
The Buddies package: Order 2 SMARTS with your friend or ride buddy – $358
The Group package: Order 5 SMARTS for your cycling group – $845
The Silver Distributor package: Order 20 SMARTS – $2,780
The Gold Distributor package: Order 50 SMARTS – $6,450
Use of Funds
We are asking for your help so we can produce the first run of the SMART and deliver them to our initial customers. If you love cycling, sports, or fitness in general, we would love your support so we can bring the SMART helmet to market and further implement our technologies in new products in the future.
- Join Our Ride!Our team developed the groundbreaking technology, but in order to bring it to mass production … we need your help!
We ask you to help us elevate our project from a working prototype to its final production stage.
Confession of Lance Armstrong to Oprah Winfrey Final Part 2
Update: I have uploaded this on my Vimeo account please view it there
<p><a href=”http://vimeo.com/58089722″>Lance Armstrong interview with Oprah FULL Part 2</a> from <a href=”http://vimeo.com/user16029478″>Isaac976</a> on <a href=”http://vimeo.com”>Vimeo</a>.</p>This is the final Part 2 of the interview where he talks about his team and family. Very touching?? I don’t know for you to decide
Please leave a comment on how you feel after watching? I would like to know what the majority of people thinks
Sorry video is down permanently, please look for other alternative.. I will see if I can upload in my Vimeo account .. please stay tuned .
Singapore Cold Storage Triathlon Post Race Review
The race is finally over, after skipping two run races, I finally did my triathlon after waiting for 4 weeks. That was how long it took my legs to feel better, Special shoutout to Team Triboys Ian Faria and his bro Chris for sending me this neat transition towel. Will be racing Escape from Alcatraz with them soon in the near future. If you wanna hook up for training or racing with the boys you can search Instragam hashtag or on twitter for #teamtriboys and you will definitely see them handsome hunks. Once again thanks boys and see you guys soon.
If you guys didn’t know what happened, lemme clue you in before you laugh at my miserable time, I was training for my “North Face 50k which is held in October” and my feet accidentally ran over a tree root, it angled 90degrees with a very loud crack and that was into my 4k out of my 15k trail run (I finished the whole 15k in pain if you are wondering) It all just went downhill after that. I had my feet X-ray and Doc cleared me, some how or rather the pain still persist till today. All I could train for this Tri event was swim and bike.
So kingdom come came and went. It was good sunny morning on last Saturday. Met with many of the boys before the swim felt a bit humid but its all in the fun. The swim leg got delayed
Swim Segment
Participant had to make two loop for the swim and so how did the swim went? it went something like this.. choppy sea water, got hit in the face on my first 100m with my goggles knocked off my face, water got into my eyes and it stings like mad… got grabbed, groped and whatever you can think of, but hey that is why they call it the “Washing Machine”, you don’t join a tri event to have silky smooth swimming pool water do ya? came out of the first loop and saw my watch for the first 750m, did a 16min but I nearly had a massive cramp when I was near to shore, I stop short of shore line and my legs couldn’t feel the ground, so I was curling my leg to feel ground and with that awkward leg position I nearly had a muscle pull on my calf, you know those massive super cramp. Did not want to put myself in danger and don’t think I can afford a big cramp to my calf on the second loop. I didn’t kick as much on the second lap and I swam cautiously and closely to the line just in case my leg cramps up. Swim time: 43min
Bike Segment
Bike leg is always fun, went into T1 and took my gel and first time I did not place my shoe clipped ready on my bike for fast transitioning as this was a two week old shoe, have not put enough mileage into them shoes yet. Bike loop was an insane six loop over ECP with many dangerous turns (saw a couple of people bleeding pretty badly and bandaged up) … Road Marshal was shouting like crazy saying DANGER .. BIG GROUP AHEAD GO SLOW (er… its a race.. GO SLOW??) well I do hope the revamp the bike segment next time for a better and safer riding race. I was looking at my bike meter and it went like 32 – 34avg that was all I wanted nothing more nothing less and before my last lap I will usually take in some carbs for the run segment and guess what, silly me had to drop my packet of gel on the road, It was a decision for me to pick it up or leave it, I left it (was it a poor decision? I don’t know) Bike Time: 1hr17min
Run Segment
Here comes the moment of truth, I told myself either I die running or I walked to the end in my run segment. went in T2, grabbed my headband put on my shoes, went out running in less than 2min and boy I could (NOT) run, after leaving the run out, massive cramps came into my thigh and I know for sure that without run training it will definitely kill me. Its not that this is my first race.. I never felt cramps this bad before, I practically walked and hop myself for the first 2km or so.. What was I thinking.. four weeks and not even one training on my run.
Never let your head hang down. Never give up and sit down and grieve. Find another way. And don’t pray when it rains if you don’t pray when the sun shines. – Richard M. Nixon
On the 3k mark, a familiar face came behind, tapped and passed me, It was Benny who was in one age group behind, he finally caught me in the run segment (all things going through my head now, thinking of stopping and quitting the race as its going to be a real pathetic race for sure) but I told my self #HTFU and keep going, and so I did.. yes the final run was terrible but I won’t let my head hang in shame. Yes it’s also the worst 10k time ever for me in my running career but I will not let it stop me. I will come back stronger (if my doc cleared me of any problems to my feet) Time: 1hr 17min
Well its the end of the race and I am glad all my buddies was here with me. Not that I am proud of the time, but I sure finished it.. if your wondering yes the pain in my leg still persist. I am heading for an MRI this week. I wont let it damper my mood for me in the upcoming 2013 races that I have signed up for.
PS: word of advice, train before you go for a race. Dont be like stupid me.
The Journey of a new Triathlete
Training partners are always great in terms of being motivated and seeking advise.. no matter doing triathlon, Ironman or Ultra running, that is why I frequently used this hashtag #foreveralone cause I am more often than not alone when doing training.
Training for an event demands much from an athlete such as mental focus and more importantly discipline in all aspect of schedule, diet and workout.
I met Zurairi by chance, one day when I was training but I will not expound on that part, as he already had explain of our moment in his featured article. Do read up on his write-up as guest post on his determination to be a Triathlete (if you say you can’t, this post might change you) Do follow him on Twitter @arieternity where he shares his passion for triathlon.
Guest Writer: Zurairi (Singapore) 27 August 2012
My Journey to be Triathlete
After my Kidney Transplant in 2008, (Previous post) , I decided to exercise because my doctor told me to control my cholesterol level. I also wanted to exercise because keeping fit and healthy will ensure lesser complications due to my condition. After 3 months rest from the post operation, I realise my fitness level is very low after I was struggling and panting after climbing the flight of steps at the overhead bridge. I realise that I need to start soon.
I started with very light jogging around my neighbourhood. It was about 1.2km route around my block of flats. My friend also introduced me to swimming. Mr Razib is a triathlete and he taught and coached me the techniques of swimming freestyle. In 2008, I started (more…)
Lance Armstrong to lose all 7 Tour De France title.
Lance Armstrong losing all 7 TDF?!?! This is too shocking for me (losing all 7 titles), well not all that shocking as I was already following Lance Armstrong from his days in Team Motorola to his first career win in Tour De France.
I have always believe that people with determination can do unbelievable things, and Lance was one of them, with his fight with testicular cancer to being 7 time TDF Champion, this all will change with the recent USADA winning the fight against Lance.
Am sure there will be many believers and there will also be haters, which sides of the fence do you sit on ? Innocent till proven guilty? so far, he has done thousands of drugs test… so go figure
Christophe Ena/Associated Press
By JULIET MACUR
From http://www.nytimes.com Published: August 23, 2012
After more than a decade of outrunning accusations that he had doped during his (more…)
Two years to cycle to the Olympic Games
Take a deep breath, can you smell it? … No? … one more time…Take a deep breath, close your eyes… hear the crowd roaring.
Yes its the Olympic Spirit that is in the air, I feel a sense of competition amongst athletes when you watch the games, their eyes glare with energy and their mind set on one thing and only one thing, that is to win. This is the spirits of the athletes that has gathered in London to compete, and compete they SHALL !!
The athletes that has been training everyday for this day to come, to win a medal is such an honor to them but those who did not shall not despair, as they themselves have earned the title OLYMPIAN, not many can call themselves an Olympian representing their country in the highest competing games. I never dreamed of representing my country, but I bet it would be nice., the furthest I dipped my toes into is by representing my state as a cyclist and managed to compete in the 1995 games.
Not only is the Olympic games set for the athletes, it is for everyone, This man Chen Guanming cycled (more…)
Engineers Master Bicycle Aerodynamics With the Cervélo P5
At the Olympic level, where cyclists are in roughly the same physical condition, the difference between victory and defeat often boils down to a bike’s aerodynamics. The more smoothly air flows over a frame and rider, the less wind resistance he will feel and the faster he’ll go. Engineers at Cervélo used aerospace-grade computational fluid dynamics software and virtual wind-tunnel tests to design the P5, the most aerodynamic bike ever.
With the software, the team at Cervélo designed, rendered and wind-tunnel-tested dozens of P5 prototypes, before ever constructing a physical model. They identified and refined drag-causing areas. For example, they lowered the handlebars and added internal hydraulic brake cables. They also created a tapered rear edge on the seat post, which reduces turbulence off the rider’s backside, allowing air to flow more fluidly around him. The changes translate to 75 grams less drag than on the P5’s predecessor, a reduction that could result in gains of 1.6 seconds per mile—and a gold-medal run in the 44-kilometer Olympic time trial.
CERVELO P5
Weight 18 pounds
Price From $6,500
Is the Military Runway off limits for us ? Not This time !
Yup, its true, we had the “AIR FORCE” runway to our self on this particular day , its called the “National Runway Cycle/Skating 2012. Hey sorry if you came here looking for a way to sneak into the Airbase ! TOUGH LUCK DUDE ! you gonna get caught by the Military police or even better the National Security if you were searching for that crap.
This event has been held 16th time and it was started in 1996, and guess what ? this was my first time joining it and I heard its gonna be the last. A little more about this event.
Originally named ‘National Runway Cycling’, the first edition took place in 1996 at Paya Lebar Air Base and has since been held at this signature venue. With increasing interest and support from the inline-skating community, the event was renamed National Runway Cycling & Skating in 2008.
Each year, the event attracts a large crowd of some 6,000 to 8,000 participants. Besides cycling and skating on the runway, participants are also treated to a host of fringe activities, performances and games for the enjoyment of families.
All I can say is that its lots of fun, imagine getting to cycle on the runway of a Military base, get this its DAMM AWESOME !! no kidding and I had a blast , hopefully they will have it next year again. *Cross fingers* enjoy the pictures of the day. See if you can spot me in the picture as well as the F16 fighter jet.
This guy deserves a clap, he finished 45km on a UNICYCLE !!
I was talking to him at km25, he was so nice to explain to me the mechanics of a unicycle. and yet he kept on a steady pace. RESPECT !
Cycling Infographics that might interest you #cycling #facts
This is some good cycling infographics I am about to share..this infographic is brought to you by Atlanta Bicycle Coalition,
I always tell my friends, no matter how short your distance is just put on your helmet, its goes the same for cars right when you buckle up for safety? why do it for car but not for a bike.
Ride safe and always be aware of your surrounding.
From where I am (Singapore), cycling on the road is not that safe, cars gives you dirty stares, honking at you and worst still swerve into you lane. It’s not all their fault I would say sometimes cause cyclist some times do hog the lanes by cycling abreast, dude you aint no Tour De France dont have to bike like you own the road, be kind share the road, every time a car stops for me, I will definitely give em a smile and a thank you wave. Every time a car slows down to give way, I will always do the same. Practice safe cycling and PRAY hard every time you hit the road.
I have yet to be angered to the extent of having the car as a target practice for my water bottle.. hope that wont come to light.
Zipp 404 or Mavic Ksyrium
I have started sourcing for my parts on my “PartsbyParts” project, this is in fact a project that was long overdue, So whats this “PartsbyParts” project I am talking about? Its for poor people who can’t afford to buy the whole bike at one go, no I am just kidding, its a project where I buy a Part a Month till I finish building the whole bike to my specification.
So to see a good clear view of the bike parts that I need to buy, this would illustrate it better for the masses
I have already sourced for the frame and it will be ordered by end of this month, don’t ask me yet what it is .. but I will show you guys the after the end when the bike is fully / finally built-up,
but as for the moment I have a big dilemma in which the wheel sets selection is killing me, I have narrowed it all down to two brands. I really need your opinion on this.
Wait I have to tell u why I have selected this two models, not just esthetic wise but also in performance wise. I need a strong rim that can go fast as well as climb hard. . . . . So what models are they ? 1st up
MAVIC KSYRIUM SLR 2012
SSC Wheel-Tyre System: the pros choice
Optimized Wheel-Tyre System: GripLink / PowerLink
Superior endurance: Exalith
Distinctive full black – SSC graphics
Highly responsive
High energy transfer: Tracomp technology
Less inertia for the same stiffness: ISM machining
Low rolling resistance: Yksion PowerLink
The lightest Ksyrium ever: 1400g
Light and stiff rims: ISM + Exalith
Light yet resistant components: Carbon and Zicral bladed spokes, carbon front hub, Maxtal rims
Weight (pair of wheels with tyre – WTS): 1990 grams
front wheel: 635 grams
pair of wheels: 1400 grams
front wheel with tyre – WTS: 930 grams
And the 2nd model needs no introduction and I am only gonna post one picture of it, just in case you guys have not seen it which I doubt.
ZIPP 404 Clinchers
If you guys have any feedback on the wheelsets that I have mentioned above, I am glad to take it in, or even if you have known another brand that is even better task at what I am looking for, do let me know as your comments will be greatly appreciated.
I am kinda leaning towards the Ksyrium cause of the Mavic’s Exalith treatment. The bike I am building is mostly B0B which means black on black. I heard there is surface braking problems exp: NOISE.
Choosing Clipless or Flat Bike Pedals
How to Choose Clipless or Flat Bike Pedals
Pedal shoppers usually fall into one of several groups: 1) Those making the switch from flat to clipless pedals, 2) Those who are outfitting a new bike (many new road bikes do not come with pedals), or 3) Those upgrading from one shoe-pedal system to another. Here’s what to consider when shopping.
Who Needs Clipless Pedals?
If you ride using flat (platform) pedals, you’ve no doubt (more…)
RoadID GiveAway Friday
It’s a Gorgeous Friday everyone, and if you were wondering what was that icon posted last week, it’s no road sign but a logo of a company that has “YOU” in mind, yes, you the one reading this, and this company is called RoadID.
Before I go any further let me tell you what RoadID is all about, This Company was founded by a father-and-son team and they are none other than Edward and Mike Wimmer. They have been providing safety gear to help keep you safer since 1999, and I am glad they did so. This so called bracelets are like guardian angels, no kidding. With all the unfortunate recent death of Marathoners like Claire Squires in the recent London Marathon , Jeffrey Lee for the Philadelphia Half Marathon , or even Firefighter William Caviness in the Chicago Marathon.
Those people I have mention are not old or unhealthy, they are young and even triathletes at their peak of their health, just saying that we are not bullet proof even if we are at our pink of health. I am trying to say that those death are at a high profile event, given the scenario that we are training alone running 5 am in the morning (which is a fav of mine) and I fall flat to the ground. I would have this ID tag on me telling anyone that finds me all my vital info.
I have been using RoadID since a couple of years back and it has not faded on me nor smelled on me. Why do I talk about RoadID? Cause I truly believe in a product that is for safety and has athletes in mind, but come to think of it, RoadID are not only for athletes but can also be used for everyone including your family members, This little nifty product is a bracelet that carries all the vital information for anyone in an emergency situation, and not only they have bracelet form they now come in 6 different types of design for you to choose from depending where you want to place your ID from wrist, necklace, ankle to even your shoe.
I have the wrist ID Sport on me and it goes where ever I go, I don’t only use it for sport but I use it as a fashion bracelet as well, who knows I might just drop dead when there is a pretty girl that come asking for my number. LOL See it still looks new to me.
Anyway since it’s a FRIDAY , I am gonna be doing a “GIVE AWAY FRIDAY “ I will be giving away Gift certificate worth $15 each to 2 lucky readers courtesy of RoadID. All you need to do tell me how many types of RoadID design are there. Leave your answer at the comment box below and like the post. Remember Stay SAFE !
The winner will be chosen using Random.org, and the results will be posted on this blog. Winner will be announced by Monday, May 6, 2012 at Noon. A winner has one week from the announcement of the winner to claim the prize or else a new winner will be chosen (May 13 at 12:00 p.m.). All prizes will be awarded. Thus, if the winner does not come forward, a new winner will be chosen. The writer of this blog will not be held liable for any typographical errors or technical failures.
This Giveaway is now closed. Chosen winners please do contact me as soon as possible.
You wanna “Be seen wearing it”
Something is brewing up in the coming next few days, do watch for this Icon .. Do follow my blog to get the updates ! this will be interesting. Do let me know if you know what that this icon means ? Can’t reveal too much for the moment.
As I always say “No Helmet, No Ride”
Safe Cycling
Heard from a friend that another cyclist perished along the deathly roads of MRR2, I manage to find the article and this was the excerpt of it
A cyclist was killed in a hit-and-run accident near Shell petrol station on the MRR2 in Hulu Kelang this morning.
The victim, 37-year-old Rafizi Hamdan died on the spot.This was the second fatal accident involving a cyclist
If you notice that I highlighted the word second, its cause the other person killed was a friend of mine P.K. Yeoh, we use to do rides together with his whole family, I’ve seen his son and wife with him usually at the LBS that we use to frequent. its really a sad thing This was taken from Mac’s website if you would like to read, it a tribute to him Memories of PK Yeoh ,
I just notice that its been nearly a year already since his death ! Time really do flies..
This was taken from the Highway code book for drivers.
The New Highway Code Book 2, Advanced Theory of Driving, (Published in consultation with Traffic management, Land Transport Authority)
Cyclist ride on all types of roads excepts expressways. Bicycles are used for both transportation and recreation by people of all ages and sizes; you should expect to find them almost anywhere. Because they rode close to traffic, cyclists are vulnerable to injury in a collision. As a driver, it is your special responsibility to pay attention to them and to provide for their safety.
1. When sharing the road with cyclists, expect sudden moves on their part at all times. A patch of oil, a pothole, an opening door of a parked car and other hazards can force a cyclist to swerve suddenly into your path.
2. When approaching or passing a cyclist, give him/her ample space and be extra alert. Be prepared to slow down or stop. When a cyclist glances back, it is an indication that he/she may change direction anytime.
3. Look out for cyclists riding against the flow of traffic especially at residential areas.
4. Give even more room to cyclists when they are carrying a heavy weight or a pillion. This makes them unsteady and wobbly and they may ride into your path or even hit the side of your vehicle.
5. Just before turning:
i: Check your mirrors and blind spots.
ii. Watch out for cyclists between your vehicle and the kerb.
iii. Don’t make a sudden sharp turn, you may knock down a cyclist.
6. When overtaking, keep a safe gap between your vehicle and the cyclist. Don’t cut in sharply after overtaking the cyclist. This could result in your vehicle “side brushing” or hitting the cyclist.
7. After parking, look out for cyclists coming up from behind before opening your vehicle door.
I do hope there would be more safe cycling clinic conducted to raise the awareness of safe cycling in parts of the World.
Here are some good tips from the past safe cycling clinic rolled out in East Coast
1. Bicycle is considered a vehicle, you drive a bicycle.
2. Observe all traffic rules like any other road users on the roads.
3. Be competent and confident before hitting the road.
4. Know all traffic rules and road signs. Get a Basic Theory Book.
5. Know your skills, your ability, your health. Do not over estimate yourself.
6. Know your bike, it’s performance, it’s ability, it’s wear and tear.
7. Know your equipments, clothing, helmet, gloves, etc. their functions, performances, their life span, when to replace.
8. Know your route. Plan your route before you ride, know it’s traffic conditions.
9. Know your right of way but NEVER INSIST on it.
10. Be courteous and patience with other road users, share the roads.
The most important take home message is:
TREAT OTHERS LIKE HOW YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE TREATED RESPECT OTHERS TO GAIN RESPECTS
Would you pay $14000 for this bike ?
Believe it or not this bike cost $14 000 buckaroos, how crazy is that ? Did you know that a Chef in China earns only $402 a month ! how long does he have to work to earn that freaking bike? a total of 3 freaking years just to get that bike and that is if he spent all of it on installment just for that bike, and what bike am I talking about ? check it out here.. (more…)
Zipp 404, Race Wheelset or Everyday Use
I am sure if you are a cyclist you must have heard of this brand called ZIPP , they are the market leaders in racing wheelsets and I can tell you their wheelsels and rims are well spoken off in the racing community. Just check out this statistics done by Zipp
“You can keep going and your legs might hurt for a week or you can quit and your mind will hurt for a lifetime.”
Mark Allen – Ironman
Kona Wheel Count = World Domination
I guess they pretty much ruled the racing world, as for me I am not a promoter for ZIPP, can’t afford them as they are too costly to me. I just want to (more…)
Helmeting my Nogging
Not long ago I was looking for Aero helmets on the web, I was doing my research and everything on helmet, searching furiously on reviews, helmet pros and cons and what people think of aero helmets.
Hoping that it will make me go faster on the bike leg, my first choice was Giro Advantage,
And that was it, I had my mind on it and I was pretty much settled on the decision as many people had reviewed it, I told Benny (more…)
Old picture found .. 120km of good old times
Just posting some picture I found in my multiply site, lost all the friendster pictures which had all my race pics.. so salvaging whatever I can ..
This are from the Batu Arang 120km with the gang.. those have done weekend ride would know those familiar faces.
Pimp Daddy MAC with Geoff behind
Ryna and Dennis
Ashraff on the right enjoying some coffee at the rest stop
Benny in Orange and the rest of the group..
This was taken back about 8 years ago with my O2 PDA phone.. so forgive me for the lousy resolution,Looking back at this pictures really reminded me of good time.
Lance Armstrong Eat your heart out
Check this out.. if only Zipp had collaborated with this guy in malking it more Aerodynamics,
look at his focus behind the wheel. Lance Armstrong eat your heart out !
Oh its also a ladies magnet, check out that lady turning just to take a look at this baby !!
Chrissie Wellington leaving Ironman
Am a bit late on this but yeah, better late than never..
She was just a stranger in 13 October 2007 in the Ironman World, I remember watching it on video and there was no mention of her at the start.. but after crossing the line Jon Blais style aka The Blazeman Roll, the rest is History, and not after 4 years into Ironman this article was published on her blog.
16th January 2012 – London, UK: Four time World Champion and World Ironman Distance Record Holder, Chrissie Wellington has announced that she’ll be taking a break from competing in Ironman during 2012 to explore other opportunities, including the forthcoming publication of her autobiography, A Life Without Limits.
This is taken from her blog as she mentioned that
“I’ve given absolutely everything to Ironman over the past five years. However, this year I’ve decided to take a break as I would like to spend more time focusing on other pursuits including dedicating more time to my chosen charities, the publication of my book and more active promotion of the sport in the UK, as well as giving myself the chance to explore and seize new opportunities within triathlon and outside. I feel that I wouldn’t be able to pursue all of these different goals whilst simultaneously dedicating the energy and time needed to compete in Ironman events and treat them with the respect and complete dedication they deserve.
The past five years have been absolutely incredible and I am extremely happy, proud and content with everything that I have achieved in the sport – topping it all off with the race of my life in Kona last year. I have always seen triathlon as a part of my life, rather than the be all and end all, and am looking forward to a little more variety and balance by pursuing other interests, as well as spending more time with my family and friends.
I am really excited about what the future holds and being able to spend more time around the sport without the commitment of full time ironman training and racing”.
I wish you all the best in your future career , not many would have done what you did in Ironman 2008. You set my mind that nothing is impossible when you had the flat on the 90km mark and was asking for help, you came back and still win the race against all the other pro’s not that is “DETERMINATION” and “FOCUS”
Ok I have HAVE HAVE TO ADDanother picture of Chrissy cause she looks FREAKING AWESOME IN the BLACK TYR race suit !! DAMM !! WISH Chrissy will sign that particular POSTER for me, I would definitely frame it up ! *but it will never happened so gotta dream*
DETERMINATION AND FOCUS
Cervelo P5 launched
The long awaited Cervelo P5 … but wait .. lets dwell into about about the company first. Did you know that Cervélo Cycles is a manufacturer of racing bicycle frames which came from the same country as Blackberry. That’s right “CANADA”
Cervélo uses CAD,High tech whatchamacallit computational fluid dynamics, and wind tunnel testing at a variety of facilities including the San Diego Air and Space Technology Center, in California, USA, to aid its designs. Cervélo currently makes 3 series of road bikes: the R series, featuring multi-shaped, “Squoval” frame tubes; and the S series of road bikes and P series of triathlon/time trial bikes, both of which feature airfoil shaped downtubes. The company also manufactures T series track bikes
You came here cause you wanted to know how the P5 looked like and here it is ..
JusST Kidding ! that looks more like a Batcycle !!
Here is the real deal !! enjoy and don’t break your next paycheck or two ..
And More pics ..
Front View, the bike practically disappears.
Top View is a beauty with the 3T bars
Back View
Front Handle
Bottom View
Thats about it … till further notice …
Do you know whats Glucosamine ?
I use to think that I was invincible, training as hard and nothing in the world will hurt me, friends of the same age would tell me that they are hurting in the knee,this joints – that joint etc..etc.. I would smirk and think to myself maybe they are training wrongly? training to hard ? wrong shoes? etc…etc.. and BOY WAS I WRONG..
After thirty, a body has a mind of its own.
Bette MidlerAfter you’re older, two things are possibly more important than any others: health and money.
Helen Gurley Brown
All of us need nutritional health supplement, its to help us on boosting the ones that we don’t have enough. I use to be talking about Glucosamine to runners and cyclist and its health benefits. Do you know whats Glucosamine ? I went to read in-depth into Glucosamine because *I admit* my knees do feel pain if I am walking, but not when I am running.
Glucosamine, according to this website by University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) , It says that Glucosamine produced naturally in the body, plays a key role in building cartilage, the tough connective tissue that cushions the joints.
Several scientific studies suggest that glucosamine may be an effective treatment for osteoarthritis (OA). Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that occurs when cartilage breaks down and is lost, either due to injury or to normal wear and tear. It commonly occurs as people age. In some studies, glucosamine supplements have decreased the joint pain of OA. Not all studies are positive, however, and several recent ones have not found any positive effect from taking glucosamine. It’ s not clear why the studies have conflicting results, and experts disagree on whether glucosamine is helpful in treating OA.]
In the past, some researchers thought glucosamine may actually slow progression of the disease, unlike other current medical treatments for OA. Many people take either acetaminophen (Tylenol) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve), for OA pain. In addition, some of these drugs can cause stomach upset, cramps, constipation, diarrhea, and in some cases, stomach ulcers and infertility.
Dietary Sources:
There are no major food sources of glucosamine, so you must get it from supplements. Most supplements are made from chitin, the hard outer shells of shrimp, lobsters, and crabs. Other forms of glucosamine are available for people who are allergic to shellfish.
Available Forms:
Glucosamine is available in oral supplements as glucosamine sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride, and n-acetyl glucosamine. These products may come in tablet, capsule, and powder forms. It is often combined with chondroitin and sometimes manganese as well. Manganese is a trace element necessary for normal bone health. The total amount of manganese from foods and supplements should not exceed 11 mg per day, but several combination supplements for arthritis (containing glucosamine, chondroitin, and manganese) have more than that. Read labels carefully, and consider choosing a supplement without manganese.
Glucosamine hydrochloride has been reported to be better absorbed by the body.
Side Effects of Glusosamine:
While there are almost no side effects of glucosamine, here’s what you need to know:
- If you are allergic to shellfish you should consult your physician before using glucosamine products. Glucosamine is derived from shellfish.
- If you are pregnant or lactating you should consult your physician before beginning to take glucosamine.
- Glucosamine sulfate may increase the risk of developing insulin resistance and could decrease the metabolic actions of insulin. Although glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are biochemically classed as carbohydrates (sugars), the body is not able to break them down into glucose, so these compounds do not raise blood sugar by providing an additional source of glucose. However, many factors can affect insulin secretion and blood glucose levels in diabetic patients, and we recommend that individuals with diabetes check their blood glucose levels frequently when initiating glucosamine into their regimen.
- High dosages of glucosamine may cause gastric problems, nausea , diarrhea, indigestion, and heartburn. Glucosamine should be taken with meals to help avoid these problems.
Custom Fitting your bike Part 2
Good Morning guys, I did a blogpost on Crank Length for the enthusiast cyclist just yesterday, and today I am continuing on the part where Seat Tube and Seat Angle. I just want people to get the most from their ride, Actually once a bike fits better, it will make your weekend ride or long ride more enjoyable, unless you are climbing some mountain using disk wheelsets for front and back, but otherwise you will certainly benefit a better fitted bike, just like how you will feel when you wear a tailored coat and shoes. Now wouldn’t that be awesome.
The seat tube angle is the included angle between the seat tube and the top tube (assuming that the top tube is level, or the angle between the rear of the seat tube and the ground plane. Seat tube angles are most often in the range of 72 – 74 degrees on modern bicycles.
The seat tube angle effectively fixes the saddle in the horizontal plane relative to the bottom bracket and crank axis. This in turn fixes the fore and aft placement of the knee and influences the hip closure angle and maximum spin rate. While I believe this to be secondary to the effect on spin rate, the seat tube angle also has an influence on the riders’ center of gravity.
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2. Slight increases in seat tube angle can be used to compensate for excessive crank length to allow a faster rate of spin. The actual range of motion will still be the limiting factor as far as spin goes and in no case should the forward displacement of the saddle be greater than the difference between the ideal crank length and the actual length being used.
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Things to watch out for!
In an effort to produce smaller bikes with shorter top tubes, some manufacturers have increased the seat tube angle. While on paper, this does provide a shorter top tube, in reality, the saddle will need to be moved rearward to place the rider in the correct position, thus nullifying any top tube reduction.
I’ve gotten all this information from http://www.billbostoncycles.com They are the leader in custom fitting for bicycles. I do not get any endorsement or any incentives from them, just sharing what I would like to know to those who wants to know. Sharing is caring. Enjoy your Weekend ride.
How to calculate Crank Length
Most cyclist when buying their bicycle will just look for the frames and major parts like the grouppo, serious and competitive cyclist needs to know more than that, like frame size, frame fit, measurements of the frame, weight of the parts and many other details, But I bet this one eludes many cyclist out there, the CRANK Size, one of my colleague asked me, hey how do you determine the size of your crank, bet you didn’t know that crank arm comes in 170 *most common, 172, 175 and various length.
So you ask, why do I need to know the crank length ? I am just going to pedal my bike round the neighborhood, well as I said, to go into depth about knowing things in specific details is for the serious and competitive cycling persona. Knowing the crank length can improve on cadence speed and also minimize knee injury.
So all the mambo Jambo and still no way to calculate, well here is it. Calculating the crank length.
So you take a ruler and measure the length of L and divide by the inseams of your leg from your tight to your ball of your feet, there you , that’s how you calculate the crank length. JUST KIDDING please don’t follow that, just read the below and Garner more knowledge… if you love cycling like me !
What is Common
While cranks are available in lengths from 140 mm to 185 mm, most production bicycles are equipped with 165 or 170 mm cranks. While 165 – 170 mm cranks are appropriate for the average rider of 5′ 8″ to 5′ 10″ in height, they may not be the best choices for riders above or especially below this range.
A Starting Point
Given that the average adult male is 70 inches tall and has a femur length of 43.2 centimeters, a 170 millimeter crank is 39.5% of the femur length. I selected this as a starting point for calculations. 39% and 40% yield 168.5 mm and 172.8 mm crank lengths respectively, which would appear to be an acceptable range. 38% and 41% yield crank lengths of 164 mm and 177 mm respectively and these lengths may still be acceptable for some riders depending on their riding style and cadence.
Why proportion crank length to femur length?
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The leg and crank arm forms a lever system. In this system, the crank arm rotates and the femur rotates through a limited angular range. In affect, the knee is moving mostly up and down with a small for and aft displacement. The lower leg and foot form a linkage between the pedal axis and knee and has little bearing on the transmission of power. |
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In a standing position, the hip joint range of motion is 98 degrees or less. That is to say, that the femur can be raised just slightly above the horizontal position when the knee is lifted. In a normal riding position, the pelvis and lower back are rotated forward 20 – 30 degrees relative to the legs to compensate for the seat tube angle. The remaining range of motion precludes raising the femur to the horizontal position without experiencing binding at the hip joint that forces the pelvis to be lifted from the saddle. |
So why do we care about all this?
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Longer cranks provide more leverage, so you can push larger gears. These longer cranks cause a greater angular change at the hip joint and it is this angular change that limits the cadence that can be produced. In other words expect to spin lower RPM’s with longer cranks |
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If the crank length is excessive or outside of the acceptable range, the binding discussed above will take place and limit your riding efficiency. |
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Shorter cranks while providing less leverage, will allow you to spin higher RPM’s. This will in most cases reduce the stress on the knee joint. |
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Longer cranks will require that you use a shorter top tube length or a higher handlebar position while shorter cranks will allow longer top tube lengths to be used and a lower handlebar position. |
Lets put this in perspective!
The shortest commonly available cranks produced today are 165 mm. The 50th percentile female is 63.6 inches tall and has a femur length of about 38.9 cm. The 165 mm crank is about 42.5% of the 38.9 cm femur. This is like putting a 70 inch rider on 184 mm cranks. While this crank length might be preferred by some small percentage of riders in the 70 inch height range, it would undoubtedly be primarily for off road use.
Lets take a look at this another way. The 50 percentile male is 68.8 inches tall, and the 97.5 percentile female is 68.5 inches tall. The average femur length for both groups is 42.3 cm, and a median crank length (39.5%) of 167 mm. Given this data, I think it is fair to assume that based on averages, 165 mm cranks are appropriate for men of 68 inches (~49 percentile, and women of about the same height (~97 percentile) or about 27% of the adult (US) population. If we assume that a crank length of as high as 41% of the femur length will provide acceptable performance, those 165 mm cranks can be used by as many as 75% of the males and 25% of the females, or about 50% of the adult (US) population.
