Mavic Aksium Race Wheelset

A friend of mine bought this Mavic Aksium wheelset to replace his stock wheelset for his bike. Took a test ride and did feel the difference compare to his old stock wheelset.

After riding about 1/2 hour this wheelset feels nice but not as still as my Campagnolo Khamsin. However, the good side is it is feel smoother and the bladed spokes makes it better looking and have the image of a high end wheelset.

This is a good wheelset to consider if and the price is very reasonable.
To buy from Amazon, click on the link below

Campagnolo Khamsin Asymmetric CX Clincher

Campagnolo Khamsin Asymmetric CX Clincher Black Wheelset

This is a newer version of the Khamsin wheelset by Campagnolo. I've been using the older model and this is a tough wheelset. I even hop over pot holes on the road and like riding a mountain bike and the rim didn't go out of shape nor did I suffer a puncture.

This model is a newer model and is also about 200 grams lighter than the one I'm using. I rode this on my friend's bike and I feel it is much smoother than mine. The weight is only slight above 1,700 grams and this puts it very near Fulcrum Quattro. The pickup is also much faster than mine as mine weights almost close to 2,000 grams.

Furthermore, I also like the sound the rear hub emits when it is spinning. Although some riders will find it irritating but not me. So far my friend has been using it for about 4 months without any issues.

In conclusion, this is budget wheelset is a bang for the buck and can serve as a good training wheels.
But if you have extra money to spend, go for higher range wheelsets once and for all, for example Campagnolo Zonda, Fulcrum Racing 3, Campagnolo Eurus etc. However, if you are on a budget, Khamsin is good enough to last until you save enough funds for an upgrade.

Shimano SH-R078 Road bike shoes

I've purchased this Shimano road bike to shoe to complement with my SPD pedals. I was recommended this shoe by my local bike shop as I'm new to the world of wearing SPD shoes. The model is Shimano Dynablast SH-R078. There are 2 colors available which is black and white. I choose black as it is easier to maintain and dirt marks are not so visible as compared to white.

These shoes weighs less than half a kilo and is very light. This shoe is categorized as an all rounder shoes for beginners according to Shimano website. In my opinion, this shoe is also great and comfortable. After cycling for 3 hours non-stop, I don't feel any numbness to my feet and there's no strong smell after the ride. This means that the ventilation is also quite good for a hot and humid weather.

Next, the price is also quite reasonable and not very expensive for a beginner shoe. Another thing is this shoe is balanced between pure competition and pure comfort. According to the chart below from Shimano website. The SH-R078 falls in the mid level, and it is not too stiff which makes it suitable for weekend riders like me. On the other hand I wouldn't want it to be soft as it will lose pedaling power.

 
After riding for about 2 months with a total distance of about 150km , I would say I'm satisfied with this shoe and would recommend it. Furthermore the price is quite reasonable and is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars in Amazon website by total 86 users. To purchase from Amazon click here.

My First experience using clipless pedals

During my years of cycling, I had never though of using clipless or SPD pedals. I've seen my friends fall because they are not able to un-clip from the pedals when there's emergency during off road events. Some of them decided to change back to platform pedals after falling down several times and sold of their mountain bike SPD pedals and shoes.

During my mountain bike time, I like Wellgo pedals as they have small studs on the platform which help in holding your shoe on to the pedal while riding and prevents slipping. Furthermore they have wide surface and this gives and efficient energy transfer while riding.

These pedals are also tough and durable. I've hit the left pedal very hard on a rock while pedaling during XC event. When I heard the loud sound, first thing that came to my mind was, "Oh shit, I might have broke my pedal". However, to my surprise, it is still there in 1 piece and not a single pin is broken. Since it is still in 1 piece, I decide to continue riding. During rest time, then I notice there is a deep scratch mark left by the rock. But since the pedal can still be used, I decide not to change until it really broke.

After the ride, my pedal lasted me for another 4 years. The bearing give way after constant abuse through water and mud. I changed to similar one as I'm satisfied with it's performance. Another plus point is these pedal is cheap (Less than $40.00) and light weight. Finally, these pedals fit into any types of shoes being it flat or sandals.

Then it came a time where I decide to try riding road bike. As I've never rode one before, I decide to give it a try. The road bike came with stock pedals. As I've never thought about changing them, I decide to ride using the stock pedals. After few months riding, my friend brought up the idea of changing to SPD pedals for road bike.

I was really skeptical about it, but since most of the time spent is on road, I decide to give it a try. Thus I went to a few bicycle shops and did my survey. Most bicycle shops introduced me their best road bike clipless pedals which are superlight, stiff, and made of carbon. Some of the high end models they recommend are as follows:

1. Shimano Dura-ace

2. Look Keo

3. Exustar E-PR200CK

As I only ride on weekends, I decide to choose a cheaper clipless pedal as I won't feel significant differences. They are fantastic and there's no doubt about it. But it will be a waste if it is not fully utilized.

Therefore I decide to go for cheaper alloy pedals. Therefore I asked the shop to recommend me some cheaper ones. Out of the 6 shops I visited, only 1 carry these in their inventory.

Exustar E-PR201

Exustar E-PR101P

I purchase E-PR101P as I like the looks of the pedal better. I ended up paying slightly a bit more as this item in Amazon is not available to be shipped to Malaysia. Used it for about 4 months and rode a total of 500 km without any issues. Since this pedal cost only $29.00 in Amazon. I do recommend it if you are looking for a cheap road bike clipless pedal. Another thing is you won't feel hurt if you happen to scratch it on your first ride. To buy from Amazon website you can click on the advertisement below or visit my pedal store here

Pearl Izumi Men's Quest Short - Reasonably priced and value for money

When I first thought of buying a cycling pants 4 years ago, I didn't want to get one that is very expensive nor too cheap. For me being comfortable when riding is important. Therefore, my friend who had purchased this short intro these to me. The price is reasonable and I find that the cloth material is very good. In my opinion this shorts is a "bang in the buck".

The other positive thing that I notice is that the padding in Pearl Izumi Quest shorts are slightly thicker than other brands that are available. Therefore without hesitation I decide to buy 1 and try since it is my first cycling shorts. Test ride it for about 25 mile distance and didn't come home with a sore butt. Therefore I will recommend it to anybody who wants to buy these shorts.  

Next these shorts are meant to be washed and hung dry, please do not put these in a dryer - that will cause the fabric to shred pretty quickly. Also remember to wash after every use, even if it's only a short ride (25 to 35 minute). The lycra material sticks to the skin and you may want to be sure you are wearing clean shorts in order to avoid any type of bacterial or fungal infection as you will be wearing it without any underwear.

The only bad thing I can think of is there's only one color that is black. This pants is also available online in Amazon and is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by total of 897 users who purchased and used it.
In summary, there are more satisfied users than non satisfied ones. For me, as I'm satisfied and the padding does what it intends to to, I will recommend it as it is reasonably priced and decent padding.
To purchase it online from Amazon click here 

Hill Climb Girl (official english sub). Animator Expo. Studio Khara.

Short Anime about cycling




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Controltech One Seat Post - Affordable, strong and rigid

I was looking for a light and strong seat post for my road bike. Then i saw my friend just upgraded to Controltech One. So I asked him to let me hold this seat post to compare against mine. I found that I can feel the weight difference between my current seat post and mine. Initially my thoughts were it should be quite expensive. However, I found out this seat post is quite affordable.

I decide to buy one and fix on my road bike, thus saving at least 100 grams. This seat post is also easy to adjust and the quality of the material is good. Furthermore, this seat post also has clear marking which makes height adjustment easy. I would recommend this seat post and it also has 4.8 out of 5 star rating in Amazon.

This seat post is available in 27.2, 30.9 & 31.6 diameter and 350mm and 400mm length. You can find it in local bike shops or you can purchase online here.

Suntour Epicon 27.5 2014/2015 XC Fork - Good Entry level Air Fork

This suspension fork is one of Suntour's most common suspension fork. The weight of this fork is also light, which is approximately 1.74 kg. If you are looking for a budget, light, air suspension fork, then this could be worth considering.

This fork is smooth if you ride rolling along or pressing straight down. I took my friend's Giant XTC bike that comes with this suspension fork and it quite comfortable when riding off road. The one we tested is RLC model instead of the Turn Key. As this is an XC fork, it comes with 80, 100, 120 mm travel. It also has magnesium coating which makes the travel very smooth.

For beginner, this suspension works almost at par with the high end models but at a fraction of the price. As a weekend rider who participates occasionally in XC mtb events, I find this fork serves it's purpose and I will recommend it to anybody who wishes to upgrade from coil fork to air fork.

Pros:

1. Lightweight fork and doesn't cost a lot. Ideal for those on a budget
2. Magnesium coating makes travel smooth while riding.
3. Easily available at most local bike shops and can be purchased online at Amazon.com
4. For a newbie or amateur cyclist, this fork is as good as high end model suspension forks.
5. Quite durable for this price vs performance for amateur cyclist.

Cons:

1. Once spoil, the whole fork needs to be replaced. Most bike shops don't carry replacement parts for this fork.

>>>>To purchase online from Amazon click here

RockShox Recon Gold TK 26" Suspension Forks

This RockShox Recon Gold Turn Key (TK) 26" is a mid level air suspension for by Rock Shox. This suspension fork is usually fitted to mid priced mountain bike. This Suspension fork features a stiff aluminium crown. This fork features an easy adjustable air suspension and TurnKey damping featuring patented blowoff design. I rode my friend's bike that has this fork on the trail and found it to be good. 

Pros:

1. This fork is lightweight. Based on the fact sheet, in Rock shox official website, it is approx 1.77kg. 
2. Parts are easy to find and easy any bike shop is able to service the suspension fork.
3. Rigid Fork and the dampening works.

Cons:

1. When descending on long rocky road the Motion Control valving only really gets overwhelmed

In conclusion, I would recommend this suspension fork as it is not very expensive, and it performs well. A well known website Bikeradar rates the RockShox Recon Gold 3.5 out of 5 stars. The review can be found here.

CREE XML U2 LED Cycling Bicycle Bike Light Lamp HeadLight Headlamp

I was introduced this bicycle light from a friend. We plan to ride at night up hill trail where it is very dark. He informed me that this light is very good and bright. Since I needed a new light, I said ok...please get one for me as well. He did bought me 1 and we took it for a ride. I was amazed how bright this light was although the size is small.


>>>Get more information and buy now from Amazon.com<<<

Very Bright Light
First thing that stands out for light is the brightness of the light it emits. The light adjustable to be low, medium or high and also blinking. If I'm riding on the road with traffic, I use blinking mode as car drivers will notice you better with blinking light. It catches their attention. It is important for car drivers to be able to see you coming on the road at night to avoid accident

Battery life about 3 hours
3 hours of battery life is quite long considering most night time rides which i take don't really last that long. The battery will last longer if the light is on low or blinking mode. Even though it is on low, the brightness is still there.

Products specifications
Specifications:
Function: Super bright CREE XM-L U2 LED bicycle light.
. LED:
- LED Type: CREE XM-L U2 LED.
- Quantity: 2 pcs.
- LED Life: 50,000 hours.
- Feature: More condensed light, long exposure distance.
4 Switch Modes: Weak, Middle, Strong, Strobe.

Reviews and Score

I found that there are 229 people who bought this light and 186 of them give this light a 4 - 5 star rating. That rounds out to 81% of the buyers giving positive reviews.

However, there are some who give not so good reviews about the product due to quality issues.
As most of them are positive and I had a positive experience with it. I wouldn't mind recommending it. The cons, that it has an external battery pack which need to be mounted to the bike frame.

>>>Get more information and buy now from Amazon.com<<<

To summarize, this Cree XML LED light is value for money for it emits a light enough even to illuminate trails while riding at night. This light is also highly rated and most of the buyers are satisfied with their purchase.