Scott Scale 40 (2012) - Scott's top line Alloy Hardtail Mtb

The Scale 40 mountain bike needs no more introduction to those who are into the mountain biking long enough. Back in 2008 this model won 4 out of 5 stars from Bikeradar verdict. It's Scott's top of the line Alloy hardtail racing mountain bikes

This bike Scott Scale 40 2012 model just arrived recently at Chin Aik Bike Shop in Lebuh Carnavon Penang.

The bike frame is made of triple butted alloy which is lighter and stiffer than double butted alloy.

The gear components are almost similar to it's 2011 predecessor. A mix of Shimano XT and SLX components and Avid Elixir hydraulic disk brake.

This bike comes with Rock Shox Reba Push Lock Air Suspension fork which is similar to the 2011 model.

The price for this 2012 model is RM5,599. However, the bike Shop owner Mr Chin Aik informed me the 2012 model is cheaper than the 2011 model by about RM1,000 and it weighs approx 11 kilos.

In my opinion, the price is reasonable as the the frame and suspension itself will cost almost 50% of the price shown above if bought separately.

Shimano SLX 2013

This is the new Shimano SLX 2013 that was unveiled in March 2012 and would be appearing in May and June 2012.

The crank copies the design from last year's XT and it looks good too.
So for those who want to upgrade to SLX do hold on for a while as the latest model is hitting the bike shops soon. You can visit the link below to read more.

http://bikemagic.com/news/shimano-unveil-2013-slx-groupset.html
http://singletrackworld.com/2012/03/shimano-2013-new-slx/

Silverback Strela 1.0

I went to check out this road bike when my friend inform me about it. Cost about RM3,500. However, the good thing about it is it come with with full Shimano 105 group-set. I didn't get to see the real bike as it has been sold when I got to the shop.

The frame is made of alloy and the fork made of carbon. The weigh is also not bad 8.6 kg which is the same weight as a Giant Composite road bike. However the Giant cost more than RM5,000.

If you would like to make it lighter, you can change the Alexrims to a better rim. Then just upgrade the seat post, stem and handlebar to carbon. RM3,500 for a complete bike is worth it as a full Shimano 105 group-set alone will most probably cost more than half the price of the bike.

Ride for Sight 2012

Participants lingering around Straits Quay talking and checking out the booths setup by sponsors

One of the lucky draw prizes. A Giant hybrid bike. Another is a full suspension Giant mountain bike.

Riders standing by for the ride and waiting for CM Lim to arrive.

CM Lim arrives and after giving a short speech, rides with participants from St Nicolas to Padang Kota.

G Club Earth Hour Night ride 3/31/2012

Participated in the Earth Hour Ride organized by G Club Penang. Took a ferry at 6pm from Butterworth to Penang Island.

Stop by at Upper Penang Road for light dinner before riding all the way to Straits Quay.

Reached Strats Quay and there are a number of people had arrived for this fun ride.

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Started to ride. We rode behind the marshals so it is easier to move. They were going at a slow speed as this is only a fun ride and not a race.

Had to navigate heavy Saturday traffic heading toward Gurney Drive. It's faster riding a bike than driving on the road.

Regroup at BHP Anson Road as some of the riders went the wrong direction towards Padang Kota.

All riders regroup at Han Chiang before riding back to Straits Quay. But we decide to head towards the ferry as it's getting late.

Overall this ride was fun and we were hope to come again next year. 

Fulcrum Red Power SL - Budget wheelset

This wheelset is Red Power XL's smaller brother. It cost less than the XL and is also much heavier weighing at 1959 grams.
This Red Power SL cost about RM610 which is not very expensive and is suitable for beginners or those who don't want to spend too much on a wheelset or have limited budget.

So far, this wheelset is quite smooth and doesn't give any problems and I'm satisfied with it's performance.

The SL also uses the same 2:1 spokes ratio that is available on all Fulcrum's wheelsets. So if you are looking for a budget wheelsets that comprise of rims, hubs and spokes all assembled, this could be one of your choice available.

Fulcrum Red Power XL

While I was waiting for my bike to be fixed up at KT Cyclone, one guy came in and bought 4 sets of Red Power XL wheelsets. Out of curiosity, I approach him and inquire about these wheelsets.

He told me they are very good and tough. Since they frequently ride off-roads they would need a tough rim. 

He also explained that these wheelset comes with a modification kit that allows them to convert the front wheel to use 15mm quick release pin.

Another good point is these rims are not heavy and weighs about 1.7kg. Another good point is these wheelsets cost about RM800+ which is reasonable. I held it in my hands and found it is lighter than my Red Power SL. He told me he waited for about a month for these to arrive at KT Cyclone and it is worth the wait. Once, his friend's bike is done and the rim is fixed on, I took it for a ride and it feels real good. Easy to sprint and very stiff.

Specialized Epic FSR Comp 2012

I saw this awesome bike at Alor Setar bike shop. This bike shop is located inside Giant Alor Setar Mall which is a bit odd consider where it is located. My friend took me to this shop or else I won't even be able to find it.

This bike is the new Epic FSR Comp which according to the bike shop boss, weighs less than 11kg.

This is very light for a full suspension alloy bike. This weight even rivals some high-end alloy hardtail bikes.

This bike comes with SRAM X9 components and Avid Elixir 7SL hydraulic disk brakes.

Then comes the main component of this bike which is the BRAIN technology which is the rear suspension.

This technology is unique as it allows the rider to tune the suspension. So it won't damp when hitting minor bumps. By doing so, it locks the suspension and it will perform like a normal hardtail. It will only damp if it were to drop onto something hard enough to generate sufficient shock.

The price of this bike is not cheap. Almost cost RM10,000. But you are a avid mountain biker who goes off-road very often, then this bike will be suitable. This bike only comes with 2 piece crankset which is standard for high performance Cross-country racing instead of the 3 piece crank as the biggest chain ring is rarely used during off-road rides.

Custom made wheelset SARS hub with Mavic X223 rims

This wheelset is custom made by a friend of mine.  The hub are sealed bearing hubs and they are quite light. However the Mavic rims are towards the heavy end. Total weight of the wheelset is approx 1.8kg which is not bad.

The spinning of the rear hub sound is also quite sharp and we love the sound of it. The movement is very smooth due to the seal bearing.

 He paid slightly above RM500 for this wheelset which is quite reasonable for the weight.

In my opinion, if you are looking to custom made a wheelset or want to build one this hub could be considered. Just pay a bit more and get lighter Mavic rims.