Toys for the Boys.
Like most other endeavours, there is always someone willing and able to separate you from your money. Cycling is no different from antique cars, boats, planes, home entertainment systems or gardens. They all have the potential to become bottomless pits.
As we improve, we look for ways to improve further - here are a couple of new additions.
The T -22 Bike
A couple of eager young men in Toronto have started making what are now called "artisanal bikes"! I have heard the word artisanal used in the context of food, e.g.. in bread making, but never in the context of cycling. Well you rad about it here first! The bikes sell for under $5,000.00 which is not much for a bike these days. Oh, and why are they calling their company Number 22? Think back to the periodic table for that one!
Here is a link to the story in the Globe and Mail, and if you want to see their bikes go to their web site. It's an interesting read.
A T-22 Bike
The Wahoo Fitness Kickr for those rainy days
Using the power of iPhone, Bluetooth wireless, and your favorite cycling app, Wahoo KICKR Bike Power Trainer transforms your indoor cycling experience. Simply remove your bike's back wheel and connect it to Wahoo KICKR for accurate power measurement, iPhone-controlled resistance, open third-party software options, and the smoothest indoor riding you can imagine.
Connect via Bluetooth wireless to your iPhone, or iPad and totally change your stationary training. Now you can use your favorite app to set your resistance or power threshold.
The super flywheel is engineered to give you an ultra-realistic road feel.Direct power measurement happens at the hub for consistent and calibrated data throughout every grueling mile.
Flexible design provides a good fit for most bikes—and foldable legs make it easy to take anywhere.
It's available at the Apple Store. If you have to ask the price, you know you can't afford it. but perhaps you can afford one of the Wahoo apps.
Speaking of apps, here is a neat app to use with your Garmin for estimating how long it will take you to get to your destination
What is Estimated Time?
Estimated Time is a prediction of how long it would take you to ride a given route. This number is based on your recent riding history, and represents an estimate of moving time. Each time you upload a new ride, your Estimated Time profile will adjust to reflect your most recent riding. Only rides exceeding 10 miles (16 km) will affect these estimates.
Is it smart? What about rides with steep hills?
Yes, we designed it to be much better than a simple average speed. The calculation looks at how you perform on different terrain, and applies that model across each portion of the route you're looking at or planning. Currently the estimate is based off all your recent rides – soon it will distinguish between what type of riding you're doing (mountain biking vs. road, etc).
Here are just a few other ideas for cyclists! You can always ask Santa for one of these, because of course you have been good all year long.
