September 30, 2003

  • Bike terminology:


    Aerobars -  The Profile Design Aerolites that I am using.  When one is on aerobars, one is in a thinner and lower position, thus more aerodynamic.  Reducing the drag and air resistence allows one to either travel faster or at the same speed with less effort.  Aerobars are not allowed in pack rides like normal cycling competitions, except in Time Trials.


    Time Trial - One man against himself.  No drafting allowed.


    Drafting - When riding behind another cyclist, the wind is "broken" and one actually uses a lot less energy than when he is riding at the same speed, alone.  Drafting is prohibited in most triathlons.  Port Dickson and KL Titiwangsa are two exceptions, where drafting is allowed, thus strategies are involved in riding, and you can't just use the best equipment and best legs to ride as fast as you can.  Because a peloton will always be faster than a soloist.


    Peloton - A pack of cyclists.  Cyclists like to travel in packs because of drafting effect


    HR - Heart Rate, measured in bpms, using a Heart Rate Monitor


    bpm - Beats Per Minute


    HRM - Heart Rate Monitor The S710i that I am using


    Disc Wheels - Speed Weaponry Nope, I don't have one of these, but they are the fastest things to get you moving on a bike.  Because they are far far more aerodynamic than normal wheels.  heavier but more aero.  And they cost a bomb.  The above pair will cost in excess of S$2000 (with discount).


    Rubberband Effect - The stretching of the peloton especially when there is acceleration in the front while there is deceleration in the back.


    Max HR - Maximum Heart Rate.  Normally calculated as 220 - (age) for males and 226 - (age) for females.  That calculation however is just for starters.  It's as good as saying everybody's height is 170m.  However I do use this for calculation because my Max HR is almost at, or just higher than that.  I once thought I could hit only 176, but then I broke 182, and then I broke 186 and then I hit 191 once.  Last Sun, I just changed my max to 193.


    A Max HR is important to know your other HR.  You will hear things like 65% Max HR, 70% Max HR, 85% Max HR... and of course race day's 92% Max HR.  Basically the percentage is calculated from your Max HR.


    Colnago, Pinarello, Fondriest - Italian bike brands.  Carried by Cycleworx.  That's the bike shop owned by Kenneth Tan.


    Kenneth Tan - undisputed best cyclist in Singapore.  Ever.


    Trek - Brand hated by Cycleworx, because it's USA and riden by Lance Armstrong, American.  Winner of Tour de France for the past 5 years.


    Lance Armstrong - My hero.  Why else am I riding a bike (or a Trek bike, for that matter)


    USPS - United States Postals Services Pro Cycling Team.  Lance Armstrong's team.  I own 4 USPS jerseys and shorts.  In fact, that's probably all you'll see me wearing when riding.  You won't see any of these stuff in Cycleworx.


    Madone 5.9 - My dream bike.  I don't own one.  What I do own is a Trek 5200 2002 edition.  It's blue and it matches my jersey.


    That ought to get you started on reading my blog ;)

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