Jon's Cycling Log

Sometimes I dont know why I bother...

2010-04-26T23:34:00.003+10:00

this time I'm moving to tumblr...it's more idiot-proof than wordpress! and I'm an idiot.New addy is: ecrubike.tumblr.comlast move evah........ maybe

Moved to Wordpress...

2010-04-22T22:06:00.001+10:00

So yeah - I've moved to wordpress! http://smallbrownbike.wordpress.com/

Mapping the Route

2009-07-28T19:32:00.005+10:00

I've started to map the route. I did this in a few stages, firstly looking at spots where family are, secondly looking at spots where awesome things are (UNESCO world heritage sites for example), and thirdly by looking at flickr and looking at other awesome looking places.Then I tried to see how whatroute could take me through all these awesome places without doubling the distance. Here is a

Exustar Stelvio Shoes Review

2009-07-08T11:51:00.003+10:00

First ImpressionsThe first thing that struck me about these shoes was the build quality. They are solid shoes, thick, rigid leather, quality stitching and a very inflexible and thick sole (I think it has a metal plate in it). This is all good (at least for riding). On the Bike: The rigid sole is great for riding. I tend to ride pretty hard, I get out of the saddle a lot and trash the pedals –

My Surly Long Haul Trucker - Nearly finished

2009-06-16T15:10:00.003+10:00

I put on the handlebar tape today, and it's looking mighty fine in my very biased opinion!

How To Remove Brake Levers

2009-06-15T14:50:00.004+10:00

As with the bar end shifters below, I found this a little fiddly and would have loved some photos before doing it! If you are going to do this, I recommend having an array of Allen keys (long and short) as the space in which you have to turn the bolt is small, and the bolt can be quite tight!Step 1: Un-clip the BrakesStep 2: Pull down Brake Lever, Insert Allen Key, Turn anti-clockwise to

How To: Remove Bar End Shifters

2009-06-15T14:35:00.004+10:00

So I wanted to change over the handlebars from the stock Surly LHT ones to the Nitto Noodle bars - having never done this before I went searching on the internet. I found the advice of Michael Gagnon on the Surly Google forum very helpful but really wanted some pictures to go with it.I didn't find any, but I have taken some pictures of my successful removal and replacing of the bar end shifters

Icebreaker Merino Clothing

2009-06-14T09:35:00.007+10:00

Anyone who has bothered to look at my list of camping gear might have noticed the huge amounts of 'Icebreaker 100% Merino' clothing that I plan to buy. I cannot recommend their gear enough.Icebreaker gear is great for a number of reasons.1) they look great*,2) you can wear them cycling/camping for multiple days without washing them** and they just smell like wool,3) the 150 weight is very

Worried about bicycle fit?

2009-06-11T18:29:00.002+10:00

When buying odd bikes like surly LHT's over the internet it is always a bit daunting thinking about what size to get.Here are two valuable resources:Bike fit calculator.A Table from the Google Surly group of the size of LHT users got and whether it fits! (what a great idea!)

My Current Surly Build

2009-06-10T20:30:00.002+10:00

My build can be seen here on google documents. I think I will also put up some costings when I can be bothered as Andrew has on his fantastic blog here.

I got the Surly

2009-06-10T20:03:00.002+10:00

Well after much over analysis, at one point even considering a Kona Sutra, I bought the LHT (54cm). I live in Brisbane and there is only one shop that actually stocks the LHT (Epic Cycles, great shop with nice people) and they didnt have my size. I ended up purchasing the bike from brunswick street cycles in Melbourne. They stocked it for $1999 and shipped it for free in 4 days! Needless to

Front Light

2009-06-10T19:50:00.004+10:00

I think I'm going to go a flashlight for my front light. Just read this review of the Lenser LED P7. It sounds like an awesome flashlight, though a tad expensive!It has 130 hours of battery life and 4.45 wats with 167 lumens! That's pretty insane. Going for ebay for about $100.00, when compared to a decent bike light that is very reasonable.UPDATE: Ebay is actually more expensive than bike

Touring Shoes

2009-06-09T15:21:00.001+10:00

Ideally I want shoes that I can wear on and off the bike. I have gone for Time ATAC cleats/pedals for this reason (they are small and low profile, no clipety clop!). At the moment I am thinking the Exustar Stelvio SPD commuter/touring shoe. They are leather, look like fairly normal (click the pic for a full view) and are walkable! If possible I don't want to have to bring a spare pair of

Sleeping Bag

2009-05-11T21:13:00.002+10:00

I think I've found the perfect sleeping bag! 640 grams!It fits the temperature range nicely and is rated to an extreme of -4 degrees...but I would be hoping not to be anywhere that cold.The Vango Venom 150:Specification:Suggested Usage: +7 to +25oCPerformance: 2 seasonMaximum User Height: 185 cmDimensions: Length 210/ Chest Width 75/ Foot Width 50 cmTotal Weight: 640g (Excl sac 575g)Fill Weight:

Custom Surly LHT vs Dawes Ultra Galaxy

2009-05-10T21:34:00.002+10:00

While money isn't the biggest issue on my mind when looking at potential touring bikes, it is certainly a major factor. Ideally I think i'd like a Surly LHT frame due to the quality, tyre distance and it's long, sturdy, work-horse frame that is built for hauling lots of gear. I'm not, however, willing to spend rediculous amounts just to get a Surly over another similar touring bike. Apart from

Velo-Orange

2009-05-04T20:57:00.000+10:00

Found this awesome bike shop in the US which sells a lot of classic touring stuff. Lots of leather and chrome - which I'm pretty into tbh.If I do decide to make my own bike, I think I'll be placing a pretty large order to these guys...

Headset

2009-05-04T20:55:00.000+10:00

I like this headset too, also from Velo-Orange, which is quite cheap at US$46.

Handlebars

2009-05-04T20:51:00.000+10:00

Well these handlebars are awesome!And they only cost US$55! Pity you can't get them in Australia... at least not via any shop that turns up results on a google search.

Pannier Bags

2009-05-04T16:32:00.001+10:00

Well it would seem that ortlieb are the best easily accessible pannier bags on the market. They cost a bit, but I'm yet to read a bad review of them. Furthermore, it is probably worth splurging a bit on pannier bags because they hold all your stuff and can basically make or break a trip...Having said that, these ostrich ones look very cool...

Dawes Galaxy

2009-04-29T20:09:00.002+10:00

Dawes GalaxyOriginally uploaded by angliatvThis also looks incredibly good.... now I'm confused again.

Surly LHT

2009-04-29T20:05:00.002+10:00

IMG_1827Originally uploaded by birkenspankThis is sex on two wheels... I am totally getting a LHT with brown leather Brooks bar tape and saddle... and maybe some stainless steel mudguards... would that be too much?

What bike?

2009-04-27T15:08:00.001+10:00