Friday 24 August 2012

Dahon Bike: Tighten those nuts

I'm not sure if this was written before. I've been searching on Dahon site and forums on what are the screws/nuts that should be tighten on a regular basis on a Dahon folding bike but I can't find one.

Hope this will help.

Unfold your bike. From the floor grab it in the middle fold then slightly lift it up and down. If you feel there's some movement in the middle then you should tighten the hinge screw. Fold the bike, there's a Phillips screw that will allow you to stiffen the locking hinge. Try to find the right amount of tightness. Making it too tight will not allow you to close the lever. Unfold it and check if there's still movement in the middle.

I hope Dahon used an allen head instead of Phillips. I feel that it's easy to mess the Phillips head since the bolt is a bit hard to turn. If you have a small spanner, i think it is better to tighten it on the other side.
Always spray WD-40, wipe it, then lubricate these hinges, bolts/nuts as they can easily corrode.

Thursday 23 August 2012

Filipino Cyclist in Singapore

It's almost a month since my last entry. I've been busy trying to look for a new job. A huge change/decision was made by our employer and lots of people were considered redundant.

Anyway, as they always say - "change is always good". I'll definitely miss working with my former teammates especially my boss which is one of the most considerate team leads that I've ever worked with.

Moving on. A friend of mine recommended this cycling group on Facebook: Filipino Cyclist in Singapore. I joined the Dunearn - Mandail loop group ride; meeting point at Novena Velocity. Great, as I'm just 8 minutes cycling away from the meeting place.

The ride was epic!  There were road bikes, MTB and 3 folding bikes (including mine). When we arrived at Mandai road a guy on a road bike suggested that we change the plan; instead of taking Bukit Timah - Dunearn, it will be better to take a longer ride since a lof of construction is happening at Bikut Timah. The organizer (Mr. A. D.) asked us newbies if we're okay with it and we said --- YES!

I always wanted to see if I can push my body on a longer ride. There was a time I was pedaling really slow and Mr. A. D. advised to lower my gear so I won't easily get tired. He also recommended to focus in increasing my cadence by 80 - 90/minute. It really helped. My legs felt better.

The best part is that the road bike guys asked if we want to climb up Mt. Faber. Oh man, I was so excited. The only incline I had is at Chancery lane, ha-ha! I completed the climb using my lowest gear. Sick man! I love it! I love the burning sensation in my legs!

Lesson learned: Go join a group ride. You can learn a lot from other people by asking, advise and observing. Also, I find it safer since vehicles can easily see a long line of cyclist.

I like this group of riders, they strike me as serious riders in a way that they don't chat too much and take pictures. They just wanted to keep riding. The same rule that my jiu-jitsu coach always tell us, avoid talking much and just keep grappling.

Thanks to Mr. A. D.. The guy in blue jersey and bike that talked to me when I was pedaling very slow. Thanks to everyone that joined the epic 67 km ride :)
Mandai
Mt. Faber
67 km




Sunday 5 August 2012

ElectroLux Man

I'm gonna knock on your door. Ring on your bell. Knock on your window too.

My bike main purpose: grocery / market, going to my friend's bar and to relieve stress.





Friday 3 August 2012

Hipster Handlebar (narrow)

Bike made of 9$ cardboard boxes

When engineers told Izhar Gafni it was impossible to build a bicycle from only cardboard, he didn’t stop trying — he just stepped up his game. He ended up with a fully functioning, fully ride-able bike made from cardboard scraps.