Climbing the Wall

Climbing the wall in single speed is more fun even with rests and pushes.

My Foldie

Meet the newest member of my SS Rigid Family - my Bunso:

A Dahon Single Speed Folding Bike - Speed Uno, with a gearing of 48 x 16.  The published weight is 24 lbs.; but, according to my bathroom scale, it's 20 lbs. only.

I'm a front braker.  As a matter of fact, my two bikes are devoid of rear brakes.  But, ironically, Bunso has coaster brake only.  Later, I'm going to install a front brake just like her older sister, Dahon MU Uno.  Meantime, I'm still learning of how to use the coaster brake.

Welcome to the family, Bunso!

Chain still skips

This morning, I pedaled from home to Licao-licao via Tungko thence to San Mateo.  And, I used my 29er.

The ride was less enjoyable as the chain skipped on almost all climbs, especially after the drive train got dirty.  So, in every instance, I got off and walked.

I passed by two bike shops and had my drive train checked up.  The shop mechanics thought that it was the chain ring.  Some teeth are worn already.  Since the cog and the chain are new and the alignment is good, it's the logical culprit.

Now, I have to look for a replacement chain ring.

Breaking in my rigid SS 29er

It's time to break in my rigid SS 29er.

Saturday, I pedaled all the way from Novaliches to San Mateo, Rizal.  The uphill climb to Timberland Heights was again grueling.  I made it to the gate in 3 stops only.  The bumpy ride along the Maarat basic trail was enjoyable.  But, on my way to Giant, I was hearing noises from the crank.

I decided to pedal back and have it checked.  The culprit was the worn chain; and, it was replaced by a new one. 

Sunday, my route was Novaliches - Tungko - Macabud - San Mateo - Novaliches.  The ride was okay except on steeper climbs - the chain was skipping and I had to push my bike up.

 I will have my bike checked again.

Not just rigid but single speed as well

TweetyPot, my Marin Alpine Trail 29er, was ready to become rigid.

I also toyed the idea of making her a single speed too. And, why not?  So, I shopped around for the parts and found them in 2 bike stores - at Sabak Makati, the spacer and 17t cog; and, at Ross Cartimar, the singleator.

This afternoon, I brought her to Sumo Toys & Bikes in Cartimar for her transformation.

After which, we climbed the Wall to Timberland Heights gate for her initial break-in.  I was excited to ride her.

It's after 5 PM when I started the climb; and, the weather was fine.  Pedaling SS 29er is a little bit harder than my SS 26er.  I was able to complete the climb with 5 stops.  Grueling but enjoyable.

SS attack to Pangarap - Macabud - San Mateo

I ride this route often.  It has many climbs; and, they are steeper.  Nonetheless, I can complete the ride without stops.  But, that's on a geared bike.

Today, I tested my SS powers.  Did I survive?

I did!  I completed the ride with 5 stops.  Then, I had no choice but to walk and push my bike up the hills.

Push no. 1 - at the climb from Pangarap:

 Push no. 2

Push no. 3 - after the mini dam

 Push no. 4

Push no. 5 - the paved climb after this store

Push no. 6 - the last climb near the La Mesa fence

Despite the pushes, I enjoyed this ride very much.

SS Attack to Timberland, Maarat, Pestano

I woke up early today.  I pinched my legs; and, the pains were gone.  Great!

After peeping the Internet while sipping a cup of coffee, I prepared to bike.  My planned route: pedal all the way from Novaliches to Timberland to Maarat to Giant & v.v.

I again rode my SS bike.  The last time I climbed Timberland, I did it in 5 stops.  Now, it's 3 only.  More training!

Thence, I proceeded to Maarat basic trail and Giant.  However, instead of going to Giant, I turned right to Pestano Breakfast Club.  It's now serving buffet breakfast.  But, I still preferred the ala carte and ordered Trailblazers Skillet and a cup of coffee.

It's another day of great ride!

Aching muscles

When I woke up this morning, I felt my leg muscles are aching.  This is the result of my 66-kilometer ride yesterday on single speed (SS).

I used to take the route, Novaliches - Tungko - Macabud - San Mateo - Novaliches, on my 29er geared bike.  And, this is the first time I used my SS 26er bike in this route.  Besides, this is my longest ride since almost two months.

With SS, one relies solely on the leg power, coupled by some techniques, to manage uphills.  I'm still newbie on SS and still training and practicing.  And, I think I overworked by legs.  Unlike in a geared bike, the gears are downshifted to a ratio needed by a biker to climb uphills - the bike helps the biker.

I'm hoping the pains would subside by Saturday.

Third SS attack to Timberland; and, beyond . . .

On my third SS attack to Timberland this morning, I did it in five stops only or less than a stop from my previous 2 attacks.

While cooling off at the Timberland gate, I thought of going farther up to the Clubhouse. Why not, coconut?  I reached the Clubhouse, all right, with one stop only.

While resting at the trailhead, I heard beckons coming from the trail.  After some thoughts, I heeded.  I just traversed the basic trail up to the Araneta gate.

Hearing no more beckons, I pedaled back.

It's the first time I tried my SS on trail; and, I enjoyed the ride.  And, it's more enjoyable with the rigid fork.  I'd also toyed the idea of trying the green or blue zones but dismissed it. I'd just do it next time with a group.

Sadly, I noticed that a segment of the road from the trailhead has been leveled and most probably would be paved sooner or later.  So, let's enjoy the trails while they are still there.

Ride safe always!

Second SS Attack to Timberland

My first SS attack to Timberland last Saturday was with six stops / rests.

This morning, I attacked it again.   But, I've not improved yet.  As in the first, I did it in six stops / rests.  Most stops were made along the hardest segment.  Whew!  My knees were buckling.

I will just try and try again until I succeed!

Black Saturday SS Ride - Timberland

Black Saturday commemorates the day that our Lord Jesus Christ's body laid in the tomb.

I'd tested my SS powers yesterday from Morong, Bataan to Subic Ocean Adventure & v.v.  And, I'd test it today by climbing to Timberland.

From Aling Tina's Eatery, I attacked Timberland and was able to climb it, all right, but in six stops.  First stop was a mandatory stop before the infamous "siko".  The second at the "siko"; the third to fifth before the next curve; and, the last after Amiya Raya.  I also pedaled standing up; but, my powers were not enough to conquer Timberland on SS non-stop.

The last stop

Suman (rice cake) and Yakult at Marc's View Deck

I'll just attempt again next time with less stops.

A dozen laps at Neopolitan

This afternoon, I made a dozen laps with my SS bike at Neopolitan Business Center.  It's my Holy Wednesday ride and dedicated it to the twelve (12) Apostles.

It's not only single speed but single brake (front)

My original plan was a little harder ride - to SS bike all the way to Licao-licao via Igay Road and vice versa.  But, the weather was too hot and decided against it.  I'd just do it next time.

Have a blessed Holy Week!

My Single Speed Mountain Bike

This is my Single Speed (SS) bike:

Orignally, it's a geared mountain bike (2009 KHS Alite 150) when I acquired it more than three years ago.

Later, I converted it into a 1 x 8 set-up; i.e., the largest and smallest plates of the crank were removed leaving  the middle only, which has 32 teeth.  Consequently, I removed the front derailleur lever and cable.  The front derailleur was maintained as a chain guide. Some weights were shaved off.  Then, later again, I replaced my suspension fork with a second hand Mosso rigid.  Great, the bike got much lighter.

Inspired and challenged by other SS bikers,  I contemplated on proceeding to turn my bike into an SS.  Then, one day, I just found myself canvassing for the conversion kit.  And, another day, I was buying the parts.

And, when I blinked my eyes, lo and behold, my bike transformed into an SS.

Here are the parts I needed and the costs:

• Spacer - P1,100
• 17t cog - P1,000
• Singleator (or tensioner) - P2,500 but got it at 50% off or P1,250 only
• Chain - P0.00 - I used the existing.
• Labor - P100
• Total - P3,450

So far, I'm enjoying riding my SS but need more training and practice.

I'm frustrated with my single-speed project

I was all set and excited for the conversion of my Marin Alpine Trail 29er into a single-speed. I have the budget; and, I already practiced and trained for the single-speed ride.

I went to the bike shop this morning to have the conversion done. But, the mechanic told me that the front crank of my 29er bike could not be dismantled because the plates are riveted and not screwed.

So, I asked him what my options are:

1. Go on with conversion but my front crank would still have three plates although the biggest and the smallest plates are useless. But, this is not good to look at. And, it would defeat my purpose of shaving off some weight from my bike.
2. Get a new crank. The available crank at the shop is very expensive.
   

My other option is to buy another 29er with single speed. But, I need to save first for this option.

Meantime, I'm postponing my single-speed project and think all over again.

Thursday night ride

On my way home from office last night, I passed by San Mateo, Rizal for a night ride. My other purpose was to simulate an SS (single speed) ride. I fixed my front ring in a mid-ring and the rear at number 5 gear with 17 teeth.

I started the ride along Kambal Road Extension from Aling Tina's up to the crossroad to Shotgun and Timberland. Then, I pedaled up towards Timberland up to Tulizan's place, back, then up again up to after Tulizan's, back, up again before the Columbary, back, then up to Columbary and back again.

I also pedaled back and forth the approach/entrance to Shotgun about 6 times.

And, that's all for the night for a SSimulated SS ride.

Before going home, I refreshed myself with 2 bottles of beer and a plate of sisig, while listening to the band at the nearby bar.