Reducing the three evils – draft, gravity and friction

Cheating speed evils: technological advances such as aerodynamic helmets and ceramic bearings are helping overcome drag, gravity and friction. Photo: Eddie Barkla

The sporting world of swimming has just witnessed one of the greatest technological developments in swim suits that saw world records tumble at a rate like never before. When we stop and think it is the same body in the swim suit that powered through the water,  I guess this begs the question: “could the next big advancement in the increased speed in cycling come from the development of clothing that influences the affects of the aerodynamic drag?”

Cyclists spend most of their energy overcoming three major immutable factors: air resistance, gravity, and friction.

Fixed wheelers: culture, sport or training tool?

Fixed wheel: for the purists, this is the only bicycle worthy of riding. Photo: Hugh Martin

Like the TV show Funniest Home Videos this comes with a warning: “Don’t all try this on the road until practised in a safe environment!”.

Is it possible to reinvent the wheel? Some may well think they have.  It is a bit like fashion, keep it in the wardrobe long enough it will become fashionable again, or the old adage there is nothing new under the sun we have seen it all before. We have seen them on the velodrome all going the same way at reasonably the same high speed, but now the fences of the track and velodrome no longer are the boundaries that can contain them.

Short-term parking solutions

Hoops provide convenient short-term bike parking.

One of the most common prayers offered in Bendigo would be “God bless me with a parking spot!” Parking in any city is at a premium for all, shop owners, employees and customers not to mention delivery drivers.

Well this is no different for the commuting cyclist the same question arises where do I park my bike for the day for it to be secure from being stolen and or damaged not too far off from my place of employment.

Transporting your bike by car

Choices: there are a range of bike rack options available. Photo: Eddie Barkla

Bike carriers which ones work best and suit your needs what can be the advantages and potential risks and disadvantages? Basically there are three types of racks on the commercial market:

• Roof racks
• Rear of car – tow bar mounted
• Rear of car – hanging from car body.

It is worth noting that any rack that is attached to the rear of the vehicle is required by law to have a bike carrier registration plate with a number plate light.

There is no right or wrong answer and all bike carriers require careful attention in the manner in which the bike is attached to ensure that neither damage to the bike frame and paint work to the vehicle or bike occurs.

Light up and be seen

Be seen: decent lights don't need to cost a lot of money. Photo courtesty Bicyle Victoria

Daylight savings is now weeks behind us and the morning light is fading and the evening light even faster for cyclists that either commute or train whether it be for recreational or racing purposes. Being seen is not only important for your personal safety but for the peace of mind of other shared road users.

National traffic regulations require a flashing or steady white light (front) and red light (rear) that is clearly visible for at least 200m from the bicycle. A red reflector is also required on the rear of the bike.

Bicycle Victoria recently released the Bicycle Network tests revealing the most effective bike lights on the market that require disposable batteries.

More to wheels than meets the eye

Tension: An eye for detail and even tension defines good wheelsets. Photo: Mello Bouwmeester

The bicycle has come a long way since 1885 when the first conventional chain driven bike evolved. While the basic two triangles and two wheels of a bike are still recognisable, componentry and technology have taken the commuting tool into the world of elite professional cycling.

Athletes aside, one basic thing still remains the key determinant of performance – the wheel. But with a myriad of options and the industry advancing daily, what should you consider when purchasing an elite wheelset?

Mixing the joys of cycling and parenting

The boys return from a ride ready for a rest. Photo Caitlin Fraser

Tony and Caitlin share their experience with a bike trailer for Samuel.

Having children brings untold joy into your life, with an exponential increase of the amount of stuff that can invade your house. Assessing what is really required it is easy to write off a bike trailer as unnecessary, expensive and space-hogging. But here are five reasons why they are worth it:

Trailer touring

Mark and Helen test out BOB trailers

Helen Cronin and Mark Slater share their journeys with trailers.

When Ed and Gaye Bourke rolled through Bendigo in 2006, they’d pedalled nearly 12,000 km from London towing all their gear in trailers. We decided we had to try them.

There are two types of bicycle trailer: single-wheel and two-wheel.

Two-wheel versions like the Smart Trolley and Eco Trailer are designed for shopping and short city trips. They even let you unhook the trailer and walk around with it. They have a single coupling on either the left chain stay or the seat post.

But for extended tours over varied and sometimes rough terrain, a single-wheel trailer is the only choice because they’re much more stable. Unless you’re just trundling along and taking corners gently, you risk tipping a two-wheel trailer. With a single-wheel trailer, you’re carrying the weight at the height of your bike’s wheel axle and it tracks right along behind the bike.

High flying BMX

Dean Benalla gets airborne with his BMX (Photo Connectons BMX)

Do not conform your children to your own learning for they were born for another time -Hebrew Proverb
We see them on the street standing tall over small bike frames the whole time as rarely do they sit on the seat. The bikes are quite often absent of brakes as the riders create their own free style braking method of the shoe over the frame onto the back wheel.

These young riders are athletic and extremely agile and have an extreme sense of fun. They defy all cycling thinking of set up of seat height frame size and gearing yet in their own way it all fits the style of riding chosen but to the untrained eye it is just another BMX.

Clipless pedals add power and efficiency

All clipless pedals help you pedal more efficiently

Clipless pedals add power and efficiencies in moving the bicycle forward up hill and down dale. It is interesting to note that, road, track, mountain bike and recumberant riders use a clipless pedal system albeit they are not necessarily the same.  BMX riders use a larger platform pedal with no locking system to the pedals. The large majority of commuters and weekend family rider’s use an open platform pedals these being cost effective allowing flexibility of foot wear choice.