2008
and still...Under my helmetlast year at the Trek marathon in Margam, i triailed a summer under helmet cooler. The Body teq hat is soaked in water then worn for upto 6 hours under your helemt to cool your head. This is particularly useful for me as i have long hair. It stops sweat running down my face into my eyes. it does work. they are American and availabe from www.bodyteq.com for about £15see the pictures.
See following the race, no sweat!
2008 updated
Marathon Bike
After long deliberation I have decided on Nicolai Helius CC, the frame is aluminium and offers specific Rohloff Hub drop outs and cabling. The Rohloff Hub has had increasing positive coverage with only the price stopping it being taken on by many other riders. But having completed events with bent mechs and just a few gears left, then I am confident this is a good investment. See the nicolai website for more information www.nicolai.net
Need a weight cut and with the new RC out it may be tome for upgrade, but what colour?
Bodyteq Cooler cap
At the Trek this week I used a 'cooler cap' under my helmet, this is a cap you preload with cool water to charge it ,then dry off and wear under your hat. Considering it was a very hot day I suffered no sweating from my long hair which normally runs into my eyes, ouch! I will for sure be using it throughout the summer. see the website www.bodyteq.com for more info. They will ship from the states, cost is about £15 depending on ex rate. Probably £10 now then...
Latex and USB
Well I cannot say enough how good Latex and USB works. had some challenges though
With Fast Fred Lights in the chilterns i had a load of holes and latex coming out, spin and some more air no problem.
Dusk till dawn iwas spraying latex out of the front wheel, no stopping and a little air athe next lap, no problem
so thats about it in two year...
20mm bolt through on an XC bike?
Opted for Pace RC40Xcam with 20mm bolt through front wheel, really looking for the best steering. Fiddlily getting the front wheel off though, or so I thought, there is a 5mm allen bolt to turn which releases the axle, quite easy really. see www.pacecycles.com for more info.
Allen key hole is ripped fork stuck, need a stud extractor kit, news to come.
Ergon Grips
Have you tried them? These large ergonomically designed grips which fit your palm relieving pins and needles and aches in the hand when riding. I have been riding with them for nearly a year and they do what they say. Though they are expensive at around £30. They also have an option of a small bar end which is just enough to offer alternative hand positions and help with climbing. These are hardwearing grips and a good investment, see www.fine-adc.com for more info.
Specialsed also make some ergonomic grips, these are small and sell for around £7, worth a try also.
SDG I Beam saddle and post
Still going strong
Mud Tyres
Mayhem was done entirely with 1.5 Mud tyre on the back and it paid up.