New cycling gear
I was reminded by my sister that 15 year old helmets provide no protection, so I went out and purchased a new helmet. In this case, I spent more than I normally would have and got the Giro Pneumo, sporting the Performance Bike colors. I also got better eye protection than my standard, everyday glasses. The eye protection is the Cat-1 Prologue with photochromatic lenses. The eye protection came with 2 sets of lenses, the ones you see here, and a photochromatic orange set.
I’m about to use this stuff for the first time in a few minutes as I head out the door to do a quick 20 mile ride.
There are a couple other things that quite a few people have recommended. They are:
Going to a carbon fibre fork – I learned just the other day that this may not be as easy because of the type of front brake I have. I’d have to buy a new brake in order to do this. Next best thing recommended by tons of people is…
Replacing the handlebar with a carbon fibre handlebar. Luckily, this isn’t too expensive, and the guys at Performance in Campbell said they’d install it for cheap. Since I’m using a flatbar roadbike, I’d like to switch out with a carbon fibre flatbar. The carbon fibre flatbar feels like I’m picking up an empty paper towel roll. Crazy!
Replace the seatpost with carbon fibre — everyone’s told me that this really lightens the bike. I know in doing comparisons, the stock tubes are definitely far heavier than the carbon fibre. Like the flatbar, it too is crazy light.
Need to find the right saddle. I’m not sure how to determine which is the best for me at this point other than to sit on it and ride.
I’m going to have to do this slowly… this sport is really expensive.
This is all in preparation for the 2008 AIDS/Lifecycle ride, a 545 mile journey between San Francisco and Los Angeles. Help me raise $2500 by making a tax deductable donation. Help find a cure for AIDS. http://www.aidslifecycle.org/1545