Mountain Biking
12 May 2003, 02:00 PM
#94
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The good news is, I've managed to get the helmet-cam working, and the quality seems pretty good. So we're going to take it out on Thursday evening and film some of the Glentress downhills/singletrack from a riders-eye-view. 
If the resulting footage is watchable, I'll edit it up and stick it on a website somewhere.
If the resulting footage is watchable, I'll edit it up and stick it on a website somewhere.
16 May 2003, 08:42 AM
#96
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Well, did some helmet-cam video last night, and it came out really well.
Got about 25 minutes - basically all of the descents on the Red Route. It'll take a while to edit up into something postable on the web, but to give you an idea here are some stills taken from it. The stills are a bit blurry, but the video looks really good.
Finished video will probably be about 60-70Mb, so I'm not sure how I'll host it yet. Even uploading it (with my 56k connection) will be a bit of a pain.
Got about 25 minutes - basically all of the descents on the Red Route. It'll take a while to edit up into something postable on the web, but to give you an idea here are some stills taken from it. The stills are a bit blurry, but the video looks really good.
Finished video will probably be about 60-70Mb, so I'm not sure how I'll host it yet. Even uploading it (with my 56k connection) will be a bit of a pain.
17 May 2003, 11:21 AM
#99
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Right. I've uploaded the video of Glentress - the helmet-cam stuff of all the downhills. You can download it here.
Be warned, you'll need a fast connection (or some patience) it's 65Mb (), and about 22 minutes long - basically all the downhills from Glentress.
Let me know what you think.
Be warned, you'll need a fast connection (or some patience) it's 65Mb (
), and about 22 minutes long - basically all the downhills from Glentress.Let me know what you think.
18 May 2003, 12:14 PM
#101
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I borrowed mine from a mate who has a media company. It's quite a neat little thing:
You don't even notice it's on the helmet, as it weighs practically nothing, so now it's attached and set up to the right angle, etc., I'll leave it attached for a few months, and we can use it whenever we want. The DV Cam (a Sony PC101) sits in a backpack, safely wrapped in a towel for maximum protection in case of a crash.
The helmet-cam needs its own batteries, but they're just rechargable jobs.
You can buy bullet-cams off the web which should do the job. Speak to Mutant_matt (an SN moderator) who's got one and has used it to film stuff on track days - he should give you some hints on where to get one. I gather they're fairly pricey though!
You don't even notice it's on the helmet, as it weighs practically nothing, so now it's attached and set up to the right angle, etc., I'll leave it attached for a few months, and we can use it whenever we want.
The DV Cam (a Sony PC101) sits in a backpack, safely wrapped in a towel for maximum protection in case of a crash. The helmet-cam needs its own batteries, but they're just rechargable jobs.
You can buy bullet-cams off the web which should do the job. Speak to Mutant_matt (an SN moderator) who's got one and has used it to film stuff on track days - he should give you some hints on where to get one. I gather they're fairly pricey though!
18 May 2003, 12:41 PM
#102
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I got my one from here http://www.rfconcepts.co.uk/helmet_cameras.htm
They do loads of different cameras and kits.
[edited to keep MarkO happy ;-)]
[Edited by ransj - 5/18/2003 1:05:48 PM]
They do loads of different cameras and kits.
[edited to keep MarkO happy ;-)]
[Edited by ransj - 5/18/2003 1:05:48 PM]
29 May 2003, 10:31 PM
#104
Doing my first 24 event this weekend - really looking forward to it and got good weather as well! I seem to be accumulating a huge amount of gear but better to have everything I could possibly need.
Bike all prepped, cleaned and lubed, as I will be by tommorrow morning :-)
Bike all prepped, cleaned and lubed, as I will be by tommorrow morning :-)
02 June 2003, 10:27 PM
#105
Try www.chainreactioncyles.com or www.leisure-lakes.co.uk They always have a good selection, particularly Chainreaction who do really good prices as well. Only problem with buying clothing on-line is sizing but you can always return stuff.
02 June 2003, 10:34 PM
#106
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Wiggle's good (I just bought some Pearl Izumi cycling shorts from them) and also check out
http://www.leisure-lakes.co.uk/
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/
http://www.edinburgh-bicycle.co.uk/catalogue/index.cfm
and this lot (if you like Fox gear)
http://www.stifsport.com
Whilst we are on the subject of buying stuff what are peoples opinions of SPD shoes and pedals ?
At the moment I've only got flat pedals and I use normal trainers but I'm starting to up my mileage and I'm thinking about buying some Shimano peddles and shoes. I don't do mad climbs & descents (I live in Northants for gawds sake), have never even tried clip-ins and think they might be a bit OTT especially as I commute on my bike. Anyone going to convince me that they are a good idea ?
http://www.leisure-lakes.co.uk/
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/
http://www.edinburgh-bicycle.co.uk/catalogue/index.cfm
and this lot (if you like Fox gear)
http://www.stifsport.com
Whilst we are on the subject of buying stuff
what are peoples opinions of SPD shoes and pedals ?At the moment I've only got flat pedals and I use normal trainers but I'm starting to up my mileage and I'm thinking about buying some Shimano peddles and shoes. I don't do mad climbs & descents (I live in Northants for gawds sake), have never even tried clip-ins and think they might be a bit OTT especially as I commute on my bike. Anyone going to convince me that they are a good idea ?
03 June 2003, 09:00 AM
#107
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SPDs? I'd definitely reccommend them. Firstly, they're a whole load more comfy than riding in flats, 'cos you feel much more solid and attached to the bike.
But also, once they're set up right they ensure your feet are perfectly positioned on the pedals at all times, meaning you're far more efficient at getting the power down through the pedal. If you use flats over long distances, you can waste a lot of energy if the ball of your foot isn't spot on in the middle of the pedal. Not only that, but with SPDs you can also add power to the 'up-stroke' by pulling the pedal up on one side, whilst you push down on the other side. This uses a whole different muscle set to normal pedalling, giving you a way of increasing your cadence without feeling like you're working harder; it's especially good whilst climbing.
On downhills, particularly on rocky or uneven surfaces, having your feet attached to the pedals makes a big difference, 'cos your feet don't bounce of them when you hit big rocks/roots/etc. You could use toe-clips, but a) they're harder to get into, and b) they're harder to get out off if you do come off.
Oh, and they make bunny-hops really easy.
Basically, I love SPDs, and feel odd riding a bike without them now. They do take a few hours to get used to, and you will forget about them at least once or twice and keel over whilst frantically trying to unclip yourself - we've all done it.
Just make sure they're well set up (ask your bike shop to help if you've never done it before) so they're positioned correctly under your feet, and start off with the tension settings fairly loose so you can get out of them easily. You can tighten them up so they feel firmer once you get used to em....
But all-in-all they're worth the effort of the learning curve.
Oh, and if you're in North Hants, check out Caesar's Camp (between Farnham & Church Crookham). It has some superb off-road riding. It's where I 'cut my teeth' on a MTB, and I spent hundreds of hours riding there when I first did it seriously. If you want directions, let me know. Queen Elizabeth Country park is also good - it's got some excellent off-road riding.
[Edited by MarkO - 6/3/2003 9:08:54 AM]
But also, once they're set up right they ensure your feet are perfectly positioned on the pedals at all times, meaning you're far more efficient at getting the power down through the pedal. If you use flats over long distances, you can waste a lot of energy if the ball of your foot isn't spot on in the middle of the pedal. Not only that, but with SPDs you can also add power to the 'up-stroke' by pulling the pedal up on one side, whilst you push down on the other side. This uses a whole different muscle set to normal pedalling, giving you a way of increasing your cadence without feeling like you're working harder; it's especially good whilst climbing.
On downhills, particularly on rocky or uneven surfaces, having your feet attached to the pedals makes a big difference, 'cos your feet don't bounce of them when you hit big rocks/roots/etc. You could use toe-clips, but a) they're harder to get into, and b) they're harder to get out off if you do come off.
Oh, and they make bunny-hops really easy.
Basically, I love SPDs, and feel odd riding a bike without them now. They do take a few hours to get used to, and you will forget about them at least once or twice and keel over whilst frantically trying to unclip yourself - we've all done it.
Just make sure they're well set up (ask your bike shop to help if you've never done it before) so they're positioned correctly under your feet, and start off with the tension settings fairly loose so you can get out of them easily. You can tighten them up so they feel firmer once you get used to em....
But all-in-all they're worth the effort of the learning curve.
Oh, and if you're in North Hants, check out Caesar's Camp (between Farnham & Church Crookham). It has some superb off-road riding. It's where I 'cut my teeth' on a MTB, and I spent hundreds of hours riding there when I first did it seriously. If you want directions, let me know.
Queen Elizabeth Country park is also good - it's got some excellent off-road riding.[Edited by MarkO - 6/3/2003 9:08:54 AM]
03 June 2003, 10:49 AM
#108
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SOLD
Thanks for the info. I'm going to the shop on Thursday so I'll get them to set things up there. I'm not so sure about keeling over whilst trying to unclip because I ride to work on a canal path !!
oh and I'll make sure I check out Caeser's camp next time I'm down that way but I actually live in Northampton, Northants not North Hampshire
Thanks for the info. I'm going to the shop on Thursday so I'll get them to set things up there. I'm not so sure about keeling over whilst trying to unclip because I ride to work on a canal path !!
oh and I'll make sure I check out Caeser's camp next time I'm down that way but I actually live in Northampton, Northants not North Hampshire
03 June 2003, 11:08 AM
#110
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Get yourself clipped in! Once you've used them for a while you won't be able to ride without them. I swapped my SPD's for egg beaters. They are fantastic, very light, very easy to get in/out of and look very trick. Also consider Time attacks, my mate has got these and loves them. The best thing with egg beaters and Time's are that you get more rotational float than the spd's which is very useful when you ar balancing on slow decents.
03 June 2003, 11:09 AM
#111
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03 June 2003, 11:16 AM
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The eggbeaters get a great review in a mag that I bought the other day and my local shop (Leisure Lakes) have them on special offer at the moment
http://www.leisure-lakes.co.uk/produ...ls.asp?id=2241
Do you need special shoes to go with these or will the SPD cleats work ?
I am thinking of getting the Shimano M646's because I like the idea of having a cage around the mechanism so that they can be used as "normal" peddles if you want. I know they are heavy but I'm not too fussed about that.
http://www.leisure-lakes.co.uk/produ...ils.asp?id=744
http://www.leisure-lakes.co.uk/produ...ls.asp?id=2241
Do you need special shoes to go with these or will the SPD cleats work ?
I am thinking of getting the Shimano M646's because I like the idea of having a cage around the mechanism so that they can be used as "normal" peddles if you want. I know they are heavy but I'm not too fussed about that.
http://www.leisure-lakes.co.uk/produ...ils.asp?id=744
03 June 2003, 11:29 AM
#113
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I've heard good things about egg-beaters too. IIRC, there's a good review on www.mtbbritain.co.uk. They need different cleats to SPDs.
Oh, and don't worry about the weight - apparently lighter bikes are slower and less comfortable to ride on.
Oh, and don't worry about the weight - apparently lighter bikes are slower and less comfortable to ride on.
04 June 2003, 10:13 PM
#114
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I like to ride downhill and flat. I'm allergic to uphill.
Edited to add my bike transporter. 130mph with the bike on top, private road of course.
[Edited by JackClark - 4/6/2003 10:17:56 PM]
Edited to add my bike transporter. 130mph with the bike on top, private road of course.
[Edited by JackClark - 4/6/2003 10:17:56 PM]
04 June 2003, 11:46 PM
#115
\m/ ^_^ \m/
there's a good review of clipless pedals in this month's What Mountain Bike, eggbeaters came out top and they're going to bring out some chromoly versions which will be even better value for money (under 50 quid)
and while your flicking through, check out my new Saracen ads very pleased with them this year
kev
and while your flicking through, check out my new Saracen ads
very pleased with them this year kev
08 June 2003, 07:55 PM
#117
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be careful out there!
i am recovering from a broken finger and cracked ribs at the moment after falling off my cannondale.
went over the bars whilst descending some steps in the rain along the snakes pass.
i know it doesnt sound bad but my finger is knackered, i shattered my nuckle into 4 pieces so they had to screw it back together.
now i'll never be able to make a fist again.
Be Careful
i am recovering from a broken finger and cracked ribs at the moment after falling off my cannondale.
went over the bars whilst descending some steps in the rain along the snakes pass.
i know it doesnt sound bad but my finger is knackered, i shattered my nuckle into 4 pieces so they had to screw it back together.
now i'll never be able to make a fist again.
Be Careful
09 June 2003, 11:18 AM
#118
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Ouch. Sounds painful.
One of my lot had a fairly big crash on a downhill on Saturday. A large rock flipped his front wheel round whilst he was flat out. Luckily, nothing permanently broken, and most of the damage was to his pride. 
Still, if it wasn't for the fear we wouldn't enjoy it so much.
One of my lot had a fairly big crash on a downhill on Saturday. A large rock flipped his front wheel round whilst he was flat out.
Luckily, nothing permanently broken, and most of the damage was to his pride. Still, if it wasn't for the fear we wouldn't enjoy it so much.
09 June 2003, 03:21 PM
#119
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My mountain bikes are still stuck in my sistyer-in-laws garage in Cardiff
I've still got my road bike here but its not the same. I know its lighter, easier to ride and ultimately faster but its simply not as much fun! At least its keeping me fit until I can fly over to collect my bikes in two weeks time.
Fitted my SPD pedals on it to allow me to use my favourite shoes. Keep being told by the roadies "Oh you don't have any proper cycling shoes". YES I DO! I can wear sensible cycling shoes not little plastic things that look really naff.
Also got my unicycle. Great for off roading but very hard work
Good review of rides around Cardiff in this months MBR. Should be able to try them weekend after next (off to Le Mans this weekend ).
I've still got my road bike here but its not the same. I know its lighter, easier to ride and ultimately faster but its simply not as much fun! At least its keeping me fit until I can fly over to collect my bikes in two weeks time.
Fitted my SPD pedals on it to allow me to use my favourite shoes. Keep being told by the roadies "Oh you don't have any proper cycling shoes". YES I DO! I can wear sensible cycling shoes not little plastic things that look really naff.
Also got my unicycle. Great for off roading but very hard work
Good review of rides around Cardiff in this months MBR. Should be able to try them weekend after next (off to Le Mans this weekend
).