Bike Upgrades-Part I
Over time, as I trained more the Trek has had some improvements. First, I have two aluminum water bottle cages. I can’t remember if these came with the bike or I purchased them. However, they are a must have.
Second, I used to train primarily on U.S.1 in Edgewater, Florida. The road had a decent shoulder but it also had a lot of debris. I would see glass, nails, pieces of metal, broken ceramic tiles and much more. No matter how much I worked to avoid debris I seemed to have a flat every 50 miles. I started buying three and four tubes at a time and just expected to change a tire at least once per week. The worst experience was during my first century. An hour into the ride and I had a flat. Suddenly I watched the group ride by and I was on the side of the road. It sucked. Thus, I searched for a solution and found the single best piece of gear I have ever put on my bike. I now run Michelin tires and have Kevlar tire liners. I do not think I have had a flat in over 1,000 miles. If you ride on roads the Kevlar liners are a must have.
Third, I have two ways I store gear on my bike. The first is an under seat bag. This is primarily for tools and tubes (see prior paragraph). I keep two tubes, and the right wrenches to work on the bike. I just bought a three way multi-tool to help with adjustments. Tucked away, I forget the bag is there but it is a must-have. My second storage bag is a “bento box.” My buddy Jim Burt gave this to me for my 40th birthday (2007) and I cannot imagine a ride without it. I store my phone (MP3), glasses, an ID, and some cash in it.
Fourth, I had ride with Speed Play pedals and Sidi shoes. When I went looking for pedals to get out of the standard toe clips I explained to the LBS (The Bike Shop, Ormond Beach) I had knee surgery and this was the recommendation. I have never ridden with anything else. Thus, these are just part of my everyday ride. I will offer, because I am clipped in and getting out of the SP’s takes a twist of the foot to the outside I have fallen off my bike. These are always the slow motion, I hope no one is watching, easy falls. Nothing gets hurt but my ego.
Finally, lighting. As rides get longer and longer for centuries or other distances I found myself competing with family, time in my day, and of course daylight. I have a light on the front and rear of my bike. Honestly, I purchased these in 2007 only for the purpose of being legal. I recently observed a rider with a much brighter headlight and am considering looking at the latest LED options to allow me to ride in the off hours.
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