Who is talking?
- Queenie Takes Manhattan
- Rohan Kini
- Niranjan Sarade
- Pat Shaughnessy
- Manohar Amrutkar
- Nirmal Merchant
- Riju Kansal
- Doel Sengupta
- Prasoon Sharma
- Rocky Jaiswal
- Gourav Tiwari
- Oscar Villirreal
- Amit Kumar
- Lalatendu Das
- Rohan Daxini
- Alex Rothenberg
- Arun Agrawal
- James Torio
- Michael Idinopulos
- Aishwarya Singhal
- Bhargav Gandhi
- Suman Thareja
- Abhishek Dharga
- Shakti Choudhary
- Karthik Ramachandra
- Karthik
- Sukhpal Bhatti
- Jen Ji
- Binoy Shah
- Surbhi Bhati
- Nilesh Naik
- Lalita Chandel
- Yashashree Barve
- Ryan Kinderman
- Rohan Kini
Archive
- 2012
- 2011
- 2010
- 2009
- 2008
- 2007
- 2006
- 2005
BOTS BootCamp | 26 Feb
1 day ago | Rohan Kini: blog@BumsOnTheSaddle.com - Home
The much awaited BOTS Bootcamp is to happen this weekend.
Date: 26 Feb 2012
What time: 9:30am – 11:30am
Where: BumsOnTheSaddle
The Bootcamp is aimed at getting a biker comfortable owning his/her bike and understand how they can derive the max out of it.
What we intend to cover at the BOTS BootCamp
- Understand your bike – parts of your bike, gears, brakes, suspension, quick releases etc
- Maintain your bike – maintenance schedule, punctures, issues and solutions and dispel some common myths
- You and your bike – aches n pains, nutrition, riding techniques, pollution, safety
- Using your bike – communities, rides, races, cyclo tours
- Evangelism – how you can help us help others
If you have not yet received an invite and would like to attend this, please do send us an email at admin@bumsonthesaddle.com
Race 1 | Bangalore Bicycle Championships 2012 - Individual Time Trial
5 days ago | Rohan Kini: blog@BumsOnTheSaddle.com - Home
Race Details
Date: 19 February 2012
Time: 0730 hrs IST (volunteers meet at 7am)
Category: Individual Time Trial
Distance: 20km (10km loop x 2)
This year of racing is gonna see a sea change and is bound to be a lot more exciting!
More details on our Bangalore Bicycle Championships website
Oh yeah, since we recommend utmost safety during our races – we are offering a 10% discount on helmets/gloves picked up at the store today (18 Feb).
Race safe!
The Bergamont's are here!
6 days ago | Rohan Kini: blog@BumsOnTheSaddle.com - Home
Bergamont bicycles in Bangalore
The Bergamont range of bicycles have been around in India for over a year now.
The Brand
Company Website
Bergamont on Facebook
Bergamont @Twitter
Bergamont is a German brand and like most brands out of that region they ride on a promise of precision design and stringent quality.
Most of the information available on the internet is in German (use Google Translate) and it’s hard to find Bergamont bike reviews in English.
The Bikes
The bikes seem to be loaded with the right amount of tech, like any good brand would, trying to keep a sensible price and at the same time ensure a quality ride quality.
We saw some good Schwalbe tires, a nice wide handlebar, very comfortable Bergamont saddle and grips and a well designed gusset on the entry level mountain bike. This is apart from the normal ‘features’ that we would expect – hydroformed tubing, good quality drive train components and all backed by stringent testing (on word of the company).
The Hybrids/Cross bikes also come with features like dynamo hubs and disc brakes at competitive prices. The Indian market seems to go ga-ga over mountain bikes while a good quality hybrid would definitely hit the spot and ensure a lot more riding! Looks like the cross category from Bergamont might just about fill that niche.
Our Demo ride
Turahalli is our backyard and the perfect testing ground for mountain bikes – some kickass trails and a good downhill section too.
The build quality of the bikes, the ride experience and the brand commitment cross the threshold which allows us to recommend and stock Bergamont’s at BumsOnTheSaddle!
We should be having more detailed technical reviews of the bikes out soon.
The bikes are priced reasonable well – the mountain bikes are similar (quality/pricing) to most of the other better known brands out there. But the hybrids kick ass! Pricing, feature-wise and a sweet ride to boot.
Experience the ride!
You are more than welcome to drop into BumsOnTheSaddle and take a Bergamont for a spin and experience the bikes.
Demo Mountain bikes
Demo Cross/Hybrid bikes
More pics from the Bergamont Demo Ride
BBCh12 - bigger, better, stronger, faster
12 days ago | Rohan Kini: blog@BumsOnTheSaddle.com - Home
What is BBCh
A set of 10 awesome bicycle races thru the year in Bangalore. Every 3rd sunday of the month, February thru November.
Race Schedule
We have a rough race schedule out there. You can sign up for the races well in advance if you like. If you have any issues with signing up please do email us at admin@bangalorebicyclechampionships.com
Awesome New Features
- Team’s run race day – Racing Teams from Bangalore have signed up to own, recee, share info and run the race on race day!
- Categories – We are gonna up the game a bit and also introduce a lot more winners this year. More fun all around. At the moment the categories are limited to men only. Not enough women racing yet! Apologies ladies.
- Timing – the races should see faster turnaround times w.r.t timing. We have a team of folks who are figuring out the best way to time each race using better tools and ensure we have updated race results out there.
- Race fee – we recommend every biker pays Rs 200 to race so that we don’t have to debate on how we can keep our races safe and awesome. Don’t agree? You are still welcome to race! All money coming in and going out will be updated on the website on a monthly basis.
- No racing in Dec – Time to rest, recover and party
Feb Race
The First race of the season would be a prologue. You can sign up for it here – More details about race day would be shared by the team
Interesting links
- Website ~ www.bbch.in (being worked on at the moment. Warning – stale data)
- Registrations @ http://rrbmgr.appspot.com
- BBCh 2012 planning group – bbch12@googlegroups.com
There are a ton of folks who are making BBCh12 happen this year, too many to talk about here!
If you would like to sign up to help out please do request access to our BBCh12 planning group
Race Hard! Be Safe!
BBCh12 - bigger, better, stronger, faster
12 days ago | Rohan Kini: blog@BumsOnTheSaddle.com - Home
What is BBCh
A set of 10 awesome bicycle races thru the year in Bangalore. Every 3rd sunday of the month, February thru November.
Race Schedule
We have a rough race schedule out there. You can sign up for the races well in advance if you like. If you have any issues with signing up please do email us at admin@bangalorebicyclechampionships.com
Awesome New Features
- Team’s run race day – Racing Teams from Bangalore have signed up to own, recee, share info and run the race on race day!
- Categories – We are gonna up the game a bit and also introduce a lot more winners this year. More fun all around. At the moment the categories are limited to men only. Not enough women racing yet! Apologies ladies.
- Timing – the races should see faster turnaround times w.r.t timing. We have a team of folks who are figuring out the best way to time each race using better tools and ensure we have updated race results out there.
- Race fee – we recommend every biker pays Rs 200 to race so that we don’t have to debate on how we can keep our races safe and awesome. Don’t agree? You are still welcome to race! All money coming in and going out will be updated on the website on a monthly basis.
- No racing in Dec – Time to rest, recover and party
Feb Race
The First race of the season would be a prologue. You can sign up for it here – More details about race day would be shared by the team
Interesting links
- Website ~ www.bbch.in (being worked on at the moment. Warning – stale data)
- Registrations @ http://rrbmgr.appspot.com
- BBCh 2012 planning group – bbch12@googlegroups.com
There are a ton of folks who are making BBCh12 happen this year, too many to talk about here!
If you would like to sign up to help out please do request access to our BBCh12 planning group
Race Hard! Be Safe!
BOTS wedgies - awesome saddle bags for your bike!
28 days ago | Rohan Kini: blog@BumsOnTheSaddle.com - Home
Awesome Saddle bags at the store
A truck load of new BOTS Wedgies have arrived – Sultry Red, Dirty Fellow Yellow, Sexy black, Cool Blue, OMG Green
What is a wedgie you say?
BOTS Wedgie is the bestest Saddle Bag in the world. The perfect size which will take in everything your biking heart desires.
Your bike is longing to have a Wedgie but cannot drop into BOTS?
No worries, we can ship a wedgie to your bike – just email us at admin@bumsonthesaddle.com
A Happy bike is our motto
Do check out a portfolio of our wedgies
BOTS wedgies - awesome saddle bags for your bike!
28 days ago | Rohan Kini: blog@BumsOnTheSaddle.com - Home
Awesome Saddle bags at the store
A truck load of new BOTS Wedgies have arrived – Sultry Red, Dirty Fellow Yellow, Sexy black, Cool Blue, OMG Green
What is a wedgie you say?
BOTS Wedgie is the bestest Saddle Bag in the world. The perfect size which will take in everything your biking heart desires.
Your bike is longing to have a Wedgie but cannot drop into BOTS?
No worries, we can ship a wedgie to your bike – just email us at admin@bumsonthesaddle.com
A Happy bike is our motto
Do check out a portfolio of our wedgies
Challakere Brevet | 400 Km
about 1 month ago | Rohan Kini: blog@BumsOnTheSaddle.com - Home
Brevet Summary
Date: January 28, 2012, 6 AM
Start: Indian Institute of Science, New BEL Road Gate
End: New BEL Road
Distance: 400 km
Time limit: 27 hours
Visit the IISc Randonneurs site for more details
Challakere Brevet | 400 Km
about 1 month ago | Rohan Kini: blog@BumsOnTheSaddle.com - Home
Brevet Summary
Date: January 28, 2012, 6 AM
Start: Indian Institute of Science, New BEL Road Gate
End: New BEL Road
Distance: 400 km
Time limit: 27 hours
Visit the IISc Randonneurs site for more details
The Holstee Manifesto Lifecycle Video
about 1 month ago | Rohan Kini: blog@BumsOnTheSaddle.com - Home
<iframe src='http://player.vimeo.com/video/34414313?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0' height='225' width='400'></iframe>
The Holstee Manifesto Lifecycle Video from Holstee on Vimeo.
Simply awesome – live your life to the fullest!
The Holstee Manifesto Lifecycle Video
about 1 month ago | Rohan Kini: blog@BumsOnTheSaddle.com - Home
<iframe src='http://player.vimeo.com/video/34414313?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0' height='225' width='400'></iframe>
The Holstee Manifesto Lifecycle Video from Holstee on Vimeo.
Simply awesome – live your life to the fullest!
Integrated, Semi-Integrated and Conventional Headsets
about 1 month ago | Rohan Kini: blog@BumsOnTheSaddle.com - Home
Some interesting tech reading about headsets on your bike from Chris King
Integrated, Semi-Integrated and Conventional Headsets
about 1 month ago | Rohan Kini: blog@BumsOnTheSaddle.com - Home
Some interesting tech reading about headsets on your bike from Chris King
Why Cycle?
about 1 month ago | Rohan Kini: blog@BumsOnTheSaddle.com - Home
Reason #1.million.one
Why Cycle?
about 1 month ago | Rohan Kini: blog@BumsOnTheSaddle.com - Home
Reason #1.million.one
Know more about your disc brakes
2 months ago | Rohan Kini: blog@BumsOnTheSaddle.com - Home
The buyers guide to disc brakes and a guide to quieten your squealing brakes from the BikeRadar team.
Good reads!
Related links
Know more about your disc brakes
2 months ago | Rohan Kini: blog@BumsOnTheSaddle.com - Home
The buyers guide to disc brakes and a guide to quieten your squealing brakes from the BikeRadar team.
Good reads!
Related links
Kolar Gold Fields | 300 Brevet
2 months ago | Rohan Kini: blog@BumsOnTheSaddle.com - Home
Brevet Summary
Date: December 17, 2011, 6 AM
Start: M G Road Metro Station
End: Silk Board Junction on the Outer Ring Road
Distance: 315 km
Time limit: 20 hours
Visit the IISc Randonneurs site for more details
Kolar Gold Fields | 300 Brevet
2 months ago | Rohan Kini: blog@BumsOnTheSaddle.com - Home
Brevet Summary
Date: December 17, 2011, 6 AM
Start: M G Road Metro Station
End: Silk Board Junction on the Outer Ring Road
Distance: 315 km
Time limit: 20 hours
Visit the IISc Randonneurs site for more details
every Monday Bicycling Movie Nite - The Science of Lance Armstrong
3 months ago | Rohan Kini: blog@BumsOnTheSaddle.com - Home
Playing The Science of Lance Armstrong today.
Q: What is a Monday Bicycling Movie nite?
Well, there is a lot of awesome bicycling happening all around the world. We intend to share some of these with you every monday.
We start around 7:30pm and wrap up under an hour.
Today, 5 Dec
Time – 7:30pm
Where – BumsOnTheSaddle
every Monday Bicycling Movie Nite - The Science of Lance Armstrong
3 months ago | Rohan Kini: blog@BumsOnTheSaddle.com - Home
Playing The Science of Lance Armstrong today.
Q: What is a Monday Bicycling Movie nite?
Well, there is a lot of awesome bicycling happening all around the world. We intend to share some of these with you every monday.
We start around 7:30pm and wrap up under an hour.
Today, 5 Dec
Time – 7:30pm
Where – BumsOnTheSaddle
Karan is a Bum @ BumsOnTheSaddle
3 months ago | Rohan Kini: blog@BumsOnTheSaddle.com - Home
We get our second biker a.k.a Employee at BumsOnTheSaddle
Karan ready for some Down-Hill at Turahalli, Bangalore
Karan Bhuta joins us full time after his 2 month stint as an intern. Check out some of his pics as an intern @ BumsOnTheSaddle
Karan, like all the others who spend time/energy here, will be responsible for making sure a small but awesome bicycling startup called BumsOnTheSaddle remains as remarkable as it can be.
Wishing you a fantastic ride Karan.
Visualize our internships
- Karan Bhuta
- Sri Harsha Maiya
- Shreyas Chaiyya – work in progress :)
Karan is a Bum @ BumsOnTheSaddle
3 months ago | Rohan Kini: blog@BumsOnTheSaddle.com - Home
We get our second biker a.k.a Employee at BumsOnTheSaddle
Karan ready for some Down-Hill at Turahalli, Bangalore
Karan Bhuta joins us full time after his 2 month stint as an intern. Check out some of his pics as an intern @ BumsOnTheSaddle
Karan, like all the others who spend time/energy here, will be responsible for making sure a small but awesome bicycling startup called BumsOnTheSaddle remains as remarkable as it can be.
Wishing you a fantastic ride Karan.
Visualize our internships
- Karan Bhuta
- Sri Harsha Maiya
- Shreyas Chaiyya – work in progress :)
BOTS BootCamp | 4 Dec 2011
3 months ago | Rohan Kini: blog@BumsOnTheSaddle.com - Home
The much awaited BOTS Bootcamp is to happen this weekend.
Date: 4 Dec 2011
What time: 9:30am – 11:30am
Where: BumsOnTheSaddle
The Bootcamp is aimed at getting a biker comfortable owning his/her bike and understand how they can derive the max out of it.
What we intend to cover at the BOTS BootCamp
- Understand your bike – parts of your bike, gears, brakes, suspension, quick releases etc
- Maintain your bike – maintenance schedule, punctures, issues and solutions and dispel some common myths
- You and your bike – aches n pains, nutrition, riding techniques, pollution, safety
- Using your bike – communities, rides, races, cyclo tours
- Evangelism – how you can help us help others
If you have not yet received an invite and would like to attend this, please do send us an email at admin@bumsonthesaddle.com
BOTS BootCamp | 4 Dec 2011
3 months ago | Rohan Kini: blog@BumsOnTheSaddle.com - Home
The much awaited BOTS Bootcamp is to happen this weekend.
Date: 4 Dec 2011
What time: 9:30am – 11:30am
Where: BumsOnTheSaddle
The Bootcamp is aimed at getting a biker comfortable owning his/her bike and understand how they can derive the max out of it.
What we intend to cover at the BOTS BootCamp
- Understand your bike – parts of your bike, gears, brakes, suspension, quick releases etc
- Maintain your bike – maintenance schedule, punctures, issues and solutions and dispel some common myths
- You and your bike – aches n pains, nutrition, riding techniques, pollution, safety
- Using your bike – communities, rides, races, cyclo tours
- Evangelism – how you can help us help others
If you have not yet received an invite and would like to attend this, please do send us an email at admin@bumsonthesaddle.com
Price refresh
3 months ago | Rohan Kini: blog@BumsOnTheSaddle.com - Home
Awesome cycling just got a bit more expensive.
$ thumping the Rupee
Price refresh
3 months ago | Rohan Kini: blog@BumsOnTheSaddle.com - Home
Awesome cycling just got a bit more expensive.
$ thumping the Rupee
every Monday Bicycling Movie Nite - Mountain Bike Chronicles Season 1
3 months ago | Rohan Kini: blog@BumsOnTheSaddle.com - Home
Red Bull – Mountain Bike Chronicles Season 1
Q: What is a Monday Bicycling Movie nite?
Well, there is a lot of awesome bicycling happening all around the world. We intend to share some of these with you every monday.
We start around 7:30pm and wrap up in an hour.
Today, 28 November
Time – 7:30pm
Where – BumsOnTheSaddle
Yup. We are watching 45 mins of Red Bull Mountain Bike Chronicles
1. Why – Monday’s are boring. We want to spice up your life.
2. BYOB event – so BYOB please.
3. Everyone is welcome.
every Monday Bicycling Movie Nite - Mountain Bike Chronicles Season 1
3 months ago | Rohan Kini: blog@BumsOnTheSaddle.com - Home
Red Bull – Mountain Bike Chronicles Season 1
Q: What is a Monday Bicycling Movie nite?
Well, there is a lot of awesome bicycling happening all around the world. We intend to share some of these with you every monday.
We start around 7:30pm and wrap up in an hour.
Today, 28 November
Time – 7:30pm
Where – BumsOnTheSaddle
Yup. We are watching 45 mins of Red Bull Mountain Bike Chronicles
1. Why – Monday’s are boring. We want to spice up your life.
2. BYOB event – so BYOB please.
3. Everyone is welcome.
BumsOnTheSaddle
3 months ago | Rohan Kini: blog@BumsOnTheSaddle.com - Home
BumsOnTheSaddle
Check out the other pics of our bicycling space
BumsOnTheSaddle
3 months ago | Rohan Kini: blog@BumsOnTheSaddle.com - Home
BumsOnTheSaddle
Check out the other pics of our bicycling space
The Bangalore Brevets are starting again!
3 months ago | Rohan Kini: blog@BumsOnTheSaddle.com - Home
They Bangalore Brevets are all ready to kickoff again. Time to dust off your touring bike and enjoy some kickass long rides!
Brevet Details
The first brevet of the 2011-2012 season, the Huliyurdurga 200km BRM takes us through what was erstwhile big cat territory, the word “huli” refers to tigers! The route is a quiet one visiting Magadi, the erstwhile capital, two state forests, Huliyurdurga, Maddur, Ramanagara and Manchanbele before returning to Bangalore. Except for the stretch between Maddur and Ramanagara on Mysore road, the route avoids busy roads, and the ride is along quiet and green roads.
Note that this is a rolling route with steep ascents and descents.
This is an ACP sanctioned brevet ride, and must be completely self-supported. The ride has to be finished within 13.5 hrs. This is not a competitive ride.
Ride Details
Date: Nov 26, 2011
Time: 6AM start. Registration formalities begin 5.30AM
Start: Indian Institute of Science Gymkhana Gate, Yeshwantpur
End: Indian Institute of Science, A-Mess Gate/Kendriya Vidyalaya Gate, Mathikere Road
Distance: 200 km
Time limit: 13.5 hours
More Details – www.BangaloreBrevets.in
The Bangalore Brevets are starting again!
3 months ago | Rohan Kini: blog@BumsOnTheSaddle.com - Home
They Bangalore Brevets are all ready to kickoff again. Time to dust off your touring bike and enjoy some kickass long rides!
Brevet Details
The first brevet of the 2011-2012 season, the Huliyurdurga 200km BRM takes us through what was erstwhile big cat territory, the word “huli” refers to tigers! The route is a quiet one visiting Magadi, the erstwhile capital, two state forests, Huliyurdurga, Maddur, Ramanagara and Manchanbele before returning to Bangalore. Except for the stretch between Maddur and Ramanagara on Mysore road, the route avoids busy roads, and the ride is along quiet and green roads.
Note that this is a rolling route with steep ascents and descents.
This is an ACP sanctioned brevet ride, and must be completely self-supported. The ride has to be finished within 13.5 hrs. This is not a competitive ride.
Ride Details
Date: Nov 26, 2011
Time: 6AM start. Registration formalities begin 5.30AM
Start: Indian Institute of Science Gymkhana Gate, Yeshwantpur
End: Indian Institute of Science, A-Mess Gate/Kendriya Vidyalaya Gate, Mathikere Road
Distance: 200 km
Time limit: 13.5 hours
More Details – www.BangaloreBrevets.in
every Monday Bicycling Movie Nite - BEING FREE
3 months ago | Rohan Kini: blog@BumsOnTheSaddle.com - Home
image credit – Szymon Nieborak
Q: What is a Monday Bicycling Movie nite?
Well, there is a lot of awesome bicycling happening all around the world. We intend to share some of these with you every monday.
We start around 7:30pm and wrap up in an hour.
Today, 21st November
Time – 7:30pm
Where – BumsOnTheSaddle
Excerpt
The long awaited full film – Being Free – is here!
This summer Nico Turner has been working hard travelling across the UK and Europe to produce this master piece. Anyone with any experience of film making knows just how hard it is to create something of this standard purely off your own back. Nico rises to the challenge every time and reminds us what dedication is all about. He is behind the camera for every single shot and has spent hours in front of a monitor editing for your viewing pleasure!
Yup. We are watching 45 mins of Being Free
1. Why – Monday’s are boring. We want to spice up your life.
2. BYOB event – so BYOB please.
3. Everyone is welcome. Really.
every Monday Bicycling Movie Nite - BEING FREE
3 months ago | Rohan Kini: blog@BumsOnTheSaddle.com - Home
image credit – Szymon Nieborak
Q: What is a Monday Bicycling Movie nite?
Well, there is a lot of awesome bicycling happening all around the world. We intend to share some of these with you every monday.
We start around 7:30pm and wrap up in an hour.
Today, 21st November
Time – 7:30pm
Where – BumsOnTheSaddle
Excerpt
The long awaited full film – Being Free – is here!
This summer Nico Turner has been working hard travelling across the UK and Europe to produce this master piece. Anyone with any experience of film making knows just how hard it is to create something of this standard purely off your own back. Nico rises to the challenge every time and reminds us what dedication is all about. He is behind the camera for every single shot and has spent hours in front of a monitor editing for your viewing pleasure!
Yup. We are watching 45 mins of Being Free
1. Why – Monday’s are boring. We want to spice up your life.
2. BYOB event – so BYOB please.
3. Everyone is welcome. Really.
BBCh 10 | 20th Nov | 0830 IST | Off Road Race | Hesarghatta
3 months ago | Rohan Kini: blog@BumsOnTheSaddle.com - Home
Our last off road race of this season!
Race stats, click for more details
Race details
Location – Hesarghatta
Driving directions – http://goo.gl/ND7By a Dummies Guide to reach Hesarghatta
Race route – http://goo.gl/SLNhT
Start time – 0830 IST
Distance – ~4 km x 4 laps
Points to Ponder
- This is an off road race – do expect thorns on the track. It pays to be prepared for punctures and not get a surprise.
- Find your helmet and gloves
- A Hybrid bicycle should mostly be ok. Road bikes and rigid frames are a strict no-no
- Watch Jessi talk about how to get your bike race ready here
Since this is the last off road race of the season we thought it would be a good idea to have a lot more than just a kickass race
- Kiddies race – request to all mums and dads, pls ensure that your tough guys are wearing a helmet too
- Quiz – Flavour of Bangalore (we would like this to be a verbal treasure hunt of sorts and if you think you can help out please let us know)
- Breakfast for Bikers – a big breakfast for bikers at BBCh (costing is underway)
- BBCh recruitment drive – we need enthusiastic people at BBCh to ensure every single race runs better in 2012.
- Basic workshop on Bikes
We will have the usual ambulance and first aid kit.
Please contribute to the Vit M box. This is very essential to keep running the races. We think 200 INR per biker makes our Vit M kitty feel like it has something inside.
BBCh 10 | 20th Nov | 0830 IST | Off Road Race | Hesarghatta
3 months ago | Rohan Kini: blog@BumsOnTheSaddle.com - Home
Our last off road race of this season!
Race stats, click for more details
Race details
Location – Hesarghatta
Driving directions – http://goo.gl/ND7By a Dummies Guide to reach Hesarghatta
Race route – http://goo.gl/SLNhT
Start time – 0830 IST
Distance – ~4 km x 4 laps
Points to Ponder
- This is an off road race – do expect thorns on the track. It pays to be prepared for punctures and not get a surprise.
- Find your helmet and gloves
- A Hybrid bicycle should mostly be ok. Road bikes and rigid frames are a strict no-no
- Watch Jessi talk about how to get your bike race ready here
Since this is the last off road race of the season we thought it would be a good idea to have a lot more than just a kickass race
- Kiddies race – request to all mums and dads, pls ensure that your tough guys are wearing a helmet too
- Quiz – Flavour of Bangalore (we would like this to be a verbal treasure hunt of sorts and if you think you can help out please let us know)
- Breakfast for Bikers – a big breakfast for bikers at BBCh (costing is underway)
- BBCh recruitment drive – we need enthusiastic people at BBCh to ensure every single race runs better in 2012.
- Basic workshop on Bikes
We will have the usual ambulance and first aid kit.
Please contribute to the Vit M box. This is very essential to keep running the races. We think 200 INR per biker makes our Vit M kitty feel like it has something inside.
every Monday Bicycling Movie Nite's - BEYOND THE PELOTON
3 months ago | Rohan Kini: blog@BumsOnTheSaddle.com - Home
Every Monday Bicycling Movie nite – we intend to watch a biking movie every monday evening.
Start around 7:30pm and wrap up in an hour.
Today, 14th November
Time – 7:30pm
Where – BumsOnTheSaddle
After two seasons of following the Cervelo TestTeam, Joseph Finkleman and Booker Sim now follow Team Garmin-Cervélo and capture the human passion and beauty of cycling.
With their all-access passes, they show you what conventional race footage fails to capture: everything “beyond” the peloton.
Yup. We are watching 45 mins of Beyond the Peloton
1. Why – Monday’s are boring. We want to spice up your life. 2. BYOB event – so BYOB please. 3. Everyone is welcome. Really.
every Monday Bicycling Movie Nite's - BEYOND THE PELOTON
3 months ago | Rohan Kini: blog@BumsOnTheSaddle.com - Home
Every Monday Bicycling Movie nite – we intend to watch a biking movie every monday evening.
Start around 7:30pm and wrap up in an hour.
Today, 14th November
Time – 7:30pm
Where – BumsOnTheSaddle
After two seasons of following the Cervelo TestTeam, Joseph Finkleman and Booker Sim now follow Team Garmin-Cervélo and capture the human passion and beauty of cycling.
With their all-access passes, they show you what conventional race footage fails to capture: everything “beyond” the peloton.
Yup. We are watching 45 mins of Beyond the Peloton
1. Why – Monday’s are boring. We want to spice up your life. 2. BYOB event – so BYOB please. 3. Everyone is welcome. Really.
A bicycle commute in Bangalore
3 months ago | Rohan Kini: blog@BumsOnTheSaddle.com - Home
Go by Bike!
Sri Harsha has a good writeup about his bicycle commute (and his earlier post). Thank you for the kind words about BumsOnTheSaddle Harsha! We love you too!
A bicycle commute is always awesome – fast, fun and cheap-er
Here’s how you can ensure a fun commute
- Get a good bike
- Read the Commute FAQ section on the awesome bicycling notebook
- Get inspired by others who cycle to work
- Ride Safe
- Use a Helmet
- maybe a Pollution Mask
- Secure your bike with a good lock
- Be nice to everyone on the road – smile n wave. While you might feel like superman, remember you are traffic!
A bicycle commute in Bangalore
3 months ago | Rohan Kini: blog@BumsOnTheSaddle.com - Home
Go by Bike!
Sri Harsha has a good writeup about his bicycle commute (and his earlier post). Thank you for the kind words about BumsOnTheSaddle Harsha! We love you too!
A bicycle commute is always awesome – fast, fun and cheap-er
Here’s how you can ensure a fun commute
- Get a good bike
- Read the Commute FAQ section on the awesome bicycling notebook
- Get inspired by others who cycle to work
- Ride Safe
- Use a Helmet
- maybe a Pollution Mask
- Secure your bike with a good lock
- Be nice to everyone on the road – smile n wave. While you might feel like superman, remember you are traffic!
[populaire] Arkavathi 150
3 months ago | Rohan Kini: blog@BumsOnTheSaddle.com - Home
Randonneuring is a non-competitive, self-supported, long-distance cycling activity.
Populaires allow people to sample randonneuring over shorter distances, typically less than 200km.
IISC Randonneurs proudly present the Arkavathi 150
Date: November 12, 2011, 06:00 AM
Start: Indian Institute of Science Gymkhana Gate, Yeshwantpur
End: Indian Institute of Science, A-Mess Gate/Kendriya Vidyalaya Gate, Mathikere Road
Distance: 147 km
Time limit: 10 hours
A lot more info on the IISC Randonneurs page. Way to go guys.
Important Links
Finding and fixing creaks and noisy bicycles
4 months ago | Rohan Kini: blog@BumsOnTheSaddle.com - Home
Its Tech tuesday at Pinkbike and they have a very good writeup on finding and fixing creaks in your bicycle
Definitely a must read.
How we quieten noisy beasts
Tools required
- Your noisy bike
- Allen keys
- Grease
- Degreaser
- A clean cloth
- Torque wrench
- Some patience and an open mind
Procedure
- Understand if the noise is rhythmic or sporadic. Rhythm indicates that the noise would be coming from either the wheel or the crank/pedal interface. Sporadic would mean its a torquing/load issue.
- Sit on the bike and pedal normally – if you hear the noise it’s mostly something making contact with another part on the bike.
- Stand on the bike and pedal hard – if you hear the noise it’s mostly some component thats slightly loose or needs cleaning and re-greasing and re-torquing. The Handlebar/Stem bolt interface is a common culprit.
- Sit and pedal hard – if you hear the noise now its mostly something to do with the seat post/saddle.
Common culprits – Seat posts, Stems, Loose quick releases, Bottom Brackets.
Other good reads on how to take care of a noisy bicycle
BBCh 9 | Road Race | 16 Oct 2011 | Race to Nandi Top
5 months ago | Rohan Kini: blog@BumsOnTheSaddle.com - Home
A quickie post about the next awesome bicycle race in Bangalore – Race to Nandi Top!
Race route: Siva’s road – Nandi arch
Distance: ~50 km
Time: 0730 hrs
This is one of the most awaited races of the season and it would be awesome to have a lot of riders racing this.
Please do help us by talking about the race to anyone and everyone who might consider getting on self powered wheels.
If you need transport to the race start or post race please connect with Dinesh (dineshrvernekar at gmail.com).
Please also help in adding some positiveness to the Vit M kitty that helps sustain the races.
As always, we need more volunteers, so please sign up in case you are not racing.
It's Monday! Lets watch some awesome Bicycling!
5 months ago | Rohan Kini: blog@BumsOnTheSaddle.com - Home
Its a Monday! Let’s indulge in some awesome Bicycling.
We would also be watching these on our bigass wide screen @ BumsOnTheSaddle. Whoohooo!
Everyone is welcome to join. More the merrier :)
Stuff we are watching (mostly, depending on time and interest)
Rotor Maintenance on bikes with disc brakes
5 months ago | Rohan Kini: blog@BumsOnTheSaddle.com - Home
Check out the recent post up on Pinkbike’s Tech Tuesday – Rotor Straightening
There are a couple of things we can do regularly to ensure sharp, snappy and spot-on braking.
Tools required
- Isopropyl Alcohol (maybe ask for Spirit if you get blank stares) or Isopropyl Alcohol swabs – all available at your local chemist
- Cotton swabs
- Allen keys – mostly size 4 and 5
- a Rotor Truing Fork from any brand (or use your hands as shown in the Pinkbike tutorial. We recommend using proper tools and NOT your hands)
Procedure
Step 1: Service the housing
Step 2: Check for wear n tear of the brake pads. If the braking surface is less than an mm thick, replace it.
If the braking surface on the pads is uneven use water proof sandpaper or a fine file to take a thin layer off the brake pads. You could also clean out the pads with the alcohol swabs. This should increase your braking power too.
Check the post on Bike Radar to remore/replace disc brake pads
Step 3: Replace brake cables if you see signs of fraying or rusting. They are cheap to replace and worth it!
Step 4: Clean the Rotors with isopropyl alcohol. Clean out the caliper while you are at it. Get all the gunk out!
Step 5: Insert the brake pads and setup the disc brakes. True the rotor if required – this will not only reduce squealing and ensure better braking but should also increase the life of your brake pads.
If you have a hydraulic system on your bike, you can skip Step 1 and replace it with a hydraulic system bleed the braking feels spongy.
All this should hardly take any time. Especially if done regularly! But it should make a massive difference to your ride and the confidence while braking.
every Monday Bicycling Movie Nite's - How To, Volume 1
5 months ago | Rohan Kini: blog@BumsOnTheSaddle.com - Home
Every Monday Bicycling Movie nite – we intend to watch a biking movie every monday evening.
Start around 7:30pm and wrap up in an hour.
Today, 26th September
Time – 7:30pm
Where – BumsOnTheSaddle
We are watching an instructional video on how to tame the trail – 22 MTB handling skills.
1. Why – Monday’s are boring. We want to spice up your life.
2. BYOB event – so BYOB please.
3. Everyone is welcome. Really.
The PBP Meetup
5 months ago | Rohan Kini: blog@BumsOnTheSaddle.com - Home
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The Randonneuring Meetup was fun :)
Randonneuring Special - PBP Movie nite
5 months ago | Rohan Kini: blog@BumsOnTheSaddle.com - Home
Bikers from Bangalore who took part in the Paris-Brest-Paris 2011
What: Movie nite – PBP: The incredible journey
Where: BumsOnTheSaddle
What time: meetup at 6:30pm
Signup: on the facebook event page, if you like
The usual BOTS Movie nite fundas – get your friends, everyone is welcome, more the merrier and BYOB of course ;)
It all started with a call from one lone biker, Venkatachalam – “How about conducting some long distance rides in Bangalore ? Maybe give the PBP a shot ?“
And it culminated with 5 bikers from Bangalore having an ride of their life at the phenomenal 1200Km Paris-Brest-Paris ride
There is a lot that happened in between and a bunch of stars which made it all happen – lots n lots of planning and riding, a good dash of exciting stories and some really really hard work. Game changers!
A big shout out to everyone who put in work to make this happen. There are just too many to talk about here.
The 5 folks who rode the PBP this year
- Alex
- Amol
- Samim
- Shreyas
- Venkat
We would be meeting up this Saturday at 6:30pm – all the folks who helped conduct the Bangalore Brevets, the 5 riders who rode the 1200Kms and you of course.
We will also be playing the Paris-Brest-Paris: The Incredible Journey to get an idea of how the 2007 ride went and watch snaps taken by the folks at the PBP
Wanna know more ?
DIY awesome cycling key chain
5 months ago | Rohan Kini: blog@BumsOnTheSaddle.com - Home
Simple.
All you need is some cable ties and some chain links from your chain ;)
every Monday Bicycling Movie Nite's - Pink Bike Monday Movies
5 months ago | Rohan Kini: blog@BumsOnTheSaddle.com - Home
Every Monday Bicycling Movie nite – we intend to watch a biking movie every monday evening. Start around 7:30pm and wrap up in an hour.
- Starting this Monday – 19th September
- Time – 7:30pm
- Where – BumsOnTheSaddle
We are watching a selection of movies from Pink Bike this Monday
1. Why – Monday’s are boring. We want to spice up your life.
2. BYOB event – so BYOB please.
3. Everyone is welcome. Really.
BBCh #8 | Cyclocross race | 18 Sept
5 months ago | Rohan Kini: blog@BumsOnTheSaddle.com - Home
BBCh #8 is all about introducing Cyclocross to Bangalore.
Important Race info
- When – Sunday, 18 Sept 2011
- Race Category – Cyclocross
- Start Time – 7:30am meetup to race at 8am sharp
- Where – check out the map below
- Who – Anybody and everybody (get friends and family to cheer you along)
Map to race start
Helmet are mandatory. No excuses.
- Make sure you have read and agree with the BBCh Disclaimer
- Rules and Regulations page
- We fund the races primarily thru the Vitamin M concept
- F.A.Q
Race details
We race for 45mins and at the indication of the completion of the time, we race the last lap.
Useful links
BOTS Currency - bicycling gift vouchers
5 months ago | Rohan Kini: blog@BumsOnTheSaddle.com - Home
Ever wanted to gift a biker some bicycling related item and not sure what to gift them ?
How about some BOTS Currency ?
every Monday Bicycling Movie Nite's - Pink Bike Monday Movies
5 months ago | Rohan Kini: blog@BumsOnTheSaddle.com - Home
Every Monday Bicycling Movie nite – we intend to watch a biking movie every monday evening. Start around 7:30pm and wrap up in about 45 mins.
- Starting this Monday – 12th September
- Time – 7:30pm
- Where – BumsOnTheSaddle
We are watching a selection of movies from Pink Bike this Monday
1. Why – Monday’s are boring. We want to spice up your life.
2. BYOB event – so BYOB please.
3. Everyone is welcome. Really.
BOTS Bike Review - Trek 1.1 - an excellent all rounder
6 months ago | Rohan Kini: blog@BumsOnTheSaddle.com - Home
The Trek 1.1 was reviewed by Darren Reid. We wrap up the review with our thoughts on certain technical/non-technical aspects of the bike.
About Darren
Darren Reid is a pro biker from Australia who is currently in India. He is currently sponsored by Rapha clothing (the Prada of bicycling clothing) and embrocation cycling magazine (it`s a great read. Check them out). If you like what you see, you’re welcome to ping Darren and order stuff thru him.
Darren has been racing for over 20 years and is currently helping us build and improve the Bangalore Bicycle Championships. Definitely good to have someone so experienced in our formative years!
Here’s Darren has to say about his Trek 1.1
Darren’s Thoughts
Rating the new Trek 1.1 wasn’t so hard – an excellent all rounder.
A frame designed by Trek Wisconsin, a great looking paint job, a Trek Alpha aluminum frame and fork and the thoughtful eyelets in the front and the rear for racks! The generous wheel clearance also allows for mudguards which add to the versatility of the 1.1, great for the upcoming monsoons and carrying your bag and laptop to the office!
The bike has a solid entry level Shimano groupset (Shimano 2300), Bontrager components and an FSA crank. The Trek 1.1 is not a light weight racing machine, but the 23C tires, the compact design and the racing short wheel base definitely gives you a feeling of race worthiness. It is really a bike you can use for everything – you could commute to work all week with mud guards and racks, ride it home on a friday, knock down a couple of beers and convert it into a weekend racing machine. All set to ride and train hard.
A Trek road bike under 30k. Smart buy indeed!
I have had the Trek 1.1 for a couple of days – its not as light as my other racing machines, but it did handle very very well. The ride up and down our local climb, Nandi Hills, was responsive and the bike handled very well. The compact crank allows for comfortable gear ratios to climb Nandi, especially the 34 front chainring up Nandi hill which had me spinning like Lance :-)
The Shimano 2300 never missed a gear.
I also found the aluminum frame to soak up a lot of bumps where there where bad road surfaces. I’m sure it would be a good bike for long distance Brevet rides that seem to be popular in Bangalore at the moment.
Sure I could pick things I would like to change on it, but at the end of the day it’s an excellent all rounder and great value for money given that it is a Trek and that it’s priced at under Rs. 30,000.
I would say go for it!!!
Darren’s Rating
The Trek 1.1 gets out of 5
- Components – 3
- Style – 4
- Race Worthiness – 2
- Versatility – 4.5
- Comfort and fun – 4
BOTS Thought’s
How do we review a bike ?
At BumsOnTheSaddle we typically consider quite a few parameters before recommending a bike (We recommend only those bikes that we would buy or ride ourselves).
BOTS Parameters
- Support/Warranty – Can the brand provide good support/warranty when there are issues (most bikers have no clue about this) Are the replacements easily available?
- Ride – How does the bike ride ? Can it handle technical terrains or does it come with a not meant for stunts sticker on it. Is the bike spec’d and does it behave reasonably for the kind of riding intended?
- Price – How is the bike priced when you compare it with similar models/brands in the market?
- Brand Philosophy – We also tend to look at how the brand is positioned in the Indian market – is the brand trying to sell a container full of bikes to make a quick buck? Availability of sizing options? Availability of spares for their bikes? Do they support the local biking industry? All very important when you look at long term ownership.
Like Darren mentioned, the Trek 1.1 is a very good ride indeed and scores pretty high on most of our criteria for recommending it.
We have been using the 1.1 over the last month or so and putting it thru its paces – flats, climbs, descents, commutes, races and longish brevet rides. The bike is versatile indeed! It does lack the responsiveness and acceleration you would expect out of a really good road bike, but then you cannot expect anything better at a sub Rs 50,000 range of bikes.
The bike does not have any carbon on it – which is good considering that its not built to be a speed machine. This allows the costs to be kept down.
The bike also comes with an aluminium fork. Do read our next writeup on why this could be a boon or a bane.
The Shimano 2300 rode surprisingly well. The shifts were crisp and the bike rode exceedingly well on flats, climbs and descents. The 2300 comes with a 11-25 7 speed cassette. The front crank is a 50/32 compact crank. The gear ratios might leave you out of gears and your comfort zone if you are a beginner and hitting steep climbs like Nandi. Other than that the 2300s are great!
Who should buy this bike
- First time road biker – you have been on crappy bikes, on MTBs etc and want to experience what open roads, road bikes and spandex is all about. Without burning a hole in your pocket!
- Looking at getting a speed machine that you can use for most kinds of riding – weekend long rides, commute, city rides, short quick training rides
- Training – a good second bike to have for your training rides on your trainer or outside.
If you intend to do some fast racing on this, we would recommend you save a bit more and look at bikes starting in the Rs 50,000 range. It’s worth the ride and you would spend that much or more on this bike with upgrades to get you the experience you are looking for anyways.
Upgrade path
We could make a couple of changes to make this bike ride even better – in order of priority
1. Braking – change the brake shoes to something better for a better braking experience and confidence on descents.
2. Tires – swap out the entry level Bontrager tires to racier, lighter, faster tires. Rolling can improve drastically.
3. Wheelset – the entry level wheels could be swapped out for lighter racing wheels for the peppiness you experience on more expensive racing machines. Borrow a friends wheelset and see how good the frame is.
4. Carbon – introduce carbon for better handling, reducing road buzz and comfort. You could swap in a carbon fork and a carbon seatpost.
5. Group set – if you have money left in your kitty you could upgrade to a Tiagra groupset. This would reduce weight, make your ride more efficient and give you much better control over your shifting. The additional sprocket at the rear is definitely a nice to have on your climbs.
Comparable bikes in the Indian Market
all approximate prices susceptible to change
- Trek 1.1 – around Rs 30,000
- Giant SCR2 – around Rs 29,000
- Bianchi Via Nirone – 2300 mix – Rs 42,000
Snaps of the Trek 1.1
<object height='300' width='400'> <param></param> <param></param> <param></param><embed src='http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=104087' height='300' width='400'></embed></object>Credits
- Darren Reid for spending precious time riding the bike, being a staunch bum at BOTS and helping us with everything bicycling in Bangalore.
- Firefox Bikes – for giving us the Trek bike for this review. And for being super nice to the team at BumsOnTheSaddle and helping us in whatever way possible. We are not an easy bike shop to deal with :)
- Sriharsha Maiya – (freelance photographer) For taking awesome shots of the bike.
every Monday Bicycling Movie Nite's - The Atherton Project
6 months ago | Rohan Kini: blog@BumsOnTheSaddle.com - Home
Every Monday Bicycling Movie nite – we intend to watch a biking movie every monday evening. Start around 7:30pm and wrap up in about 45 mins.
Starting this Monday – 5th September
Time – 7:30pm
Where – BumsOnTheSaddle
We are watching the Season 3 of the Atherton Project this Monday
1. Why – Monday’s are boring. We want to spice up your life.
2. BYOB event – so BYOB please.
3. Everyone is welcome. Really.
How to choose a good bicycle
6 months ago | Rohan Kini: blog@BumsOnTheSaddle.com - Home
So, you are on a hunt for a sexy new bike and you are confused to bits with all your research.
Looks like this is a pretty common experience. The local market is a glut of noise – brands/models/prices/spec’s and opinions.
So how do you decide on the bike of your dreams?
Well it’s kinda simple. You need to have answers to a couple of questions
- What kind of riding do you aspire to do – Trail rides, City Commutes, Road rides, a combination of them?
- How much are you willing to invest in this?
- Do you intend to spend some quality time on the saddle or is it for your daily up-the-road-milk purchases?
- Get an idea of the prices in the Indian market and have a realistic idea of the price of a bike.
With these answers you can do a couple of things to make your hunt easier
- Get options – the answers above will narrow down your choices to a couple of bikes. If not, try answering the questions again.
- Join the local cycling community – trawl the forums before you ask for advice on a new bike. It’s a common question and it’s pretty irritating to see newbie’s ask the same question everyday. Not the best way to get pally with your future riding buddies.
- Search for bike reviews on the internet. The internet is an awesome place for information. Be careful and take everything with a pinch of salt. Gushing bikers always love their bikes and most reviews are biased, especially when its the only bike they have ever ridden. Learn to sift the crap from the real stuff. Keep an eye out for niggling issues that they have faced.
- Visit the bike shops who stock your bike. Speak to the folks in the bike shop. Get feedback about the bike shops. The internet and social media (facebook, Twitter and your local cycling club) are fantastic places to get this info. Zero in on a bike shop that you think is good.
- Last but not the least – test ride the bike. Nothing like riding the bike before you buy it. This might work against you if you do not understand what you are looking for. Just riding the bike is an ego boost and nothing else. Do it anyways!
So, what role does the ‘good bike shop’ play in this
- They help you narrow down your choices and give some solid recommendations. They always have the inside scoop on the bikes.
- An experienced bike shop can often give you more than just run-of-the-mill advice. They can give seemingly contradictory but awesome advice which you will appreciate only after you own and ride a bike.
- They need to be trustable on bike fit and bike setup. Many of these bikes often require specific tools and knowledge of procedures.
- They are your bike doc’s. You choose them like you choose a doc for yourself.
- Bike shop’s do not have to process any warranties as the warranty on a bike is between a customer and the company directly. These are PITA procedures and a good bike shop actually spends time, money and effort to ensure you stay off the saddle for as short time as possible.
BBCh #7 | 22Km Time Trial Madness | 21 Aug
6 months ago | Rohan Kini: blog@BumsOnTheSaddle.com - Home
Ever taken part in an individual Time Trial ? Known how much fun it can be ?
Imagine this multi-fold.
BBCh #7 is all about introducing the Team Time Trial to Bangalore, with the hope of encouraging team formation. This would help us take our local bike racing scene to the next level!
While you could definitely race all by yourself (boooooo! booring!) it would be fantastic if you could race with your team or form an adhoc team, give it a zany name and race together.
Don’t want to race but would love to pitch in and help organize this race and ensure it is top notch ? Please do sign up as a volunteer
Important Race info
- When – Sunday, 21 Aug 2011
- Race Category – Team Time Trial or an Individual Time Trial
- Race route – 22.6Kms
- Start Time – 7am meetup to race at 8am sharp
- Where – check out the map
- Who – Anybody and everybody (get friends and family to cheer you along)
- Expected Average Speed for the TTT – 50Kmph+
- Distance from City – 35Kms
Team time trial dynamics
- Max team size – 6 members
- The time clocked by the 3rd team member crossing the finish line is considered the team time
- The above rule implies you need to have at least 3 members in your team to clock a time for the team
Helmet are mandatory. No excuses.
- Make sure you have read and agree with the BBCh Disclaimer
- Rules and Regulations page
- We fund the races primarily thru the Vitamin M concept
- F.A.Q
Useful links
- More about the BBCh
- Register to Race
- Register to Volunteer
- What is a Team Time Trial
- Individual Time Trial
- map of the Race route
- Driving Directions to race start
- Alternate Driving Directions to race start
Local Teams racing at the BBCh
- Team IVC
- CAM Racing
- KYNKYNY Racing
- Spectrum Racing
- Cleated Warriors
- Team Shift
- Veloscope
- Team BOTS
and more
Check out the compressed version of the entire race route. This was shot around 4pm on a busier day – truckers tend to shut eye earlier in the day!
<iframe src='http://www.youtube.com/embed/4x84pvtbqN8?rel=0' height='349' width='560'></iframe>BOTS University - introducing a Team Time Trial
7 months ago | Rohan Kini: blog@BumsOnTheSaddle.com - Home
plagiarized from the Team Time Trial writeup on Wikipedia by Karan Bhuta, our latest intern at BumsOnTheSaddle!
Thanks Karan.A team time trial (TTT) is a road-based bicycle race in which teams of cyclists race against the clock.
Teams start at equal intervals. Late starters have the advantage of knowing what times they need to beat (and this also makes the event more interesting to spectators).
Unlike individual time trials where competitors are not permitted to ‘draft’ (ride in the slipstream) behind each other, in team time trials riders in each team employ this as their main tactic each member taking a turn at the front while team-mates ‘sit in’ behind. After their turn, the lead rider will swing over, allowing the next rider to take the lead, while the leader goes to the back of the team.
Should one team overtake another, the overtaken team would be expected to drop back.
The main principle behind a TTT is that a few riders can ride at the front of the formation slightly above their aerobic threshold while others draft behind these riders. The riders then rotate, allowing some riders to recover while drafting behind fresher teammates. A rider who is riding at the front is said to be taking a ‘pull’. A rider who needs more time to recover may take a longer time at the back of the formation while the other teammates rotate in front of this rider. With increased desired speed, the riders take harder but shorter pulls at the front as to not burn themselves up.
The recorded finishing time in a team time trial is often based on the N-th rider of that team. For example, in stage races such as the Tour de France or Giro d’Italia the finishing time is based on the 5th rider of the team, out of a total of 9 riders per team. Therefore a team may choose to have a few of its riders take a death pull towards the end of the TTT event, in which the riders take as hard a pull at the front to lift the pace at the cost of exhausting themselves with no hope of being able to latch onto the back of the formation for drafting. They then drop back and leave the remainder of the team to finish the time trial.
A motivation video – hoping it will get you on the bike and practicing asap
<iframe src='http://www.youtube.com/embed/2nnZi9LvQvQ?rel=0' height='349' width='560'></iframe>BOTS University - Basic maintenance session
7 months ago | Rohan Kini: blog@BumsOnTheSaddle.com - Home
Time to kickstart BOTS University at the new location
Where: BumsOnTheSaddle
When: Saturday, 6 Aug – 11am to 12:30pm
Do signup for the event on facebook or on a google spreadsheet
The session would be basic maintenance and upkeep of your bike – more of a discussion rather than a hardcore session.
The hardcore ones will follow the next couple of months. So stay tuned!