Lezyne Femto Drive (Rear Light)

The story of my tail light....

Lezyne Femto Drive Rear Light - Blue

 After destroying my last AAA powered rear light by smashing it into a tree it was time for a replacement and being Lezyne, I expected the $24.95 Phoenix Cyclery charged me to be matched with quality and it hasn't disappointed.

The Lezyne Femto Drive rear light is classy with its CNC machined anodised aluminium housing and simple design. It is small and at 22g it's light yet it you'll been seen on those night rides, with 7 lumens shining out the back. I like it.

To turn it on, push in the lens for 2 seconds then press quickly to cycle through the 5 modes of: slow flash, medium flash, fast flash, organic fade away and steady. Then when it's time to pack aways press and hold the lens.

It comes 'ready to roll' with the required 2 x CR2032 button batteries and it is designed to be weather resistant with O-ring seals. It is available in various housing colours (red, silver, black, blue, purple, orange and gold) however, I chose blue coz it was the last one in the shop - suckers!

Runtime is rated at up to 60 hours flashing, or 30 hours on steady - I'm running on flashing at the moment so I'll let you know when it goes 'kaput.'

The lens is still plastic, but the housing protects it and the design does seem robust enough to survive a few mishaps.

It uses a silicone strap to wrap around and secure the light to your seatpost so is suitable for various seat post sizes but if your saddle pack gets in the way then apparently (according to the bike shop man), you can get a clip attachment designed to clip the light through a back loop on Lezyne saddle packs...so no excuses for not having a tail light.

Lezyne Silicon Strap

This strap makes it easy to re-position the light, particularly if you're a shorty like me and need to make sure that your rear light is not blocked by your rear tyre coz your's seat is so low! Here it is mounted on my seatpost on "Giovanni."

Lezyne Femto Drive Rear Light Mounted on 'Giovanni'

Lezyne Femto Drive Rear Light Mounted on 'Giovanni' - Side View

It works well and the plastic housing curves around the seatpost to angle the light upwards to help ensure it can be seen from behind. Although we'll see if I still think it's great when I put on a saddle bag... I suspect I may have to buy the bag clip so the light is not blocked by my rear wheel. 

In conclusion, the Lezyne Femto Drive rear light is pretty awesome. I like the fact that it is a simple design, it's easy to install and adjust, it's very light and it just looks cool. However, if you're short or ride with a saddle bag you may have to buy the bag clip so you can clip in a position that it can be seen and it is pricy but the cost is rewarded with quality.

Bontrager Air Support MTB

The story of my hand pump...

 

Bontrager Air Support MTB

I actually bought this Bontrager Air Support MTB hand pump in March 2010 but it has served me well over so I though it deserved a mention.

Costing me $41.52 it's not an el cheapo and it did take the bike shop man at Pack 'n' Pedal some time to convince me it was worth it. Considering I'd just destroyed 2 cheap plastic hand pumps in the space of 2 years, I was sold when he offered a full refund/replacement if it failed within a year. Needless to say it has survived and I think it was worth the extra moola.

This thing is a beast, it features:

• An auto-select head to fit both Presta and Schrader valves 
• Dual action design pushes out air when you're pushing and pulling so it's fast to fill those tubes on the trail when you're in a hurry. 
• Rugged aluminium barrel so it can take a few knocks
• Locking lever to attach the pump to the valve 
• Fold-out handle to give you extra leverage
• It is very light-weight

Bontrager Air Support MTB - ready to start pumping

It comes with a mounting clip to attach to your bike frame, but I never used it as it doesn't fit alongside my specialized bottle holder on my Specialized Hardrock Pro. Instead It's light enough that I usually carry it in my Camelback.

Bontrager Air Support MTB - mounting clip & packaging

This is the best mini hand pump I've ever had, it is quality and worth the extra cost. The push/pull pumping feature is not a gimic; it definitely pumps quicker than those that do not have this feature. It's aluminum build is very rugged and the locking lever holds onto the valve good and tight. Although it looks like it will be weighty it is surprisingly not and it looks awesome, I love showing off my flash looking pump!

Not a lot is perfect and this is no exception, I have found a few cons during my years of use...

• Fold out handle is neat and gives good leverage but it is not the most comfortable thing to be gripping and pumping with for too long.
• The handle pivots and is locked to the main body of the pump via a pin through a thin aluminium spacer. Over the years, I have noticed that this has become loose with wear and could eventually fall apart as it'll no longer lock the handle in place. However, this will take a few more years yet.

Overall, this is a high end mini hand pump, which is reflected in its cost, but despite a couple of cons, I have been happy with its performance and I would recommend it to anyone considering owning one for themselves.

BBB Powerpull crank puller (BTL-14)

The story of my crank puller....

BBB Powerpull Crank Puller (BTL-14)

As I found out the hard way, it's not easy to remove cranks off a square tapered spindle without a crank puller...so I bought a BBB Powerpull crank puller (BTL-14) to give me a hand.

Crank pullers are designed to separate the crank from the bike's bottom bracket.

This particular crank puller can be used on all ISIS spindles, or remove the end cap, and the tool can be used on all square tapered spindles.

I found it very easy to use when I was removing the cranks off a rusty clunker of a bike. The only slight difficulty I had was removing the end cap so I could use it on the square tapered spindle but that was more likely due to a momentary blonde moment!

The BBB Powerpull Crank Puller (BTL-14) is very solidly built so there are no reservations about applying requisite force. Although, in saying that, one should always take care in ensuring that no cross-threading is in action when using this tool.

Simple 'how to use' pictograms were printed on the packaging, which could prove useful for a first time user; particularly as the tool can be used for both types of spindles and requires a part ot be removed is being used for square tapered onee.

Overall, I needed the tool to get the job done, it worked and for the build of the product it was worth the $25 I spent to buy it from Top Gear Cycles as I know it'll be ages until I need to ever need to buy another one.

Topeak Universal Chain Tool (TT1303)

The story of my chain breaker...

Topeak Universal Chain Tool (TT1303)

 

 

 

Needed a chain breaker so went down to one of the many local bike shops, in this case Pack 'n' Pedal and bought a Topeak Universal Chain Tool. Its a nifty little gadget that definitely beats the ole 'hammer & centre punch' trick. This tool comes with a few hidden extras that are quite handy too.

This 2-piece cast CrMo chain tool features a hollow removable handle which can be slipped over a small Allen wrench to provide extra leverage. Includes a chain hook to make chain repair easier,it is compatible with all single speed and most multi-speed chains, including 10 speed hollow pin chain. (Not compatible with 11 speed chains.)

Features:

•  Cast CrMo steel chain tool
•  Stainless steel chain hook wire
•  Hardened steel tool
•  Chain pin breaker
•  Chain pin compartment
•  Weighs 82g
•  Size: 8.3 x 4.3 x 1.5 cm

I love it how the packaging says "...can be used as a hammer.." The tool is only 8.3 cm long so I'm sure it can be used a hammer, albeit not a very useful one!

Overall, very please with this buy. The tool is of a sturdy build yet lightweight and easy to use. It's perfect to pop into the backpack on long trail rides out of cellphone range or where help can't come quick enough to fix a broken chain.

Union Alloy Workstand (BT999)

The story of my workstand a Union BT999

Union Ally Workstand (BT999)

Union workstand just arrived. Horrah! for no more adjusting gears and bleeding brakes while hoping my bike stays balanced between the washing machine and dryer!

It's super cool how it folds down to a compact size; good and sturdy with quick releases to adjust height, clamp, rotation etc. It's constructed of tubular aluminium with foldable legs. 

Apparently this may have previously been known as YC100.

Features:

• Multiple adjustment settings
• Rotating clamp
• Locking levers,
• 360 degree rotating clamp
• Adjustable rubber-lined locking jaw that won’t damage your frame,
• Quick adjustment height with settings between 97-150 cm (38"-59")
• Suitable for round, oval or some hyrdoformed frame designs or seat posts
• Will support frame diameter of up to 62mm (if the tubing is round).

Specifications:

• Total weight: 5.0 kg
• Dimensions when folded: 100 x 20 x 20 cm
• Maximum jaw opening: 68mm
• Feet: Length 80cm, width 100cm (at widest opening)

Impressions/Review:

No problems yet. Great value for money. Good and sturdy when my bike is clamped in around seat post. No extreme wobbling issues when working on the bike either. The extensions slide easily when assembling and the quick releases used for adjustments work really well. Quick and easy to assemble/disassemble.

2009 Specialized Hardrock Pro

The story of my 2009 Specialized Hardrock Pro...

 

2009 SPECIALIZED HARDROCK PRO

SPECIFICATIONS:
Bicycle type: Front suspension
Size: 15"
Colour: Gloss White
Frame: Specialized A1 Premium Aluminum, fully butted, formed TT, double ORE DT, externally relieved HT, reinforced disc mount, reinforced disc mount, forged dropouts w/ replaceable 98954020 hanger, disc only
Fork: RockShox Dart 3 SL, 80mm, 1-1/8" alloy lower leg and alloy steerer, TurnKey adj. reb. w/ LO and preload adj.
Front Brakes: Tektro Auriga Comp, hydraulic disc, dual piston w/ 160mm rotor
Rear Brakes: Tektro Auriga Comp, hydraulic disc, dual piston w/ 160mm rotor
Brake Levers: Tektro Auriga Comp
Shift Levers: Shimano SL-M360, 8-speed, rapid fire w/ indicator
Derailers: Front:Shimano Altus, 34.9mm clamp, Rear: Shimano Alivio
Crankset: Shimano FC-M36108 with chain guard
Chainrings: Shimano FCM-361-8, 42 x 32 x 22t
Pedals: Steel cage, composite body, 9/16"
Bottom Bracket: Shimano BB-ES25, Octalink spline, cartridge bearing, 68mm x 113mm
Cassette: SRAM PG-830, 8-speed, 11-32t
Chain: KMC X8 w/ reuseable Missing Link
Seatpost: Specialized alloy two bolt, no offset, micro adjust, 30.9mm
Seat Binder: Specialized alloy w/ QR

Saddle:  Specialized Indie XC, Body Geometry, 143mm width
Handlebar: Specialized alloy riser bar, 31.8mm, 25mm rise, 620/640mm wide, 8 degree back sweep, 8 degree up sweep
Handlebar Stem: Specialized 3D forged, 7 degree rise, 31.8mm clamp
Headset:  Specialized 1-1/8" threadless, loose ball
Front Wheel Hubs: Specialized Hi Lo, forged alloy, double sealed, ground race, disc, 32h

Rear Wheel Hubs: Specialized forged alloy, machined flanges, double sealed, ground race, disc, 32h

Wheel Rims: Specialized RHD, 26", pinned, alloy double wall w/ eyelet, 32h
Tyres: Specialized Fast Trak LK Sport, 26x2.0", 60TPI, wire bead
Inner Tubes: Schraeder valve
Spokes: 1.8mm (15g) stainless w/ alloy nipples
Grips: Specialized Enduro, dual compound Kraton, no flange, 131mm

GEOMETRY:

Size	13	15	17	19	21	23
Seat Tube Length - Center to Top	330mm	381mm	432mm	483mm	533mm	584mm
Top Tube Length (Horizontal)	540mm	555mm	580mm	605mm	630mm	655mm
Top Tube Length (Actual)	534mm	538mm	557mm	581mm	608mm	638mm
Chainstay Length	424mm	424mm	424mm	424mm	424mm	424mm
Bottom Bracket Height - Low Setting	299mm	299mm	299mm	299mm	299mm	299mm
Seat Tube Angle (Actual) - Low Setting	73°	73°	73°	73°	73°	73°
Head Tube Angle - Low Setting	70.25°	70.25°	70.25°	70.25°	70.25°	70.25°
Wheel Base	1017mm	1032mm	1058mm	1083mm	1109mm	1135mm
Standover Height	696mm	727mm	766mm	794mm	830mm	865mm
Head Tube Height	100mm	100mm	120mm	120mm	140mm	160mm
Handlebar Width	640mm	640mm	640mm	640mm	640mm	640mm
Stem Length	60mm	60mm	75mm	75mm	90mm	90mm
Crank Length	170mm	170mm	170mm	175mm	175mm	175mm
Seatpost Length	350mm	350mm	350mm	400mm	400mm	400mm

BASIC HISTORY:

Replaced standard flat pedals with SPD downhill flats

Basic Service November 2011 - bled brakes, wheel/brake alignment, brake cables replaced Basic service November 2012 - bled brakes, wheel alignment, brake alignment,  Silver service from Phoenix Cycles August 2013 - brakes bled, wheel/brake alignment, tuned/adjusted

brakes/gears, stripped and cleaned frame/parts, cleaned/re-greased bottom bracket. August 2013 - Replaced SPD pedals with original flats. And here's an actual photo... 2009 Specialized Hardrock Pro (actual photo) This bike was sold to "nikkid110" via TradeMe...he will be missed :(

BTW - I have found a new bike "Giovanni" - he's a 2008 Giant Anthem W frame with all the gears; I'll be putting up a post on him soon just been far too busy having fun with him :)