GOLD COAST SUPERCYCLE – TREK DEMO DAY! This Sunday!
Want to know how the new 2018 Trek Bikes ride? Come on down to Nerang Velodrome this Sunday and find out for yourself!
What:
Come ride the new range of 2018 Mountain Bikes – Fuel, Remedy or the amazing new Powerfly FS or the incredibly quick 2018 Madone road bikes.
Where:
Nerang Velodrome – Hope Street, Nerang
When:
7.00AM – 12.00PM This Sunday 29th October, 2017
See you there!
The 5 best and worst ways to survive magpie season
A warm winter means the magpie attack cohort are sharpening their beaks early this season. So what can we do to avoid the fear and loathing from a close beak snap or, heaven forbid, loss of eye or limb from an overly aggressive death bird? We look at the five best and five worst ways to survive magpie season.
Best
Tennis racket
The combination of a tennis racket and a good serve is an effective way of fending off aggressive beak snapping birds. A powerful one handed short game is also helpful. Effective as this can be, it also unfortunately will harm or maim the bird. Don’t do it.
Stare them down
I can actually vouch for this method. Aggressively engaging eye contact stops the birds from swooping, but you have to stare them down constantly. A soon as you look away they will resume attack. The problem here is that typically magpies swoop from behind, meaning you’re not looking where you are going. The injuries sustained from inevitably crashing into something will probably outweigh the discomfort of being pecked on the ear. It definitely works, but is inherently unsafe. Don’t do it.
Drive
Drive a car instead. It works – no birds, but also means you aren’t riding a bike. Don’t do it.
Group ride
My favourite is riding in a decent bunch. The larger the bunch the greater the odds that someone else will get attacked and the odds rise in your favour even more if you sit on the front while riding through known bird patches. Added bonus is that magpie attacks are actually funny when they happen to someone else. Sit back and enjoy.
Ride fast, real fast
Okay, this works in theory. A typical unladen bird has a top speed of in short attack bursts 100-150km/h. Obviously if you ride faster you will be safe. This is actually stupid. Don’t do it cause you can’t.
Worst
Zip ties
As common as it is ridiculous, generations of silly people have been attaching zip ties to their helmets in a vain attempt at fending off attack birds. Don’t bother, it doesn’t work and the birds are laughing.
Googly Eyes
This is an attempt to reconstruct the stare down method. You could be forgiven for believing that sticking a pair of eyes to your helmet will confuse an approaching magpie. Seems legit. Doesn’t work. The birds don’t forgive.
Squirt bottle
Another terrible idea that requires pin point accuracy with a squirt bottle while riding not looking where you’re going. Birds fly in the rain. They don’t care about water.
Lights
You could try mounted flashing light to your helmet. The benefit would be twofold because it helps with visibility making you safer. Unfortunately the birds aren’t scared of lights so there is only one benefit, which I have just mentioned.
Taxidermy
Top honours for the worst way to prevent a magpie swoop is taxidermy on your helmet. Stuff your recently deceased cat and zip tie the embalmed corpse to your helmet. This could actually work, or it could just be really, truly stupid. The problem is whenever my cat goes outside in a magpie rich environment it instantly becomes a magpie magnet. Save your taxidermy for the mantlepiece. The birds aren’t afraid.
Something for Everyone: Nerang Forest Trail Ride Guide
How many times have you woken up on the weekend, looked outside to a beautiful sunny day and asked the family, “What should we do today?” Have no fear because thanks to the hard work of the Gold Coast Mountain Bike Club, Gold Coast City Council, Nerang Trail Care Alliance and countless volunteers we have one of the premier family mountain bike trail systems in South East Queensland. And it’s FREE to use!
We have one of the premier family mountain bike trail systems in South East Queensland. And it’s FREE to use!
Contrary to nearly every mountain bike video ever made, most mountain bikers are local professionals, families or youth looking for some fun, fitness and community. Mountain Biking for me has always been social. Now a father of a 5 year old I am starting to share my love of the sport with my whole family and Nerang is the perfect place for it. Now my little guy might not be ready for the 20 kilometre endurance ride “out back” but there is a velodrome, big grass picnic areas, a road circuit and an easy (Green Rated) loop that any beginner can accomplish with confidence. Did I mention there is new parking and bathroom facilities? So lets get into the meat of the post with a quick guide to the main trails at Nerang.
How Trails are Rated
Now this is a simplified version of the official IMBA Australian trail ratings. But these three levels of difficulty will cover all legal trails within the Nerang Forest. At this point trails may or may not have official signs but this is in future plans. You can use this guide or other official maps that indicate each trail section rating.
Easy/Beginner: Likely to be a combination of fire road or wide single track with a gentle gradient, smooth surface and relatively free of unavoidable obstacles. Short sections may exceed these criteria. Frequent encounters are likely with walkers, runners, horse riders and other cyclists. Beginner/ novice mountain bikers. Basic mountain bike skills required. Suitable for off-road bikes.
Intermediate: Likely to be a single trail with moderate gradients, variable surface and obstacles. Skilled mountain bikers. Suitable for mountain bikes.
Difficult: Likely to be a challenging single trail with steep gradients, variable surface and many obstacles. Experienced mountain bikers with good skills. Suitable for better quality mountain bikes.
With this in mind I’ll start by introducing you to three popular trails all based out of the main entrance at Nerang Forest.
Casuarina Groove Circuit (Easy/Beginner)
Newly renovated, this simple loop is ideal for the first time mountain biker. While a full suspension bike is generally recommended for the best ride, almost any standard mountain bike will do for this trail. You won’t find and drops, jumps or severe technical obstacles on this groove track. The beginning of the track starts at the main gate entrance. The first few hundred meters will take you on a gradual climb with some easy turns and switch backs. You’ll soon come to a split in the trail where another trail meets (Pete’s Track). Take the left track to continue on Casuarina. From here the trail winds through the forest topping out at the optional extra loop. From here you can head straight which will take you back down to the link and then back to where you started. For first timers and youth this would be the best option. For a slightly more adventurous route you can also take a right at the junction towards the 800 meter “Optional Loop”. Officially rated as a Blue trail, you can expect a slightly greater grade and a few small obstacles and quicker switchbacks.
Pete’s Track (Intermediate)
Similar to Casuarina, there has been a substantial reworking of this trail, mainly the upper part over the last season. More technical and a longer more sustained climb, this is the perfect second trail to attempt. It’s an easy to follow out and back allowing you to return down at any point if things get to technical or time is running short. Start at the base of the Casuarina Groove Track but this time take the right turn when the trail forks. You’ll climb for a while eventually crossing the main forest service road. You’ll cross this a few times but the trail continues directly across the road so no chance of getting lost. Pace yourself as the climb stays very consistent almost the entire way up. Once you reach the top you’ll have a few options. If this is your first time attempting this trail I recommend turing right around for a fun and flowing descent. The recent trail work has created smooth berms and added a few fixed obstacles. Please don’t cut corners or attempt to relocate rocks. Enjoy what the trail is and how it flows. There are a few spots where more advanced riders can open up some speed but as this is a high traffic trail keep your eye out for other trail users. Be courteous, keep control of your bike and yield when necessary.
Comm Games Track (Difficult)
Now fully complete and open to the public, the official Commonwealth Games Track is quickly becoming a favourite of advanced riders on the coast. The course consists of three main sections (Loop 1, 2 and 3). Designed for elite cross country racing, these loops will certainly put your skills, vision and fitness to the test. For those not ready for this level of trail it is an easy hike to watch talented riders tackle these sections. Loop 1 is a downhill only section, best know for it’s finishing jumps and berms. A perfect way to end a big day “out back”. To get to the top of this section, climb either the forest service road or three hills connection. Loop 2 connects to Loop 1 and has by far the most technical riding sections in the forest. It is advised that riders dismount and inspect or walk through these sections prior to riding. In most cases you can ride a B line around the most difficult parts. Loop 3 is less technical and has recently been used for local Enduro racing. Be prepared with lots of fitness, skill and vision before attempting these loops. For the advanced rider these loops will put you to the test but leave you with great rewards.
If you are looking for more information regarding these trails, how you can volunteer for the Nerang Trail Care Alliance, join group rides…please contact the Gold Coast Mountain Bike Club (info@gcmtb.com.au) or one of our three Gold Coast Supercycle locations. Have fun and rubber side down.
New Shimano Ultegra Release: Spoiler alert, the derailleur is hiding in the shadow.
Just woke up to Shimano’s official press release regarding R8000 Ultegra. Want all the tech? Just follow the official link to Shimano’s tech page describing all the new features.
What is Bikepacking and why it should be your next adventure
“Send the kids to the neighbours I’m comin’ home loaded”, Bikepacking loaded that is! Although what is an overnight bike mission without a stop off in a pub?
But riding all day and hitting the suds in some far flung outback drinking hole is just one of the reasons to pack up your bike with panniers, frame bags and all the paraphernalia required for an overnight adventure on two wheels. Exploring seldom visited locations far from the rat race, places often only reachable by bike, is the joy of packing life into a frame bag, rolling up a tent and setting off.
To make this adventure your next holiday there are some things you will need to sort out first. Having the right bike in good working order is probably the first step, and there are several options available.
Mountain bike:
Probably the best and most versatile choice for any bike packing mission, a mountain bike is built around a heavy duty frame making it very stable when riding off-road. It comes with suitably low-range gearing for carting the extra weight of panniers, racks and tent rolls over hills and rough terrain with relative ease. The hardtail mountain bike is the greatest all-rounder available – spin over bitumen or gravel, then plough through any trail. Check out the Marlin 7 as a quality and affordable option.
Cross Bike:
The Cross Bike is another bike that is a great bet for trips with a lot of gravel roads, bitumen and less rugged terrain (where it may not be necessary to have a mountain bike). These bikes will chew through the miles with relative ease and all feature frames that are purpose built to carry racks and panniers. The Trek Boone is not only a perfect bike packing option, but would also be excellent as a day-in, day-out commuter.
Fat bike:
Why ride a fat bike? Comfort and stability. Once moving these bikes will roll over any surface with confidence. Even fully loaded down with all your overnight camping gear a fat bike, like the Trek Farley 5, will remain unfussed wherever you ride. The bike is lightweight, has a massive gearing range for any decent climbs and best of all it is comfortable without the complexity of suspension forks and shocks.
No racks required
While commuting and touring orientated bikes like the Dual Sport and FX range have frames with mounting points purpose designed for attaching traditional racks and panniers, it is now possible to build-up any bike with a full bike packing gear load. Frame bags, handlebar rolls and seat post mounted racks can make a bike packing machine out of any decent bike. Stay tuned for a gear intensive part 2….
Supercycle Easter Holiday Weekend Hours
There some great weather forecasted for this Easter Weekend. We will be heading out Friday, April 14th on a road ride. See details here: https://www.facebook.com/events/283773715389306/
Store hours will be changed for the Easter weekend as well. All three locations are closed from April 14th – 17th. We will resume normal hours on Tuesday, April 18th.
Thank you all for your support and wish you a fun and safe holiday weekend.
Latest Tech: Wahoo Fitness to release Element Bolt Bike Computer
Taking pre- orders now. Shipping March 2017
Introducing the ELEMNT BOLT – Designed for Performance
ELEMNT BOLT is the first, fully aerodynamic GPS bike computer. Its patent pending design creates an integrated system of computer and mount which results in a CFD (Computational Fluid Design) tested, highly aerodynamic system built to be on the front of your bicycle. Equipped with Bluetooth Smart and ANT+ dual-band technology, ELEMNT BOLT pairs seamlessly with all of your cycling sensors. It works with Wahoo free ELEMNT companion app which allows you to set up your data fields, customize profiles, track performance, and share ride data effortlessly – no more confusing menus. Plus, programmable LED QuickLook Indicators provide a quick way to see if you’re on pace with important performance metrics like speed, heart rate, and power.
ELEMNT BOLT Featured Integrations:
- Strava Live Segments: Upload your favorite Strava segments to ELEMNT BOLT via wifi, get alerted when they are coming up on your route, track your progress against your PR, goal, or the KOM, and get a final push to be your best.
- Best Bike Split: Upload your race course and race plan to ELEMNT BOLT via WiFi to get your target power and speed, distance to next cue, and more. Your best bike split is just one race away with this integration.
- ELEMNT BOLT is fully integrated with the most popular electronic shifting systems including Shimano Di2, SRAM eTAP, FSA WE, and Campagnolo EPS.
Designed for performance and engineered for simplicity – the ELEMNT BOLT GPS Bike Computer helps make every second count.
3 reasons you should replace your bike chain
Many people overlook the fact that a bike chain, like brake pads and tyres, are a consumable piece of equipment that needs regular maintenance and replacement over time. Good chain health is crucial to the smooth running of your bike and, when neglected, results in comments like “my gears keep slipping” or “there is a grinding noise when I pedal”. You may notice when you drop your bike off for a service that one of the first things the mechanic will do is check the chain for wear. This is simply because it is the centrepiece of your drivetrain and paramount to a smoothly running bike. So, first up, what is actually going on here?
Tech Zone
Your bicycle chain is made up of inner plates, outer plates, pins and rollers. Pins work like axles. They hinge the outer and inner plates together and allow them to rotate.The plates also make contact to the side of the gears when you shift. In between these plates are little donuts of metal called rollers. These rollers rotate around the pins and are the main contact point to your gears. The quality of your chain will have a big effect on durability and shift quality. With that understanding let’s shift things into high gear, here are 3 reasons you should replace your chain.
Your chain has “stretched”
Now chains don’t actually stretch, but it is the easiest way to explain the kind of wear a chain will go through. The stretch of a chain can be measured with a “chain checker”. This is a simple devise that measures the movement/play of the rollers. A brand new chain will have about 0.2-0.6mm of play in it. This is necessary for the rollers to rotate freely around the pins. Eventually the rollers’s inner surface wears causing more movement. Once the play is measured at 1mm it is time to replace the chain. If the chain continues to wear beyond this then it will wear down the gears. It’s much cheaper to replace a chain vs replacing chain rings and cassettes. Think of it like changing the oil in your car. It’s a lot cheaper to service it then wait until it blows up and have to buy a new engine.
A new chain will shift better
Along with the bushings, the pins and plates will also loosen over time. This can dramatically affect how well the bike shifts and is the most common reason chains break while riding. Unlike the rollers, this is more subjective to measure. Hold the chain with both hands and move it laterally back and forth. Does it feel tight and stiff? Or is it loose and gritty? If it is the latter then it is time to install a new one even if the rollers aren’t completely worn. Yes you could draw it out a little longer but expect poor shift quality until you replace it.
Damaged link
This may seem obvious at first but hang on, there is more to this. As a rule I always carry a spare joining link (quick link) with me when I ride in case my chain breaks. With a simple multi-tool I can remove the damaged link and replace it with the joining link to get me home. All too often I see riders continue to ride the same chain after replacing the link. Yes sometimes this is ok but consider that by removing a broken link you may have shortened the chain’s length. This can be a big issue if you accidentally shift into the big chain ring up front and the big sized gear (lower gear) in the back. If the chain is too short in this gearing it could rip off your derailleur. A new chain will give you some piece of mind that it shouldn’t happen again soon.
How to make your chain last longer
A clean chain is a happy chain. You don’t have to be pedantic with chain maintenance but you should make an effort. I would recommend cleaning and lubing your chain at least every fortnight. Check out this video we made on how to clean and lube your chain.
Southport welcomes pro mechanic Steve Linnell to the team
Welcome Steve Linnell!
Joining our Southport Supercycle team is master mechanic, mountain biker and all round great guy Steve Linnell. With 15 years industry experience you can rest assured that your bike will be taken care of by the best in the business. Stop into our Southport location for a tune or just to say hi.How to pick a comfortable bike saddle
Make no butts about it, being comfortable on your bike saddle is the biggest asset you can have. An uncomfortable saddle takes the joy out of riding and a big reason some people stop riding all together. Attempting to remedy this can be frustrating, just looking at a saddle won’t tell you if it’s going to fit. What if there was some easy way to narrow your options and make finding a comfy saddle easier….well that’s exactly what I’m going to do in this post. So don’t be saddle sore…get saddle sure. Here is how to pick a comfortable saddle.
So don’t be saddle sore…get saddle sure
Focus on posture
Think about how you are sitting on the bike. Are you seated completely upright or do you lean slightly forward? Maybe you ride aggressively or do triathlon. The amount of forward lean will dictate the saddle shape, width and cushion required. Generally the more upright you are the wider and softer you need. The further forward you lean will require a narrower and firmer saddle. The length of time you spend on the bike also can make a difference. Below is a simple zone system to narrow the options.
Bigger isn’t always better
One common misconception is bigger and softer increases comfort. The size of your butt also has less to do with the saddle selection. Have you had your sit bones measured lately? Seriously, we have a simple way of measuring this at our bike shop. It’s a quick and simple process that requires you to sit on a gel pad and then measure the impressions of your sit bones. For posture 1-4 this is a very useful tool to pick the saddle that gives your sit bones the most support and relieves soft tissue pressure.
Try a pair of padded cycling shorts
I get this question a lot, “how do those roadies ride on those hard saddles all day?” Simple, they wear snug fitted padded shorts. Cycling shorts are silky and tight for a reason. First the slick material decreases friction and wicks moisture quickly. This is a huge help in preventing rubbing discomfort and saddle sores. They are skin tight so that the chamois doesn’t move around and rub the rider’s legs. For those with a more casual riding style, wear these shorts like underwear, yes next to skin always but with some running shorts on top. There are also mountain bike specific shorts that look like hiking shorts but come with a removable padded liner.
30 day comfort guarantee
All of our saddles come with a 30 comfort guarantee. If you’ve gone though the process above then you’ve narrowed your selection down to just one or two options. Give one a try for up to 30 days. If you’re happy with your selection then away you go. If you don’t feel 100% comfortable after 30 days, bring it back to our shop and swap for another option. In the end if it feels good, its a good saddle fit.