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Tech letters for May 28, 2003 - Answers #2
Edited by John Stevenson
Confounded by carbon fiber? Need to sound off about superlight stuff? Tech letters is the forum for your gear-related questions and opinions.
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Flying SRM cranks
Heart rate monitors
Integrated Fork
Mystery crank
Orbea bikes
Polar heart rate monitors
Ritchey
These subjects were originally raised or dicussed in our last edition's questions and answers.
Flying SRM cranks #1
The Australian National Team flies often with SRM's fitted on the bikes with no adverse effects. However, it is a good idea to check the calibration of the SRM cranks every year or so regardless of what they have been through to make sure they are still giving reliable read-outs.
Anna Millward
Australia
Monday, May 19 2003
Flying SRM cranks #2
You can leave the cranks on the bike, it's no problem at all. We do it often and never had problems with it. The only thing you have to be careful for is the big chainring. You better protect that one by folding an isolation tube around it (the tubes they use to prevent water-pipes from freezing).
Ken Ilegems
Mechanic, Team Telekom
Wednesday, May 21 2003
Flying SRM cranks #3
I've flown with mine loads of times. No problems. The hold is pressurised to the same extent as the cabin so taking them off will make no odds. In fact climbing a high mountain pass will simulate the pressure inside a plane so there's really nothing to worry about.
Angus Barber
Wednesday, May 14 2003
Flying SRM cranks #4
I can assure you that the cargo holds of any major airliner is pressurized at the same pressure as the passenger cabin. Taking the cranks off and carrying them on-board would not solve any issues other that those related to baggage handling. Also, because they may be used as a weapon, it is probable that they would be confiscated at the security screening. While not specifically on the list of banned items, they are large enough, and sharp enough to cause a TSA screener to find them objectionable.
With regards to the rules on deflation of tires, we most certainly DO understand physics. There are other things inside the cargo compartment than your bicycle and it's tires, and those things shift slightly in flight. There does exist the possibility of a puncture, and the sharp report from that could conceivably be heard in the cabin. The Flight Crew would then be required to investigate, etc., etc.
Stephen Hill
Senior Engineer - Cabin Systems
Delta Airlines
Wednesday, May 14 2003
Flying SRM cranks #5
First off - I wouldn't worry about the cranks. There's nothing inside that should be affected by the temperature or pressure changes they'll experience. They undoubtedly were shipped to you by air in the first place! Race teams fly constantly, and I've never heard of any issues.
But on the subject of aircraft holds - the typical (Boeing) airliner has two holds underneath. One is completely unpressurized and unheated. The other is partially pressurized, and can be heated - but the baggage loaders have to manually turn on the heat, which they're only supposed to do if there are animals loaded. (Remember that even the cabin is only partially pressurized - at cruising altitude an airliner will be about 8.5 PSI, versus the 2.7 PSI outside and 14.7 PSI on the ground).
As far as flying with pets goes - there are many, many stories of animals being loaded into the wrong compartment, or of the heater being mistakenly left off. Your cranks will survive - sadly, many pets don't each year. Shipping pets safely is indeed extremely tricky.
Paul Spencer
Wednesday, May 14 2003
Flying SRM cranks #6
The entire fuselage of a commercial aircraft is pressurized from the front bulkhead (just fwd of the windscreen) to the aft pressure bulkhead. In other words the pressure in the hold is the same as in the cabin, which is about equivalent to 8000ft altitude, irrespective of what height the aircraft is at. So if you think your cranks could make it up an 8000ft ascent, then it'll be ok! The temperature is also about the same in the hold as in the cabin. This is why when you put your pet in the hold it doesn't die. I'd say leave the cranks on.
Rowan Geddes, A cyclist who just happens to be an aerospace engineer
Australia
Thursday, May 15 2003
Flying SRM cranks #7
I flew as a flight engineer on 747s and 727s for about 8 years. Cargo holds on modern jet aircraft are pressurized and heated just like the cabin is. The most pressure change you will experience is a rise in cabin altitude of approx 6000 feet or so. The cabin altitude is determined by the actual aircraft altitude and normally is in this range. This should not harm the cranks since most of the higher mountainous areas exceed this to begin with. I don't think you will have a problem.
Scott Holcombe
Charleston SC, 29418
Wednesday, May 14 2003
Flying SRM cranks #8
I have had no problems with mine. It is recommended that you take the power control unit with you and not to leave it in any non-pressurised space, though.
Geoffrey A. Mar
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Tuesday, May 13 2003
Heart rate monitors #1
You might want to consider the Cateye MSC 3DX - I have 2 - one on my training bike and one on my race bike. Pretty much all the criteria you asked for, apart from average pulse rate (I'm not certain any monitor will give you that). They are both excellent, and have given no problems. Unfortunately, you have to purchase a separate download kit, and although the software isn't that dynamic, it is adequate for most applications. Our currency is very weak (8 ZAR to 1$) and I had to consider cost as an option too - compared to the Polar S610, they are also very price competitive.
Andy Robertson
South Africa
Monday, May 19 2003
Heart rate monitors #2
I've just bought a CicloSport "HAC4 Plus", in preference to a Polar S710, S720 & S510 etc. Too soon to say how good it is, but no problems in the first week. The HAC4 Plus includes a cadence sensor (although this bit is by wire). Wheel speed sensing is wireless (60cm range). You can change you own batteries, unlike Polar. The volume of data that can be recorded on the HAC4 is amazing - 64 hours of samples every 20s, including speed, cadence, altitude, distance... The Polar definitions of how much data could be stored and downloaded always seemed vague and limiting.
Downloading is via a serial cable to your PC (better/faster if it was USB, but fine for the job).
The analysis software for the PC is comprehensive and gives you loads of statistics on your heart rate. It generates route profiles, assuming you like riding in hills or mountains. An amazing bit of equipment, basically.
PD & JG Harris
UK
Monday, May 19 2003
Heart rate monitors #3
Polar has the reputation for being the best but the reason for this reputation will come back to haunt you later; their transmitter belts and receivers are completely sealed to be absolutely waterproof which means you have to replace the transmitter when the battery goes dead ($30.00 + S&H) and you have to send the wrist receiver back to them or an authorized representative when the battery goes out on it (cost of battery + S&H again).
This is probably necessary if you are a swimmer, and possibly necessary for the transmitter in all sports since it is exposed to so much sweat from your chest. But it is not necessary if you are going to mount your receiver on the handlebars like most cyclists. Just cover it with some clear plastic and a zip tie and your off-you can replace the battery itself w/o incurring incredible costs and delays. I own two Polars and they work pretty well, (not 100% satisfaction) but I am considering changing to a different brand now for the convenience of quicker and easier battery service.
Don Dunstan
Texas, USA
Monday, May 26 2003
Heart rate monitors #4
I have last year's S510 and am very pleased with its performance. Perhaps the "worst" feature is all of the features, and learning how to set each "default" and subsequently read the results. I suggest you venture to the polarusa.com website and carefully read the features checklist and access the PDF "manual." From each you should get an idea of whether you'll be scared away from all of the info.
Stu Strope
Friday, May 16 2003
Integrated Fork #1
You are correct that it is only a cosmetic thing. Most regular forks look OK with an Integrated frame though if your going to buy a fork Integrated forks really should not cost any more than standard. If your frame is alloy then the Head Tube will range anywhere from 43mm OD to 50 mm. If it is Steel or Ti it may be smaller. Measure it at the very bottom across the head tube.
Try to match the fork the head tube if possible, this will help in how it looks. If you are looking around for a fork give the seller the size of your head tube to help out.
Mike Galeoto/GSR Bikes
Wednesday, May 14 2003
Integrated Fork #2
We spec integrated forks on our non-integrated bikes. I think they look nicer.
Brant Richards
On-one Cycles, Oop North, UK
Friday, May 16 2003
Mystery crank #1
You have some museum quality 'New Old Stock' vintage old cranks. Contact www.bicycleclassics.com or Cycleart in Oceanside California for a value estimate.
'Rivermontwest'
Tuesday, May 20 2003
Mystery crank #2
I have a beautifully made (and extremely light) Turbo Aerodinamica model wheel which says "Da Vinci by Saavedra -- Made in Argentina" on it.
This suggests Saavedra is (or at least was) used as a manufacturer's trade name, in addition to its link to this famous cyclist an his shop. Perhaps they made cranks as well?
Richard Burkholder
Stockton NJ USA
Wednesday, May 21 2003
Mystery crank #3
Saavedra made many Campy Nuovo and Super record copy parts (cranks, brakes, hubs, headsets, but not derailleurs), as well as some really lightweight aero rims.
Carl Sundquist
Saturday, May 24 2003
Mystery crank #4
Saavedra is indeed an Argentine component company. They were best known for their aero tubular rims which were quite popular on time trial bikes in the early 80's. Haven't seen anything from Saavedra since then.
Chris Lowe
Wednesday, May 14 2003 (PDT)
Mystery crank #5
http://search.bikelist.org/ If you go and search for Saavedra there is much information Classic Rendezvous is probably the most complete resource on Vintage bike parts out there. It's where I go first if I need to know something.
Rodd Heino
Ottawa Canada
Wednesday, May 14 2003
Mystery crank #6
Señor Luciano - Mr. Saavedra is a Argentinean national who makes bicycle parts and tubular tires as far I know. His e-mail: cosmesaavedra@infovia.com.ar; phone/fax:54-11-4683-2152
Gilberto Linares
Wednesday, May 14 2003
Orbea bikes #1
Brian's concern is understandable. Often when companies grow they will have problems. One thing everyone should know is that Orbea is already a very big company. In fact we are the largest bicycle manufacturer in Europe. The brand is new to the US because we have only imported it here for about two years. Orbea has built bikes for over 70 years so rest assure we are dialed in. So as the brand grows in the US the quality will not suffer. The US is a small customer compared to the production demand in the rest of the world. We can double in size for the next 10 years and the demand will easily be met. Glad to here you are happy with your bike and we hope you will be a customer for quite some time.
Ronnie Points
Inside Sales Southern Territories
Orbea USA
Wednesday, May 14 2003
Orbea bikes #2
I think that's a question about business practices -- if they have prepared for growth, then it won't. If growth is a surprise to them, it probably will for a bit -- that's what I've heard about other companies, at least in the US. It seems like Orbea is pretty progressive and well-thought out in their business model, and it also seems as if they've been preparing for success for the last three or four years with a pretty slick process that's designed for high capacity production. I bet they'll be fine.
Mark Jenkins
Thursday, May 15 2003
Orbea bikes #3
Great article on the Orbea Starship Carbon Euskaltel 03 Team. I'm thinking about getting one for myself. In the article you say that it is available in either a compact or traditional frame. What are the differences between the two? I'm a 6'3 with a 95cm inseam and 165 lb weight, and currently ride a 60cm frame.
Riaan Naude
Monday, May 19 2003
Polar heart rate monitors #1
The Polars are nice and keep a count of your calories and the 720/710 count your ascents but if you leave the computer on the bike and run into 7-11 it will shut down and you will need to restart your workout and then put the two together in your journal at home. Also the Polars have the own code transmitters to keep interference to a minimum so you can't cross your units. Meaning using a HR computer on the bar so that it is easy to read and leave the polar on your wrist. Now I will tell you that I have a Cateye 3dx and it will read my polar chest strap most of the time and that way I am able to monitor my hr easily and have a more reliable computer on the bar that will start automatically and is also downloadable. Unfortunately there is no perfect unit out there. My friend uses the 710 and takes it off whenever he gets off the bike so that it keeps running. If you are willing to do this, it is a great option as you can then have wireless cadence and speed.
The Cateye is very solid as well, it just doesn't do altitude, temp or altitude, but Performance has it for 170. Also it is wired.
Whit Smith
Tuesday, May 20 2003
Polar heart rate monitors #2
Kevyn, if you haven't already decided, go for the S720. I've used Polar since their Xtrainer (black and ugly), went thru their S710 and using the S720 at the moment. The HRM is full of useful information and its software constantly upgraded and gets better each time. Having the biking data, heart rate and power output integrated makes is so much easier to compare the information, and you get altitude and temperature thrown in for record as well.
The slight problem you encounter is when it rains and the rain droplets can make reading the HRM difficult. The LCD digits are quite small as they try to squeeze 3 to 4 information at a go. It is even worse in muddy off road riding as even the smallest speck of dirt could block the readout. Dirt and mud also easily cause the big red button to mulfunction as it has happened to me twice. Still worth the money, though.
Eric Koh
Hong Kong
Thursday, May 22 2003
Polar heart rate monitors #3
I own an S710 and use it without any other speedo. My original reason for upgrading my Xtrainer was for the power measuring, but I can't afford it now! The unit has worked fine except for the splitting of a button which was replaced under warranty.
Advantages: wireless, less stuff on handlebars for fitting TT bars, downloading all info together into computer for analysis. Excellent interval programmability.
Disadvantages: a bit tricky to scroll through views to find relevant info, ie you are looking at speed cadence and HR, in a race, and you want to momentarily look at time elapsed or distance or altitude then you have to scroll to see it (you need to set it up before hand) and scroll to go back to speed etc. If you train near trams or high tension power cables your numbers become scrambled.
Andrew Gannon
Australia
Saturday, May 24 2003
Polar heart rate monitors #4
I have a polar 710S (which is (beside cosmetics) the same as the 720) and it is perfect. You can easily transfer all the data on your computer (as you can bring the watch near your computer), use it on multiple bikes and …also for running (but then you will not get speed, distance and the other bike functions!). You get also plenty of other interesting function as altimeter and temperature (useable also for running …at least for the prior as for the latter you will essentially get the temperature of the back of your wrist…). It is also easily readable and buttons are well placed to be used while riding the bike. Ease of function and parametring is not too difficult if at least you do not pretend to have something very simple, there are clever shortcuts and plenty of possibilities. I believe it is the best choice and would not any more use the 2 (HRM + cyclocomputer) separately.
Manfredi Ventura
Brussels, Belgium
Wednesday, May 14 2003
Polar heart rate monitors #5
Was interested to hear you were contemplating buying Polar. A few years back I purchased a Polar Accurex Plus HRM after doing lots of homework and taking reputation into account. I had nothing but trouble with it.
I can honestly say that I did not have ONE I repeat ONE ride where it functioned faultlessly.
There were times when it just stopped working, times when I suddenly found my HR jumping 100bpm and then some distance down the road returning to normal (this happened frequently).It got to the point where I had batteries replaced, chest strap replaced, was advised by the representative to wear the transmitter on my back and to make sure that I didn't have synthetic undergarments on.
Certainly the chest strap reversed helped and applying gel to the contacts made a small improvement, but all the previously mentioned faults continued in spite of the advice and my best efforts. I had high hopes for this HRM and can only tell you how disappointed I was with its performance. If you are serious about accurate information on which to base plans then I would be very wary of Polar. If you cannot rely on arriving at home after your ride with useful information then you are defeating the whole object of having the HRM in the first place. My advice would be to find a supplier who will let you trial the one you want to buy and if that is not agreeable then I would cross that particular one off your list.
Geoff Close
New Zealand
Thursday, May 15 2003
Polar heart rate monitors #6
This is a response to Kevyn Lenfest's question about the Polar Heart Rate monitors. I own the Polar S-710 and my girlfriend has a S-510. Both are excellent monitors, and I have no doubt about the functionality and the long term durability of all the Polar products. That said, my girlfriend wishes now that she bought the S-710, because the analysis software (PC Coach) is a lot better and the infrared download for the S-710 is a lot less troublesome than the sonic download for the S-510. The S-710/720 also has the power option available. Although the power reading is not quite as reliable as a PowerTap or an SRM, power training is a very valuable tool and the Polar system allows you to use any wheels and any cranks you wish. My advice is if you just want a basic HRM/computer, get the Polar S-150. If you do a lot of post-training analysis of your workouts or you want the power option, it is worth the money for the S-710/720.
Colin Sandberg
Wednesday, May 14 2003
Polar heart rate monitors #7
Are you planning on using a computer for tracking your workouts? If so, the s720 is a very powerful tool. It can upload a complete workout to laptops as is, or to desktops with the optional IR interface. All of the cycling functions (speed, altitude, temperature, optional cadence, optional power) are stored by the watch every five seconds along with heart rate. I've had one for a few weeks, and it's a great tool.
However - it's not perfect. First, it costs a lot of money. Second, it's next to useless as a watch - it's positively massive. Small children will point and laugh. The size is an advantage when mounted to the handlebars, though - the display is quite readable (three lines of display) while riding. The supplied software won't work with the current Microsoft XP operating systems - you must download updates via the web for that. You need to constantly unstrap it from the bars, bring it inside, download the data, and then strap it back on the bike - which takes longer than it should. The speed indication is very slow to respond - it seems about five seconds behind - so it's only useful as a rough guide. Many times I look down at a stoplight to see that I'm still going 4.2 MPH! (Yes, it is thankfully settable between normal units and metric). The altitude function was one of the principal reasons I bought the unit - but it's also highly inaccurate, often indicating far more of an ascent than my topographic mapping software says.
In short - this is a big step forwards from the previous generation of Polar, but they're not there yet for a dedicated bike unit. If they forego the premise of a watch and delete the wrist strap, opting instead for a quick-detach handlebar mount and a larger display, it would be far more useful. (Alternately if Shimano would add heart rate and data logging to Flight Deck - which has things like gear indication and a better speedometer - that would be perfect). So if you need downloading, consider the s720 - but if you don't, this is a very expensive toy.
Paul Spencer
Wednesday, May 14 2003
Polar heart rate monitors #8
I love my Polar 710 (same as 720 except the casing). I don't have to keep a training journal… the software and IR interface do it all for me. Everything is wireless, and now I can see HR as % of max, cadence, and speed all on one display, no wires. I'm a big fan of the Polar 710.
Thomas Bressie
Sacramento, CA
Wednesday, May 14 2003
Ritchey #1
Ritchey does well with some components, and others, so-so.
I use Ritchey road stems and their seat posts are great. I got a Ritchey road crank set, and, while viable, (I still use them), I was irritated to find the bolt pattern was MTB and the cranks were made by Sugino?
Their headsets would be better left on a MTB. Use a Chris King or Ahead.
Their wheels have had mixed reviews but are reliable, probably on someone else's hubs. You gotta pick and choose and beware the Ritchey label on someone else's part. That's where we live now and the supplier doesn't care who's name is put on as long as the check clears.
Ritchey does stand behind their parts, has a good reputation, and is reliable, generally won't fail under stress and is sometimes lighter than the competition.
John Williams
Monday, May 26 2003
Ritchey #2
I have a Ritchey Pro stem, bar, and seatpost. I really like the ergo design of the bar. It is a 44 and flexes slightly only on the very edge of the drops when pulling. For a large, lightweight bar this is probably normal and overall the bar feels firm. The seatpost is heavy, but has a nice feel on the road. The stem doesn't flex much, quite stiff. Overall their components seem to be of good quality and I think they will last awhile.
Mark R. Kerlin
Washington, DC
Wednesday, May 14 2003
Ritchey #3
I recently got a set of Ritchey Rims built with Campy record hubs (28 spoke). I have already put on 730 km on smooth to rough terrain in one week and the wheels have stayed true. I got the OCR (off-centre rim). I was riding Ambrosio Excellence rims, but now, I'm very happy with the new Ritchey rims. As far as other Ritchey products, I have not used any other.
Robert B. Pasion
Peninsula Cycles Team 2000 Cycling Club
Tuesday, May 13 2003
Ritchey #4
Ritchey Components are indeed high quality. I believe their non-widespread use is due more to the fact that they do not have a complete build kit (They do not make a bottom bracket, brake/shifter levers, derailleurs etc) and their low professional endorsement rather than low quality. Most people think they basically have only 2 choices when it comes to road components, but Ritchey's products are on par with Shimano and Campy, in my opinion. They're just under appreciated!
Ben Olsen
USA
Wednesday, May 14 2003
Ritchey #5
The only problems I have had was with the Comp headset. I went through three before I gave up and ordered a Chris King. Everything else I have used from Ritchey has been great. They have been good to deal with as a company also.
Aaron, Bicycle Pedaler
Wichita, KS, USA
Wednesday, May 14 2003
