Saturday 26 July 2008

Everything SBR

I decided to give my blog a new look... and a new title. Instead of Happiness is a state of mind (which sounds more like an advertisement for alternative health treatment), I have decided to name it something more tri related. I'm not less happy... my mind in general, is mostly in a happy state. Just that most of my postings relate to triathlons, thought I'd better give it a more relevant title. So here's to my new looking blog, My TRIals in Life... Lil' sis did a splendid job with the banner... as I am hopeless with these things. Thanks sis, really appreciate it!

For the past two weeks, I have been volunteering myself as a lab rat for a UWA exercise science experiment (until my fingers are now numb from the blood samples extracted from them). A component of it is a VO2 max test that involves running 3 minute intervals on the treadmill (with one minute breaks in between each interval), and increasing speed after each interval. The highest speed I could sustain was 16kph for 3 minutes... I gave up partway through the 17kph one. My maximum heart rate for the 16kph was 185.

My VO2 max outcome was 76.6ml/kg/min (4.7 litres/minute). I'm pretty happy with that result. Considering that trained male athletes have an average of 70ml/kg/min and 7 times Tour de France winner, Lance Armstrong's VO2 max is 85... so I'm only less than 9ml behind!

Oh... and the highlight of this post is...

Let me introduce you to Ah Rui...

Yeah, my cheesy attempt of following the herd by naming their beloved bikes. Why Ah Rui? I wanted to name it Rooey, but that seemed like a mouthful. So I thought a Chinese approach to a bike's name would be somewhat unique.

Yes... based on the encouraging comments to my previous post, I made the bold decision to purchase the bike from Total Triathlon. Here are the specs to my newly owned Quintana Roo Kilo 2006.

The service at this triathlon specialist store was much better compared to TBE. I had to set an appointment to get the bike fitted. Ian, the mechanic spent about 30 minutes fitting me onto the bike... as compared to TBE, where my measurements from the old bike were just transferred over.

A pair of Look Keo Classic pedals were initially just fitted on Ah Rui to let me give her a trial spin. But I had the intention of buying a new pair of pedals anyway. However, later on, while browsing through the store, I saw some cheaper options, including Shimano 105 and Shimano SPD.

So I just mentioned to David, owner of Total Triathlon store, saying that I didn't know that there were cheaper pedals available. He was reluctant to get the pedals switched as Ian was already busy bike fitting another person... triathlon and bike business here is amazing... there were 4 walk-in customer sales transacted during my 1 hour visit at the store! So David gave me a $30 off the pedals, to make it worth my while... and he threw in two complimentary water bottles as well!

Although the top bottle seemed a bit tight... I'll probably scratch the top stem each time I pull it out. Maybe I need smaller 500ml ones, rather than these 700ml ones.

So total damage to my wallet (or rather credit card for now) is AUD 1750 for the bike + AUD 100 (after deducting $30 off) for the pedals = AUD 1850.

I'm excited to take Ah Rui out for a ride! But that would have to wait until next weekend, as it is raining tomorrow. But at the same time, I'm a bit intimidated by the sudden change in the frame geometry and functions in handlebars. I'm even given an instruction manual to use the bike!

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

i wonder if they do these kinda of test in Malaysia, also keen to know how fit am i.

Kevin Siah said...

I'm sure they have such tests. Maybe in sports clinics or at Bukit Jalil.

Those studying sports science at local universities should be pretty familiar with conducting the tests too.

bola2api said...

so u r wearing clip shoes now?? well done kev!

Kevin Siah said...

Hehheh actually Aini, I have been using clip pedals since beginning of this year. I just haven't mastered the gliding on one leg before stopping at the bike-to-run transition. Always had to come to a complete stop before dismount.

TriStupe said...

What test? Fitting test? THe LBS would offer these for a small fee. I was fitted to the Ordu. :)

And sorry, no name la for this ordu, except EVIL. :)

Well done, now look like i need to watch my back! Wait, that shouldn't even be an issue because you are always infront!

Kevin Siah said...

Heheh Stupe, I think my friend is referring to the VO2 Max test. Where or what is LBS? Lelong Bike Shop?

Nolah, I can realistically predict the outcome... I'll probably come out before you in the swim. You'll then zoom past me in the bike during the first few kms... and I'll try to catch you back in the run! Hahhah!

Raymond said...

eh.....nice bike la Kev! Congrats on Ah Rui!haha
Waiting to see her when u come back during the Xmas hols,r u?

Kevin Siah said...

Hehheh Doc Ray, actually in Christmas, I'll be bringing back my Avanti. Have been trying to sell here but can't find suitable buyer. Most Australians use bigger frame bikes.

TriStupe said...

:D LBS is a loose term for Local Bike Shop.

Lelong bike shop? if got, i willbe regular there!

TriStupe said...

oh ya...you swim faster..i bike faster..then you finish the run faster...

end result : Stupe, watch your back...better still, run backwards. :P

Kevin Siah said...

Hehheh, Stupe, we'll wait and see. All the best for Desaru this weekend!