My New Crankset: Silver Deore Hollowtech II [FC-M532]

Thinking that I am just riding for recreational purpose, I have decided to get the cheapest Deore crankset in the market. I was going after an ad on BBS (http://www.bicyclebuysell.com/) for a simple Deore octalink crankset. Just before setting up a deal with the seller, I asked CK Ng for an opinion. According to him, it is better to hunt for Deore Hollowtech II due to the weight and stiffness. Furthermore, it costs only 50bucks extra.

I almost got this Octalink thingy!:

One of my biking friends gave me a contact to buy the crankset due to no stock at Samy's shop. To my surprise, the buyer has four units of silver Silver Deore Hollowtech II sets. How lucky! I quickly set up an appointment and grab my very first Silver Deore Hollowtech II crankset.

How lucky to have this with old price!:

Anyway, I will only change full Deore drivetrain around Jan 2009 to celebrate the new year, hehe. Full satisfaction with my purchase today. :)

At Last: Sun Ringle SOS Wheelset (Black Coloured)

It all began when few months back, when I first visited LBS @ Selayang, I was surprised to find out about Sun's wheelset, which is slightly wider than other XC rims, has tougher look but lightweight. It's called Sun Ringle S.O.S Wheelset.

The wheels are light and tough, comes with Sun Ringle hub (sealed bearings). The price is very reasonable considering the fact that it is an All Mountain wheelset. That means I can ride more recklessly... hey!

Without much hesistation today 24th Sept '08, I brought Chow to the same shop. After comparing between Mavic Cross-Ride, Mavic 223, Mavic 819 Disc with MVR Racing Comp Hubs,... I still choose Sun Wheelsets for their minimalist design and value for money.

Chow couldn't resist as well and he chose WTB Dual Duty Free Ride Wheels! Very nice and light as well. Below are the specs of my wheelset:-

Link: http://www.bicyclewheelwarehouse.com/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=119

Product Information:

This wheel set is designed for epic cross country rides. Tight, aggressive trail riding through overgrown thicket, over roots, and occasional drops are no match for the Sun SOS’ wide profile and inherently strong conical design.
The SOS’® 28mm width means that it is possible to mount up to a 2.5" tire, so you’ll be able to select from many of your favorites. These rims are welded, boosting the rim’s strength and durability, and include the obligatory single stainless eyelets for nipple support and longevity. Due to the SOS’® strength and precision, we can true these rims down to almost 1 tenth of 1mm.

The Sun SOS® rims are laced three cross to Sun Ringle 6-bolt disc hubs via light weight, black DT double butted Competition® spokes with DT brass nipples. Sun Ringle 6-Bolt disc hubs are reliable performers, making this wheel set a natural contender in any decision for a new set of mountain bike wheels.

This wheel set employs the use of sturdy components for aggressive all mountain riding, yet is still light enough for extended climbs. The individual quality of each of these components allows our wheel builders to build an incredibly precise wheel set, in terms of both spoke tension and wheel trueness tolerance.

This set comes with Sun Ringle skewers, is Shimano 8/9 speed compatible, and is designed specifically and only for bicycles equipped with disc brakes.

Brief: MTB 26" disc specific all mountain wheel set. Disc only welded all mountain MTB rim, Tough enough for Downhill, light enough for XC / freeride. Superb 'do it all' rim.

Rims: Sun SOS® disc rims, 559 x 28mm, single eyelets for nipple support, disc specific/not v-brake compatible, approx. 500g.

Hubs: Sun Ringle, 6-bolt disc, 8/9 speed compatible, 32 holes, black.

Spokes: DT Swiss black double butted Competition®, 2.0/1.8/2.0

Nipples: DT Swiss brass nipples

Weight (approx.): Front 6-Bolt Disc = 1007g, rear ISO 6-Bolt Disc / cassette = 1195g

Wheel set weight (approx.) = 2202g

Valve Type: Shredder / Presta

Tire Sizes: 26" x 1.5 - 2.50

Melaka Heritage MTB Jamboree 2008

Dear MT-Bikers,

Feel free to join this event for FUN. I have registered last few weeks as a solo team. Team name is "Sincdicate", nothing special. Perhaps if you guys have no team, feel free to join in because I need company too... happy riding!

Warm regards,

SinC®

Forest Reserve Ride 14th Sept 2008

It was a calm Sunday morning, not many cars on the road when I was driving there using Jln Kuching straight to Kepong (FRIM). Carpark in front of the guardhouse was full even when I arrived there early. Strange!

I didn't wanna care much so I just parked my car at the temple area. Kelvin arrived later with my wife's bike. I gave my spare helmet to Kelvin but he couldn't fit it in! Helmet is too small for him.

We then setup both bikes and went into FRIM. Today is Kelvin's second day at FRIM. To my surprise, this guys is tough! He manage to go through Rover and the horse-shoe trail just like nothing bothering him!

Kelvin posing with my bike...

So far he only pushed his bike once during the last section of horse-shoe trail - awesome! At the peak, We met Anthony and his friend, both of them riding RM5-digit bikes - they're loaded!

We preceded down and met the father & son team,.... Mr. Arul & Mohan. They invited me and Kelvin to join for the Sg. Buloh trail which is according to them is approximately 2-3km.

We were exited to explore more, and we join them. Me and Baby Blue...

Both Mr. Arul and Mohan have been showing us the directions and landmarks along our journey. Mr. Arul, Mohan(his son) & Kelvin...

Hilltop after cemetery climb...

At the end of the Sg. Buloh Trail, there was a junction and we preceded straight to the Chinese cemetery area. Mr. Arul, myself and Kelvin...

The cemetery looks organized, clean and well kept with nice & quiet surrounding area, good Feng-Shui!

Soon, we reached the top area of the cemetery for some landmarks explanation plus some nice photo session with the father & son team. The gravel downhill section...

They also brought us downhill after that to the old Leprosy Hospital and also some busy nurseries selling various types of plants for landscaping purposes.

Mr. Arul, Mohan and Myself...

Our journey ended through a tarmac ride back to the small junction. Then, from there, we rode back to the bottom of horse-shoe trail. Look at the nice scenery around Sg. Buloh...

Mr. Arul was also very kind to show us the route to Taman Ehsan area whereby we could use it to head straight to our car park.

The whole journey could took us around 25-30km... as rough estimation due to no cyclo-computer on our bikes. Hehe.

We had lunch near our car park and my bike looked strong, but me,... totally exhausted.