This Whole 3D Parts Printing Thing Is Really Getting Interesting.

Back in August I posted a video on experimental bicycle parts being made out of Titanium via the new 3D printing process.  Well, not only is this method of prototyping and manufacturing going full-speed ahead, but your meek and humble Editor managed to procure an actual 3D part from a source of mine in the Aerospace industry.

While this may look like an innocuous piece of plastic, it is actually a prototype tool to be used in the building of commercial spacecraft.  It measures four-inches in diameter, by three-and-a-half inches tall.  Three -Dimensional parts can be built, or "Layered" from a digital model, and "Put Together," rather than being machined or cast.

So, why is this important?  Well, the capabilities of the 3D process are about limitless, and the applications are completely universal.  Not only will Aerospace, industrial parts, and consumer products be made faster cheaper, and better than before, but so will our bicycle parts.

Isn't science and engineering cool!

If Darth Vader Rode A Bicycle: "Luke, You Don't Know The Power Of The Banana."

                                                                  Pre-Fondo, And Ready To Ride. 

With the plethora of gels, bars and chews, nature still makes the best riding food available.

Tried & Tested: K-Edge Garmin Edge Computer Mount

                                        Out Front And Center - Right Where The Garmin Needs To Be.

I recently picked up a K-Edge computer mount for my Garmin Edge 500, and what a darn handy accessory it is.  I am just bummed I did not think of this great idea first.  The alloy, quarter-turn mount moves your Garmin further out of front of you for better visibility, ala, SRM head units.  Better visibility and better safety.  Here are the details:

• CNC Machined 6061 T6 Aluminum
• Compatibility – Garmin Edge® 800, 500, and 200 GPS Bicycle Computer
• Fitment – 31.8mm diameter handlebars - powerful clamping via all metal bolt/mount system
• Weight – 30 grams (weight includes bolt, clamp, mount)
• Lifetime Guarantee – if you break it, they will replace it
• Anodized Colors: Black, Gunmetal, Red
• Made in the U.S.A.

                               Yes, It Is The Same Quarter-Turn Mount, Just Not On The Stem, Anymore.

                                   Out Front, Sturdy Mount, Easy to Read - What Else Could You Want?

The K-Edge mounts quickly to any 31.8mm bar via two (2) 4mm hex bolts, and is reach adjustable to accommodate Edge 800 units (as well as the aforementioned 500 and the 200) via one (1) 3mm hex bolt.  Also, being it wraps around the bars, you can tilt the mount, and thus the computer, up or down to suit your viewing tastes.  In the “Neutral” position, the computer is mounted below the tops of the bars keeping your Garmin out of harms way and giving much more pleasing aesthetics.  After mounting the whole thing up, I agree.

                                     

                                      The New Position, Just Below The Bar, And Out Of Harm's Way.

Entering my outdoor laboratory, I took the K-Edge on my usual test loop, and the four (4) inches the mount moved my Garmin forward was a very big deal, visibility-wise.  I did not have to tilt my head down to read the data on the computer, as all it requires now is a quick glace with the eyes.  I rode over some of the worst pavement I know of, and the unit stayed firm and blur-free the whole time.  The computer mount base is similar to the stock Garmin quarter-turn stem mount, however, this one is a lot more secure, so stories of computers coming loose should be a thing of the past.  And, being machined alloy, the K-Edge should last a lifetime.

A giant two-thumbs up to the K-Edge Garmin mount.
   
Retail is $49.99

Another Turn Of The Pedals - Another Birthday.

                                                               Doing what makes me happy.  

I may be a year older today, but the desire to get up and ride still keeps me young, so to speak.

How young, I am not sure, but as long as I can still swing a couple of legs over a bike and actually get it going, I am truly blessed.

May all of you find many, happy miles pushing the proverbial pedals, as well. 

Darryl Bustamante, Editor, Cycling Dynamics

The Ritchey Torque Key - A Good Idea Gets Better.

                                                                  Image Courtesy Ritchey Logic

There was a time in the bicycling world where tighter was always better (I am referring to fasteners on our bikes, not the Lycra, so all of you perverts calm down).  However, with the arrival of exotic alloys, and now ever-more expensive Carbon Fiber parts, we must be mindful of how much "Oomph" we apply to cinch these parts down.

Since the kind lads at Glendora, California's Tweaked Sports have been ever-so-kind by supplying me with bits of "Exotica" to test, the torque specifications of these goodies must be adhered to for proper performance and safety.  Well, for some components, Tom Ritchey has us all covered with the handy Torque Key.

This simple, effective tool allows components to be torqued to a specific number (5 Newton Metre's in this case, or 44.25 inch-pounds) to avoid over-tightening and causing damage to Carbon components, though alloy torque specific parts can benefit from this tool, as well.

Highlights include:

• Properly install your Ritchey bars and stem without fear of over-tightened bolts. The torque key is calibrated to 5Nm with an indication you both feel and hear.
• Now available with interchangeable bits in popular sizes
• 5mm, 4mm and 3mm hex keys and T-20 Torx
• Magnetic bit retention

Retail is $19.90 USD, however, Tweaked Sports can get 'em to you for a whole lot less.

KCNC Cassette's. From The Realistic To The Sublime.

                                       11-23 cassette on the left, and the amazing 11-38 on the right.

When you absolutely, positively have to get up that hill, well, it appears KCNC has you covered.

Also available in Titanium.

Friday's Fail.

                                                     Bike Lane Fail - City of San Dimas, California

This one is pretty self-evident, and from a safety standpoint, it is quite serious. 

The posted speed limit here is 45 MPH, however, traffic moves a whole lot faster than that.  A cyclist forced to swerve into that fast moving traffic to avoid a careless, door-opening motorist would not be very pretty

The location is on Bonita Avenue, east of Lone Hill Avenue, looking east, in the city of San Dimas, California.

City of San Dimas: Epic Fail