kamotE trails

I recently changed the pads of my V-brakes in my foldie.  The old pads were quickly depleted after a rainy commute home.  Water on the rims and brakes dramatically increases the wear on your pads. Blue Jagwire Pads on the front brakes I purchased 2 sets of Jagwire V-brake pads from Paulina's at Cartimar. They were twice the price of the local MOB brake pads. I was hoping for better performance with the "Jagwire" pads. "Jagwire" in quotes because I am in doubt if its genuine just a China rip off. After cleaning the wheels and installing the new pads. There was a noticeable noise when braking from both the front and back brakes. It was so irritating that it was calling the attention of all the pedestrians I pass by. A loud metal screeching noise. I tried a few things to eliminate the noise: Let normal use eliminate the noise. (FAILED) 40 kilometers of commuting and the noise is still present and mocking me. Clean the wheels (FAILED) I realized...

It's near the end of the summer season and the rainy days is slowly showing its presence in Manila. When you bike to work, like me, the last thing you want is get your stuff wet.  Consider this scenario, the diverse stuff on the streets of Manila (poop, oil, asphalt, dust and road kill remains) mixed with rain water spraying all over your face and clothes. Doesn't sound like a good idea to bike in the rain. With bike commutes that take an hour, it is best to be prepared for the worst.  I've compiled a list of things to bring and tips to watch out for when biking in the rain. These things are essential to at least be prepared when the rain suddenly pours on your trip. Fenders/Mudguards - Some people don't like the look of having these on your bikes. It's functional and it keeps the road mud from going to your face.  front and rear fenders Lights - Rain can decrease road visibility so its best to increase your visibility to motor vehicles by using fron...

Continuing the upgrade of my Tern Link D8 drivetrain... Sorry for the blurry pics. I had to do this late at night and low light pics are not that good. After cleaning and removing the stock parts, we proceed with installing the new components. Install the SLX Cassette removing the stock cassette and the "dork disk" Put a little grease on the free hub body. I like to put grease where there are metal to metal contact to avoid metal seizing and also to protect the metal parts. Slide in the cassette(cogs). Make sure to align the cogs properly. Lock the cassette in place with the lock ring included in the cassette. Use the lock ring tool and wrench to tighten it. No need for the chain tool since the direction of tightening the lock ring is opposite the freewheel direction. I don't have a torque wrench so I tighten the lock until a couple of clicks is heard. new XT cogs installed. Install the XT shifter and lock on grips. I-spec shifters + brake leve...

The stock drivetrain components of my Tern Link D8 is good. There are times when you get frustrated over tuning the rear mech. Sometimes you need the 34 of 36 tooth cog for that steep climb or maybe the 11 tooth cog for speed on flats.  These all point to upgrading the bike's drivetrain (most of it). The stock parts: SR Suntour Rear Mech Sun Race 8 Speed Cogs 12-32 8 Speed Chain (don't know the brand) SRAM MRX Comp 8 Speed Grip Shifter Biologic long and short grips (paired with the grip shifter) Upgrades: Shimano Zee Short-cage Rear Mech (Freeride)  Shimano XT 11-36 Cogs Shimano XT I-Spec type 10 Speed Shifter (matches my Deore I-Spec brake levers) YBN SLA101 NP 10 Speed Chain Tern Rear Mech Adapter Lock on grips with barend Miscellaneous items cable crimp ends Tools needed: Cassette lock ring tool Chain whip Allen wrenches Chain tool Adjustable wrench Pre Installation: Dis-assemble and remove the stock drive tr...

If you're a handy man type of guy where you want to DIY all things related to your bike, you will most likely need these tools. A set of allen wrenches. There are different types of allen wrenches in the market. There are the long handled types with ball end and there are the standard ones. I usually stay away from the ones in a key chain. Most modern bikes have bolts that are allen type. Only few components are using flat and cross screws. Screw drivers This is an essential part of your toolbox. You will usually need this for fine tuning your drivetrain. Most limit screws are cross type so it is best to keep a cross and slot type on hand. Another type you will most likely need is the Torx type of screw driver. Rotor screws are usually of this type Lockring tool Used to remove cassettes and shimano centerlock rotors. Chain Whip Used to grab the cassette to prevent it from turning while removing the lock ring. Bottom Bracket Tool Tool to remove ...

I'm starting this series of bike commuting tips to give newbies information on how to get from point A to point B safely with their bikes. With the worsening traffic conditions, you can laugh at the people stuck in traffic while you breeze with your bike. don't you wish you're on a bike? I've been riding my bike to work on an average of 3 times a week. My daily route takes me 1 hour for a 20km ride from home to office. I'm faced with the usual Philippine traffic scene where jeepneys try to take you to the gutter or suffocate you with their super black exhaust.  Motorcycles cut your path and cars pass you with less than half a meter of clearance. What do you need to take on the wild Manila roads? You need guts, gears and skills. Your life is in your hands. Safety is the utmost importance so here are some things you need to know about bike safety. Spyder Shox Always wear a helmet. Be sure to wear it properly. Make sure to fasten all the straps an...

During rides, it is best to expect the unexpected. Aside from the raging jeepneys and the reckless motorcycles on the road, it is best to prepare yourself when your ride breaks down. So what are the necessary things that I bring during rides? pump, tube and tools A good set of all in one tools is a must for every cyclist. I use the Topeak Mini 18+ multi tool. It does the job for most adjustments and bolt tightening. It's compact and easy to fit in your bag or pants pocket. It has most of the tools you will need for bike emergencies like cut chains and even a tire lever for flat tires. It comes with a neoprene carrying case. topeak mini 18+ Extra tubes and a hand pump should always be on your pack unless you want to push your bike to town when you pop a tire on the trails.  There's also the occasional glass shards and small metal wires that find its way to your tire.  It will save you time to just replace the tire tube during rides. Keep the punctured tire so ...