Offering foldable bikes at that S$500 level THAT offers global make and quality

November 24, 2018November 29, 2018 ~ My Bike Shop Singapore

We need the exercise and we love cycling! We worked with our suppliers during this period and we lined up a few sub S$450 – S$550 price tag foldable bikes that must meet below criterion:

A global brand
FIVE years warranty
Optional upgrades: Fenders and Rear rack (Hey its rainy season and at least there are affordable upgrades)
At least 6 speeds
Designed with folding joints that won’t hurt your fingers ( or wallets)
Take rider weights of at least 105kg
Priced between S$450 – S$550

So here is our lineup (unless stated, prices are without fenders and rack):

Tern – Link A7, stepped down from Link B7/C7 ( no front luggage truss mount) at S$499, is the 3rd iteration of the value foldable.

Review on Link A7

pilot-1406-country-f — Junction 1406 – 6 speeds 16 inch

Bickerton Portables – the widest line up with 16 inch Junction 1406 S$399. (comes with rack and fenders)

or 20 inch Junction 1306 6 speeds at S$399 (If you are aged above 59 years, we sell you the bike for S$299) (including fenders and rack)

Bickerton Junction 1306 6 speeds 20 inch

1507 .jpg — Bickerton 1507 7 speeds 20 inch

and 7 speeds Junction 1507 S$499 that offers the new benchmark for a 7 speeds foldable at this price tag inclusive of rack and fenders.

How can one forget Dahon?

Dahon – Route/Vybe at ranging between S$499 and S$550

Read review on Vybe C7A

So many reasons you’d buy a foldable bike from us.

Cost of ownership: The average ownership of a well designed foldable that you could own and ride for 2 years. That’s only a less than S$20/mth for TWO years (or 67 cents a day investment), a small footprint, comes with gears and gives you plenty of natural endorphins each time you cycle. Do the maths, you’d understand why you should buy a reputable brand – it’s truly affordable now.

What if you want something better?

Care for your helmet, helps you take care of your scalp

October 22, 2016November 15, 2016 ~ My Bike Shop Singapore

Very often we have customers who refuse to don a bicycle helmet for various WRONG

reasons, from “not necessary” to “messes up my hair” to ” I am going at a slow speed” to “it’s too hot”. The bicycle helmets we sell range from S$68 to S$280 and we brought quality to every price category so the economics of owning a helmet is a weak one when you consider the fact that you need protection to your head when someone hits you.

HOWEVER, when it comes to care of your scalp which could lead to itchiness or hair root aggravation, we do ask that you take note of a few things:

1. Pick a good fit for the helmet

Too tight a fitting or too loose can lead to the helmet pulling on the roots of the hair. The scientific name is traction Alopecia. You can easily avoid any risk of traction alopecia due to wearing a helmet, by using a helmet of the right size that is not too tight or too loose on your head.

While putting on the helmet also ensure that no hair is pulled very tightly by the helmet. Take your time every time you put it on, and continue jiggling and shifting the helmet till you reach the most comfortable position, when no hair is pulled back tightly. Also take care while taking off the helmet.

2. Keep your helmet clean and store it in an airy and hygienic place to avoid hair loss

As your scalp sweats up due to wearing a helmet, the inner layer of the helmet also gets wet with sweat. It is also important to clean the inner lining of your helmet regularly and to ensure that there is no fungal growth on the inner soft layer. Store your helmet in a hygienic and airy place so that it can easily get dried up and is not smelly. We recommend you shower with your helmet after each ride. No, you do not need to wear it but shampoo the straps and inner lining ( BUT we won’t stop you LoL)

3. Stay dry Along with the above you can also follow the following tips to avoid any hair loss caused due to wearing a helmet,

Along with the above tips, you can also follow the following to avoid any hair loss caused due to wearing a helmet,

Every time you take a break between ridings, take off your helmet as well and give your hairs and the helmet some time to dry out.Towel down to dry faster
Wearing a piece of cloth or scarf on your head, covering your hairs before putting on the helmet can be a very effective way to reduce any risk of hair loss due to helmet. The cotton cloth will reduce any friction between the hairs and the helmet and will also soak the sweat quickly eliminating all the worries. However, always ensure that the cloth is washed and completely clean before putting it on.

Image result for vents helmet kali — The Kali Loka S$128.00

Moulton SST – the engineer’s dream

October 16, 2016November 15, 2016 ~ My Bike Shop Singapore

The Moulton Spaceframe is so easily recognised. Unique, iconic, d0258552_17595385

engineering artistry with the frame lattice and just so classy in looks, it really sets you apart.

HOWEVER…

The stainless steel of Bradford made bikes are the epitome

moulton-masterpieces-speed

of the elite when it comes to small wheeled seperable or fixed bikes. Aircraft stainless steel frame but really expensive.

Introducing the New SST. Features the essential Moulton ‘ingredients’ but in a more affordable frame material:

Fillet-brazed construction in Columbus Spirit and Reynolds 525 CrMo steels.
Moulton leading-link front suspension (with soft rebound stops, hex key adjustment)
Moulton rubber-cone ‘Monosphere’ rear suspension, oversized rear pivot bearing.

Unified rear fork with triple-crankset/compact clearance.
Kingpin separability (hex-key operation).

Colours Britannia Red, Airforce Blue, Forest Green and Flight Grey. RRP S$6500 sst-britannia-red alexmoulton_sst_gray3 alexmoulton_sst_green30 sst-blue

Give your folding bikes and even Road bikes a fresh breathe of life

August 20, 2016September 27, 2016 ~ My Bike Shop Singapore

Most folding bikes come with 8 -10 speeds gearing ( Road bikes start with 10 speeds) and having so many speeds give owners a better chance of finding a sweet spot for the most efficient gearing ( especially when you have 2 chain rings in front).

We have been working with EDCO and Shimano Distributors, we have been testing how well they work on 11 speed cassettes and THEY DO! SO those with 18 /20 speeds, you CAN upgrade to 22 speeds. And for those 8-10 speeds, step up to 11!

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So we have nominated the more popular models to start with. And for Road bikers with 10 speed Shimano/Campy, its a simple process.

One would ask – is it worth it? https://blog.performancebike.com/2013/10/25/our-take-10-speed-vs-11-speed/

Answer: That all depends. In my experience, I love having the extra 11^th gear. And yes, I definitely do notice that it’s not there when I switch back to a 10-speed bike. The biggest benefits to me are 1) shifting is smoother and more progressive, since there are fewer big jumps in cog size; and 2) I don’t have to swap between two different cassettes anymore (one for the usual riding, one for climbing). With an 11-speed 11-27 cassette, I basically still have my beloved 11-25 gearing, but with a 27t or 29t cog tacked on the top that makes it perfect for climbing as well. 11-speed cassettes also offer a bigger range of gearing options that make it easier to find that comfortable cadence in any variety of conditions, whereas when I switch back to a 10-speed bike, I sometimes struggle to find the right gear.

Car-lite beckons and better products are being introduced but will they take off?

March 22, 2016March 22, 2016 ~ My Bike Shop Singapore

Quote from Prime Minister, Mr Lee Hsien Loong ;

“Car-Lite Singapore” by promoting and developing other modes of transport, making them convenient. We have to rely less on cars on the roads because we cannot keep on building roads – more roads for more cars. So we will provide more options for Singaporeans that are better than cars. Buses, more of course. Expanding the MRT network – that is happening everyday – but also other modes of transport for example, bicycling…”

So as a business having helped many get into cycling and owning a folding bike so you can enjoy the various infrastructure that the government has invested in, we spared no efforts to work with manufacturers, suppliers and level headed opinion leaders on what would work? So we completed our first wave of cargo bikes that have their own USPs and features/benefits.

Introducing the Tern Cargo Node, Kiffy Flash AND Bike Friday Haul-a-Day.

Tern Cargo Node – a full sized cargo bike that folds

The Cargo Node is a full sized cargo bike that folds. It’s designed to fit in an elevator, at 24.5 kg it’s easy to store in an apartment. It’s equipped with an adjustable Andros stem, so riders can fine-tune their position on the fly. With a high efficiency dynamo hub and 150 lumen front light, it’s perfect for night riding. It sports wide gearing, so it’s perfect for hilly climbs, even when loaded with up to 160 kg. The Cargo Node is a game changer for people who live in cities. Thanks to 350 lb (160 kg) of carrying capacity, big wheels and an ultra-stiff handlepost, it’s a full-sized cargo bike, yet it folds down to 1/3rd its total volume in only ten seconds. It’s the ultimate transportation solution for people who want to live car-free.

Kiffy Flash – a 2 speed hub adult trike with a front payload

The Kiffy can be disassembled and transformed into a pushable hand cart for use in a grocery store. The 4-foot-9-inch-long bike folds down to take up just 2′ by 2′, so it’s easily rolled into a subway car or an elevator. A clever front suspension system dubbed “Swing” allows the front of the tricycle to tilt like a regular bike, providing stability even on slopes. Front disc brakes keep everything under control. The inventor, Norbert Peytour, says that cycling is a form of care-free travel, with no fuel levels to watch, little to no maintenance, no engine that can fail. He rejects “advances” like the electric bike, which add complexity (and fuel consumption) to the mix.

Bike Friday Haul a Day

When Bike Friday Co-Founder Alan Scholz and Kidical Mass Co-Founder Shane MacRhodes put their heads together to come up with the perfect versatile bike for a Safe Routes to School class leader, the Bike Friday Haul-a-Day was born.The Haul-a-Day quickly earned a reputation as a great Family Bike as word spread quickly through Social Media by mothers and fathers that the Haul-a-Day delivered a great ride. Watch Alan Scholz vision

The Haul-a-Day is set up for the ultimate in convenience.

Frame adjusts to riders (1.2 m to 2.0 m)
Starting weight just 16kg
Low step-over height
Big load capacity, low center of gravity
Light and agile, rides like a real bike
Made in the USA

Baby steps but we have to start somewhere and with the rules and guidelines getting better and the encouragement for shared paths and tolerance for other users, am sure we will see more and more folks carrying payloads on their bikes. We think and believe Car-lite will be a reality in Singapore!

Pay more than S$2500 for a folding bike?

January 24, 2016November 25, 2018 ~ My Bike Shop Singapore

We have almost all the marques from all over the world- Japan, UK, USA and Taiwan. So when it comes to folding bikes, we get customers who appreciate their top end bikes like they enjoy their fine dining, exquisite cars and their finer things in life. Like cars, the exquisite bicycle brands have models with very much similarity.

First, the Alex Moulton range, the cycling equivalent of owning a Bentley or Rolls Royce. The Moulton Bicycle is the original full-suspension, separable, small- wheeled, high-performance bicycle, world-renowned for speed, efficiency, durability and comfort.

Alex Moulton Speed with a Bentley in the backdrop

Double Pylon with Rolls Royce. Expertly engineered for over 50 years and handcrafted in England, these bicycles are the world’s most efficient form of transport – designed for universal use, real performance and comfort. These bikes are not hard to spot, whether gleaming in Stainless Steel or resplendent in a custom paint job. Starting at just over S$8,000 (AM Speed) and running as high as S$32,000 (Double Pylon) the powerhouse of the range is the Moulton Speed in Stainless Steel at just over S$15,000.

Alex Moulton Double Pylon. Did you know that the late Alex Moulton pioneered the suspension design that went into the Mini?

As a radical design, the Moulton bicycle – the first small-wheeled adult bicycle – needed credibility in the market and Alex Moulton realised the importance of this when planning the launch of the bicycle in 1962. Aided by his Marketing Manager David Duffield, himself a record-breaking cyclist, several riders were actively supported by Moulton. Coventry CC pursuit team were unstoppable on the track, their Moultons allowing them to keep in a tight group to reduce aerodynamic drag; road riders benefited from the reduced aerodynamic drag of the small wheels and, with reputation established, the Moulton became acceptable to the most discerning club cyclists. Following the introduction of the UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) rule 1.3.018, Moultons are not permitted in road-racing events – this is why you never see them in events like the Tour de France – but they are still used in time-trials and for ultra-distance events.
Moulton Coventry CC 1962

How do you know you are staring at one of the high-end, handcrafted Moulton and not the standard Moulton TSR range (that gets you on a Moulton for just under S$3,000)? Other than the refined components, you will notice the “kinked” bottom section of the spaceframe. This is a dead giveaway that you are looking at a top end Moulton, with the enhanced performance and comfort characteristics. The Moulton Jubilee, is all about comfort, whether you are planning a touring trip or want comfort, control, and ease of riding as a weekend warrior.

The TSRs are truly awesome to ride, thanks to the late Dr Alex Moulton’s pioneering work on suspension design for small wheels. Moulton have taken everything they learnt in engineering design and conceived the SST. Although no “kinked” spaceframe, Moulton wanted to improve on the TSR series, and have introduced a whole host of engineering innovations – the SST is the result and costs less than S$6000.

If you want something lighter on your pockets – Tyrell FSX , retailing above S$4,000 and you get 406 wheels on lightning-fast frames and they come with a choice of Ultegra or 105

Next came the American revolution and putting the first man on the moon. Dahon. 35+ years in folding bikes. They celebrated with a 35th-anniversary bike Curl i8 but see challenges as they attack the Chinese markets. But still they have a few really nice new folds and innovation like the Dahon EEZZ.

Tern – HQ-ed out of Taiwan, management team trained in the USA and possessing a global mindset. Armed with innovations, Tern is like the Tesla brand of cars. Fast, eco-friendly in mind, innovations at many levels, a new look at folding bikes, putting together innovations at the component levels and winning awards across the globe.Tern introduced the 26 inch wheeled Eclipse X22. The Eclipse X22 is designed to be the fastest folding bike in the world. With hand-built 26” wheels and race-tuned geometry, it’s a full sized road bike, but it folds down small in 10 seconds. It boasts an Ultegra drivetrain, and—just in time for the UCI’s new regulations—a set of Shimano hydraulic disc brakes. With a stealth black finish, hydroformed fork, red Syntace accents, and perfected engineering, the X22 inaugurates a new chapter in Tern design. It sells for S$3800. The Eclipse P20 is a very affordbale S$2300.

26 inch based folding bikes that can rival roadbikes

For 2017, their answer for a top of the line premium bike – Verge X11 retailing at S$3,800. With a transmission range that spans a very wide range, you do away the dual chainring requirement.

So if you have S$2400 – S$2700 as a budget, that Dahon Mu SLX, Verge P10, Eclipse P20, Tyrell FX, Chedech, Moulton TSRs and even Tern Surge Pro (minivelo) is looking really within reach

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Cycling Myth Busters #3 – Balls of ceramic are better than balls of steel?

August 28, 2010August 27, 2010 ~ My Bike Shop Singapore ~ 2 Comments

This blog is really about Steel ball bearings versus Ceramic ball bearings. Enough has written about this subject but I thought I put together the topics the guys are pre-occupied with. But for those who already burn their wallets swapping out all their existing ball bearings to ceramic based ones – the answer is Yes.

First principles:

Metal balls are rolling, spherical elements that are used in check and ball valves, bearings, and other mechanical devices that provide rotary or linear motion. For us bikers, it means Headsets, Bottom Bracket, Hubs and Cranks . Surface Roughness measures the irregularities that form on the surface, but are not significant deviations. Basic diameter Tolerance is the maximum allowable deviation average diameter from the diameter specified.

Ceramic balls are made from inorganic, nonmetallic materials that are processed at high temperatures. Many ceramic balls are capable of achieving an extremely smooth surface finish to a high degree of tolerance. As a result Ceramic Balls have an extremely low coefficient of friction as compared to Metal Balls. Grinding removes cuts, scratches, scuffs, and other irregularities. Many ceramic balls exhibit much greater hardness than steel balls, resulting in longer life and improved reliability. Ceramic balls can also provide high stiffness, low thermal expansion, light weight, increased corrosion resistance, and electrical resistance. A wide assortment of Silicon Nitride Ceramic Balls, Alumina Oxide Ceramic Balls and Zirconia Ceramic Balls are now available.

Ceramic bearings benefits

35% less Thermal Expansion:
Think of putting a coke in the freezer. You have to allow for its expansion or you’ll blow the tin. Steel bearings are like the tin of pop. Ceramics on the other hand change size significantly less then steel with a given shift in temperature, thus raceways, rings and seals from a typical bearing can be made to much greater tolerances. They can even be fabricated with a smoother finish so vibration goes down and stability goes up.

50% less Conductivity:
Ceramics are electrically NON-conductive, and chemically inert, thus do not suffer from oxidation and the rust that degrades the surface of a traditional steel ball bearing. They suffer less heat damage since they don’t heat up as easily. This helps to maintain the spherical geometry of the ball bearings and significantly reduces your repair time.

60% less Weight:
Since silicon nitride is only about 40% of the weight of bearing steel the savings are obvious. Think about tying a heavy rock to the end of a rope. Its hard to get in motion and hard to stop. The lighter the rock the easier it is.

The issue of bearing weight is the same story. The heavier they are the more effort it takes to get them rolling and stopping. Thus ceramic bearings, with less then half the weight, and thus less rotating mass, will be much more responsive in acceleration and deceleration, with much less effort.

50% Higher Modulus of Elasticity:
that’s just a fancy way to test how easy it is to deform something. Ceramic has a 50% higher modulus of elasticity, so it takes a lot of work to alter its original shape. That gives you a much longer life expectancy in a hard wear zone like a bicycle’s bottom bracket.

Cold Welding:
Steel on steel has a nasty habit of welding itself together, that’s why you use anti-seize on some fittings. In a bearing the lubricate helps to prevent this but when bearings sit over the winter this can happen. Ceramic is NOT able to weld itself to steel. Steel and Ceramic are incompatible in that respect so cold welding is another difficulty you can avoid with ceramic ball bearings.

Research suggests that Bottom brackets equipped with ceramic bearings have a 5-10 times longer life. Industrial literature might suggest ceramics add 3-5 times the life expectancy. Either way we know they’ll be there longer than their carbon steel cousin.

Equally exciting, in tests with Olympic and professional racers and in controlled lab tests with wheels, ceramic bearings repeatedly show significantly less friction, making for faster speeds, acceleration and deceleration with less force.

So whats not to like? Only the price. Ceramic Bearings are easy to justify with longer life, less vibration, more speed but at maybe 5 times the price of traditional bearings the questions still remains as to whether you can justify the added cost?

Approximate values:	Silicon Nitride	Zirconium Oxide	Steel
Density	.11 lb/in3	.21 lb/in3	.28 lb/in3
Hardness (Vickers Hardness Scale)	1580 kg/mm2	1300 kg/mm2	700 kg/mm2
Maximum Use Temperature	1000C	1500 C	300F
Corrosion Resistance	Excellent -Chemically inert		Poor