Bike Gear
This page provides details and pictures of my cycling gear
and equipment to date, links to the various suppliers and
bike stores I've used, plus any other bits and pieces I
feel are relevant.
Disclaimer: I'm no expert on cycling. Indeed I'm a
total novice, having taken up bike riding again in December 2009
as part of a fitness programme. Plus the
bike gear you use is only a small part of cycling.
The right bike equipment to use is totally dependent
upon the type of cycling you will be doing, the locations
where you will be riding, your physique and temperament.
If you choose to use any of the information presented here,
then please don't blame me if things go wrong for you.
The Bike
Specifications:
| Year |
2010 |
| Size |
55 |
| Frame |
6061 Aluminium w Carbon seat-stays |
| Fork |
Carbon |
| Groupset |
Shimano 105 |
| Brakes |
Tektro RX 3 |
| Handle Bar |
FSA 1800S |
| Stem |
FSA 190LX |
| Seat Post |
FSA SL 280 |
| Saddle |
Velo 1044 |
| Pedal |
Exustar PM-91 |
| Wheelset |
Shimano WH-R500 |
| Tires |
Vittoria Zaffiro |
| Bike Weight |
9.6 kg |
| Shifters |
Shimano 105 |
| Front Derailleur |
Shimano 105 |
| Rear Derailleur |
Shimano 105 |
| Crank |
Shimano 105 50-39-30T |
| Cassette |
Shimano 105 12-25T |
|
Frame Geometry:
| Frame Size |
XL |
Size
|
55cm |
Top Tube Length
|
610mm |
Chainstay Length
|
425mm |
Head tube angle
|
73 degree |
Seat Tube Angle
|
72 degree |
Seat Tube Length
|
550mm |
Wheel Base
|
1047mm |
Head Tube Length
|
135mm |
Fork Rack
|
45mm |
Seat post Dia.
|
27.2mm |
|
Carey Hall, from Kathy Watt Cycling, selected the Azzurri
Opal Shimano 105 as being an appropriate bike for me to
start out on.
During the course of fitting the bike to me and
configuring it, the following changes were make:
Seat
The seat was swapped over to a more comfortable
"beginners" saddle — Serfas E-Gel Saddle, DDMD-200 Men's
— weight 15oz, weight 425 gm, size 27 x 17 cm, material Lycra —
from Kathy Watt Cycling.
- Men's design for all-around recreational and sport riding.
- Patented Dual Density Base.
- ICS Technology for supported comfort.
- E-Gel top layer for frictionless comfort.
- Deep groove design for soft tissue protection.
- Cover: Soflex.
Stem
A BBB BHS-24 Highrise stem
from Kathy Watt Cycling
was fitted to put the handlebars into a more comfortable position.
- 35 degree stem with strong 6061 T6 aluminium 3D forged body.
- Stainless steel bolts.
- Bar bore: 25.4 mm.
- Fork tube diameter: 28.6 mm.
- Angle: 35 degree.
- Extensions: 70, 90 and 110mm.
- Weight: 162 grams.
- Black.
Bottle Cages
Two BBB BBC-03L Fuel Tank Deluxe
bottle cages were purchased from and fitted by Kathy Watt Cycling.
- Durable and lightweight aluminium.
- T-shape design provides a secure bottle fit.
- Special dampers prevent scuffing.
- Stainless steel bolts.
- Chrome color dampers.
- Glossy black.
Clothing and Safety Protection
Obviously some appropriate clothing and protection gear would
be required.
Bike Shoes
A pair of Northwave MTB Spike
bike shoes were selected to comfortably fit my wide feet
and purchased from Kathy Watt Cycling.
- Colour: Black.
- Size 45, UK 11, US 12, CM 29.5.
- JAWS sole.
- Upper with Airmesh inserts.
- 3 straps closure system.
- Omega Heel.
- Performance Advanced footbed.
Bike Helmet
A Bell Furio B117
road bike helmet was selected to keep my head safe
and purchased from Kathy Watt Cycling>.
- Colour: Blue/Silver.
- Size: Large, 59-63 cm.
- Weight: 315 gm.
- Fusion In-Mold microshell.
- 20 air sucking internally channeled vents.
- GPS fit system.
Bike Shorts
A pair of Perl Izumi P.R.O. Versa
men's bike shorts were selected to wear
and purchased from Kathy Watt Cycling.
- Colour: 021 Black.
- Size: XXL.
- Style: 0224.
- Versa 3D Chamois 10mm single layer pad.
- Direct-Vent side ventilation.
- Detachable liner.
Bike Gloves
A pair of BBB BBW-16 GelLiner
summer bike gloves were selected to help protect my hands
and purchased from Kathy Watt Cycling.
- Colour: Black.
- Size: XL.
- High-tech professional summer glove.
- Vitech palm with Gel insert.
- AirMesh micro-mesh ventilation.
- Italian stretch Lycra.
- Terry towel thumb.
- Neoprene wrist with WristLock system.
GPS Navigation and Training Recording
I purchased a Garmin Edge 705 GPS
unit with heart rate, cadence and speed monitoring
from Johnny Appleseed GPS
to help me find my way about, plus monitor and record my rides.
At the same time I also purchased the Garmin City Navigator
Australia and New Zealand NT 2010 detailed maps of major metropolitan
areas in Australia and New Zealand on CD-ROM. And then there is a
SanDisk 8GB microSDHC Card to put the maps onto and store
route data and ride details.
Edge 705 Specificationss from the Garmin website
| Physical & Performance: |
| Unit dimensions, WxHxD: |
5.1 x 10.9 x 2.5 cm (2" x 4.3" x 1") |
| Display size, WxH: |
3.48 x 4.36 cm (1.37" x 1.71");
5.6 cm diag (2.2") |
| Display resolution, WxH: |
176 x 220 pixels |
| Weight: |
104.9 gm (3.7 oz) |
| Battery: |
rechargeable
li-polymer |
| Battery life: |
15 hours, typical |
| Water resistant: |
yes (IPX7) |
| GPS-enabled: |
yes |
| High-sensitivity receiver: |
yes |
| RoHS version available: |
yes |
| Maps & Memory: |
| Basemap: |
yes |
| Ability to add maps: |
yes |
| Accepts data cards: |
microSD™ card
(not included) |
| Lap history: |
1000 laps |
| Waypoints/favorites/locations: |
100 |
| Routes: |
Limited by memory space available |
| Features: |
| Heart rate monitor: |
yes |
| Bike speed/cadence sensor: |
yes |
| Foot pod: |
no |
| Automatic sync (automatically transfers data to your computer): |
no |
| Garmin Connect™ compatible (online community where you analyse, categorise and share data): |
yes |
| Garmin Training Center® software compatible: |
yes |
| Virtual Partner® (train against a digital person): |
yes |
| Courses (compete against previous workouts): |
yes |
| Auto Pause® (pauses and resumes timer based on speed): |
yes |
| Auto Lap® (automatically starts a new lap): |
yes |
| Auto Scroll (cycles through data pages during workout): |
no |
| Multi-sport (changes sport mode with a press of a button): |
no |
| Advanced workouts (create custom, goal-oriented workouts): |
yes |
| Simple workouts (input time, distance and calorie goals): |
yes |
| Pace alert (triggers alarm if you vary from preset pace): |
yes |
|
| Time/distance alert (triggers alarm when you reach goal): |
yes |
| Interval training (set up exercise and rest intervals): |
yes |
| Customisable screen(s): |
yes |
| Barometric altimeter: |
yes |
| Unit-to-unit transfer (shares data wirelessly with similar units): |
yes |
| Power meter compatible (displays power data from compatible 3rd party ANT+™-enabled power meters): |
yes |
| Sport watch: |
no |
| Additional: Operating temperature: |
-15°C to +50°C |
Bike Lights
Obviously there will be times when I expect to be riding at night.
Seeing and being seen are thus a high priority. So I've selected the
following items to do the job.
Front Light
A Cateye HL-EL610RC Single Shot Plus Front Light
was purchased from Wiggle.
Functions:
2 one-watt LEDs with ROL (Reverse Offset Lens).
High, low and flashing modes.
4-hour trickle charger and battery life indicator.
Runs over 3 hours on high beam or 36 hours on flashing.
Features:
ROL technology.
Integral NiMH battery pack.
Direct charging port.
Specifications:
Length: 103 mm
Width: 75 mm
Weight: 256 grams
Rear Light
A Cateye TL-LD1100
tail light was purchased from Wiggle.
Functions:
10 LEDs.
100,000+ mcd.
Runs over 50 hours on constant or 100 hours on flashing.
4 modes (flashing, constant, side to side & random).
Features:
Highly water resistant.
Clothing Clip(C-1N) included.
Water resistant.
23.5 – 32.5 mm seat post mounting.
Safety Lights
Two sets of Cateye Loop
SL110 Front and Rear Lights
were purchased from Wiggle.
- 30/50 hours run time in constant/flashing modes.
- Versatile elastic mount.
- Virtually visible in all directions.
- Mount Size: 22 - 35 mm.
- Battery: CR2032 x 2
A Cateye Orbit
SL-LD120 Spoke Mounted Safety Light Set
was purchased from Wiggle.
Functions:
30/50 hours run time in constant/flashing modes.
Features:
Spoke mount.
Virtually visible in all directions.
Specifications:
Wheel Size: 16 - 27 inch
Spoke Type: No.13G - No.16G
Spoke Count: 32 or 36
Battery: CR2032 x 2
Three Topeak AlienLux LED Tail Safety Lights - Green
were purchased from Wiggle.
A fun little tail light sculpted to look like a tiny space visitor.
Two bright LEDs with constant or blinking modes warn motorists of your
location. The ALiEN is the coolest tail light in the galaxy.
Features:
Size (L x W x H): 4.8 x 3.5 x 3 cm.
Mount: Seatpost, Topeak Bags.
Lamp Housing: Engineering Grade Plastic.
Lamp: 2 Red LEDs.
Control: 2 Modes. Constant/Blinking.
Burn Time (approx): 60 hrs / 100 hrs.
Battery: CR2032 x 2.
Weight: 20.6 gm.
Bike Bags
Bike Saddle Bag
To stow things while riding, I purchased a Topeak Aero Edge Pack (Large)
bike saddle bag from Wiggle.
Aerodynamic styling, with QuickClick mounting system.
Features:
3M Reflective Strip and RedLite Clip.
Material: 1000 Denier Nylon with Dupont Teflon Coating.
Capacity: 1.48-2.97 litre.
Bag Attachment: QuickClick w/Seatpost Strap (F11).
Weight 176 gm.
Size (L x W x H): 21 x 12.5 x 14 cm.
Bike Tools
Frame Fit Bike Pump
To be able to reinflate tyres after a flat, I purchased a
size 3 Zefal HPX Classic Frame-Fit
high pressure road pump from >Wiggle.
Features:
Barrel: aluminium
Handle: aluminium
Thumblock: metal
Mounting: HPX system
Connection: reversible with thumblock
Pressure: 11 bar / 160 psi
Weight: 230 gm (size 3).
Length: Size 3, 53.5 to 58.5 cm.
Multi-Function Bike Tool
To maybe be able to make some running repairs should a breakdown
happen while on a ride, I purchased a Topeak Mini 18+ Multi Tool
from Wiggle.
It's a one piece super-light folding tool. 18 tools fold into a
forged alloy, anodized body.
Features:
Body: Forged Aluminum.
Tool Material: Hardened Steel.
Tools: 18 total.
Spoke Wrenches: 15g/14g.
Tire Levers: Super Hard Anodized Aluminum.
Torx Wrench: T25.
Screw Drivers: 1 Phillips/1 Flat.
Allen Wrenches: 2/2-L/2.5/3/4(2 each) 5/6/8/10mm.
Bottle Opener: Steel.
Chain Pin Tool: Chain Pin Breaker.
Chain Tool: Cast Cromoly Steel.
Weight: 185 gm.
Bag Material: Neoprene.
Size (L x W x H): 8.2 x 4.3 x 2 cm.
Bike Tyre Levers
I just know I could be needing to repair a flat tyre,
so I purchased a set of Topeak Shuttle Lever 1.2
bike tyre levers from Wiggle.
An enthusiast tire lever made from engineering grade plastic
with stainless steel reinforcement. Rigid, strong and durable.
Features:
Tire Levers: Engineering Grade Plastic and Stainless Steel.
Tools: 2 total.
Weight: 45 g m.
Size (L x W x H): 15 x 2.6 x 1.65 cm.
Bike Security
Bike Storage
To keep my bike upright, protected and safely stored
when not in use, I purchased a Willworx Superstand
from Kathy Watt Cycling.
It's very robust, being manufactured from heavy guage tubular steel,
mig welded assembly and finished in durable graphite
ripple powdercoating.
I should try and track down a Rear Frame Lift Hook
and a set of Road-Bike Spacers for the Willworx Superstand.
This would make the stand even more useful, plus better
protect the bike.
Bike Lock
To secure the bike while taking a short stop on a ride,
I purchased a BBB BBL-10 MicroSafe Bicycle Lock
from Kathy Watt Cycling.
- Small, extra compact and lightweight bicycle lock.
- Owner changeable 3-combination numerical code mechanism.
- Tough and durable steel cable gives impressive
security despite its small diameter.
- 3mm thick, 1200mm long cable.
Bike Carrier
To transport the bike to interesting places,
I purchased a Bikecorp Pacific two bike carrier
from Kathy Watt Cycling.
It's very robust, holds two bike and will let me carrier bikes while towing
a trailer.
- Detaches and attaches without removing tow ball.
- Dismantles for easy storage.
- Strengthened straight base.
- Velcro straps for fast and secure bike fitting.
- Rubber pads protect bike.
- Can take oversize tubing bikes.
Last modified: 6:59 am Thursday 25 September 2025
Local time: 2:54 pm Sunday 28 September 2025
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