I still haven’t gotten the Garmin Edge 705 bike computer that I have been dreaming of, so now I am starting to look into less expensive options for my current biking schedule. I am trying to bike at least 20 miles a day, and I think I am around that, but I would like to know for sure because I am particular like that. Plus, I think knowing my mileage will help me set training goals so that I can eventually do a century.

But, a journey of a hundred miles begins with regular and steady peddling, so here are some cool bike computers that can help keep track of the journey along the way :

Planet Bike Protege 9 Wireless Computer - I love the idea of a wireless bike computer like the Protege 9.0. The last thing I need to do is waste time with more cables!

Polar CS300 Cycling Computer - What’s better than a wireless bike computer? A bike computer you can wear on your wrist like a watch! Plus, it has a built-in heart rate monitor for optimal training results.

Velotrend Bike Brain Bicycle Computer -The Bike Brain is great for people who want to sync up their PalmPilot or Handspring Visor to their bike computer. This version doesn’t offer heart rate or cadence monitors, but otherwise, it’s like an organizational dream come true.

I don’t think I’ll be taking this Be the Bike! bike up to Sullivan Canyon anytime soon. It seems like the designers didn’t have things like pedaling or uphill climbing or even braking in mind when they came up with this concept, but at least it’s eye-catching. And it looks like you’d get one heck of an ab workout, if you can hold your body in that position! The safety gear in the illustration is what frightens me most; I think I’d need at least a bike helmet like this:

I was so scattered yesterday trying to get back into my routine that I didn’t even think about grabbing my bike and taking it for a spin. I really want to go down to the bike path tonight after work though, and as I planned out my evening workout this morning, it occurred to me that I hadn’t even looked at the bikes since we got back, and three of them had been stacked on a single steel bike rack. I was sure there was no way that rack could stay standing through a 5.4 earthquake and I was cringing as I opened the door to check on the bikes. Much to my surprise, they hadn’t moved at all. Everything was exactly as we left it.

I am astonished by the XPORT Bikes Aloft rack’s stability and durability, especially considering how lightweight the steel frame is. My biggest fear with having a bike rack in Southern California is that it would have to somehow be anchored to the wall or pressed into the ceiling in order to withstand serious tremors. The freestanding XPORT rack has given me peace of mind, knowing that my bikes will stay safe during a pretty big quake, and that I don’t have to worry about the rack fall over and crushing someone.

Here’s my preliminary review of the gorgeous redesigned ‘09 Fox 32 F-Series fork. PIC’s much anticipated F80 RLC fork finally arrived last week, so he spent the weekend putting it to work and testing it’s limits. I tagged along on Saturday for a quick loop up Westridge Fire Road and down through Sullivan Canyon, and even as a spectator on my own bike, I was impressed by the how well the fork seemed to handle the terrain. One of the jumps that PIC hit popped his front tire, but the fork was fine.

PIC also said that the fork handled well and made for a really smooth ride overall. I’ll post more info as I get it, but for now, here are a few more pics:

CNN reports about a man in the UK who has developed an inexpensive, fully recyclable cardboard bike. They can withstand rains and parts are easily replaceable, which makes it a great choice for people who are looking for a good bike for commuting and aren’t interested in a lot of expensive bike gear. And according to the creator, there is less chance of the bike being stolen because it’s so cheap. No word on if or when these will hit mass market, but I will be keeping my eyes opened.

I don’t know why it has taken me so long to notice, but PIC has these awesome Shimano XT shifter pods on his mountain bike, and now I want a trigger shifter of my own. I currently have a SRAM Grip Shift, which is alright, but I think I’d prefer the trigger style. I do have some concerns, though, about whether or not the shifter pods would damage more easily after a fall. I am also worried if changing my current shifter will cause me to need to get a new derailleur or cables or something, but I guess I will just have to wait and see.

Anybody have an experience with a Grip Shift vs. a trigger shift? Please tell us about it!

We are planning to head out of town on a little bike trip this weekend in spite of the ridiculous gas prices, and I am really looking forward to the trip. My new bike seat is working out great, and my brakes and lower bracket were just replaced so I am feeling adventurous and ready to investigate some trails a little further from home.

I found a really cool site called Bikely that has great information and bike route maps, but I think PIC has a route in mind he wants to try. PIC also told me that he’s going to teach me to change my own bicycle tires in case of a flat. I wonder if that means I will also have to start carrying my own bicycle pump. Oh well, at least I will be learning a new skill!

I have said before that I am not that into “girlie bikes”, but my bike is starting to get girlie in a different way. It started with the Rock Shox Judy fork and now I am getting a Terry saddle…my bike is turning into a regular sorority!

The cool thing about the Terry Butterfly Carbon women’s saddle it is lightweight and reportedly one of Terry’s most comfortable bike seats. I love the design, which is much sleeker than many of the gel saddles I’ve been looking at. I am so exited about my new seat and can’t wait to get out on the trail!

We made plans to definitely take a long bike ride this weekend, we just haven’t decided where to go. However, I have decided that I really, REALLY want to get some panniers for this and subsequent long bike trips. I found this great pannier comparison site, but unfortunately, it hasn’t been updated since 2003. The General Recommendations seem like they would still hold true for the brands, though.

My only concern is that I heard that panniers make bikes heavier and less responsive, and that trailers are a better option for long journeys. The panniers vs. trailer debate is a big one in the bike community, and I guess it ultimately comes down to personal choice. I like the look of panniers much more than trailers, so that is making a decision even tougher.

I like not having a really “girly” bike, but I have a little issue with the seat. It’s a cool looking seat, and not horribly uncomfortable, but it also is not super cushy, and that becomes an issue on long, bumpy rides. I have been getting around the issue with a fantastic pair of padded bike shorts, but I think that the padded bike shorts combined with a really comfortable bike seat might just be the ultimate in riding luxury.

Right now I am considering the WTB Speed V Pro Gel Bike Saddle. In addition to being gel-filled, it’s ergonomically correct and has a really cool design. The seat I have now is also by WTB, and it’s really durable.

I am also thinking about picking up some padded underwear to wear instead of bike shorts, because frankly, Spandex has never been my friend. It serves it’s purpose, but I like the idea of wearing “real” clothes while I am mucking about on the trails.

Guess it’s time to start a Bike Improvement Shopping List.