Since being founded in 1988, the Kona Bicycle Organization have constantly attempted their hardest, and with mostly amazing success, to remain amongst the coolest bike brands on the earth. Nearly Kona bikes have style and use incredibly innovative technology with every new model whilst using eye catching designs and colours, however they have also always stood a unique strategy for naming their bikes, either using names associated to things or locations that mean something to the companies owners Dan Gerhard and Jacob Heilbron (who had the Kona “Jake The Snake” and Kona “Major Jake” cyclocross bikes named after him) or along with a large number of tongue in cheek, which in some instances is mainly responsible for Kona a reasonable bit of controversy.
The name Kona itself stems from Heilbron and Gerhards love of Hawaii, specially the tourist town of Kailia-Kona in Western Hawaii. Surprisingly enough Kona wasn’t even their authentic selection of name, the most popular name was “Cascade” but this must be changed after having a trademark dispute.
The Kona founders continued to signify their obsession with Hawaii by naming a few of their biggest mountain bike models using Hawaiian references, the Hei Hei in particular meaning “Race” in Hawaiian, and Hahannah being the Hawaiian term for “Hot”. Volcanoes also seem to be within the forefront in the minds with the Kona designers with such mountain bikes as the Fire Mountain hardtail, or perhaps the brilliant Lava Dome, keeping in mind the Kona Kilau, which got its name from your Hawaiian Volcano that is essentially the most active volcano on the planet.
Kona over the years seemed to be keen to show feeling of humour when naming a few of their bike models, with names such as Stinky, which has turn into a legendary name on the planet of freeride mountain bikes, but this time and again most people have accused Kona of crossing the line using their controversial bike model titles.
In September 94', Kona introduced their first twin suspension mountain bikes, the Sex 1 along with the Sex 2, the reasons behind these labels supposedly being that “Sex” was short for “Suspension EXperience”. The Kona Sex 1 and 2 were dropped ultimately after Kona been given a flurry of complaints. Kona ultimately had the last laugh when outlining that other Kona cycles with darker and fairly violent titles, for example the Stab and Shred, obtained no issues with the community, proving that violence was much more satisfactory than sex.
Friday 4 March 2011
30 years gone by,now the perfect time to get hold of charming bike!
Having not owned a cycle for Three decades I chose the time had come to participate with a few mates in the village and get outside the gym and into the open air, they all persuaded me that cycling was the easiest method to get fit, escape in the countryside and as a well used dodderer I'd been also told it turned out low impact.
I went in to a newsagent thinking I'd buy a magazine, make out the print from cover to cover start the pc and order one over the net in the end what may just be much better to buy and place together when compared to a bike?
Nearly £30 lighter I went home that has a pile of cycling, mountain biking, Road racing, trail hugging and dirt magazines ( I never realized simply how much bike porn was out there), however, having sat down and leafed through them I quickly remarked that generally if i would purchase the right machine then I couldn’t just use glossy publications or perhaps the internet Needed to arrive at an actual shop to be able to achieve a nice bike frames .
My nearest shop was just 14 miles away therefore i took myself away and off to Rutland Water Cycling. The first thing Used to ended up walk in the ground floor and saw 5 bikes near the entrance and a few more dotted throughout the clothing and accessory displays ( I seemed to be thinking this really is another case of big adverts and sod all stock), eventually I did an un-manlike thing and asked an assistant (the spitting image of Dale Winton) who ( in a camp way) suggested that I followed him upstairs! I was planning to say that we was mesmerised but given these comments I find myself that overwhelmed is actually a appropriate comment.
The sheer scale and variety had me scurrying from one end with the display to another as well as the salesman helping me was superb. No condescending attitude, just advice that enabled me to narrow my choice down rapidly, having sat on several he even offered me the opportunity to spin them throughout the Rutland Water carpark.
I then decided it would be better if I purchased in the store as a huge amount of effort have been put into my sale it seemed rude not have done this ( actually I worked it out that the saving I will have made would have been outweighed by way of the blunder that might happen to be as the bike I chose was a totally different style to the one I had put together in my head while i walked in).Rutland Cycling, that you're heroes.
I went in to a newsagent thinking I'd buy a magazine, make out the print from cover to cover start the pc and order one over the net in the end what may just be much better to buy and place together when compared to a bike?
Nearly £30 lighter I went home that has a pile of cycling, mountain biking, Road racing, trail hugging and dirt magazines ( I never realized simply how much bike porn was out there), however, having sat down and leafed through them I quickly remarked that generally if i would purchase the right machine then I couldn’t just use glossy publications or perhaps the internet Needed to arrive at an actual shop to be able to achieve a nice bike frames .
My nearest shop was just 14 miles away therefore i took myself away and off to Rutland Water Cycling. The first thing Used to ended up walk in the ground floor and saw 5 bikes near the entrance and a few more dotted throughout the clothing and accessory displays ( I seemed to be thinking this really is another case of big adverts and sod all stock), eventually I did an un-manlike thing and asked an assistant (the spitting image of Dale Winton) who ( in a camp way) suggested that I followed him upstairs! I was planning to say that we was mesmerised but given these comments I find myself that overwhelmed is actually a appropriate comment.
The sheer scale and variety had me scurrying from one end with the display to another as well as the salesman helping me was superb. No condescending attitude, just advice that enabled me to narrow my choice down rapidly, having sat on several he even offered me the opportunity to spin them throughout the Rutland Water carpark.
I then decided it would be better if I purchased in the store as a huge amount of effort have been put into my sale it seemed rude not have done this ( actually I worked it out that the saving I will have made would have been outweighed by way of the blunder that might happen to be as the bike I chose was a totally different style to the one I had put together in my head while i walked in).Rutland Cycling, that you're heroes.
Disc Brakes, A Welcome Addition To The World Of Cycling
Disc Brakes, a rather new addition to everything about cycling are probably the most important innovations since the invention with the wheels. Most contemporary bike companions are so concentrated on making their bikes lighter and faster they some times forget that you have to have the ability to stop to the side of a nickel.
How come discbrakes extremely important? Well wherever you ride lure in members the call to delay or crashing, one ends having a relaxed pint at the pub, one other.. a trip to A.E so faster and more durable brakes are classified as the the very first thing from a bike, so you can't have any more advanced than disc brake!
Utilized on cars & bikes for some time, Disc Brakes are slowly making their distance to the concept of cycling with a lot of mountain bikes offering disc brakes while just the top commuting bikes do. The benefit of using disc would be the sheer power of the braking in addition to an exposed disc which rapidly looses heat so you can brake harder for longer, the result? You end up riding faster and harder than ever before because disc brakes provides you with the confidence you need to bomb through forests while knowing you have the chance to stop as required.
More or less everything sounds amazing, but disc brakes give a fatal flaw, grease. Frequently used to lubricant the lots of moving parts using a bike, lubricants are death to disc braking overall performance, accidentally spill any onto the disc surface and select a ride. You'll not stop!
To combat this it's simple to buy specific disc brake cleaners which disintegrate the oil and providing an excellent breaking surface. I would recommend purchasing these cleaners if you would like stay safe!
Even with this massive flaw Disc brakes will be the future of mtb braking and also the perfect upgrade for any bike.
How come discbrakes extremely important? Well wherever you ride lure in members the call to delay or crashing, one ends having a relaxed pint at the pub, one other.. a trip to A.E so faster and more durable brakes are classified as the the very first thing from a bike, so you can't have any more advanced than disc brake!
Utilized on cars & bikes for some time, Disc Brakes are slowly making their distance to the concept of cycling with a lot of mountain bikes offering disc brakes while just the top commuting bikes do. The benefit of using disc would be the sheer power of the braking in addition to an exposed disc which rapidly looses heat so you can brake harder for longer, the result? You end up riding faster and harder than ever before because disc brakes provides you with the confidence you need to bomb through forests while knowing you have the chance to stop as required.
More or less everything sounds amazing, but disc brakes give a fatal flaw, grease. Frequently used to lubricant the lots of moving parts using a bike, lubricants are death to disc braking overall performance, accidentally spill any onto the disc surface and select a ride. You'll not stop!
To combat this it's simple to buy specific disc brake cleaners which disintegrate the oil and providing an excellent breaking surface. I would recommend purchasing these cleaners if you would like stay safe!
Even with this massive flaw Disc brakes will be the future of mtb braking and also the perfect upgrade for any bike.
A Delicious Choice of Cycling Jerseys For The Summer
When you're on your bike, you might certainly be sweating a bit - Not less than you need to be! Absolutely nothing is more irritating than a soggy, damp t-shirt. Also if you are planning fast enough you will without a doubt purchase a chunk of wind blowing on your face and body, you don’t wish to be any further uncomfortable than necessary when you're cold.
As a way to maximise the enjoyment and health benefits of riding your bike, it is important to be sure that you are both comfortable and safe whilst cycling. Thats usually where a very good quality cycling jerseys comes very helpful; a cycling jersey both takes out the sweat from the skin, through a process also known as wicking and blocks the wind-effect a result of skip forward movement. The two main musts when selecting a cycling jersey, it must be fairly body hugging and yes it ought to be produced from that Lycra-esque shiny material the thing is professional sportsman going regarding it.
When pruchasing a cycling jersey it is important to look at a few critical factors. To begin the content it's composed of, it is essential to you should always be getting good quality materials. Your cycling jersey will most likely be worn and washed several time so they will have to be capable of withstand plenty of washes nevertheless look great. A zip with the cycling jersey is important to create the cyclist practical by offering more ventilation. A pocket can also be beneficial for just a cyclist because it allows them to carry certain requirements whilst on a ride; generally the pockets are on the rear of the cycling jersey. Most cycling jerseys may have an elasticised waist band accommodate varying sizes and will be in the position to stretch accordingly.
As a way to maximise the enjoyment and health benefits of riding your bike, it is important to be sure that you are both comfortable and safe whilst cycling. Thats usually where a very good quality cycling jerseys comes very helpful; a cycling jersey both takes out the sweat from the skin, through a process also known as wicking and blocks the wind-effect a result of skip forward movement. The two main musts when selecting a cycling jersey, it must be fairly body hugging and yes it ought to be produced from that Lycra-esque shiny material the thing is professional sportsman going regarding it.
When pruchasing a cycling jersey it is important to look at a few critical factors. To begin the content it's composed of, it is essential to you should always be getting good quality materials. Your cycling jersey will most likely be worn and washed several time so they will have to be capable of withstand plenty of washes nevertheless look great. A zip with the cycling jersey is important to create the cyclist practical by offering more ventilation. A pocket can also be beneficial for just a cyclist because it allows them to carry certain requirements whilst on a ride; generally the pockets are on the rear of the cycling jersey. Most cycling jerseys may have an elasticised waist band accommodate varying sizes and will be in the position to stretch accordingly.
Cycling! Bye Cya Insurance, Tax and Petrol Costs
After many years of automobile insurance, tax and petrol prices increasing and my wages not rising along with them I chose that enough was enough, that I would sell my car and look for a substitute procedure for transport. One option is to catch public transit, which I would have to walk nearly miles to go to the bus stop, or I really could treat myself to a bike.
Having not ridden type of bike for many years instead of actually owning a bike since I was obviously a teenager, I browsed the online market place to have ideas of what bike was better to get. Checking the several types of bikes around, I decided a hybrid bike was probably most suitable for daily commuting, I might have looked pretty ridiculous using a BMX bike or dressed up in lycra and riding a pricy Road Bike. Hybrid Bikes appeared to be the very best of both Mountain Bikes as well as a Road Bikes: solid, tough, comfortable and speedy.
A Hybrid Bike sounded perfect, not merely since it was hundreds of issues that I’ve just mentioned, but in addition because I think the words “Hybrid Bike” sounded pretty futuristic. Anyway, I browsed throughout the internet in pursuit of my ideal Hybrid Bike, found a couple I liked the appearance of after which realised that I’d not only have to use each of the money from your sale of my car but I'd also need to re-mortgage my house to pay for those Hybrid Bikes.
Finally, I discovered a Hybrid Bike that had been both affordable and sort of looked alright, nothing special however is not too embarrassing. Used to do a little bit of focus on my Hybrid Bike, I “souped it up” you may say, got some bike pannier bags, a bike basket, a bell and a nice rack. Also treated myself towards the best looking bike helmet I could afford, the one that I had created seen riders wearing with the Tour De France.
Now I am so glad I chose a Hybrid Bike. I’m greater off and a lot fitter, so is my dog who I take for a run while I’m using the cycle. It's my job to make a start promptly, while avoiding the traffic and I always get the stares and attention of passers by, you'll be able to hear them conversing with the other saying “Ooh have a look at him as well as his very beautiful looking hybrid bike”.
Having not ridden type of bike for many years instead of actually owning a bike since I was obviously a teenager, I browsed the online market place to have ideas of what bike was better to get. Checking the several types of bikes around, I decided a hybrid bike was probably most suitable for daily commuting, I might have looked pretty ridiculous using a BMX bike or dressed up in lycra and riding a pricy Road Bike. Hybrid Bikes appeared to be the very best of both Mountain Bikes as well as a Road Bikes: solid, tough, comfortable and speedy.
A Hybrid Bike sounded perfect, not merely since it was hundreds of issues that I’ve just mentioned, but in addition because I think the words “Hybrid Bike” sounded pretty futuristic. Anyway, I browsed throughout the internet in pursuit of my ideal Hybrid Bike, found a couple I liked the appearance of after which realised that I’d not only have to use each of the money from your sale of my car but I'd also need to re-mortgage my house to pay for those Hybrid Bikes.
Finally, I discovered a Hybrid Bike that had been both affordable and sort of looked alright, nothing special however is not too embarrassing. Used to do a little bit of focus on my Hybrid Bike, I “souped it up” you may say, got some bike pannier bags, a bike basket, a bell and a nice rack. Also treated myself towards the best looking bike helmet I could afford, the one that I had created seen riders wearing with the Tour De France.
Now I am so glad I chose a Hybrid Bike. I’m greater off and a lot fitter, so is my dog who I take for a run while I’m using the cycle. It's my job to make a start promptly, while avoiding the traffic and I always get the stares and attention of passers by, you'll be able to hear them conversing with the other saying “Ooh have a look at him as well as his very beautiful looking hybrid bike”.
Hybrid Bikes, Essential Features To take into account In picking Your Bike
Combining the portions of both road and mountain bikes, hybrid bikes stand over the rest the pile when considering blending functionality with comfort and ease.
Hybrid bike generally give you a number of features using their mountain bike cousins to assist boost on / off road comfort including:
Disc Brakes - Providing more reliable stopping power than traditional V-brakes at a lower price most middle priced hybrid bikes feature disc brakes to present the stopping power deparately needed for the city & the ride home.
Suspension Forks - Some hybrid bikes include general performance forks, generally of lower quality than mountain bikes but nonetheless offering superb ride comfort in a fraction of your price. Often hybrid bikes are fitted with rigid forks made to offer more speed as suspension is rarely required by the common hybrid environment.
Gears - Nevertheless, there are a wide array of hybrids desinged to use road bike gears most hybrids use the stronger mtb gears for his or her increased resistancy to cross country riding along with smaller gear ratios to tackle acceleration and hills, two of the most common encountered riding conditions.
Handlebars - All hybrid bikes feature flat mtb handlebars to get a more enjoyable, up riding position for very long distance comfort usually forgotten for pure speed on road bikes.
The rest of the bike is made up of traditional road bike features including the best top rated components including:
Wheels - Road wheels tend to be sometimes lighter by having a more effective capacity to weight ratio allowing the hybrid bikes to safely move through traffic without any difficulty, although offering less durability on off road conditions road wheels include the perfect option for commuting.
Tyres - All hybrid bikes feature skinny road ready tyres coordinated with a grippy tread which supplies amazing levels of speed without hampering grip in wet or slighlty dirty conditions to own best of all possible worlds.
Geometry - Hybrid bike's geometries are usually road focus combined with mtb comfort features to develop a unique a higher level frame comfort and ease & control in urban riding conditions.
To sum up hybrid bikes offer one of the most comfortable and fastest features from all different kinds of bikes to have a unique riding expereince best for commuting both sport and long distances while in the least amount of times inside the preferred riding position which is the reason they may be love throughout the globe.
Hybrid bike generally give you a number of features using their mountain bike cousins to assist boost on / off road comfort including:
Disc Brakes - Providing more reliable stopping power than traditional V-brakes at a lower price most middle priced hybrid bikes feature disc brakes to present the stopping power deparately needed for the city & the ride home.
Suspension Forks - Some hybrid bikes include general performance forks, generally of lower quality than mountain bikes but nonetheless offering superb ride comfort in a fraction of your price. Often hybrid bikes are fitted with rigid forks made to offer more speed as suspension is rarely required by the common hybrid environment.
Gears - Nevertheless, there are a wide array of hybrids desinged to use road bike gears most hybrids use the stronger mtb gears for his or her increased resistancy to cross country riding along with smaller gear ratios to tackle acceleration and hills, two of the most common encountered riding conditions.
Handlebars - All hybrid bikes feature flat mtb handlebars to get a more enjoyable, up riding position for very long distance comfort usually forgotten for pure speed on road bikes.
The rest of the bike is made up of traditional road bike features including the best top rated components including:
Wheels - Road wheels tend to be sometimes lighter by having a more effective capacity to weight ratio allowing the hybrid bikes to safely move through traffic without any difficulty, although offering less durability on off road conditions road wheels include the perfect option for commuting.
Tyres - All hybrid bikes feature skinny road ready tyres coordinated with a grippy tread which supplies amazing levels of speed without hampering grip in wet or slighlty dirty conditions to own best of all possible worlds.
Geometry - Hybrid bike's geometries are usually road focus combined with mtb comfort features to develop a unique a higher level frame comfort and ease & control in urban riding conditions.
To sum up hybrid bikes offer one of the most comfortable and fastest features from all different kinds of bikes to have a unique riding expereince best for commuting both sport and long distances while in the least amount of times inside the preferred riding position which is the reason they may be love throughout the globe.
Thursday 17 February 2011
The move from ice hockey to a triathlon
As I approach the end of my twenties I find myself setting more and more goals. Drop a stone of weight between Christmas and the end of February – DONE! Be Mortgage free or playing golf off a single figure handicap by the age of 45 – hopefully the latter! By my main sporting goal is to run an Ironman triathlon by the time I’m 30 (1,217 days to go)
This goal has some smaller goals holding it up. This summer I will be competing in Olympic distance triathlons and running a half marathon. Next year a Half Ironman triathlon and a full marathon then the year after the Ironman race! 2.4mile Swim, 112mile Bike and a 26mile run to finish.
For the last 20 years my sport of choice has been Ice Hockey. A fast, powerful and unforgiving anaerobic sport that requires flat out sprints and intense physical effort for 45 seconds at a time, repeated for dozens of times over a game lasting 1hour.
Ice hockey has seen me in the gym frequently lifting heavy weights for movements that are sport specific and dynamic – lots of legs and core work. My cardio work was limited to hills on the exercise bike or sprints but as skating is such a unique movement most of my cardio was gained from time on the ice.
Getting into triathlons has been a real eye opener. My first trip to the swimming pool saw my muscles fatigued after 50metres; of course for the last 10 years they haven’t exceeded 10reps of anything.
Running with Ice Hockey player size (and weight) has been a slow sluggish road of improvement. Because of my thigh muscles I thought the transition to cycling would be the easiest - so the obvious choice to me was a cheap road bike
Off I went to Rutland
I’m still playing competitive Ice hockey for a month or so but I’ll keep this blog going on how I am adapting to cycling for my Triathlons. With no daylight after work and weekends taken up by Ice hockey I have taken to using my cheap road bike to cycle to and from work avoiding the terrible traffic around the business parks in Peterborough
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