The Bike That Phill Built: Construction

An exciting day was in store for me. Phil Byron came over and Martyn (Cougar) Clarke meandered downstairs for this momentous occasion. Stocked with turkish pizza and beer we set about spending the day putting together a bike. There is not much of a story to it, so I'll let the photos detail what we did!

Step 1: crankset

Seat post and brakepads

Rear Derailleur

The shifters attached to the handlebars

Front derailleur and crankset

Two Phils sorting out the brakes

Adjusting the chain

Cougar takes it for a test ride

Completed - a modern day success story

Final Price for a fully functioning awesome bike - $2910.70.
It is worth noting that I have spent more since completeing the bike on things such as riding shoes, better brake pads, light, a rack etc. The above price is what was needed to get it safely on the road.

Well that's all from this series, but stay tuned for Phillip's Touring Adventures, coming to website near you!

P Gatt's CBD Discovery Tour

On Friday last week I was bored and grumpy. In order to remedy this situation I organised a night out for the remaining residents at Fenner Hall that has since been dubbed a lounge tour.

I'm bored, someone fix me a drink!

Not content with the usual haunts of the student group at Fenner I vowed to visit a bunch of places that we rarely, if ever, frequented.

Somewhat incredulous that other drinking places exist outside Mooseheads and the ANU Uni Bar, and Fox Place

We started at North Bar because they serve free champagne and then moved onto The Australian. It was a good start to the night as we witnessed a fight (the bouncer had his shirt ripped off and the aggressor nearly glassed himself), a car accident, and we also nearly got run over by an overzealous driver.

Tanya, Cammie, and Bec were the female side of the touring crew

After the Australain we headed to a bar associated with the Crown plaza - Binara One - which was quite pleasant.

Yup, very pleasant indeed

From there we moved to the Holy Grail, a place which happened to have some sort of open mike night. By entering this pub we successfully doubled its occupants and we owned upstairs.

It was a bit of a find - the music wasn't great but I've heard worse in JJJ

We finished with cocktails at the Kremlin and by visiting Level 3 of Uni pub, a lounge bar I had never been to before.

All of us winding down at UniPub

The Bike That Phill Built: Finishing Touches

The bike is nearly ready for assembly. The last things I need in order to have a fully functioning bike are quite trivial

1. I needed some cables for my brakes and gears shifters, complete with rubber tubing to protect the brilliant "gravy brown" of my frame.

This was surprsingly expensive!

2. I needed some metal caps called bike endsfor the cabling that helps stop fraying as well as keeping things looking neat and tidy. Also shown in the photo are little rubber donuts that stop the cable from bouncing off the frame.

I would never have thought of picking these up items withou advice from Phil Byron

3. And of course no bike is complete without a bell

This is the most exciting part of the whole bike!

Bell = $1.80
Cables and Tubing = $18.00
Bike Ends and Donuts = Free

Total
Frame Set $1099+
Wheel Set $ 495
Handlebars $135
Headset $ 77.50
Cassette $ 89.90
Crankset $198.02
Rear Derailleur $108
Brakes $86.38
Front Derailleur $54
Seat Post $54
Brake Levers $45
Handlebar Tape $22.60
Tubes $12.60
Tyres $71.95
Chain $31.50
Pedals $58.45
Shifters $153.00
Stem $36
Saddle $63
Bell $1.80
Cables and Tubing $18

$2910.70

Back in Kioloa

I returned to Kioloa, ANU's coastal campus, for the third time this year to supervise Fenner's 2010 social committee's first training.

Training the social committee in the art of being social

The day wasn't too exciting, we started with a team building exercise, involving a blindfold and an obstacle course. My team failed epically.

You can already see my team is in trouble, turn around dammit.

This was followed be group planning, brainstorming sessions, goal setting, etc. After all the work was down I drove the group to the local liquor store to stock up on 'evening' supplies.

The all important brain storming session

The night started with a game of Kings (my favourite), then we retreated down to the fire pit to satisfy the primitive urge of dancing naked around a fire.

This is us; naked around a campfire

Hours later I indulged in some poker with three others and we played into the wee hours of the morning...

Its the new me

Things have changed in the last month or so - after about 12 years it has finally happened.

The Bike That Phill Built: Saddle

The saddle is an all important bit that will offer the support necessary for my delicate buttchecks whilst peddling for hours on end. Upon seeking advice I was told that each person has a unique bum and as such a bit of trial and error is essential. Further research from a friend alerted me to the fact that a big soft looking saddle doesn't always mean a more comfortable ride.

Satisfying yes...

I test rode a quite small and narrow saddle - the Selle Italia Flite Max Gel Flow (its quite expensive) - but it caused my right testicle to ache after 10 kms or so on the road.
I then tried this saddle - the WTB rocket (team black). Comfortable and yet affordable.

Its the colour that makes it so comfortable

black

240g

leather | flex-tuned shell | comfort zone | dna padding | kevlar corners

Saddle = $63 (including 10% discount)

Total
Frame Set $1099+
Wheel Set $ 495
Handlebars $135
Headset $ 77.50
Cassette $ 89.90
Crankset $198.02
Rear Derailleur $108
Brakes $86.38
Front Derailleur $54
Seat Post $54
Brake Levers $45
Handlebar Tape $22.60
Tubes $12.60
Tyres $71.95
Chain $31.50
Pedals $58.45
Shifters $153.00
Stem $36
Saddle $63

$2890.90

The Bike That Phill Built: Stem

The stem is a piece of equipment that is attached to the front forks via the headset and also holds the handle bars in place. I don't have a close up of my stem but the important aspects are its length - as this dictates how far forward you lean whilst riding, and its bar bore - which needs to be the correct size of the handle bars. My handlebars require a 31.8mm clamp. It also had to match my fork width and I wanted a road stem to suit my drop down handlebars. I bought a Token Matrix Stem.

A picture of my stem sourced from the net

Once I had the stem I took my bike into Maladjusted and they attached the headset for me (this was a procedure that is best done with the proper equipment). The result is shown below!

One happy Gatt and his frame

Bar Bore: Ø31.8mm

Steerer Clamp Dia.: Ø28.6mm

Angle: ±8°

Titanium bolts or Cromo Bolts for options

Extension: 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130mm

Stem = $36 (including 10% discount)

Total
Frame Set $1099+
Wheel Set $ 495
Handlebars $135
Headset $ 77.50
Cassette $ 89.90
Crankset $198.02
Rear Derailleur $108
Brakes $86.38
Front Derailleur $54
Seat Post $54
Brake Levers $45
Handlebar Tape $22.60
Tubes $12.60
Tyres $71.95
Chain $31.50
Pedals $58.45
Shifters $153.00
Stem $36

$2827.90

The end of an elastic era

For years I have possessed a remarkable ability to, at full pace whilst carrying heavy backpacks, fall upon either of my ankles and shrug off the injury. My ligaments behaved like rubber bands and would spring back in place with barely a change in my stride.

This all changed on Monday night when out on a light jog I managed to snap two ligaments in my right ankle, forever reducing my seemingly inherent joint flexiblity. Now I hobble like a cripple as I throw money to the local physio in an attempt to return my ankle to its former strength. Most disturbingly this has happened just weeks before the the hotly contested RSC cricket match.

Success in 2009

In an unbleivable effort by our Resident's committe Fenner was able to pull in

2nd in the Interhall Sports Shield

and for the first time in eight years

1st in the Interhall Arts Shield -

we came first in every arts event except talent night (3rd) and Theatre Sports (last). This year I was a member of two teams - the winning pool (8-ball) team and I entered the talent show in the non-musical category conducting a science show in which I set myself on fire (don't try this at home kids).

Road Relay 2009

Road relay is a running event held at ANU between the Halls and Colleges. Eight legs consisting of four 1500m circuits and four 3000m circuits are completed by four males and four females from each university residence. Last year Fenner came 3rd in an amazingly close finish involving Bruce and Burgmann. This year we turned up with a stronger team and hoped to push for a second place finish. We started well and entrenched ourselves in third place by the fourth leg (that's me).

Here I am coming in to the finish.

Once again running the 3km leg I moved myself from anchor to fourth runner to help ensure the other colleges couldn't catch us. I wiped 10 seconds off my personal best with a time of 10mins 15secs.

A photo taken about two seconds later; yes it does look like I'm about to cry, and yes I wanted to.

Unfortunately we were unable to catch John's who finished in second 2mins ahead of us, or Burgmann who had a team of super heros and finished 2 mins ahead of Johns. Our second consecutive thrid place in Road Relay is a nice change from three years ago which was our fourth consecutive last place. It also enabled us to finish second on the Sports shield, the highest we have ever finished in my long time at University.

The 2009 Road Relay Team: Buddee, Tani, Me, Martyn, Jusatin, Tara, Flick, Michelle

The Bike That Phill Built: Shifters

There are a couple of types of shifters - there are some that are incorporated into the brake levers and cost the GDP of small island nations, there are some that sit on the frame and cost as much as a large macca's meal, there are some that sit on straight handlebars, and there are bar end shifters that attach to the end of drop down handlebars.

A shifter set - what I couldn't figure out, though, is why is the box so big for such small pieces

Good shifters are important as they regulate the gear change, and a smooth efficient transition from one cog to another is paramount when your struggling up a steeply inclined rocky path. As I find it necessary to eat a couple of times a day I couldn't afford the fancy brake/shifter combination so I opted for the next best thing: bar end shifters.

Ahh. I see now - there's more stuff underneath. Looks awfully technical.

Model Number	SL-BS77
Series	DURA-ACE
Shift Lever Type	Bar end
Cassette Capability	9-Speed
Front Shifting	Double/Triple
Material	Aluminum/clear coated
Shift Cable Casing	SIS SP41
Average Wight	178g

The shifters are nice, but I think the rug needs a good vacuum!

The set that I bought were the Shimano DuraAce SL-BS77 model. As my front and rear deraillers were Shimano the shifters had to be as well (SRAM have a different gearing ratio), and for those that now a little bit about bikes you will know that DuraAce is the top of the range racing series. The important aspects I had to take into account was that the shifters could cover the range of my front and rear cog sets. As my rear cog set (cassette) is a nine speed I had to ensure the shifters was compatible. I also had to ensure that the shifters were compatible with a three ring front cog set (front shifting).

So close, if I wasn't drunk I'd be excited!

Shimano DuraAce SL-BS77 = $153.00 (including 10% discount)

Total
Frame Set $1099+
Wheel Set $ 495
Handlebars $135
Headset $ 77.50
Cassette $ 89.90
Crankset $198.02
Rear Derailleur $108
Brakes $86.38
Front Derailleur $54
Seat Post $54
Brake Levers $45
Handlebar Tape $22.60
Tubes $12.60
Tyres $71.95
Chain $31.50
Pedals $58.45
Shifters $153.00

$2791.90

Nearly there, all I need is the saddle, the stem and to attach the front forks plus a few little odds and ends like brake cables...

Au domoni Iko - I love you (Beachcomber)

Chronicling the events of Beachcomber is task beyond my alcohol addled memories. The bar was

The staff were awesome, here they let me pour my own beer!

open from early morning until late night and combining this with the three happy hours throughout the day it is understandale my natural compulsion to enjoy a glass of the amber drop was adequately fuelled .

Tash and Amanda: Nick (you'll meet him soon) and I spent all day night with these super girls. We danced, we drank, we swam, and I woke up in my bed. Due to unexplained memory loss much of this night is recorded through the photographic medium only

I met many a great new person, as well as spending time with the old. Katie, Helen, and Rachel were prese for the first night, and Tom joined me for the second and third night (I stayed an extra day to ensure my liver fully understood hard yakka).

Tom and I buy a jug of beer and a shot jaeger each - I think the Black Eyed Peas summed it up the best, Tonight's going to be a good night (played at 8:00pm on the dot; Beachcomber playlist)

I met a few Australians, Marina and her cousin on the first night and some Tasmanians on the the third. I made close friends with some Kiwis - Nick and I bonded over two nights,

Nick and I became firm friends. Soon I'll be seeing him in Melbourne

and Paul a fellow chemist (analytical).

Paul displaying Kiwi pride. I will be visiting him in the enxt 12 months!

I also meet a cute german chemist named Michel.

Chemists uniting from across the world.

The english were there too (as always) and of course - as it was the weekend - there were many japanese.

We buried Oji (uncle in japanese: nicknamed by his friends cuz he is sooooo old). Then I gave him a stick so I could touch his wood

The islands dive instructor was also japanese and not a night went by in which we didn't play his awesome drinking game sae no (remaned to fuck yeah go! by the aussies).

I'm devastated I have forgotted the Dive instructor's name, particularly because I was the only person who could pronounce it.

daytime was filled with sitting by the beach, juggling, cards games and tricks, and volleyball. The night was partying - dancing, swimming in the ocean, singing, drinking - the list goes on.

Nightime antics...

The true feeling of Beachcomber can be summed up in on phrase: To any general statement or question asked [such as what is there to do here? Is this place good? I feel sick/tired/hungover.) It's Beachcomber (optional refrain: relax).

Beachcomber!

Wananavu - Fantastic (Manta Ray Island)

I had nothing but good things amount Manta Ray. Owned by an Aussie (yes I got drunk with him) it catered directly towards the Westerners needs. Simple accomodation kept it cheap, yet the food for breakfast lunch and dinner was surperb.

This is where I stayed. In amongst all those trees are the bungalows, dorms and beachside bar.

None of this just eat what you're given, there was a menu and waiters/waiteresses. Beer was cheap and the cocktails were good.
I arrived with a lovely Scandinavian girl (I've forgotten both her name and nationality) and with two brazilians and a portuguese lady - all of which are studying in Australia. All were top notch people who drank a little bit with during the day. The beach area was littered with hammocks and shady tables, which I used to fill in the afternoon lazing about.

Few hardy travelelrs have the constitution to hold up here for too long.

During this time I struck up a conversation with the german dive instructor, who convinced me into giving scuba diving another shot (I failed miserably two years ago whilst in the Whitsundays). After dinner that night (and another Bula dance led by the incredibly joyous and super camp activities instructor) I sat down to enjoy the evening by sinking beers and practising my japanese.

Yuki, myself, Aoki, and Kana. They actually helped bring my confidence in spoken japanese back! We drank sooooo much.

Yup, who read correctly. Fiji happens to be a place many japanese students come to study english. Why? you may ask (I did). Well, let's have a look at what it offers. It does have a university (hence the study), nearly all inhabitants speak english, the sun is always shining, kick arse beaches, its a super cheap place to live, and the islands are within hopping distance.

This is an example of a kickarse beach. Pay particular attention too the blue water, white sand, sunny skies, green leafy trees, multiple banana seats and hammocks, oh and the bikini clad women.

So on any given weekend a bunch of japanese students will be staying at the nearby islands. This is where I met Yuki (his full name is Yukihiro. His nickname is funny because its a girls name), Aoki, and Kana. That night my japanese improved immensely as I chatted away - much to their amusement. We drank beer, practised origami, and Aoki won the limbo competitions (take that brazilians!).

Origami, that's the portuguese lady between Yuki and Aoki. When I asked her for ehr name she told me I wouldn't be able to pronounce it. I tried but failed (and now I've forgotten).

The next morning I was up early and ready for my dive. I was paired up with the fijian dive instrcutor (he was warned I was scared shitless) and holding my hand we dive deep into the ocean (maybe 10 metres). Our groups was super lucky, we saw a reef shark, a turtle and an octopus. Most groups don't see either of those three. It was an awesome 30 mins and I was relatively comfortable the whole way.

This is a grasshopper, and while not spotted whilst scuba diving it was spotted whilst drinking, both of which I consider water sports.

After my dive a sucked down a few more beers and colourful drinks whilst reading my book, chatted to the token british boys (barely old enough to drink) that were present on every island before boarding the catamaran to my next destination, the self proclaimed party island BEACHCOMBER.

My sentiments exactly!