HAIBIKE SDURO

Do Androids Dream Electric Sheep was the question and the basis of the book behind the Blade Runner film… Now having a son who has decided that road and especially cyclocross are the cycling disciplines he’s chosen for himself has left an old man thinking similar… So what to do when your ten year old starts to consistently pull away and going up hard trails has you wishing you had strapped on not only a Camelbak but also a portable respirator.

Well after one too many times getting dropped, it was time to put my head to the problem and all routes started to lead to an e-bike as he was only going to get stronger/faster as I get slower. Now as both road and off road duties were required, a mountain/trail bike appeared to be the way to go and the well established German Haibike brand was starting to become a front runner with its extensive range of machines to suit all styles and pockets.

Also, narrowing things down after some internet research it appeared that the new sDuro range being available with Yamaha crank assisted power plants (as against the industry norm’ Bosch units) could be the answer to my recurring nightmares. Eventually a call was made to the e-bikeshop being the largest authorised dealer in the South East with an appointment made to view and have a test ride of the brand. The Japanese power plant Yamaha sDuro machines were also significantly cheaper than their counterpart assisted xDuro e-bikes but at that point awaiting shipment into the U.K.

Anyway, I’d ridden motorbikes since a teenager with fond memories of thrashing a Yamaha DT125LC as a youth also making me partial to the brand and its reliability. The proprietor Martin was easy as well as professional to deal with and following the test ride on his higher spec’d x-Duro I was convinced that an e-bike was the way forward and an order was placed for a HAIBIKE SDURO HardSeven SL 27.5 in the first shipment. Okay, nothing is ever that easy and after a couple of delivery dates were broken due to Haibike I was not impressed but the best things in life are worth waiting for I’m told.

Upon delivery in the U.K. the few requested tweaks were completed by the guys with the retro-fitted removable dongle chipping the machine to double its speed (off road only) and a change of hand grips to a more staid black. There was also a few things for me to do in order to have her looking the way I wanted (way too much fluro green) after dropping some protective 3M helicopter tape on the frame.
The handlebars were cut down a total of two inches and the Rapid Rob tyres were removed for smaller profiled Kenda Nevegal’s that would also roll better on the road. Decals were removed from the rims/forks and a water bottle holder attached to the seatpost (why there is no fitment on the bike I can only wonder as a muddy bottle on the rear post does not taste good) plus the handlebars were also lowered and the stem flipped for a more aggressive stance.Plenty of reviews are on the net of the HardSeven SL and I pretty much agree with all that is said… The Yamaha crank assist does load up faster than the Bosch unit I test rode with virtually no lag and is very quiet in operation. Range is also excellent in the real world with after a 37 mile road ride taking up the rear guard of a ride-out with the boys cycle club still leaving 40% of juice available.

Charging is just over a couple of hours and battery removal is a doodle though it is easy to spin out in the highest gear so a new front chainring with a few more teeth is a necessity on the road. On trails it has never let me down taking the likes of Hog Hill aka the Hoggenberg in its stride. Fit and finish is also excellent though the decals on the battery do not appear to be lacquered and may not last the distance.


Well for me it’s a winner winner chicken dinner as no longer do I wake in dread on a Sunday morning as CJ plans the next tough trail ride and I think of a Radox bath afterwards. Yes, never have I been more satisfied parting with my hard earned to have fun and experiences that will be cherished forever without the aches and pains to go with it…. So yes, Old Men Do Dream Electric Bikes…

Okay, I’ve had to put up with cheesy jokes from fathers of other youth cyclists such as “how’s the disability aid machine going” or “next you’ll need a chair lift for the stairs” etc etc, but I have no interest in having a cardiac just to keep up with the ever increasing speed of my lad or paying money to ride a sportive or worse signing up for the Roubaix…. I’ve found my ideal choice of steed and just like my KTM SuperDuke it’s powered up and waiting for the next ride (even if I’m not).

UPDATE: So far in seven months two chains have snapped (KMC/Shimano) maybe due to the torque when changing gear. If it happens again I’ll go for a Wippermann Connex but my thinking at the moment is that standard chains on mountain e-bikes are a no-no.

UPDATE 2: Now for road/trail duties I’ve gone for a new chainring and tyre set up. The 38T 104 bcd chainring being replaced by a 44T and removing the chain guard which pushes up the gearing giving approx’ 1 meter extra for each revolution of the crank in the highest gear (the lowest gears are pretty redundant on road and trails anyway). The 44T Shimano FC-M540 will just fit on the inner side of the crank with single chainring bolts and using a Dremel to hollow out the chain catcher allowing for more space.

Also, tyres were needed that could run on the road and take light trail duties in the Summer months. Now after some searching I went for the Schwalbe Hurricane’s having a dual compound and a fast rolling centre with high side knobbles for carving. These have been a revelation on the road as well as being superb around the trails of the 2012 Olympic Mountain Bike course at Hadleigh Park.

Guide to Portable Power for Camping

The latest and greatest portable power for camping enables you to stay plugged in and fully charged on all your outdoor adventures.

These camping gadgets range from solar-powered or even wind-powered devices to battery packs, generators, and power inverters for your car.

There are fully fledged solar kits for your camper van, portable power packs for every situation, lightweight solar panels for backpacking, smartphone cases with built-in backup batteries, and everything in between.

Our guide breaks down portable power for camping in more detail to help you can find the best camping gadgets for you.

Portable Power Buyer’s Guide

Everyone wants and needs something different from their portable power devices.

Assess your individual needs and preferences before making a decision. Learn what to look for in portable power products to ensure you select a quality product from a reputable brand.

If you already know what type of portable power for camping device you need, skip to our top recommendations below. Otherwise, our buyer’s guide will help point you in the right direction.

Portable Power Benefits

Why do you need portable power for camping in the first place?

The most obvious answer to that is convenience. Portable power is the best solution for keeping smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other devices up and running during your camping trip.

Portable power is also essential for emergency situations. Need to make an emergency phone call? Rely on GPS for directions? Portable power ensures your devices are fully charged when you need them most.

Some portable power devices are even designed to jump dead car batteries. You no longer have to worry about a dead battery leaving you stranded miles out in the wilderness.

Finally, portable power provides an extra degree of comfort. Not everyone wants to rough it while camping. The right device can power lights, a fan, a heater, or even small appliances like a mini fridge or microwave.

Before You Buy

The most important factors to consider before buying portable power (for example: SUNJACK HEAT BANK) for camping include: 

Types of Devices – What do you intend to power? Your smartphone, laptop, a television, a refrigerator?
Power Output – How much power do you need? Most manufacturers measure this in mAh (milliamp hours). About 10,000 mAh translates to 3 complete smartphone charges.
Type of Camping – Are you backpacking, car camping, or boondocking? Backpacking requires a small, lightweight portable power device while boondocking has few size/weight limits.
Frequency of Camping – How often do you camp? If you camp on a regular basis, it’s probably worth investing in a more powerful device (even if it costs more upfront).
Camping Location – Solar power for camping is hot right now. Yet it’s not right for every location. You’re better off with battery power in certain locations.


Your answers to these questions dictate, at least partially, what type of portable power for camping is right for you.
Additional Considerations


You should have a decent idea of the type of portable power best for you by now.


A few additional factors to keep in mind include:
Number of Users – Will only you be using the power device? Or do you need one capable of powering devices from several users?
Age of Users – Those with children should select portable power devices that are safe for youngsters to use.
Emergency Backup – Not all portable power devices can jumpstart a car. If that’s something you want, select one with this emergency capability.
How to Choose Portable Power


Now that you have a better idea of what type of portable power device is best for you, it’s essential to be able to weed the lackluster products out from the quality ones.


Here are a few tips that will further help you narrow down your search for the best portable power for camping:
Power Type – How is the device powered? Popular options include solar power, wind power, gasoline power, and rechargeable electric (at home or with your car’s 12V cigarette lighter).
Battery Storage – Does the portable power source simply recharge devices or does it store a charge itself? The inclusion of an in-built battery is valuable, especially for solar chargers.
Capacity – How many charges does the device provide? Power output is usually measured in mAh (milliamp hours), but most manufacturers also list this in more usable terms.
Size/Weight – How big and heavy is the portable power gadget? Small size and lightweight are of utmost importance for backpacking. Remember that larger devices usually have a higher power output/capacity.
Durability – Camping takes a serious toll on outdoor gear. Ensure your power source is prepared for hot sun, snow, and rain as well as bumps and bruises.
Features – How many charging ports does the device have? Are these standard power outlets, USB ports, or something else? Solo campers might be fine with one charging port while family campers should look for a device with multiple ports.


Considering all of these factors ahead of time will greatly help you narrow down the options to the type of portable power for camping that matches your personal needs and preferences.

Goal Zero Yeti 150 Solar Generator

Solar generators are devices that convert the sun’s heat energy to electrical energy.

What is the need to turn to solar energy?

Our world is edging towards an energy crisis with the non renewable energy resources fast depleting.
As an alternate source of energy, solar energy stands first in the list.
Solar energy panels are used world over as a green solution in several commercial establishments; but to use it at homes is still not financially feasible.
But people are awakening to the use of solar energy because in the long run it reduces your utility bills, is an environment friendly resource, doesn’t produce toxic fumes or unbearable noise and most importantly as an emergency resource during power outages.
The Goal Zero range of products is aimed at bringing about a change at the very basic level. As a result their products and their solar generator kits are more suited for recharging your electronic gadgets especially when you are off grid.

In this segment we will focus on one of the very basic solar generators for homes – the GOAL ZERO YETI 150. The yeti series has been designed to use three sources of power:

The solar power – You can charge this generator by using any wattage boulder panel or nomad panel. With a boulder 30 solar panel the Yeti 150 takes around 11-12 hours to charge completely.
A wall plug – Just by plugging the AC adapter in the solar generator kit to a wall socket you can charge the Yeti in 6 hours.
The car battery – In case you are not near a wall socket and the sun is not shining, you can still charge your Yeti 150 by plugging it to the 12V port of your car. Within 8 hours your generator will be fully charged and ready to use.

All good things about the Goal Zero Yeti 150

Stylish design: Looks always make a difference, be it in people or in gadgets. The Yeti 150 is stylish to look at and is also sleek and compact.
Inexpensive: Though most of the solar generators are expensive, this little Goal Zero Yeti 150 is low in price but not in performance.
Can charge multiple devices: Laptop, Smartphone, MP3 player , digital cameras, E- readers ,goal zero lights, display monitors and several other electronic gadgets that require only 2 Amp power can be charged either at the same time or one after other several times from a Goal Zero Yeti 150.
Compatible with various solar panels – You can use either a Nomad 20 or any of the Boulder panels of varying wattage with the Yeti. It is really flexible in this matter and its performance is not hindered, though the time taken to recharge depends on the power of the solar panel– higher wattage charges faster while a lower panel takes one to two days.
Lightweight – On your camping trails you wouldn’t want to be burdened with more weight than necessary. At just around 5 kg and like the Goal Zero Yeti 150 is a perfect companion.
Solar generator portable: A comfortable user friendly handle and the stackable shape make the yeti 150 easily portable.
Gas free portable power: You are not dependent on gas to refuel your generator anymore when you use the Goal Zero Yeti 150.
Environmental Friendly: With the Yeti 150 you do not contribute to the noise pollution or air pollution like the normal diesel generators do.
Emergency aid: Calamities like hurricanes and floods can lead to power outages and you need to be prepared. This Goal Zero Yeti 150 is a perfect emergency accessory because it is capable of charging all the essential communication gadgets like phones and laptops, so you can communicate with the authorities in case you are stuck in a spot.

The negatives of the Goal Zero Yeti 150

There are a few drawbacks to this remarkable solar generator for homes, but then like in every product these cons too can be overcome.
Longer recharging time: The solar panels take longer time to recharge.
Charging is intermittent: During overcast days and intermittent sunlight the yeti doesn’t get fully charged.
Certain essentials can’t be charged: The Goal Zero Yeti 150 is not meant for charging your digital clocks with radios or power tools with variable speed and fluorescent lights.

Thus we see that the drawbacks are not insurmountable and not hindering the overall performance of the solar generator portable.
The advantages of the Goal Zero Yeti 150 over its competitors

Let’s try to understand what makes the Goal Zero 22004 Yeti 150 Solar Generator a more advantageous purchase when compared to other portable solar generators in the market.
Stackable: The Goal Zero Yeti 150 is stackable, small yet powerful solar generator which can be easily and unobtrusively stacked with other gear in your car or in your home.
Handle: The bright green handle is soft on the hands and makes it easy to carry the generator everywhere you go.
Lightweight: At just around 5 kg it definitely gives a run for their money to its nearest rivals, some of which have the additional weight of built in solar panels.
Battery: The lead acid battery with a great shelf life makes it much desirable. In addition to that Yeti is safe to be carried on flights unlike the other lithium ion battery powered generators.
Charges more number of times: You can charge your electronic gadgets several times more with the yeti than with the other portable generators.
Unbeatable price: Normally solar generator kits are expensive and bulky. The Goal Zero is neither. It is surprisingly affordable and conveniently compact.
3 way charging: While the other solar generators are solely dependent on the sun, the Yeti 150 can be charged from the wall socket and the car battery too making it the best solar generators for homes and camps.
LED display: A perfect way to keep track of the remaining charge in the generator and plan on which device to charge and which is not a priority.

Conclusion

No need to put off joining your friends on all their adventures and trekking trips because now you have the adept Goal Zero Yeti 150 solar generator with you.
If you haven’t yet purchased it then you should right away because it is the best solar generator you will find for the price. And it’s not just the price that has customers raving about it; it is its performance, weight and charging capacity.
The Goal Zero Yeti 150 has it all for your camping trips. You can charge you’re your DSLRs Smartphones, laptops and also use the power to light up some camp lanterns either all at once or one by one. This immensely capable solar generator also leaves no carbon footprint because it is not bound by the fast depleting petroleum or diesel fuel. It is a smoke free, noise free way of lighting up the night when you are camping.
And if you want to trek then there are goal zero kits too that are light enough to be carried along with your trekking gear while keeping the Goal Zero Yeti 150 in your base camp.

Hence, we can safely conclude that the Goal Zero Yeti 150 is suited for the adventurists who love their gadgets as much as nature, the perfectionist who likes to be prepared for the power outages or the occasional malfunction of a grid and the environmentalist who is keen on leaving the earth a better place then what he/she inherited.

Guide to Vintage Bulova (and Generic) Watch Bands and Bracelets

I often get asked about the originality or appropriateness of a particular band or bracelet to a given watch or, similarly, for advice regarding which strap would be a "period correct" choice for a particular watch.   So, I have put together this guide to help answer those questions.  Whether you're trying to figure out whether the band that you have is the "correct" one or you're in search of the band that would fully restore your treasure to its former glory, this guide should provide the tools you need to make the right decision.

Understanding the correct mount for a watch is similar to identifying the correct period box--you first have to know the date of your watch, then you can use the resources here on Watchophilia to identify the accessories that would have accompanied it.  If you're not sure about the date of your watch, please check out these tutorials:  Identifying a Bulova and Dating a Bulova.

While the images below may not show your exact watch, they will tell you the straps and bracelets that were popular when your watch was manufactured, and which would, therefore, be a period-correct choice now.  I have never accepted the idea that a watch only had one strap possibility, namely, the one shown in the vintage advertisement.  I believe that advertisers--be they Bulova or a retailer--decided which strap looked best on the watch for the advertisement campaign, but that strap was likely not the only option available at the point of sale.  For example, there will always be people who prefer a leather or cloth strap over a metal bracelet.  Why then would any watch seller offer only one of those possibilities to everyone?   My goal here is not to identify every watch and the strap that went with it, but rather to present you with options, any one of which would be appropriate based on the age of your watch.

An important point to note as you review the ads below is the progression of styles through each decade.  To keep things simple, I have organized the images into sections by decade.  However, in reality, band and bracelet styles did not change quite so precisely or regularly.  Instead, they tended to evolve as the decade progressed, with styles earlier in the decade often being quite different from those that came later in that same decade.   This is another reason why it is very important to know the date of your watch, so that you can then study the bands and bracelets that were propular in the years closely surrounding the date of your watch.

In the examples below I have not attempted to show every band or bracelet that was available every year.  Rather, I captured what I believe to be at least one good example of every general type of band or bracelet shown in the available vintage Bulova watches for sale for the stated decade.  The year listed below the advertisement is the publication date of the advertisement and is not intended to represent the only year that the depicted band or strap was used.  Similary, the watch in the ad is not intended to suggest that only that watch used that strap.  In general, this article is intended to be a style guide, rather than a comprehensive catalog of every strap used by Bulova on every watch.

How to become the happy person you always wanted to be (6 ways practiced over centuries)?

“I work so hard; I just want to succeed” — one of my friends commented in exasperation few months back.

We want to be successful. We want to be happy. We want to be free of worry, free of fear of missing out. Not being jealous of someone achieving more than me. Not run after the next shiny thing.

A centred, content and successful life.

So, I have decided to read up on this topic. From ancient philosophy to modern day version of it. From scientific journals to pop psychology.

58% of high-performance employees say they need more quiet work spaces.

Behold the open industrial office space. At one moment, it feels like such a hip environment, bustling with easy communication and collaboration, innovation and headphones just behind every monitor. At another moment, the open office is the loudest, most annoying, distracting and unproductive environment one can imagine.

What if the open industrial office is just part of a larger misguided fantasy? What if this office style is hurting our employees working on the hardest problems—our high-performance employees (HPEs)? What if the open office is causing retention problems, and affecting the quality of our end products?

As I outlined in my HPE article, executives and high-performance employees tend to optimize against completely different trade and life principles—they generally have very different views of the world. This disconnect shows itself very clearly in the environmental conditions of our creative and technical offices.

My latest anonymous survey* shows that 58% of HPEs need more private spaces for problem solving, and 54% of HPEs find their office environment “too distracting.”

(*With over 1,000 respondents from industries like Software, IT, Hardware, Financial Services, Creative, Marketing, Automotive, Architecture and Manufacturing.)

How To Build Your Brand On Instagram: 8 Steps To Double Your Following

With more than 600 million users a month, the once little and lowly Instagram platform has become a powerful networking engine. Particularly as visual media of every variety gains steam, Instagram gives entrepreneurs the power to grow and promote their brands more effectively than ever before.

But how? This week I turned to Lisa Illman, @lisa_illman, the business development pro I last spoke to in October, 2015 to discuss the eight steps she developed for Instagram that doubled her own following and attracted new customers in 30 days, as follows:

1. Create a Clear Profile.
Your Instagram profile is prime real estate, so be sure to take advantage of all the traffic going by. The three key areas to focus on are your photo, profile description and URL link.

Instagram, of course, is an image-conscious social media site, so be sure your profile photo is a good one. “I personally prefer a photo of a person in social media avatars, unless you are a pet business,” Illman says. “If you are, an adorable kitten or puppy is crowd-pleasing. But if you do use your logo, be sure it matches the logo on your website and other social media platforms. For logos, consistency is key.”

Your profile description tells visitors who you are, what you’re about and most of all, what they can expect to see if they follow you. Keywords are a plus. If you are a motivational speaker, your headline might say something like “I love to inspire, motivate and teach professionals how to conquer their goals and live life to the fullest.”

Be sure the description is managing the expectation of your target audience. If they don’t know what to expect from your posts, the chance of them following you decreases tremendously. For example, the description for a fitness instructor might state, “My posts are so motivating, you can’t help but want to work-out!”