Goodness me i cant believe its been more than 1 month from my last post and i feel that i just posted the last post only yesterday (what a cliche).
But seriously.......work has its toll on the working ppl. Now i realize this. I literally almost have no time for myself even. So is that the ultimate sacrifice every working adult must pay? I disagree honestly. Into my current job, it has been a learning experience no doubt. But the past one month has really been a whole month of deep thought : "Is this really what i want to do?"
A mechanical engineer like me doing an IT + E&E engineer's job is like fish out of water. But this fish has to stay alive an learn how to breathe somehow. But its a rough time for the fish. Amphibians have the last laugh i guess.
Job happiness, job motivation, job fulfillment. All these i see key to an employee's tenure in a company. I guess my rating for each of the category is well below 30%. I just dont see it as my career or my life for that matter. Id even probably be happier selling my home made hotdogs by the road side. So what now? Change? Stay on? Stay on and force to be the fish out of water and keep being miserable or hop back into the sea? Or should i say hop into ANOTHER sea. A different sea.
In a life now where everyone is running this long tiring tight squeezing crushing rat race to survive, only those at the very highest position in the hierarchy will survive. My current job has only taken my to one type of place in particular : Rich people's houses. And its not just rich.........its filthy rich people. But i didnt feel envious nor do i dream of such luxury. Its just not that practical to me to live in a 4 storey house with a lift. Or a house with complicated yet always problematic automated light switching and bothersome networkings. Ive learned, wealth isnt wat i want. Its LIFE that i want. And life is not just confined to a 9-6 job or sitting in a bungalow with 70+ alarm sensors and 10 cctv's monitoring just one house. Thats like the ultimate show of insecurity.....or rather the obsessiveness of security. After working and seeing all this myself, i rather live life simple but full of colour, rather than complicated but monochrome.
Does my job promise security? Nope. Do i promise myself security? nope. God does. He promised. If He went back on His word id be dead meat by now. A goner.
Passion to one may to others seem as a sacrifice because they do not share the same feeling for the same subject.
And i intend to live life with passion.
10 December 2009
03 November 2009
Work
Hiya readers of my blog. I do apologize for the 1 1/2 month quiteness. I've been up to lots of stuff with church and mainly my job.
Yes folks im already working. Which explains the quiet few weeks. Just started 1 1/2 weeks ago. So looks like im in a new chapter of life now. God bless the works of my hands in my job and may i receive the abundance that awaits me.
Cycling has taken a stop as well. Couldnt find the time as lots of clashes with my schedule when i wanted to cycle. Sienz. I do miss my riding and my ride buddies. Its been a long while.
This weekend is Powerman Manjung. And also i intend to go back home after a 5 month away period. Miss my old bed and the sofa. I've been so occupied till its that long im away.
I do hope to blog more often despite my increased responsibilities and commitments.
Above all, God bless you all.
C ya peeps soon.
Yes folks im already working. Which explains the quiet few weeks. Just started 1 1/2 weeks ago. So looks like im in a new chapter of life now. God bless the works of my hands in my job and may i receive the abundance that awaits me.
Cycling has taken a stop as well. Couldnt find the time as lots of clashes with my schedule when i wanted to cycle. Sienz. I do miss my riding and my ride buddies. Its been a long while.
This weekend is Powerman Manjung. And also i intend to go back home after a 5 month away period. Miss my old bed and the sofa. I've been so occupied till its that long im away.
I do hope to blog more often despite my increased responsibilities and commitments.
Above all, God bless you all.
C ya peeps soon.
19 September 2009
Four walls but not a box
Im referring to church here. Yes that big four walled building (some with spires and a bell tower or a huge cross on the roof). Most people think that the church is in reference to the building structure. Most will think that church is the only place we go to pray and meet God. Some people would think God lives in the church besides in heaven. Most people think that Christians spend 2 hours on Sunday morning in church praying and listen to boring talks by the pastor. Most people think that Christians need a church building to worship God. Most people think that the church always gets donations. And the list goes on.
But i would like to clear the myth.....and the statements all above.......are all......inaccurate to popular belief.
The church is actually in reference to the people gathered to worship God. That is the church. The building just houses and shields us from the elements.
Church is not the only place Christians meet God. God is everywhere. Omnipresent. He doesnt not need to stay in a church building. In the Bible, God says that His Holy Spirit lives in us and we are His temple. He will be with us till the end of the age. Meaning, He is just right beside us wherever we go! We can talk/pray/sing/worship God anywhere anytime anyhow. If there isnt a proper church building so be it. God never said a church building must be built first before we can come to worship Him. He says to just worship Him with all our heart, soul and strength and to worship Him in spirit and in truth.
So the next time people ask what is a church, its the people, not the building.
But i would like to clear the myth.....and the statements all above.......are all......inaccurate to popular belief.
The church is actually in reference to the people gathered to worship God. That is the church. The building just houses and shields us from the elements.
Church is not the only place Christians meet God. God is everywhere. Omnipresent. He doesnt not need to stay in a church building. In the Bible, God says that His Holy Spirit lives in us and we are His temple. He will be with us till the end of the age. Meaning, He is just right beside us wherever we go! We can talk/pray/sing/worship God anywhere anytime anyhow. If there isnt a proper church building so be it. God never said a church building must be built first before we can come to worship Him. He says to just worship Him with all our heart, soul and strength and to worship Him in spirit and in truth.
So the next time people ask what is a church, its the people, not the building.
15 September 2009
The Naked Christian
Many still ask me what is the meaning of "Christian". Well basically it means a follower and believer of Jesus Christ, Son of God.
Many ask me what is "Christianity" all about? Well its basically all about God's relationship and love with the believers of Jesus Christ.
So as Christians, what actually is going on out there? What goes on in the church? What is the daily life of a Christian? Are Christians actually really holy people? Are they the more favoured? More smart? More rich? More poor? More conservative? More energetic? More nosy(kepoh)? More lame? More diverse?
It seems that the Christian is one of the most observed person, constantly under the spotlight. Makes you wonder why, doesn't it?
Many say that the Christian is a fake lying hypocrite. Many also say they are great people. And some say, they are just.......well........normal people with nothing significant. Again makes you wonder, who actually are the real Christians? The one that goes to church every Sunday with out fail? The one who reads the Bible and completes it round after round? The one who prays the hardest longest sweetest most profound prayers? The one who is the pastor of a church? The Pope?
Want to know? Bet you do.
I can tell all of you that Christians (including myself) are after all......... just humans. You know what humans are right? They breath, eat, sleep, play, etc. Thats us.
Humans arent perfect in every sense : No human has a perfectly symmetrical body shape, perfect teeth, perfect temperament, perfect psychology, perfect language, perfect speech etc you get the idea. Thats us.
Humans can break rules. Thats us.
Humans can think as if they are king. Thats us.
Humans can think like idiots. Thats us.
Humans mess up, BIG time. Thats us.
In conclusion, Christians are still humans. We arent perfect at all.
So are Christians holy? No. We arent
Are Christians always good hearted. No not always.
Are Christians immune from sin and temptation? Never
Are Christians the best role models. It really depends.
Are Christians creepy? They can be.
The myth that the more a Christian goes to church on Sunday, the more holy the more God loves him/her is totally busted. It is not the case. A Christian who prays longer louder may not be the best of the lot. A Christian who reads the Bible more is a committed Christian. Half of the story, he/she is just committed to reading.
The world tends to think Christians are clothed with all sorts of good stuff. Well im here to strip naked in front of you and let you all see the real true Christian.
I am not the best Christian i think there is out there. Im not the most committed in my church. I am not at all perfectly superly holy. I do have a load of negativity. And i do have a load of positivity. I havent even finished reading the whole bible if it is pleasing for you to know. I have sinned countless times. I havent done anything evil yet. Am i truly 100% focused on God everyday? No. Do i really pray with all my heart and soul? Not always. Have i cursed and swore? Sure i have. Am i lame? Indeed. Doubtful? At times. A jerk? Maybe, maybe not. Broken the law? Yes. Lied? Yes. Steal? Not yet. Immoral thoughts? Yeps. Judged others? Countable.
But amidst all of this, and speaking on behalf of every other Christian, not all these are God given or created.
If you want to argue God created humans , yes that is right. Did God give us a mind soul and spirit? Yes. He gave good values etc? Yes.
But He did not give or put in us all these negative bad values. God is good. Therefore impossible He will create these wrong values. These wrong values comes only from one source : Sin. And the first man, Adam, chose sin. So did Eve. So therefore, it is inherited into the human race that every human will have sin and the ability to sin. Proof? Kids lie when u didnt even teach them to lie. They instinctively know how to lie. Thats sin in them and us, Christians or non alike.
So is it our problem to deal with? Yes absolutely. Its our responsibility. By right. But do all Christians take this responsibility? No. Simply because we are human, once again, with different levels of thought. But is it an excuse? No.
It is wrong to generalize Christians as bad people just because some of them are rotten to the ground, but its also inaccurate to say all Christians are good because you met one really great Christian.
So will all Christians be able to manage and follow all that Jesus Christ has said? No. But are we trying to follow? Sure hell we are trying. Are all Christians close to God? No. But God is never far from them. The one reason Jesus came was because non of us are actually perfect. If God demanded a perfect person, a perfect Christian, to come to Him, none would ever qualify, because we are humans. What God looks really at is the real naked Christian inside, the heart.
Jesus came for the sinners, not for the perfect. A doctor is for the sick. A lawyer for the defenseless, a president for the leaderless, a lighthouse for the lost, a way for the undecided, a companion for the lonely, a love for the unloved. These are all a summary of that the lead roles Jesus takes to take care of us (the rest of the human population, Christian or not).
That is why, a naked Christian would rejoice no matter what the circumstances is and show really who he/she is inside.
Now, Christians arent that different from anyone else, are they?
Many ask me what is "Christianity" all about? Well its basically all about God's relationship and love with the believers of Jesus Christ.
So as Christians, what actually is going on out there? What goes on in the church? What is the daily life of a Christian? Are Christians actually really holy people? Are they the more favoured? More smart? More rich? More poor? More conservative? More energetic? More nosy(kepoh)? More lame? More diverse?
It seems that the Christian is one of the most observed person, constantly under the spotlight. Makes you wonder why, doesn't it?
Many say that the Christian is a fake lying hypocrite. Many also say they are great people. And some say, they are just.......well........normal people with nothing significant. Again makes you wonder, who actually are the real Christians? The one that goes to church every Sunday with out fail? The one who reads the Bible and completes it round after round? The one who prays the hardest longest sweetest most profound prayers? The one who is the pastor of a church? The Pope?
Want to know? Bet you do.
I can tell all of you that Christians (including myself) are after all......... just humans. You know what humans are right? They breath, eat, sleep, play, etc. Thats us.
Humans arent perfect in every sense : No human has a perfectly symmetrical body shape, perfect teeth, perfect temperament, perfect psychology, perfect language, perfect speech etc you get the idea. Thats us.
Humans can break rules. Thats us.
Humans can think as if they are king. Thats us.
Humans can think like idiots. Thats us.
Humans mess up, BIG time. Thats us.
In conclusion, Christians are still humans. We arent perfect at all.
So are Christians holy? No. We arent
Are Christians always good hearted. No not always.
Are Christians immune from sin and temptation? Never
Are Christians the best role models. It really depends.
Are Christians creepy? They can be.
The myth that the more a Christian goes to church on Sunday, the more holy the more God loves him/her is totally busted. It is not the case. A Christian who prays longer louder may not be the best of the lot. A Christian who reads the Bible more is a committed Christian. Half of the story, he/she is just committed to reading.
The world tends to think Christians are clothed with all sorts of good stuff. Well im here to strip naked in front of you and let you all see the real true Christian.
I am not the best Christian i think there is out there. Im not the most committed in my church. I am not at all perfectly superly holy. I do have a load of negativity. And i do have a load of positivity. I havent even finished reading the whole bible if it is pleasing for you to know. I have sinned countless times. I havent done anything evil yet. Am i truly 100% focused on God everyday? No. Do i really pray with all my heart and soul? Not always. Have i cursed and swore? Sure i have. Am i lame? Indeed. Doubtful? At times. A jerk? Maybe, maybe not. Broken the law? Yes. Lied? Yes. Steal? Not yet. Immoral thoughts? Yeps. Judged others? Countable.
But amidst all of this, and speaking on behalf of every other Christian, not all these are God given or created.
If you want to argue God created humans , yes that is right. Did God give us a mind soul and spirit? Yes. He gave good values etc? Yes.
But He did not give or put in us all these negative bad values. God is good. Therefore impossible He will create these wrong values. These wrong values comes only from one source : Sin. And the first man, Adam, chose sin. So did Eve. So therefore, it is inherited into the human race that every human will have sin and the ability to sin. Proof? Kids lie when u didnt even teach them to lie. They instinctively know how to lie. Thats sin in them and us, Christians or non alike.
So is it our problem to deal with? Yes absolutely. Its our responsibility. By right. But do all Christians take this responsibility? No. Simply because we are human, once again, with different levels of thought. But is it an excuse? No.
It is wrong to generalize Christians as bad people just because some of them are rotten to the ground, but its also inaccurate to say all Christians are good because you met one really great Christian.
So will all Christians be able to manage and follow all that Jesus Christ has said? No. But are we trying to follow? Sure hell we are trying. Are all Christians close to God? No. But God is never far from them. The one reason Jesus came was because non of us are actually perfect. If God demanded a perfect person, a perfect Christian, to come to Him, none would ever qualify, because we are humans. What God looks really at is the real naked Christian inside, the heart.
Jesus came for the sinners, not for the perfect. A doctor is for the sick. A lawyer for the defenseless, a president for the leaderless, a lighthouse for the lost, a way for the undecided, a companion for the lonely, a love for the unloved. These are all a summary of that the lead roles Jesus takes to take care of us (the rest of the human population, Christian or not).
That is why, a naked Christian would rejoice no matter what the circumstances is and show really who he/she is inside.
Now, Christians arent that different from anyone else, are they?
27 August 2009
A Good Message by a Good Messenger
Lets take a rest from cycling. Hope you are all opened ears and opened heart to listen to what this man has to say. It may well just be something new for you today =)
-Billy Graham-
-Billy Graham-
25 August 2009
Bicycles 101 : Bike Breakdown
So in this part of my series, i will get down and dirty (not in an immoral sense mind you) on the make up of a bike in as detail as it can get. It may or may not go down to the bearings. Something many consider a nightmare.
So lets start off from the big picture, and we will cut it into a few pieces for easy digestion.
Bicycles in general can be broken down to 4 main parts of their construction. Below is a road bike taken as an example. The coloured boxes indicates where the break takes place :
Black : Wheels
Red : Frame
Blue : Groupset/Built kit
Green : Cockpit
So if all these parts were to be taken apart and laid out on the ground it would look like this :
The Frame
The wheels
The cockpit is made up of a few seperate parts such as below :
The saddle
The handlebar
The headset
The stem
So all these parts will make up a road bike. For a mountain bike, its slightly different.
Green : Wheels
Blue : Groupset/Build kit
Black : Cockpit
Red : Frame
Orange : Front + rear suspension
A mountain bike has an extra important part, the suspension. Without it going off road would be less comfortable or even to severe discomfort.
Front suspension fork
The groupset
And after these major parts, minor parts like tires, cables, water cages, pedals etc will be fitted on as well. But i will explain from most prominent to the least.
Dont worry if you still cant figure out how or where the items fit together. It will be explained later on as well.
So this short post is just to show you how a bicycle can be stripped down to its bare essentials.
-End Series VI-
So lets start off from the big picture, and we will cut it into a few pieces for easy digestion.
Bicycles in general can be broken down to 4 main parts of their construction. Below is a road bike taken as an example. The coloured boxes indicates where the break takes place :
Black : WheelsRed : Frame
Blue : Groupset/Built kit
Green : Cockpit
So if all these parts were to be taken apart and laid out on the ground it would look like this :
The groupset
The Frame
The wheels
The cockpit
The cockpit is made up of a few seperate parts such as below :The saddle
The handlebar
The headsetThe stemSo all these parts will make up a road bike. For a mountain bike, its slightly different.
Green : WheelsBlue : Groupset/Build kit
Black : Cockpit
Red : Frame
Orange : Front + rear suspension
A mountain bike has an extra important part, the suspension. Without it going off road would be less comfortable or even to severe discomfort.
The frame + rear suspension
Front suspension fork
The groupset
The wheels
And after these major parts, minor parts like tires, cables, water cages, pedals etc will be fitted on as well. But i will explain from most prominent to the least.
Dont worry if you still cant figure out how or where the items fit together. It will be explained later on as well.
So this short post is just to show you how a bicycle can be stripped down to its bare essentials.
-End Series VI-
22 August 2009
Bicycles 101 : The Bike Explained (Part 4)
Road/Racing Bikes
The road/racing bicycle has been around since the early 1900's. In 1903 the Le Tour de France (literally means "The Tour of France") started as a race around the country side to see who can finish the huge loop the first and fastest. That tradition still continues....106 years on, with the road bike.
The first TdF race with the road bike.
The present pro level racing bike.
Unlike their mountain bike counterparts, the road bike just stays on flat tarmac roads, no rocks, grass that sort of kind. The open road is where they belong.
The pic above is an upclose and labeled road bike, particular to most races and recreational riders.
1. Headset
2. Stem
3. Handlebar
4. Brake and shifter unit
5. Shifter paddle
6. Top tube
7. Head tube
8. Down tube
9. Seat tube
10. Seat stay
11. Chain stay
12. Fork
13. Chain
14. Crankset
15. Cassette
16. Front deraileur
17. Rear deraileur
18. Tire
19. Rim
20. Spokes
21. Seat clamp
22. Seat post
23. Saddle mount
24. Saddle
25. Front brake caliper
26. Rear brake caliper
27. Bottle cage
28. Wheel lock skewers
29. Clipless pedals
30. Bottom bracket
The main purpose of a road bike is simple : Speed.
For speed to be achieved, especially with the human power involved, there are tons of things to consider. Road bikes have no suspension at all. Its too much weight. Aerodynamics is quite important to cut the wind and go fast, but not as crucial as weight. Anywhere possible to be light, it will be made till so. Parts on road bikes are the lightest in the world. Yet not sacrificing strength and durability. So a rider wont be dragging too much weight up a hill or losing speed and wasting energy while sprinting to the finish line.
A road/racing bike frame nowadays are either aluminium, titanium, magnesium or carbon fiber. These are the ideal lightweight materials. But a popular choice now is carbon fiber. Aluminium is the average and widely used material on lower cost bikes. Titanium is expensive so its rarely used as a material for a frame. Magnesium debuted once as a frame material manufactured by Pinarello on one of their bikes, the Dogma FP back in 2006. Due to high costs it has been discontinued.
The frame is in essence the basic trapezoid shape. Very simple shape, but from this shape, complex designs and curves are often incorporated to suit the handling characteristics of the frame : either stiff or supple frames. Again no suspension. Since its on flat roads, suspension is not needed at all. No disc brakes as it affects weight and aerodynamics. Everything is slim on this bike as possible. The handle bars are called drop bars because it allows the rider to drop to a lower position to go faster aerodynamically.
Wheels used are typical light weight wheels. Each wheel set (thats 2 wheels front and back) usually weigh 2kg or less. The lightest can be at 990grams per pair. These wheels exhibit a high thick rim profile to cut air like a knife. This makes going fast easier. Tires are also very thin. If a mountain bike tire was 2.0inches in width, the road bike will be around 20-23mm in width....thats just 2cm. What this does is it reduces rolling resistance, and makes easier to cycle and maneuver. And also......well.....weight savings and aerodynamic purposes too. Alot of my friends think my roadbike has no tires. It does. Lol.
Gearing on a road bike typically is 18 or 20 speed. With 2 gear selections on the crankset in front, and 9 or 10 at the rear cassette. Older models may be as low as 16 0r 14 for really old models. That means a 2x7 or 2x8 config. The latest ones have 2x10 = 20 speed , and the latest one introduced by Italian company Campagnolo which gives 22 speed, 2x11. Gearings on roadbikes are comparatively less than MTB because riders need only really high or intermediate gear ratios to go fast. And another reason.......guess? Save weight.
So how light is a roadbike? Well, average weights are 9kg to 10kg on standard bikes. The cheaper ones may weigh 12kg. Thats almost as light as a XC mountain bike. But moving to the intermediate level, the weight will go as low as 8.0-8.5kg. And at the pro level, the minimum allowed weight is 6.8kg as determined by the International Cycling Union (UCI). Of course, there are bikes which do go lower, as low as 5.8kg, its illegal to race, but legal for normal road rides.
Prices for road bikes? Well in Malaysia budget ones with basic Shimano 18speed gearings are often at the RM2000 range. Going up from here......depending on model, make, parts included, and material of frames........be ready to dish out RM45000 if your really a hardcore fanatic. Buying a cars worth bicycle? Well......you'll be surprised lots of cyclist in Malaysia do just that. This makes cycling a really expensive sport. So be proud if you like cycling and bicycles. Like me!
Time Trial(TT)/Triathlon(Tri) bikes
To further branch out from road bikes, we have the TT/Tri bike. These are very specific purposed bikes and like the DH bikes earlier, there are not meant for everyday normal riding.
TT bikes are build for the reason they are named : Time. Their purpose is to fight against the clock. With the rider on board, this bike is aimed to be faster than the road bike to challenge the clock times with other riders to see who does a short ride (usually a mile or several miles) in the fastest time ALONE. For a road bike you would be riding in a group or a peloton together. On a TT bike, your on your own. And even if it is a team TT event, your down to just 9 cyclist.
BMC Tine Machine
So what i have shown above is a TT/Tri bike. It is usable for both the Triathlon and Time trial competitions. Whats different about this bike compared to a road bike is :-
A. Arm rest
B. TT/Tri bars with gear shifter at the end
C. Brake lever
D. Wide flat top tube for added stiffness and aerodynamics
E. Big wide front section with integrated steering
F. Near vertical seat tube with a wide flat profile
G. Large wide flat cross section down tube for aerodynamics. Includes internal cable routing
H. One piece carbon fiber crank for aerodynamics
I. Smaller gear ratios for high speed
J. Solid multi panel carbon disc rear wheel for aerodynamics
K. Wide narrow fork blades for aerodynamics
L. High profile front rims for aerodynamics
M.Wide flat seatpost to aid aerodynamics
N. Wide seat and chain stays for added stiffness
So as you can see, the modifications and differences are taylor made for aerodynamics 80% of the time. Whatever that can aid in going fast and cutting the air better, it will be incorporated into the bike.
The TT bars allows the rider to bend down low in a crouched position while his hands rest on the arm rests and holds the bars throughout the ride. This position is no where comfortable but trained riders will get used to it as long they can ride faster.
This is more comfortable of a position on the road bike........
As compared to the TT postition.
The road/racing bicycle has been around since the early 1900's. In 1903 the Le Tour de France (literally means "The Tour of France") started as a race around the country side to see who can finish the huge loop the first and fastest. That tradition still continues....106 years on, with the road bike.
The first TdF race with the road bike.
The present pro level racing bike.
The pic above is an upclose and labeled road bike, particular to most races and recreational riders.
1. Headset
2. Stem
3. Handlebar
4. Brake and shifter unit
5. Shifter paddle
6. Top tube
7. Head tube
8. Down tube
9. Seat tube
10. Seat stay
11. Chain stay
12. Fork
13. Chain
14. Crankset
15. Cassette
16. Front deraileur
17. Rear deraileur
18. Tire
19. Rim
20. Spokes
21. Seat clamp
22. Seat post
23. Saddle mount
24. Saddle
25. Front brake caliper
26. Rear brake caliper
27. Bottle cage
28. Wheel lock skewers
29. Clipless pedals
30. Bottom bracket
The main purpose of a road bike is simple : Speed.
For speed to be achieved, especially with the human power involved, there are tons of things to consider. Road bikes have no suspension at all. Its too much weight. Aerodynamics is quite important to cut the wind and go fast, but not as crucial as weight. Anywhere possible to be light, it will be made till so. Parts on road bikes are the lightest in the world. Yet not sacrificing strength and durability. So a rider wont be dragging too much weight up a hill or losing speed and wasting energy while sprinting to the finish line.
A road/racing bike frame nowadays are either aluminium, titanium, magnesium or carbon fiber. These are the ideal lightweight materials. But a popular choice now is carbon fiber. Aluminium is the average and widely used material on lower cost bikes. Titanium is expensive so its rarely used as a material for a frame. Magnesium debuted once as a frame material manufactured by Pinarello on one of their bikes, the Dogma FP back in 2006. Due to high costs it has been discontinued.
The frame is in essence the basic trapezoid shape. Very simple shape, but from this shape, complex designs and curves are often incorporated to suit the handling characteristics of the frame : either stiff or supple frames. Again no suspension. Since its on flat roads, suspension is not needed at all. No disc brakes as it affects weight and aerodynamics. Everything is slim on this bike as possible. The handle bars are called drop bars because it allows the rider to drop to a lower position to go faster aerodynamically.
Wheels used are typical light weight wheels. Each wheel set (thats 2 wheels front and back) usually weigh 2kg or less. The lightest can be at 990grams per pair. These wheels exhibit a high thick rim profile to cut air like a knife. This makes going fast easier. Tires are also very thin. If a mountain bike tire was 2.0inches in width, the road bike will be around 20-23mm in width....thats just 2cm. What this does is it reduces rolling resistance, and makes easier to cycle and maneuver. And also......well.....weight savings and aerodynamic purposes too. Alot of my friends think my roadbike has no tires. It does. Lol.
Gearing on a road bike typically is 18 or 20 speed. With 2 gear selections on the crankset in front, and 9 or 10 at the rear cassette. Older models may be as low as 16 0r 14 for really old models. That means a 2x7 or 2x8 config. The latest ones have 2x10 = 20 speed , and the latest one introduced by Italian company Campagnolo which gives 22 speed, 2x11. Gearings on roadbikes are comparatively less than MTB because riders need only really high or intermediate gear ratios to go fast. And another reason.......guess? Save weight.
So how light is a roadbike? Well, average weights are 9kg to 10kg on standard bikes. The cheaper ones may weigh 12kg. Thats almost as light as a XC mountain bike. But moving to the intermediate level, the weight will go as low as 8.0-8.5kg. And at the pro level, the minimum allowed weight is 6.8kg as determined by the International Cycling Union (UCI). Of course, there are bikes which do go lower, as low as 5.8kg, its illegal to race, but legal for normal road rides.
Prices for road bikes? Well in Malaysia budget ones with basic Shimano 18speed gearings are often at the RM2000 range. Going up from here......depending on model, make, parts included, and material of frames........be ready to dish out RM45000 if your really a hardcore fanatic. Buying a cars worth bicycle? Well......you'll be surprised lots of cyclist in Malaysia do just that. This makes cycling a really expensive sport. So be proud if you like cycling and bicycles. Like me!
Time Trial(TT)/Triathlon(Tri) bikes
To further branch out from road bikes, we have the TT/Tri bike. These are very specific purposed bikes and like the DH bikes earlier, there are not meant for everyday normal riding.
TT bikes are build for the reason they are named : Time. Their purpose is to fight against the clock. With the rider on board, this bike is aimed to be faster than the road bike to challenge the clock times with other riders to see who does a short ride (usually a mile or several miles) in the fastest time ALONE. For a road bike you would be riding in a group or a peloton together. On a TT bike, your on your own. And even if it is a team TT event, your down to just 9 cyclist.
BMC Tine Machine
So what i have shown above is a TT/Tri bike. It is usable for both the Triathlon and Time trial competitions. Whats different about this bike compared to a road bike is :-
A. Arm rest
B. TT/Tri bars with gear shifter at the end
C. Brake lever
D. Wide flat top tube for added stiffness and aerodynamics
E. Big wide front section with integrated steering
F. Near vertical seat tube with a wide flat profile
G. Large wide flat cross section down tube for aerodynamics. Includes internal cable routing
H. One piece carbon fiber crank for aerodynamics
I. Smaller gear ratios for high speed
J. Solid multi panel carbon disc rear wheel for aerodynamics
K. Wide narrow fork blades for aerodynamics
L. High profile front rims for aerodynamics
M.Wide flat seatpost to aid aerodynamics
N. Wide seat and chain stays for added stiffness
So as you can see, the modifications and differences are taylor made for aerodynamics 80% of the time. Whatever that can aid in going fast and cutting the air better, it will be incorporated into the bike.
The TT bars allows the rider to bend down low in a crouched position while his hands rest on the arm rests and holds the bars throughout the ride. This position is no where comfortable but trained riders will get used to it as long they can ride faster.
This is more comfortable of a position on the road bike........As compared to the TT postition.On the frame, the sections may look big and huge from the side, but from the front, they are as thin as a knife blade, able to slice through air with ease. But like all physics law, big surface area does pose a problem if the wind blows from the side. Plus you have a huge solid piece wheel at the back.
2 problems arise from this :-
i) In windy conditions with crosswinds, the bike will be unstable unless the rider is strong to hold the bike in a straight line. Severe crosswinds can push a normal rider off by a few inches, what more a larger surface area TT bike?
ii) With so big pieces, especially the frame and rear wheel, the bike is extremely stiff. Stiff till you will feel every bit of road vibration, down to the tiniest holes and imperfections. The ride is uncomfortable therefore not suitable as a daily ride in the park.
Gearing is normally very high with a very small gear ratio. Means the difference between one gear and the next is hardly noticeable. To ride this bike, a rider has to be a powerful rider. The energy produced is enough to light a few light bulbs. And the speed in which these riders maintain, not sprint, but maintain over the entire ride is a constant 45-50kmh. On human power alone.
However, these bikes are not light to say the least. A TT bike can weight at about 7.8 to 8.5kg. It doesnt have to be light to go fast since aerodynamics compensates this.
The cost for these fast bike? Think RM10000 to RM30000++.
Track bike
In the Olympics you will see this bike spinning round and round in the velodrome. Riders wearing tight skin suits and alien helmets fighting for gold. The bikes that will carry them there are called track bikes.
The basic frame shape is similar to the TT bike. The main 2 differences is just this :-
i)It has NO brakes
ii) It has only ONE FIXED gear
Yeap no brakes. So how does the rider want to stop incase in an emergency or he has done his round? Here is the logic. You are racing for gold and glory. You have to take a risk to make sure you surpass your opponent on the line, no matter the cost. So stopping is not an option, not needed. So if the rider is going to fall, well, fall fighting for glory then. Right?
The other reason is aerodynamics and weight again. This bike is stripped bare to minimize weight and let the power of the rider push every last ounce of bike to the line. Because the race is in a closed environment, its even more crucial to be faster than your opponent since its on a fair turf, unlike the open road where you have lots of factors and tactics to play with.
So how to stop? This bike comes with a single gear, and in the rear wheel mechanism, it DOEST NOT allow the rider to freewheel and back pedal. Freewheel means when you have pedaled hard and want to rest while letting the bike coast, u just stop pedaling and the bike still moves. Occasionally you back pedal to stretch the legs too.
On a track bike you cannot do that because the mechanism is fixed. Its a one way pedal forward with no stopping. The only way to stop is either u crash and fall, or once the rider has passed the line, he will still continue pedaling but gradually slowing down and apply some resistance to the forward pedal motion as the bike slows. So he will be pedaling for a while before its safe to come to a complete stop. If lets say he stops pedaling suddenly in the middle of his 65kmh effort, 3 things can happen :-
i) His bike will skid and crash
ii) His bike flips forward as the momentum going forward is still being carried
iii) Hurt his legs
So track bikes are strictly competition only unless u want to show off out on the streets. There are recreational riders riding these single gear fixed bikes, but not as high standards as the track bike. These so called Fixies have their own culture in the bicycle and cycling world, but often overlooked.
Cost of one bike : RM-Very High- *Note : The bike of World Champion rider Theo Bos (Netherlands) cost a whopping $1million in research and development. The bike is the Koga bike shown above.
And so ends The Bike Explained part.
Next we will move into more details about the frame, frame material, frame designs & functions and later on components and component designs and functions.
-End Series V-
2 problems arise from this :-
i) In windy conditions with crosswinds, the bike will be unstable unless the rider is strong to hold the bike in a straight line. Severe crosswinds can push a normal rider off by a few inches, what more a larger surface area TT bike?
ii) With so big pieces, especially the frame and rear wheel, the bike is extremely stiff. Stiff till you will feel every bit of road vibration, down to the tiniest holes and imperfections. The ride is uncomfortable therefore not suitable as a daily ride in the park.
Gearing is normally very high with a very small gear ratio. Means the difference between one gear and the next is hardly noticeable. To ride this bike, a rider has to be a powerful rider. The energy produced is enough to light a few light bulbs. And the speed in which these riders maintain, not sprint, but maintain over the entire ride is a constant 45-50kmh. On human power alone.
However, these bikes are not light to say the least. A TT bike can weight at about 7.8 to 8.5kg. It doesnt have to be light to go fast since aerodynamics compensates this.
The cost for these fast bike? Think RM10000 to RM30000++.
Track bike
In the Olympics you will see this bike spinning round and round in the velodrome. Riders wearing tight skin suits and alien helmets fighting for gold. The bikes that will carry them there are called track bikes.
The basic frame shape is similar to the TT bike. The main 2 differences is just this :-
i)It has NO brakes
ii) It has only ONE FIXED gear
Yeap no brakes. So how does the rider want to stop incase in an emergency or he has done his round? Here is the logic. You are racing for gold and glory. You have to take a risk to make sure you surpass your opponent on the line, no matter the cost. So stopping is not an option, not needed. So if the rider is going to fall, well, fall fighting for glory then. Right?
The other reason is aerodynamics and weight again. This bike is stripped bare to minimize weight and let the power of the rider push every last ounce of bike to the line. Because the race is in a closed environment, its even more crucial to be faster than your opponent since its on a fair turf, unlike the open road where you have lots of factors and tactics to play with.
So how to stop? This bike comes with a single gear, and in the rear wheel mechanism, it DOEST NOT allow the rider to freewheel and back pedal. Freewheel means when you have pedaled hard and want to rest while letting the bike coast, u just stop pedaling and the bike still moves. Occasionally you back pedal to stretch the legs too.
On a track bike you cannot do that because the mechanism is fixed. Its a one way pedal forward with no stopping. The only way to stop is either u crash and fall, or once the rider has passed the line, he will still continue pedaling but gradually slowing down and apply some resistance to the forward pedal motion as the bike slows. So he will be pedaling for a while before its safe to come to a complete stop. If lets say he stops pedaling suddenly in the middle of his 65kmh effort, 3 things can happen :-
i) His bike will skid and crash
ii) His bike flips forward as the momentum going forward is still being carried
iii) Hurt his legs
So track bikes are strictly competition only unless u want to show off out on the streets. There are recreational riders riding these single gear fixed bikes, but not as high standards as the track bike. These so called Fixies have their own culture in the bicycle and cycling world, but often overlooked.
Cost of one bike : RM-Very High- *Note : The bike of World Champion rider Theo Bos (Netherlands) cost a whopping $1million in research and development. The bike is the Koga bike shown above.
And so ends The Bike Explained part.
Next we will move into more details about the frame, frame material, frame designs & functions and later on components and component designs and functions.
-End Series V-
Bicycles 101 : The Bike Explained (Part 3)
So we have seen the XC bike. Now for the rest of the bikes.
The next two categories of bicycles are actually almost the same. The main difference though is in the built of the frame and the amount of suspension travel.
Trail bike.
2009 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR
Giant NRS Carbon
2009 Santa Cruz Bullit
Mountain Cycles San Andreas
The next two categories of bicycles are actually almost the same. The main difference though is in the built of the frame and the amount of suspension travel.
Trail bike.
2009 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR
Giant NRS CarbonAll Mountain bike
2009 Santa Cruz Bullit
Mountain Cycles San AndreasSo as you can see and read the descriptions above, the Specialized and Giant are trail bikes. Typical riders will take this bike through the bushes, some small back lands, beside streams and edges of forests to get some off road fun. With a rear suspension, life becomes easier and more comfortable when going through the rough stuff. In Malaysia its the typical rubber and oil palm estates. Or more adventurous will go to FRIM in Sg Buloh or Mont Kiara.
A good rear and front suspension of about 5-6 inches responds well to bumps and absorbs all the shock. Frame is built to handle the stresses and strains of the extra pounding. Complete bikes weigh in at 25lbs , 12.5kg which is quite light. 26-28lbs is a normal range depending on parts again.
The All Mountain (AM) bike is a more adventurous bike. Just as the Santa Cruz Bullit and the Mountain Cycle San Andreas shows a more aggressive look. You can take these further deeper into the forest where logs, tree trunks, rocks, boulders and 2-5 feet drops (drops as in the trail just drops beneath you) are your friends. This bike allows you to go almost anywhere without a problem of worrying whats around the next corner. A really long front and rear suspension prepares you for nasty trails. A larger disc brake gives more bite and power to stop when needed the most.
Frame is built with bigger tubing for greater durability, strength and survivability. Frames of this sort tend to start to grow heavy with as much as 4-6kgs on the frame alone. So a total bike would weigh in the region of 30-35lbs or roughly 15-18kg. Weight isnt a concern anymore at this stage.
This bike can and is brave enough to handle Taman Negara if ridden into. Provided the rider is brave enough in the first place.
Prices for trail bikes range from (selling in Malaysia) RM5000 to RM10000+ depending on model and make.
Dirt Jump
Well this isnt really a mountain bike ridden out in the outback or in the amazon. Dirt jump (DJ) bikes are usually and only used to do some stunt jumps on specially man made dirt ramps. So hence the term dirt jumping. These guys are on the flip side of life.....literally. The love jumping turning and twisting in the air. Some have done the 360 in air. Typical frames have a verysloping top tube and low seat to enable you to execute stunts without much problem.
Now we get to the hardcore stuff in the mountain bike world. Prepare to drop your jaws....
2009 Giant Glory DH
2009 Yeti 303 DH
2009 Santa Cruz V10
2008 Trk Session 88 DH
2009 Specialized Demo 9 DH
A good rear and front suspension of about 5-6 inches responds well to bumps and absorbs all the shock. Frame is built to handle the stresses and strains of the extra pounding. Complete bikes weigh in at 25lbs , 12.5kg which is quite light. 26-28lbs is a normal range depending on parts again.
The All Mountain (AM) bike is a more adventurous bike. Just as the Santa Cruz Bullit and the Mountain Cycle San Andreas shows a more aggressive look. You can take these further deeper into the forest where logs, tree trunks, rocks, boulders and 2-5 feet drops (drops as in the trail just drops beneath you) are your friends. This bike allows you to go almost anywhere without a problem of worrying whats around the next corner. A really long front and rear suspension prepares you for nasty trails. A larger disc brake gives more bite and power to stop when needed the most.
Frame is built with bigger tubing for greater durability, strength and survivability. Frames of this sort tend to start to grow heavy with as much as 4-6kgs on the frame alone. So a total bike would weigh in the region of 30-35lbs or roughly 15-18kg. Weight isnt a concern anymore at this stage.
This bike can and is brave enough to handle Taman Negara if ridden into. Provided the rider is brave enough in the first place.
Prices for trail bikes range from (selling in Malaysia) RM5000 to RM10000+ depending on model and make.
Dirt Jump
Well this isnt really a mountain bike ridden out in the outback or in the amazon. Dirt jump (DJ) bikes are usually and only used to do some stunt jumps on specially man made dirt ramps. So hence the term dirt jumping. These guys are on the flip side of life.....literally. The love jumping turning and twisting in the air. Some have done the 360 in air. Typical frames have a verysloping top tube and low seat to enable you to execute stunts without much problem.
Kona DJ bike.
Freeride and Downhill Bikes.Now we get to the hardcore stuff in the mountain bike world. Prepare to drop your jaws....
2009 Giant Glory DH
2009 Yeti 303 DH
2009 Santa Cruz V10
2008 Trk Session 88 DH
2009 Specialized Demo 9 DH
As you can see from the 5 very different models and makes of the downhill and free ride bikes, they all share almost the same common features. Downhill and free ride bikes are meant for one thing only..........severe punishment. These are the bikes you point down a hill and just go straight down not caring whats infront of you. Just go and knock your brains out from the ride.
Free ride bikes are the bigger brothers to AM bikes yet the DH bikes are the most biggest bad ass bikes of the lot. And if i may say, in the cycling world. No bike has been where these guys have been to.
FR and DH bikes have super huge frame work. Super long suspension. Front forks alone are 200mm in travel and rear travel is up to 9inches. This give you plenty of room to hit what ever thats on the trail. Monster 2.75inch tires are the norm here. You will need lots of traction and grip in mud, sand, moss, or any dead thing. Mad ones use 3.0inches. Which is almost a motorbike sized tire. Going downhill, gearing isnt much a need. So the front deraileur is often take out leaving the back deraileur and cassette. These bikes have chain guides (which is the case/rollers around the frong crank) to avoid the chain coming off due to the hard bumps and knocks which can easily derail a chain.
Oh yes, and this bike is not meant at all for normal road riding. Simply because the geometry of the frame is at such low angles, it only works best when pointed down a hill. So when you ride on normal roads you are literally sitting back (if you notice in all the pics, the seats are tilted back). This is because once the bike points down, the seat becomes flat again and in a position of an upright bike. When in this position all handling kicks in like a smooth upright. Steering this bike on flat road would be difficult. And if all these havent killed you yet, the weight of the bike will.
These beasts weigh at 35-40lbs, nearly 20kgs. Again weight is not an issue once ur going down a hill. The one thing really bad about these bikes is that they are so heavy........its useless to cycle up a hill. So actually.........all DH riders would push their bikes up the hill and ride down. They love it with all their heart i suppose.
A DH bike is suppose to be able to survive any obstacle. Thats why manufacturers and companies have the liberty to go big and bad on frames. But the rear suspension linkage systems (as you can see) can be very very complex from frame to frame. Each with their own handling characteristics. With their own technology and design, its hard to tell which is the best. It all boils down to your choice and preference. The choice material for frames here is aluminium. Any other is either too expensive, too fragile, or too heavy.
A DH bike is not cheap by any measure. RM15000 is a rough minimum you would spend on a brand new DH machine. The pro levels may rise to RM25000++.
So here ends the mountain bike section. The road/racing bike section will continue soon.
-End Part IV-
Free ride bikes are the bigger brothers to AM bikes yet the DH bikes are the most biggest bad ass bikes of the lot. And if i may say, in the cycling world. No bike has been where these guys have been to.
FR and DH bikes have super huge frame work. Super long suspension. Front forks alone are 200mm in travel and rear travel is up to 9inches. This give you plenty of room to hit what ever thats on the trail. Monster 2.75inch tires are the norm here. You will need lots of traction and grip in mud, sand, moss, or any dead thing. Mad ones use 3.0inches. Which is almost a motorbike sized tire. Going downhill, gearing isnt much a need. So the front deraileur is often take out leaving the back deraileur and cassette. These bikes have chain guides (which is the case/rollers around the frong crank) to avoid the chain coming off due to the hard bumps and knocks which can easily derail a chain.
Oh yes, and this bike is not meant at all for normal road riding. Simply because the geometry of the frame is at such low angles, it only works best when pointed down a hill. So when you ride on normal roads you are literally sitting back (if you notice in all the pics, the seats are tilted back). This is because once the bike points down, the seat becomes flat again and in a position of an upright bike. When in this position all handling kicks in like a smooth upright. Steering this bike on flat road would be difficult. And if all these havent killed you yet, the weight of the bike will.
These beasts weigh at 35-40lbs, nearly 20kgs. Again weight is not an issue once ur going down a hill. The one thing really bad about these bikes is that they are so heavy........its useless to cycle up a hill. So actually.........all DH riders would push their bikes up the hill and ride down. They love it with all their heart i suppose.
A DH bike is suppose to be able to survive any obstacle. Thats why manufacturers and companies have the liberty to go big and bad on frames. But the rear suspension linkage systems (as you can see) can be very very complex from frame to frame. Each with their own handling characteristics. With their own technology and design, its hard to tell which is the best. It all boils down to your choice and preference. The choice material for frames here is aluminium. Any other is either too expensive, too fragile, or too heavy.
A DH bike is not cheap by any measure. RM15000 is a rough minimum you would spend on a brand new DH machine. The pro levels may rise to RM25000++.
So here ends the mountain bike section. The road/racing bike section will continue soon.
-End Part IV-
Bicycles 101 : The Bike Explained (Part 2)
Mountain Bike
Alright, the category that is most identified with the bicycle yet its one of the most complex categories. Simply because for the mountain bike family, there are a branch of another 6 different types of mountain bikes for different purposes (mainly off-road mountain biking). If your thinking of the RM200 - RM400 bikes in the local bike shop, those i feel more belonged to the commute section. Coz there is not really much you can do with those "mountain bikes" on the off-roads, let alone.........a mountain!! When i say off roads i mean including rocks, ruts, trees, holes, drops, cliff sides, and everything in between.
Let me branch out the 6 sub groups for mountain bikes :-
1)Cross country (XC) bikes
2)Trail bikes
3)All mountain (AM) bikes
4)Dirt Jump (DJ) bikes
5)Freeride (FR) bikes
6)Downhill (DH) bikes
*Note : I will use examples of bikes of today with as much clarity and detail as possible. I will include label of parts. But functions of parts will be explained in another post. This is just to get you familiar with what you will see and *if you're lucky* touch. And also i will use this first bike as a model to introduce the various parts of the modern bike which actually is almost same throughout the rest of the series. Will specify and clarify in more detail from post to post.
Cross country bikes (XC).
Suspect No.1
2009 Specialized Stumpjumper
Alright, the category that is most identified with the bicycle yet its one of the most complex categories. Simply because for the mountain bike family, there are a branch of another 6 different types of mountain bikes for different purposes (mainly off-road mountain biking). If your thinking of the RM200 - RM400 bikes in the local bike shop, those i feel more belonged to the commute section. Coz there is not really much you can do with those "mountain bikes" on the off-roads, let alone.........a mountain!! When i say off roads i mean including rocks, ruts, trees, holes, drops, cliff sides, and everything in between.
Let me branch out the 6 sub groups for mountain bikes :-
1)Cross country (XC) bikes
2)Trail bikes
3)All mountain (AM) bikes
4)Dirt Jump (DJ) bikes
5)Freeride (FR) bikes
6)Downhill (DH) bikes
*Note : I will use examples of bikes of today with as much clarity and detail as possible. I will include label of parts. But functions of parts will be explained in another post. This is just to get you familiar with what you will see and *if you're lucky* touch. And also i will use this first bike as a model to introduce the various parts of the modern bike which actually is almost same throughout the rest of the series. Will specify and clarify in more detail from post to post.
Cross country bikes (XC).
Suspect No.1
2009 Specialized Stumpjumper
So here is our first main suspect. This is one of the top end bikes from Specialized bicycles. Equipped with one of the best parts money can buy, yet lets focus on the bike. Click image to view larger with labels. The reason i dont label the part straight away is due to space constraints.
So in order of numeration (Plus also an anti-clockwise rotation starting with no.1) the parts are as follows: -
So what you see now is pretty clear. Its not a really complicated thing right? Not as many "parts" as a handphone or PDA might have in the menu.
So why is this bike called a typical cross country(XC) bike?
Cross country bikes are designed with a 2 key areas in mind : -
a) Lightweight
b) Race ready
Factors like this would mean that the bike would use as light parts as possible and it usually forgoes a rear suspension which would add significant weight. Bikes without a rear suspension are referred to as hardtails (HT), simply coz the read end or "tail" of the bike is solid and stiff and therefore, hard! A really good XC bike could weight as little as 9kg or 10kg which is abt 22lbs. Top end bikes can be as low as 8kg. So to be light the parts and frame needs to be light as well. Lightweight has only a few advantages but mostly opted by professional racers : It makes hill climbing or bike hiking easier if necessary, uses less energy to get/keep the bike moving, saves some hassle incase of a mechanical breakdown.
Most XC bikes will come with a suspension travel (meaning how much the suspension moves) between 80mm - 100mm. Thats the amount of movement the suspension fork allows. In mountain biking 80mm is really little and 100 just barely enough to survive the harsh hard courses, but adding a longer travel fork will result in a weight penalty.
The frame or body of the XC bike is built very simple, but simple doesnt mean simple either. The modern XC frame can be built in many forms or flows according to the many leading manufacturers study, research, development, and technology. So there alot of variety out there in the shops. An XC frame will be built light, weight shaved in unnecessary areas, and stiff as possible to allow riders to put all power to the drive train and to the wheels. Materials of frames can vary from carbon fiber to aluminium to titanium. Of the 3, carbon fiber is the lightest and titanium is the most expensive. Aluminium fills in both worlds, not too light but not too $$$. Discussions on materials will be followed in posts to come.
In essence a XC bike is meant only to be ridden on light off roads. If it is ridden over rough terrain it could potentially be an uncomfortable ride and a frame breaking experience.
Tire wise, some may use a 1.95" tire (whic means the width of the tire is 1.95 inches) or a 2.0" or 2.1". Its up to the rider. Wider tires have more grip, but more weight and slightly slower steering reaction. Thinner tires have better rolling ease, light, and more agile in handling. Its just a matter of preference.
As for gearing, mountain bikes in general would use the new 27 speed configuration, meaning 3 selectable gears in front and 9 selectable at the back. 3x9=27. More elaboration soon.
Disc brakes used to be rejected by XC bikers due to its heavy weight as well over the lighter yet also powerful V-Brakes. The V-brakes were much much lighter yet they still lose out in terms of stopping power to discs. And with rim brakes, if conditions get wet, braking is almost lost by 50%. With discs there is no problem due to the powerful brake calipers which are now almost all hydraulic systems. So the V-brake is slowly beeing phased out but still fitted to average bikes to reduce cost.
So in order of numeration (Plus also an anti-clockwise rotation starting with no.1) the parts are as follows: -
- Handlebar
- Brake and shifter pod/unit
- Stem
- Headset
- Frame (Toptube)
- Seatpost
- Saddle
- Saddle mount
- Seatpost clamp/collar
- Frame (Seat stays)
- Spokes
- Cassette
- Rear deraileur
- Rim
- Tyre
- Frame (Chainstay)
- Chain
- Bottom bracket
- Crank (Consists of the crank arm and chain rings)
- Clipless pedals
- Disc brake calipers
- Disc rotors
- Front skewers
- Front suspension
- Cables
- Frame (Head tube)
- Frame (Down tube)
- Frame (Seat tube)
- Front deraileur
- Water bottle cage mounts
- Bottom bracket
So what you see now is pretty clear. Its not a really complicated thing right? Not as many "parts" as a handphone or PDA might have in the menu.
So why is this bike called a typical cross country(XC) bike?
Cross country bikes are designed with a 2 key areas in mind : -
a) Lightweight
b) Race ready
Factors like this would mean that the bike would use as light parts as possible and it usually forgoes a rear suspension which would add significant weight. Bikes without a rear suspension are referred to as hardtails (HT), simply coz the read end or "tail" of the bike is solid and stiff and therefore, hard! A really good XC bike could weight as little as 9kg or 10kg which is abt 22lbs. Top end bikes can be as low as 8kg. So to be light the parts and frame needs to be light as well. Lightweight has only a few advantages but mostly opted by professional racers : It makes hill climbing or bike hiking easier if necessary, uses less energy to get/keep the bike moving, saves some hassle incase of a mechanical breakdown.
Most XC bikes will come with a suspension travel (meaning how much the suspension moves) between 80mm - 100mm. Thats the amount of movement the suspension fork allows. In mountain biking 80mm is really little and 100 just barely enough to survive the harsh hard courses, but adding a longer travel fork will result in a weight penalty.
The frame or body of the XC bike is built very simple, but simple doesnt mean simple either. The modern XC frame can be built in many forms or flows according to the many leading manufacturers study, research, development, and technology. So there alot of variety out there in the shops. An XC frame will be built light, weight shaved in unnecessary areas, and stiff as possible to allow riders to put all power to the drive train and to the wheels. Materials of frames can vary from carbon fiber to aluminium to titanium. Of the 3, carbon fiber is the lightest and titanium is the most expensive. Aluminium fills in both worlds, not too light but not too $$$. Discussions on materials will be followed in posts to come.
In essence a XC bike is meant only to be ridden on light off roads. If it is ridden over rough terrain it could potentially be an uncomfortable ride and a frame breaking experience.
Tire wise, some may use a 1.95" tire (whic means the width of the tire is 1.95 inches) or a 2.0" or 2.1". Its up to the rider. Wider tires have more grip, but more weight and slightly slower steering reaction. Thinner tires have better rolling ease, light, and more agile in handling. Its just a matter of preference.
As for gearing, mountain bikes in general would use the new 27 speed configuration, meaning 3 selectable gears in front and 9 selectable at the back. 3x9=27. More elaboration soon.
Disc brakes used to be rejected by XC bikers due to its heavy weight as well over the lighter yet also powerful V-Brakes. The V-brakes were much much lighter yet they still lose out in terms of stopping power to discs. And with rim brakes, if conditions get wet, braking is almost lost by 50%. With discs there is no problem due to the powerful brake calipers which are now almost all hydraulic systems. So the V-brake is slowly beeing phased out but still fitted to average bikes to reduce cost.
Shimano's flagship XTR V-brake
So the the XC bike - Light, short suspension, light off road trails and terrain. Though with this, the price of XC bikes are not cheap despite their simplicity......if any part of a bike's weight were to go down, automatically the price will go up. You can get a RM1000 XC bike or a RM10000 XC bike. Depends on you.
-End Series III-
-End Series III-
Bicycles 101 : The Bike Explained (Part 1)
Now i shall attempt *note attempt* to explain in a bit more detail about the bikes that are around us.
To begin first, I would categorized bicycles into 5 main branches : Kids bike, commute bike, recumbent bike, road bike and mountain bike. The latter 2 of the category would be the most profound but fun yet technical to explain and its also a main part of the series.
And in this part i will only explain the first 3. Coz the last 2 will have their own independent posts. This is due to their wide and complex nature in the wild......oooops, i should say....road/trails.
Kids bike
Yeah those tiny bikes with 4 wheels. No explanation needed here i suppose. They are just around to get the kids started on cycling!
Commute bike
These are the bikes i would call majority bikes used in the world around.
From the classic design
To the slightly more modern design
To begin first, I would categorized bicycles into 5 main branches : Kids bike, commute bike, recumbent bike, road bike and mountain bike. The latter 2 of the category would be the most profound but fun yet technical to explain and its also a main part of the series.
And in this part i will only explain the first 3. Coz the last 2 will have their own independent posts. This is due to their wide and complex nature in the wild......oooops, i should say....road/trails.
Kids bike
Yeah those tiny bikes with 4 wheels. No explanation needed here i suppose. They are just around to get the kids started on cycling!
Commute bike
These are the bikes i would call majority bikes used in the world around.
From the classic designTo the slightly more modern designThese are in essence built for one thing : Getting from point A to B ONLY. Theres nothing fancy, no gears even. Simple brakes, wheels, a nice fat comfy seat and probably a basket if your lucky. Countries like China, Holland use these to get around to work and transport stuff. Nothing more than that coz the bike is built just as a simple daily use.
Recumbents
Okay this is one of the more unique bicycles out there. Its still a bike coz it fits the definition of a bicycle. Just that its form is different.
Now you wana ask how on earth does one cycle this thing? I know, at first glance it was intimidating to me as well. So why is there such a design? And what are the advantages and disadvantages of this bike?
Pro's :-
1)Comfort - Due to the seating position of this bike with full back and butt support, this bike is actually more comfortable than any other bike. Also because of the seated position, it generally helps for ppl with backache or neck ache. You dont have to bend the back and strain your neck so much.
2)Pedaling dynamics - The way the legs pedals this bike is in a lateral plane, instead of a vertical plane. So you are actually not having a push-and-lift effort on the pedals, but a push-relax-push. You dont need to lift your legs, hence it does save some energy there.
3)Variety - These bikes are mostly custom built to riders specifications so there is alot of choices the rider can pick to make his own bike. Unlike pre-factory made bikes.
4)Safety - In terms of safety in a fall/accident sense, this bike is safe due to the very low center of gravity and rider position. So if a rider does fall.....his head and body is not more than 1 meter from the ground. Its just like tumbling sideways. Compared to a normal upright bike where the head is a good 1.5 meters above the ground. And this bike doesnt go very fast to begin with.
5)Rider vision - Because you are sitting upright, you are constantly looking ahead, always on the lookout for the road hazards.
6)Wheelbase - Very long and stable.
Cons : -
1)Safety - Now because this bike is so low, tall vehicles or vehicles with a high front end might have trouble seeing the bike and rider.
2)Turning radius : This bike has a very big turning circle, so steering a corner or a U-Turn would pose a challenge at times.
3)Speed - Slow as a tortoise on the road most of the time, and if there is a hill, its another problem to pedal up it.
4)Balance - Well since this bike is long, it can be really heavy, and this bike doesnt really do well with a push off-and-start pedal action to get it going. Requires lots of balance and steering technique to manoeuvre.
5)Position - Though its a comfy bike to ride, it doesnt really allow you to switch positions much at all. Unlike the uprights where you can stand, stretch, lift arms, bend etc incase you need to loosen a few muscles.
6)Price - It aint cheap too you know......depending on what and how you custom make it.
So the recumbent is a nice unique bike to ride. Even some use it as a touring bike to travel the country. Being more of a relax travel bike, since there are tricycle versions of this, it maybe worth a try if you get bored of the normal uprights. As for Malaysian's there are a handful of recumbents here, just not too sure if its actually street legal here. And where to get it? I also dont know. Haha.
-End Series II-
Recumbents
Okay this is one of the more unique bicycles out there. Its still a bike coz it fits the definition of a bicycle. Just that its form is different.
Now you wana ask how on earth does one cycle this thing? I know, at first glance it was intimidating to me as well. So why is there such a design? And what are the advantages and disadvantages of this bike?Pro's :-
1)Comfort - Due to the seating position of this bike with full back and butt support, this bike is actually more comfortable than any other bike. Also because of the seated position, it generally helps for ppl with backache or neck ache. You dont have to bend the back and strain your neck so much.
2)Pedaling dynamics - The way the legs pedals this bike is in a lateral plane, instead of a vertical plane. So you are actually not having a push-and-lift effort on the pedals, but a push-relax-push. You dont need to lift your legs, hence it does save some energy there.
3)Variety - These bikes are mostly custom built to riders specifications so there is alot of choices the rider can pick to make his own bike. Unlike pre-factory made bikes.
4)Safety - In terms of safety in a fall/accident sense, this bike is safe due to the very low center of gravity and rider position. So if a rider does fall.....his head and body is not more than 1 meter from the ground. Its just like tumbling sideways. Compared to a normal upright bike where the head is a good 1.5 meters above the ground. And this bike doesnt go very fast to begin with.
5)Rider vision - Because you are sitting upright, you are constantly looking ahead, always on the lookout for the road hazards.
6)Wheelbase - Very long and stable.
Cons : -
1)Safety - Now because this bike is so low, tall vehicles or vehicles with a high front end might have trouble seeing the bike and rider.
2)Turning radius : This bike has a very big turning circle, so steering a corner or a U-Turn would pose a challenge at times.
3)Speed - Slow as a tortoise on the road most of the time, and if there is a hill, its another problem to pedal up it.
4)Balance - Well since this bike is long, it can be really heavy, and this bike doesnt really do well with a push off-and-start pedal action to get it going. Requires lots of balance and steering technique to manoeuvre.
5)Position - Though its a comfy bike to ride, it doesnt really allow you to switch positions much at all. Unlike the uprights where you can stand, stretch, lift arms, bend etc incase you need to loosen a few muscles.
6)Price - It aint cheap too you know......depending on what and how you custom make it.
So the recumbent is a nice unique bike to ride. Even some use it as a touring bike to travel the country. Being more of a relax travel bike, since there are tricycle versions of this, it maybe worth a try if you get bored of the normal uprights. As for Malaysian's there are a handful of recumbents here, just not too sure if its actually street legal here. And where to get it? I also dont know. Haha.
-End Series II-
Bicycles 101 : The Bike
Well it just occurred to me that I have not done a post on bicycles and cycling as a general sport. So thought i come up with a series of posts concerning this sport that i love (asides badminton).
So as a start, I shall start from A and work my way to Z. Btw I'll try to make it as interesting as possible. =P
Bicycles 101 : The Bike
In the world, the bicycle is arguably the next best if not healthiest mode of transport (asides your legs). Its origins from the 19th century till now has been a fantastic one. From wooden frames and wheels, to now high tech carbon fiber and titanium.
Basically I will talk about the modern bicycle as it is relavent to us. But first, show you some primitive bicycles and let you wonder abit how these ppl actually ride them. Respect i tell you!
The first bicycle (arguably)- Dates 1820
The next improvisation.....
The famous penny-farthing
The slightly more modernized bicycle.
The mountain bike
The road/racing bike
The time trial(TT)/triathlon bike
The track bike
So as a start, I shall start from A and work my way to Z. Btw I'll try to make it as interesting as possible. =P
Bicycles 101 : The Bike
In the world, the bicycle is arguably the next best if not healthiest mode of transport (asides your legs). Its origins from the 19th century till now has been a fantastic one. From wooden frames and wheels, to now high tech carbon fiber and titanium.
Basically I will talk about the modern bicycle as it is relavent to us. But first, show you some primitive bicycles and let you wonder abit how these ppl actually ride them. Respect i tell you!
The first bicycle (arguably)- Dates 1820The next improvisation.....The famous penny-farthingOk so now everyone knows that a bicycle has two wheels, two pedals, a frame, a seat and a handle with brakes. Quite clear right? Not that tough to imagine a bicycle. Now lets take it a little more forward in time.
Your ordinary market bike aka pasar bike
The BMX bike
The recumbent bicycle
Your ordinary market bike aka pasar bikeThe BMX bike
The recumbent bicycle
The mountain bikeThe road/racing bike
The time trial(TT)/triathlon bikeThe track bikeTo all the cyclist, I must have treated you to some vintage history and also modern bike porn yah? Hahaha.
So as you all can see, the bike definitely has evolved tremendously. In form, function and application. Also it has changed drastically in appearance with huge sex appeal (sworn by many cyclist i've known) now days. XD
Anyone horny yet? =P
So i have introduced you to the bicycle as visual as possible on what it looks like. Soon we will get up close and personal with a few of these guys. Frankly i know some of you will be puzzled why it looks weird with all the shapes and sizes, but dont worry, i will get there soon. But as a warning, bicycles are evolving on a daily basis (especially at the very top level) so lots of stuff to be considered in the next posts.
So what is the bicycle again? A two wheeled bipedal vehicle without an engine, using the power of a human as the drive source.
-End Series I-
So as you all can see, the bike definitely has evolved tremendously. In form, function and application. Also it has changed drastically in appearance with huge sex appeal (sworn by many cyclist i've known) now days. XD
Anyone horny yet? =P
So i have introduced you to the bicycle as visual as possible on what it looks like. Soon we will get up close and personal with a few of these guys. Frankly i know some of you will be puzzled why it looks weird with all the shapes and sizes, but dont worry, i will get there soon. But as a warning, bicycles are evolving on a daily basis (especially at the very top level) so lots of stuff to be considered in the next posts.
So what is the bicycle again? A two wheeled bipedal vehicle without an engine, using the power of a human as the drive source.
-End Series I-
18 August 2009
17 August 2009
Lifesucks (Part 2)
Therapy sucks. Well i'll agree 50% on this coz it is really dependable on situation. Lol. But i find therapy not really needed. Physical therapy maybe yes at times. Mental therapy? I just need God. Lol. If there was no God, my mental state would be in shambles by now.
TV sucks. Lol. I learned there are people like him through the TV and also PC. Surprised he didnt say PC sucks. Biased? He SUCKS definately.
I think hes a Nazi, tho he lives in Seattle.
People are stupid.........so only him not stupid? Well he did generalize that the human race is one f**ked up generation of evolved primates
If you ask people why they do the things they do in life, they will give you sensible
sounding reasons which seem to explain their decisions. We like to believe that we
exercise sound judgement, especially in the important decisions of our lives.
I think that this is rarely true. I think that standard operating procedure for human
decision making is to do what feels right to you at the time, and then to give logical
sounding justifications for what you were already going to do anyway, whether you had
justifications or not.
But people are looking at this based on their feelings. Marijuana feels like a drug to
them. It's illegal, isn't it? Alcohol feels like a fun beverage. It's legal, and socially
acceptable, so it feels ok, so it must be ok.
All of this is illogical and stupid, and typically human. And I could give countless other
examples of this, but I'm sure you can think these up yourself. Just look at how people
behave in terms of politics and religion.
And, I think that when you see ridiculous and idiotic behavior and decision making in
other people(or in yourself), you have to consider it to be the inevitable result of the
nature of the human psyche.
"The only way to comprehend what mathematicians mean by Infinity is to contemplate
the extent of human stupidity." - Voltaire
He does have a small point in this. Yes sometimes we humans tend to follow our feelings, based on situation and in the best interests of people. But thats where most people stop at. Then of course some of their decisions sucks or politely saying, "poor in choice". Abortion and smoking pot were the egs he used to illustrate how this two choice than exist and is taken by the person, which he calls are stupid. Of course i wil agree taking drugs and abortion is a bad idea. No doubt, but then he cannot blame one small portion of the jigsaw just because it doesnt seem to fit right or is the wrong piece. Like i said earlier, God gives u a choice. And He wants us to choose the right choices. Drugs and abortion is not one of them. But then God says he gives freewill. He respects freewill because that is what differentiats humans from monkeys and cats. They cant excercise their freewill. To vote, to choose what to eat, to ring the hotel counter for extra pillow. God sees us more than just humans (with stupidity sometimes). He see's us as a significant piece of His puzzle. Only thing is we choose where to move and fit.
His quote on Voltaire is commendable. Yes the human stupidity may well reach an infinite amount. But get this, the love of God, the forgiveness of God, the grace of God (in as much as he will/may disagree with me) is also infinite. Countered.
Drugs suck. Well he got that absolutely right. Drugs (as in abuse) is foolish. But drugs used in medicine, well if he dont like it just shut up.
Misc : In here he states his unbelief in Jesus Christ as the only begotten Son of God and is not impressed with what He has done. Well for this i think all he needs is a light touch of God's hand.
His conclusion is :
Maybe life sucks because we're all really just big brained primates who were meant to
be living in small tribal groups hunting and gathering food, and our pain is the natural
result of our living in an unnatural environment.
Maybe life sucks because we haven't turned our lives over to Jesus or Allah or Yahweh
or whoever the One True God happens to be.
Maybe life sucks because we all have chemical imbalances in our brains.
The first proposition implies that the answer to life's problems is to abandon
technology. This was put forth recently by the Unabomber, and before that by the
Khmer Rouge of Cambodia.
The second is claimed by hundreds of different groups of religious fundamentalists, all
of which disagree on the identity and nature of this One True God.
The third is put forth by psychiatrists.
I'm not sure which of the above groups is worse, but given their accomplishments or
lack thereof, I highly doubt they have any answers for us.
So, I don't know the ultimate cause of, or the solution to, life's problems. I don't know
how to end this with any helpful advice or words of wisdom. If you think you do, email
me and let me know.
Well, all i can say is, he has missed out a number of key areas in life. If he is blinded by satan then i think he needs to suck out those crap in his heart. Ultimately he cant even find a solution to what all the complaints he has said. Kinda hypocritical an a little misguided. He/she seriously definitely has issues to deal with.
But still..........may God bless this man/lady's soul.
-End-
TV sucks. Lol. I learned there are people like him through the TV and also PC. Surprised he didnt say PC sucks. Biased? He SUCKS definately.
I think hes a Nazi, tho he lives in Seattle.
People are stupid.........so only him not stupid? Well he did generalize that the human race is one f**ked up generation of evolved primates
If you ask people why they do the things they do in life, they will give you sensible
sounding reasons which seem to explain their decisions. We like to believe that we
exercise sound judgement, especially in the important decisions of our lives.
I think that this is rarely true. I think that standard operating procedure for human
decision making is to do what feels right to you at the time, and then to give logical
sounding justifications for what you were already going to do anyway, whether you had
justifications or not.
But people are looking at this based on their feelings. Marijuana feels like a drug to
them. It's illegal, isn't it? Alcohol feels like a fun beverage. It's legal, and socially
acceptable, so it feels ok, so it must be ok.
All of this is illogical and stupid, and typically human. And I could give countless other
examples of this, but I'm sure you can think these up yourself. Just look at how people
behave in terms of politics and religion.
And, I think that when you see ridiculous and idiotic behavior and decision making in
other people(or in yourself), you have to consider it to be the inevitable result of the
nature of the human psyche.
"The only way to comprehend what mathematicians mean by Infinity is to contemplate
the extent of human stupidity." - Voltaire
He does have a small point in this. Yes sometimes we humans tend to follow our feelings, based on situation and in the best interests of people. But thats where most people stop at. Then of course some of their decisions sucks or politely saying, "poor in choice". Abortion and smoking pot were the egs he used to illustrate how this two choice than exist and is taken by the person, which he calls are stupid. Of course i wil agree taking drugs and abortion is a bad idea. No doubt, but then he cannot blame one small portion of the jigsaw just because it doesnt seem to fit right or is the wrong piece. Like i said earlier, God gives u a choice. And He wants us to choose the right choices. Drugs and abortion is not one of them. But then God says he gives freewill. He respects freewill because that is what differentiats humans from monkeys and cats. They cant excercise their freewill. To vote, to choose what to eat, to ring the hotel counter for extra pillow. God sees us more than just humans (with stupidity sometimes). He see's us as a significant piece of His puzzle. Only thing is we choose where to move and fit.
His quote on Voltaire is commendable. Yes the human stupidity may well reach an infinite amount. But get this, the love of God, the forgiveness of God, the grace of God (in as much as he will/may disagree with me) is also infinite. Countered.
Drugs suck. Well he got that absolutely right. Drugs (as in abuse) is foolish. But drugs used in medicine, well if he dont like it just shut up.
Misc : In here he states his unbelief in Jesus Christ as the only begotten Son of God and is not impressed with what He has done. Well for this i think all he needs is a light touch of God's hand.
His conclusion is :
Maybe life sucks because we're all really just big brained primates who were meant to
be living in small tribal groups hunting and gathering food, and our pain is the natural
result of our living in an unnatural environment.
Maybe life sucks because we haven't turned our lives over to Jesus or Allah or Yahweh
or whoever the One True God happens to be.
Maybe life sucks because we all have chemical imbalances in our brains.
The first proposition implies that the answer to life's problems is to abandon
technology. This was put forth recently by the Unabomber, and before that by the
Khmer Rouge of Cambodia.
The second is claimed by hundreds of different groups of religious fundamentalists, all
of which disagree on the identity and nature of this One True God.
The third is put forth by psychiatrists.
I'm not sure which of the above groups is worse, but given their accomplishments or
lack thereof, I highly doubt they have any answers for us.
So, I don't know the ultimate cause of, or the solution to, life's problems. I don't know
how to end this with any helpful advice or words of wisdom. If you think you do, email
me and let me know.
Well, all i can say is, he has missed out a number of key areas in life. If he is blinded by satan then i think he needs to suck out those crap in his heart. Ultimately he cant even find a solution to what all the complaints he has said. Kinda hypocritical an a little misguided. He/she seriously definitely has issues to deal with.
But still..........may God bless this man/lady's soul.
-End-
Lifesucks (Part 1)
Hmm......I just got off a website on the net (not going to state) about someone who created a webpage and literally the theme of it and contents were, well, about how life sucks. And the contents were as follows :
The Big Lie
God Does Not Love You
Therapy Sucks
Television Sucks
People Are Stupid
Drugs Sucks
Misc
Conclusion
Well............i just glanced through........and i found that this chap.........has one sucky life to say. LOL.
He had lots of arguments and objections to well.......life in itself and in essence. I think he just wants to die. Dear God, i hope not. I rather see him saved first, even he WAS to die 1 minute after he believes in God. I dont know if it did happen coz the last update was in 2006. Anything can happen..........hopefully something good.
*italics* are quotes from his site......and frankly.......i dont think he even cares.....since he calls humans sucky, so i suck too? XD.
One of the things he argued is that life is not what it seems. That its all false connections, The problems of life are all symptoms of the same cause. Im just wondering, what connections has he ever make to make such a statement? And the problems of life do at times exhibit symptoms of the same cause, but not all of it.
You've been told what life is supposed to be about. Well, yes its true we were "SUPPOSEDLY" told how life should be lived, i mean to survive and live. I wonder how he survived and lived? Must be a really miserable life to be in his shoes. But we are also told what life is really about.........all in the Bible. Well this person hates Biblical stuff and Godly talk..........but since hes not here, well im free to write in response to him. The one thing he did miss out is the Purpose of life. Not just focusing on the apparent reason to live, but on the solid purpose to live in the first place. And survival, running the rat race, breeding, gaining money, getting a PhD isnt top on the list at all.
Let's assume, for a moment, that there is a God. We may not know the nature of God, or
which religion comes closest to the truth, but we can be sure of one thing:
God does not love you.
Look at all the cruelty and misery in the world, which God does nothing to stop. Right now,
as you are reading this, there are children in various places around the world being raped
and tortured. Most of us would risk our lives, give up our lives, to save them if we could.
God stands by and does nothing. God has abandoned these children, and clearly does not
love them. God does not love you, either.
There are some religions which claim that "God's love is a different kind of love", which is
supposed to explain and justify what appears to be God's divine indifference. This is total
bullshit. If I claim that I love my neighbor, and then set his house on fire and shoot him in
the head, anyone can see that my "love" is not love at all.
Another fallacy along these lines is the statement that, "God doesn't give us more than we
can handle in life". This is a ridiculous statement. Go to a mental institution, go to the ward
for those who are seriously disturbed, and you'll see people who just sit and rock back and
forth all day, staring off into space, or screaming at nonexistant terrors. God has given
them more than they could handle, and now they're totally broken.
So you have no loving God watching over you, making sure you get what you need. You
don't get what you need in life, you don't get what you want, you don't get what you
deserve. You get what you get.
Well in whole he just says God doesnt care. Well if God didnt care, he would probably have no internet to blog out his frustrations. =P
Okay so a very hot debatable topic. If God cared why is there suffering. Again i think ive blogged this before, the root of it all is sin. The consequence of sin is death. Period. And if still people are ignorant and keep sinning, how can not death and destruction follow suit? Even the devil wants to kill steal and destroy lives. Thats his job. I bet he didnt know this. Coz he never mentioned satan at all. A Satanist? Defending Satan?
If God just wipes out all the sin and bad things in this earth, how will we be viewing God? As a God that takes instructions from us? As a God who does whatever we ask for? As a God that is to serve our needs? Or is it THE OTHER WAY ROUND? He hasnt got this tho. If God did all the work for us, we wud take it for granted. And btw, God is a God of Stewardship and Relationship. He does not want half hearted and half working people. He does not want a dead 2 way master and slave relationship. He wants genuine love relationship like a father and child.
Now then why doesnt God go and tell these poor souls abt Himself instead? Well, why are u still stitting there reading this post and not go to the poor country to tell? Why not him? If he said it so loud that God is not doing anything, well then he might just better get moving over there to make things even, to justify himself. To prove he is better than God. I wonder if he did any at all?
I bet he hasnt met Heidi Baker yet. Wish he did and saw all the churches that are being planted and growing as I type. Now thats something.
The other arguement is that God wont give us more than we can handle. Thats true. If not how did you and I get here this far in life? We handled. AS much we can afford to. Now those poor souls in mental hospital probably MISHANDLED their life. It might have been even less of a hassle than some of us. But if they mishandled it...........even the best can fall. God gave you and I a freewill how to handle our lives. In the Book of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes in the bible, it all talks about wisdom, being good stewards, learning from others, submitting to God. And Jesus said that submit all your worries your burdens to Me, and i will give you rest. So, whats the big deal? There isnt a reason to blame and said nobody didnt give a warning or a manual to go tru life. Its there. Just, sadly, they didnt manage to get to it in time.
Obviously someone didnt do enough research. I mean if these mental patients read these few words first of Jesus about handing over their burdens, i think i can guarantee they wont end up there.
Get what you need and dont get what you want or deserve. You get what you get. Well, again in the bible it talks about not needing to worry about tomorrow, what we will eat, what we will wear. It is actually telling us to not worry about what we should must or will get!!!! Its just saying relax and God will provide. Sometimes we dont deserve some of the things we get. And we certainly may get what we didnt initially want but find that we could use it. Its all about Gods grace and mercy. We dont deserve at all yet God still gives. No question. God provides.
To be continued............
Love Overrated
I suddenly just feel like blogging ALOT. I know some of u will get bored so i will be a bit more initiative today (add some pics etc). I wonder how many posts i can go? In one night XD.
I've seen it alot in MSN and just about everywhere really. The sweetest words any couple can mutter utter recite regurgitate reiterate restate repeat release re.......ah u get me.......tell.
"iloveyouforever"
I mean no im not crucifying everyone who says this......but from my view.
IF i have a girlfriend (prayerfully hope so), and every single day every single hour every single Facebook second, she keeps telling me "iloveyouforever" or "iloveyou", honestly, i will get sick and bored and tired of it after a while. So you say i have no feelings, no love at all? You can try that, guarantee you will feel the same as me. Even just a "Hello" by someone........ever ur own classmate......u see him/her everyday, and u get the same greeting "Hello". Everyday. You will eventually think........"Cant this idoit say something else?" Or at least for once just a wave will do?
You and I are no different. We maybe different on a number of levels, but no different in essence. We were not created to be so mundane. And we are not called to be so romantic either. Today in church i heard the message preached by Pastor Jason , and this phrase stood out , : "Created for significance, called for obedience."
Yes saying "iloveyou" to your loved one is significant and partly being obedient. U want more significant maybe get an aeroplane and write it in the sky. Or text day after day after day for 30 days to mark your 1st monthniversary. But is it all there is to it? Well yes i know some couples get it there by now. And some go "Yea yea we know its not all that lovey dovey stuff"
So what is?
Buying presents? Expensive dinner treats? Simple walk in the park/beach alone together? Missing/thinking of him/her all the time? Constant communication? Well treated? Signifacant other things?
Its fair to say you cannot compare Godly love with parental love with relationship love with friendship love. None are at par level for sure. How do we express love in each of these areas?
Friends well, just being who you are and treating your friends, being there for them, support. care, etc. All this does keep friendship.
Relationships, well, more tricky. Certainly more effort. More attention. More care.
Parental. I can tell from my own family that parental love is pretty much undevided/unbroken tho sometimes it seems so.
Godly love. This is the only love i know which is inseperable once connected. No matter where you go, how far off planet you are, God still knows and sees whats up with you.
Now lets compare these 4 for a while. Friends dont say "iloveyou" everyday to each other. Parents do say "iloveyou" often to the kids but not always. And now how many of you tell God everyday every second "iloveyou"? Well even if you want to tell Him, He knows you are trying, but He also knows you need a break to do other things. All God see's is the heart and you dont really need to say it out a million times. But i see all the time couples make so much effort out of saying "iloveyou" in every possible way.form,shape,size,language,grammar,tense,vocab,phrase,conjunction,expression,etc......
If i were on the receiving end i might get a little fed up. Seriously does it have to be always? Well here is one flaw of the human being i have exposed : We HAVE a limit. As much u want to deny, we do. And one of those limits is tolerance. You can be VERY tolerant but still never 100% tolerant. Be VERY patient but not 100% patient. Bubbles gona burst the bigger you blow.
See it all makes sense doesnt it? You blow too much helium in a balloon (Hoping it will go sky high), but too much and it will burst if you dont know when to stop. You can keep pumping in lovely words, your partner may well burst one day. And that can be just the underlying tick off if so happen that day things go wrong.
Then all these words come out one by one "You say you love me always, everyday all the time? DO YOU REALLY MEAN IT?". "Yes of course la!! What nonsense you talking? ILOVEYOU!!". "No i dont think so! Say everyday, but sometimes, sometimes you ignore me. Nvr reply msg". "Haiyo those times i was busy la. But i really love you!!". "No la if you love me you will always reply and talk to me". "Hey dont talk so childish la ok?!". "You are the one childish la."
See? Its possible. And i dont doubt it has happened before. Saying too much of a good thing can backfire. It makes a room for doubt and a reference point to attack if left undefended/unjustified.
Sometimes we dont do things right. We are afterall imperfect beings. Yet if we try to be too perfect aka being smart, we can land ourselves in hot soup. If we put a facade or display something worth of perfection, the level of expectancy on the other partner can be very high and if there is a dip in the relationship, theres always something to blame.
Well hell, you may just really mean it, but in your defence you got one angry bull with an unstable head and probably he has a few points too. (No pun intended)
I mean yeah arguing is normal in couples. But it should not be an excuse to start one.
So in my conclusion (I dont know how well this post is coz its 4am in the morning now) the word "iloveyou" Should be sparringly used as if it were your only last few (well hundred la if you want) golden bullets. I mean tell the person you love when you really really mean it and he/she feels deserved to be told. Your not firing bullets to make holes in his/her heart. Your doing so to signal to him/her how much you care and appreciate.
I would end by saying, Love is not built on mere words or actions. Its built upon the foundations set by God. Yes God again why? Coz i just said, Gods love is the only love inseperable once connected. Build on that, and you build the right foundation.
The reason God wants us to love is because He is love, and He created us to be like Him – to love. The only reason we’re able to love is because God loves us: “Love comes from God … because God is love” (1 John 4:7-8 NIV).
If you cant really love God, you cant really love others. And if you cant learn to love God, you wont be able to experience and have love in youre heart. If you dont have love, you cant love others. If you cant love others, what is the point? If you have Gods love and you love God first then you will be able to love others exceedingly greater than you can. That is the point.
-End-
GBU
I've seen it alot in MSN and just about everywhere really. The sweetest words any couple can mutter utter recite regurgitate reiterate restate repeat release re.......ah u get me.......tell.
"iloveyouforever"
I mean no im not crucifying everyone who says this......but from my view.
IF i have a girlfriend (prayerfully hope so), and every single day every single hour every single Facebook second, she keeps telling me "iloveyouforever" or "iloveyou", honestly, i will get sick and bored and tired of it after a while. So you say i have no feelings, no love at all? You can try that, guarantee you will feel the same as me. Even just a "Hello" by someone........ever ur own classmate......u see him/her everyday, and u get the same greeting "Hello". Everyday. You will eventually think........"Cant this idoit say something else?" Or at least for once just a wave will do?
You and I are no different. We maybe different on a number of levels, but no different in essence. We were not created to be so mundane. And we are not called to be so romantic either. Today in church i heard the message preached by Pastor Jason , and this phrase stood out , : "Created for significance, called for obedience."
Yes saying "iloveyou" to your loved one is significant and partly being obedient. U want more significant maybe get an aeroplane and write it in the sky. Or text day after day after day for 30 days to mark your 1st monthniversary. But is it all there is to it? Well yes i know some couples get it there by now. And some go "Yea yea we know its not all that lovey dovey stuff"
So what is?
Buying presents? Expensive dinner treats? Simple walk in the park/beach alone together? Missing/thinking of him/her all the time? Constant communication? Well treated? Signifacant other things?
Its fair to say you cannot compare Godly love with parental love with relationship love with friendship love. None are at par level for sure. How do we express love in each of these areas?
Friends well, just being who you are and treating your friends, being there for them, support. care, etc. All this does keep friendship.
Relationships, well, more tricky. Certainly more effort. More attention. More care.
Parental. I can tell from my own family that parental love is pretty much undevided/unbroken tho sometimes it seems so.
Godly love. This is the only love i know which is inseperable once connected. No matter where you go, how far off planet you are, God still knows and sees whats up with you.
Now lets compare these 4 for a while. Friends dont say "iloveyou" everyday to each other. Parents do say "iloveyou" often to the kids but not always. And now how many of you tell God everyday every second "iloveyou"? Well even if you want to tell Him, He knows you are trying, but He also knows you need a break to do other things. All God see's is the heart and you dont really need to say it out a million times. But i see all the time couples make so much effort out of saying "iloveyou" in every possible way.form,shape,size,language,grammar,tense,vocab,phrase,conjunction,expression,etc......
If i were on the receiving end i might get a little fed up. Seriously does it have to be always? Well here is one flaw of the human being i have exposed : We HAVE a limit. As much u want to deny, we do. And one of those limits is tolerance. You can be VERY tolerant but still never 100% tolerant. Be VERY patient but not 100% patient. Bubbles gona burst the bigger you blow.
See it all makes sense doesnt it? You blow too much helium in a balloon (Hoping it will go sky high), but too much and it will burst if you dont know when to stop. You can keep pumping in lovely words, your partner may well burst one day. And that can be just the underlying tick off if so happen that day things go wrong.
Then all these words come out one by one "You say you love me always, everyday all the time? DO YOU REALLY MEAN IT?". "Yes of course la!! What nonsense you talking? ILOVEYOU!!". "No i dont think so! Say everyday, but sometimes, sometimes you ignore me. Nvr reply msg". "Haiyo those times i was busy la. But i really love you!!". "No la if you love me you will always reply and talk to me". "Hey dont talk so childish la ok?!". "You are the one childish la."
See? Its possible. And i dont doubt it has happened before. Saying too much of a good thing can backfire. It makes a room for doubt and a reference point to attack if left undefended/unjustified.
Sometimes we dont do things right. We are afterall imperfect beings. Yet if we try to be too perfect aka being smart, we can land ourselves in hot soup. If we put a facade or display something worth of perfection, the level of expectancy on the other partner can be very high and if there is a dip in the relationship, theres always something to blame.
Well hell, you may just really mean it, but in your defence you got one angry bull with an unstable head and probably he has a few points too. (No pun intended)
I mean yeah arguing is normal in couples. But it should not be an excuse to start one.
So in my conclusion (I dont know how well this post is coz its 4am in the morning now) the word "iloveyou" Should be sparringly used as if it were your only last few (well hundred la if you want) golden bullets. I mean tell the person you love when you really really mean it and he/she feels deserved to be told. Your not firing bullets to make holes in his/her heart. Your doing so to signal to him/her how much you care and appreciate.
I would end by saying, Love is not built on mere words or actions. Its built upon the foundations set by God. Yes God again why? Coz i just said, Gods love is the only love inseperable once connected. Build on that, and you build the right foundation.
The reason God wants us to love is because He is love, and He created us to be like Him – to love. The only reason we’re able to love is because God loves us: “Love comes from God … because God is love” (1 John 4:7-8 NIV).
If you cant really love God, you cant really love others. And if you cant learn to love God, you wont be able to experience and have love in youre heart. If you dont have love, you cant love others. If you cant love others, what is the point? If you have Gods love and you love God first then you will be able to love others exceedingly greater than you can. That is the point.
-End-
GBU
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