August 1st, 2008 by graeme | | 3 comments »
Archive for August 1st, 2008
If you ride a bike, you probably have a general idea of how gears work. You push the lever, a steel wire tightens, and the little springs in your derailleur cause the chain to shift onto a new cog with a satisfying thunk. Like many velo-enthusiasts, you probably find this process simple, clean, and classic.
Well, nuts to you, luddite. Shimano is bringing the new electronic hotness, and it has tiny little motors.
Starting in 2009, competitive and/or rich cyclists will be able to shift using a fully motorized system, called Di2. Part of Shimano’s top-of-the-line Dura-Ace component family, the new shift levers, derailleurs and battery will deliver lightning fast and accurate shifting performance. And at not too much more weight. The new system is 67 grams lighter than the current Dura-Ace 7800 and only 68 grams heavier than Dura-Ace 7900 series. That’s pretty light. And since all the wires are closed (and don’t move), they won’t get gunked up on the road. Although presumably, the new system will slightly increase the water sensitivity.
The biggest challenge for systems like this is power- the batteries need to last long enough for epic rides, yet be super light. Shimano engineers claim the Di2 battery will last 1,000km between charges, and keeps the weight right smack between the 7800 and 7900 parts series. If true, that’s pretty sweet.
I ride a fixie when I bomb around town, so electronic shifting magic doesn’t hold a lot of immediate appeal. But I have been eyeing a higher-end road bike for more epic rides. There’s no way on earth I could afford the Di2 unless I knock over a liquor store. Then again, I’ll be able to make my escape a lot quicker on an electronic ride.
August 1st, 2008 by graeme | | 1 comment »
Here’s an accidental zinger from Cryptomundo:
University of Maryland Alert: Cougar on Campus
No kidding. If I were I a cougar, the first place I would go is a university campus. That’s where all the young dudes are, right? Unless you mean…oh. That kind of cougar.
But seriously, if you go to, or have occassion to visit the University of Maryland, watch out. While only slightly more dangerous than an urban cougar, the large-cat variety is nevertheless pointy on five ends.
August 1st, 2008 by graeme | | no comments »
strange days
Day three of Montauk Madness here at the Nunc. And, presented for your consideration, the three ‘discoverers’ of the rotten raccoon carcass:
Yes, in this age of Internet celebrity, even washed-up dead things can make you famous. Particularly if you’re a vapid Hamptons socialite. But don’t worry…Plum TV is looking out for you. Because, as the host points out, they are “all about the research”. And fair enough- heresay and conjecture are kinds of evidence.
August 1st, 2008 by graeme | | no comments »
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