The Goody Box is made from ballistic nylon, with a TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) liner for waterproofing. The top is zippered along each side, with a Velcro flap folding down over the top edge. The box has two straps on the base and front, designed to give the box the ability to suit a variety of bikes. The base straps are long enough to fit around large section top tubes (such as oversized carbon tubes) but also tighten up nicely on narrow steel top tubes. The low strap fits well around low mounted road bike stems, while the high strap can wrap around a tall, raking stem. That is, at least in theory.

I tried to mount it on a small mountain bike and found that the bag wouldn’t fit due to the close proximity of the top tube and down tube connection. Bikes with very low stems could prove problematic as well, as the front straps wouldn’t have anything to loop around. I tried it on my full size Cannondale Lefty, and it would not fit at all.

The Goody Box in Practice

The clear front pocket is sized to take the ubiquitous iPhone and some other popular smart phones that I tried fit neatly, though it’s a little more work to get them in. iPhones that were in protective cases were a tight fit and the HTC smart phone shown in the photos had to be taken out of its case to fit the pocket. It can however easily house many Garmin sized devices.

The touch screen of the phones I tested worked well through the clear plastic top, but you can’t easily get to the buttons on phones or other devices while they are inside the sleeve; pausing a Garmin, for example, requires you to take it out of the Goody Box first.

Timbuk2 says your phone will stay ‘dry in nasty weather’, though I’m not sure I’d like to test their claim. There is no weather sealing along the top of the clear plastic pocket, which means that while you can still plug in your earphones, it seems like a good way for your device may well get acquainted with some water in a downpour. The top flap covers just enough to prevent run-off invading the interior, but the Goody Box probably isn’t a replacement for a good waterproof pannier for valuables.

The Goody Box can be opened one handed on the road/trail if you really have to; a stiff handle joins the two zippers, and a downward pull opens it right up. It would be nice however to have the pocket open sideways, or even top-hinged. Accessing the interior on the fly means having your phone/device banging about on the top tube or worse, possibly falling out. The top is tight enough that this probably wouldn’t happen, but I’m not sure I’d trust it.

Do you or don’t you?

Consider buying the Goody Box if:

• you find a saddle bag too small for everything you need
• you find bulging pockets uncomfortable
• you do short day trips and don’t want to go to the extent of fitting a rack or hauling a backpack
• you know this will fit your bike

The Goody Box retails for $49.95 which is pretty good value if it will fit your bike. You can pickup Timbik2 gear at all good bike stores.

If your local bicycle shop doesn’t carry this Timbuk2 yet, give the importer a call  Phoenix Leisure Group on 02 9552 6900 or send them an email: info@plg.com.au

The design process always involves the BNA community and moving away from the retro look of the previous BNA jerseys, the new look is subtle and perfect for sleek and stylish riding. For the first time, matching knicks, bib knicks and socks complete the look. Listening to the community response on the black with blue stripes Corsa (Race) jersey, an additional blue with black stripes Strada (Street) version, a second BNA jersey for better visibility on the road.

Both BNA jerseys incorporate reflective piping on the rear, a full length zipper and flatloc stitching – this is quality cycling wear that looks good and is functional. Matching both jersey styles, knicks or if you prefer, bib knicks with quality chamois will round off the look together with original BNA socks.

We have a quality supplier and by making a group order can include these great features while keeping the price down. The jersey’s cost $95, knicks and bib knicks cost $85 and socks $25.

Save by getting the full kit, the jersey (Corsa or Strada), knicks (or bib knicks) and socks for $198. Get in quick, orders close soon so make sure you don’t miss out.

2013 BNA Cycle Wear: details and orderering >

Brennan responded “Well, it is always the motorists fault. The law makes no allowances for drivers in this case. So, if you open a door into the path of a rider it’s always your fault.”

The show presenters Michael Rowland and Karina Carvalho questioned this (3:30), sending a message to a national audience in which they present their own opinions that suggest a cyclist may share some responsibility in a dooring incident.

Michael: Thank you Simon. Now just to even the ledger up a tiny, weensy bit, did I hear him say it’s always the motorist’s fault or is my hearing failing?

Karina: We both heard that and I would say you probably need to take that comment with a little bit of caution.

Michael: A sackload of salt, not just a grain….and without pillorying cyclists at all – we love you cyclists, we love you motorists, we love everyone who watches us on ABC News Breakfast – but I have seen and we all have seen our fair share of reckless cyclists as well so I think it’s very unfair to purely blame motorists 100% of the time for that sort of thing.

Karina: More education and more awareness on both sides is what’s needed.

Michael: Good. We’re in agreement.

It is highly likely that the presenters were not paying attention and missed the details covered in the report, reacting instead to motorists ‘fault’ in any accident rather than the motorists fault in a dooring accident. The message however was irresponsible and careless. The ABC has reacted to date with only a small ‘clarification‘ on their website:

On May 7, the program interviewed Garry Brennan from Bicycle Network Victoria about a campaign to increase fines for motorists who open their car doors into the path of cyclists.  After the interview we suggested that cyclists should share some of the blame for ‘dooring’ incidents. The law states that this is incorrect. In every ‘dooring’ incident it is the fault of the person opening the door for not exercising due care.

There has been a cylists backlash, but worse, this has reignited the car verses cyclist debate where the key issue, car dooring, is forgotten.

sources: Crikey Blog: What’s the TV news cycle doing to cycling?
sources: Australian Cycling Forum: Been doored recently ? It might be your fault.

Riders who like making more than just a weekend of their mountain biking endeavours will smile at news that the Bike Buller MTB Festival will again coincide with the Labour Day long weekend and the Picnic in the Park Festival. This year’s festival drew the highest number of competitors yet, with post event feedback suggesting the buzz and action will only continue to grow in 2013.

While full details of the event are to be announced, it will reprise the hugely popular 5hr Brakeburner Enduro, which as a stand-alone stage sold out in 2012. Such is the demand for entry, event organisers are looking at the logistics of how to increase numbers on this Stage 2 ride, which has riders hopping ski lifts to create a unique multi-lap downhill circuit before flying off down the hill to finish at the Party in the Park, a gourmet food and wine festival at the bottom of the mountain.

Other races taking place over the three days include: Saturday’s Stage 1 Stirling Circuit, a 50km XC route over Mt Stirling and back again; the Stage 2b Super-D, a flowing 12km 1100 metre vertical descent, also finishing at the food and wine festival; and Monday’s morning finale, the Cornhill Cranker, a 25km XC that will use parts of the freshly minted Copperhead Trail.

More than 800 riders are expected to ascend (and descend) on Mt Buller in 2013 as the festival cements its place as the pre-eminent mountain bike festival in the southern hemisphere.

The full mountain biking event line up for the long weekend is:
Stage 1 – A Stirling Circuit: 30km or 50km cross country (XC): over Mt Stirling and back again on the incredible new ‘Stonefly’ single track and other flowing trails all in a magical alpine setting
Stage 101 – The Kids Race – 10km: held on the single track around the village – designed to gives kids their own fun MTB experience
Stage 2 – The 5hr Brakeburner Enduro: a 5hr multi-lap enduro down a flowing XC-downhill course where you catch the lift up as part of each 6km lap including part of the new Copperhead trail, until the final 12km descent Super D Mt Buller to the food, fine and music festival at the bottom of the Mt. Suitable for XC bikes.
Stage 2b The Mt Buller Super D: a friendly 12km top to bottom race down a flowing 1,100m vertical descent to festival at the base of the hill. Suitable for XC bikes.
Stage 3 – Cornhill cranker: 25km XC: on the flowing singletrack around the Mt Buller village and neighbouring Corn Hill, taking in the new Copperhead trail top to bottom.

Further event details at: www.bikebuller.com

Meanwhile, the Kona Odyssey Mountain Bike Marathon is again expected to sell out at 2000 riders, with organisers urging punters to keep a close eye on Rapid Ascent news feeds for when entries will open.

Featuring three challenging yet scenic courses – the 100km main game along with the 50km ‘Shorty’ and 15km ‘Pioneer’ – the event scoots along world renowned single track, providing a heroic mountain bike journey through a range of wild landscapes in what Rapid Ascent reckons is “an Odyssey sent from the gods.”

The 100km course begins seaside at Apollo Bay, quickly hooking inland for the big uphill haul to finish after much sweat, some tears and occasionally some blood, in Forrest, a town that has come to be regarded as a Mecca for mountain bikers courtesy of the bunch of singletrack routes weaving around it’s wild outskirts.  The 50km and 15km events start and finish in Forrest.

Date: Saturday, February 18th, 2012
Location: Forrest, Otway National Park, Victoria
Distances:
• 100km Kona Odyssey, Apollo Bay to Forrest
• 50km Kona Shorty, Forrest
• 15km Kona Pioneer, Forrest
Festival:  Finish your quest with a feast at the bike, food and entertainment expo

Entries are now open at www.konaodyssey.com.au

His criteria include the camaraderie of pairs racing, the social atmosphere of 24h enduros, great prize money for professional and elite riders (while all competitors achievements are commended) and a single base with different stages and trails.

The single base means that this event is held ca. 30 minutes from Hobart airport with 6 different stages covering 200km of tracks over the four days. The race course includes single track, forest trails and descents with beautiful scenery. Duncan Giblin notes that the course will be rewarding for riders of all skill levels.

The advantage of the single base for participates, support crews and families is that travel and logistical headaches are eliminated. In the $400 entry fee (per rider), free camping, lunch and evening meals are included.

The prize pool is $60,000 including podium prizes, spot prizes, giveaways and $15,000 for the first elite pair.

Entries open on July 1st, 2012 and enquiries can be directed to Duncan Giblin:
0448 599 612
dgiblin3@bigpond.com

So now that I’ve outed myself, let me tell you that if you’re serious about comfort on the bike, the Ground Effect Ringleaders are the bib knicks you want to look at, regardless of your preferred mode of mischief.

My first impression as I pulled them out of the wrapper was that these knicks are designed to last. The attention to detail is excellent and unlike some other recent performance sportswear purchases I’ve made, few if any shortcuts appear to have been taken. Choosing the cheap way out, such as going light on the stitching around the outer edge of the chamois to avoid chafing, has been ditched in favour of the application of careful thought to the design, giving equal weight to durability.

The material used in the construction of the Ringleaders has a matte finish and is soft on the skin. Flat seams have been used throughout the leg and hip area, and are positioned away from problem areas to limit the opportunities for friction and chafing. The “warm machine wash 40C” care instructions are reassuring; “hand wash only” is a phrase I’ve learned to view with suspicion.

New from Ground Effect this year is the “eXo skeletal” pad. It uses 3D anatomical shaping and multiple levels of foam to maximise padding where it’s needed, and remove bulk where it’s not. The raised blue saddle-shaped section of the chamois panel is bonded around the edge instead of sewn to its backing, removing seams completely from a critical area closest to the most vulnerable and chafe-prone part of my inside leg.

In an interesting departure from the rest of the market, the Ringleaders omit the silicone bead leg gripper seen on most midrange-to-premium shorts. Instead they use a double layer of textured lycra that they’ve branded their “Bandolier cuff”. I raised an eyebrow at this initially, however in use I found it moves up no more than my other bibs with silicone grippers, and it’s less restrictive.

The 12-panel cut provides a snug and creaseless anatomical fit which felt reassuringly firm, although not as tight as compression bibs. While tight-ish around the crotch and shoulder area when worn for the first time, I found the sensation disappeared once on the bike.

Flat seams, snug fit, high-tech chamois and other bells and whistles aren’t much use if it doesn’t all stay in place. I’m pleased to report that after a number of wet rides, cold rides, warm rides and long four hour plus rides, there were no creases, no sliding out of position and no bunching up in uncomfortable places.

Initially I was concerned the matte finish on the blue centre padding might be a source of friction, but my fears were baseless. I never once wished I’d applied chamois cream at the start of a ride. In fact the most memorable thing about these bib knicks is that I completely failed to notice them. This is as it should be. Unfortunately it is not as common as it should be, unless you spend a lot of money.

One comment I sometimes hear from bib knicks sceptics is that the additional “singlet” layer on the upper body must make your ride hotter. Yes, there is an element of truth to this. On the other side, though, it’s just not that noticeable and it has never been enough to change my decision to ride or race in bib knicks on a hot day. I’m of the view that on hotter days, with a higher perspiration load, it’s more important than ever to ensure things stay put without sliding around out of position. The Ringleaders do the job perfectly.

As a guide to sizing, I’m a 185cm adult male of about 80kg, and a medium was a good snug fit. Admittedly, my high school nickname was “stick insect”, but if you are a smaller build or female, your sizing options may be a bit limited.

Overall I’m quite impressed with how these shorts have performed. They are the equal of some much more expensive high-end Italian bib knicks I own, and they’re made by our bro’s over the ditch.

Likes:
+ Comfort
+ Fit
+ Solid and durable construction
+ Light enough to wear on a stinking hot day without boiling the radiator
+ Excellent value for money
+ Not available in white

Dislikes:
- They only sent me one pair!
- More size options would suit smaller riders

The Ringleaders Bib Knicks are available online directly from Ground Effect for $179

The Arundel Bicycle Company specialises in bottle cages, but they also offer two types of bar tape: Cork and Gecko. Both are available in black, white, red, blue and yellow. Arundel products are supplied by Artisan Cycles in Albert Park.

Cork bar tapes like the Arundel Cork have been around for a long time. I have often thought about putting on some yellow bar tape to match my frame, but hesitated because of worries about discolouration from my black mitts which seem to stain anything that comes in contact with them. Arundel however, claim their bar tape is easy to clean, so it was time to give the Arundel Cork bar tape in yellow a try.

The guys at Arundel are up front about their products and clearly a bit tongue in cheek, as evidenced by the fitting instructions which say:

8.) Slap the enclosed “finishing tape” on your toolbox, chainstay, bumper etc

9.) Find some nice electrical tape and use it to hold the barwrap in place

Opening the box you find two rolls of tape, two pieces of the above mentioned black finishing tape and two bar end plugs with the Arundel logo of an old stone castle, namely Arundel Castle in West Sussex, England.

The  tape has the Arundel name embossed continuously along one edge so you can choose to wrap the tape to either show or hide the name. I chose to keep the name in view.

There is a narrow adhesive strip along the back that is quite sticky.  The yellow cork tape is very similar to my existing Cinelli cork tape in texture and thickness, possibly a bit thicker although I did not stretch it as much. Like most “cork” tapes it is in fact a foam with cork chunks which gives the lighter coloured tape a slightly speckled look.

Ed. Now this is a Cockpit… we will get Ken to share his secrets of high-tech cycling soon.

Dan from Artisan Cycles warned me that stretching the tape too much can break it and that removing the backing can also cause the adhesive to come off. These problems did not eventuate with the first tape I tried, which went on surprisingly easily. I followed the instructions carefully, apart from points 8 and 9 above. Before starting you need to cut of a short piece to go under the brake levers. The strong adhesive definitely helped to keep the tape in place and I had no problem with removing the backing. As per the instructions I finished off with yellow electrician’s tape. The extra thickness did make it a little harder to get the bar end plugs into place and it was especially tricky to get the logo right way up.

When fitting the second tape I encountered the problem I was warned about with the backing tape.  The backing adheres to the adhesive, which is itself a clear plastic and comes off the bar tape with the backing if you are not careful. I wasn’t and it took me till halfway through the wrap before I realised what had happened. Even so, it made no difference to the ease of wrapping and I just separated the backing from the adhesive and continued

The colour was not a perfect match for my frame but it was near enough and certainly changed the appearance of the bike. On the road I could not discern any difference from the Cinelli tape in either grippiness or softness. It only took a few hours riding in fine weather for the inevitable staining from my mitts to occur, but a quick wipe with a damp sponge was enough to clean off the stains. The speckled look from the cork may also have helped hide any lighter staining but it looked clean to my eye.

The tape got a better workout by accident while I was doing some maintenance and grabbed the handlebars with my greasy hands. Wiping with a damp sponge was not enough, but a spray with mild cleaning liquid and a wipe with a sponge did the job. I had occasion to re-wrap some of the tape and underneath was brighter in colour but without that contrast the discolouration was of no concern.

The Arundel Gecko tape is a new style of tape that that offers a better grip than cork. The Gecko tape is made of foam and polyurethane with a dimpled surface. The one I tested was black and the colour is uniform.

It is a bit thinner than the Cork and feels very different. Interestingly, the Gecko comes with two pieces of bar tape about 8cm long, already cut to fit around the brake levers. The box has the same fitting instructions as the Cork tape and the same warning about the adhesive applies. As with the Cork tape I had no problems wrapping it on.  I took the bike for a longish ride with the Gecko tape on one side and my older tape on the other to provide a direct comparison. The Gecko felt slightly grippier with my gloves on, but the real difference was when I was riding bare handed. In the drops, putting some power down, I found the feel of the Gecko grip to be very comfortable and easier to maintain a tight hold of.

Only time will tell whether the Gecko retains its grip, but for now I’d say the Gecko tape adds another level of comfort, especially when you need to pull on the bars under power, such as when you’re climbing.

Arundel bar tape is available through artisanonline.com.au. Both the Cork and Gecko tapes are $21.95 RRP

BWA is calling for more State Government funding to be released from the Perth Parking Fund to inprove cycling infrastructure including end-of-trip facilities in CBD workplaces. BWA is also working with the City of Perth to finalise it’s bicycle plan and highlight cycling routes around the CBD that will make cycle commuting more attractive.

More information from www.bwa.org.au

The Spring Classics: Cycling’s Greatest One-Day Races is a visually spectacular large format hard cover, a “coffee-table book”, that will appeal to all cyclists, but particularly to those who love the classics. Actually, the book covers more than just the classics, it really covers “the monuments” of cycling and it doesn’t restrict itself to spring classics either.

The book looks in depth at well known races such as Paris-Roubaix, Milan-San Remo and Liege-Bastogne-Liege, as well as some less well known races and races that are no longer run, such as Bordeaux-Paris (which famously had a motor paced section) and Paris-Brest-Paris (which was once won by our own Sir Hubert Opperman). It’s written by several writers from L’Equipe, every cyclist’s favourite French sporting newspaper and contains hundreds of photos, in colour and black and white, covering more than a century of cycling.

The Spring Classics is not really a book to be read, it’s one to look at. It contains many quotes from cyclists, directeurs sportifs, and other relevant commentators and this adds immensely to the enjoyment of the book but, in general, the other writing is a bit of a let down. I don’t know if it’s because the writers are journalists or whether the French just wasn’t translated with the same spirit in which it was written, but the text doesn’t do it for me. It’s not that it’s badly written, it just doesn’t hit you with the impact as the photos.

The photos are what will bring you back to this book for years to come. Unlike the more widely known multi-week tours, the one day races covered in this book are all make or break races and that’s what makes them special. There are no gentle stages and there is no riding just to make sure you don’t lose time in the overall standings. When the race begins you know there is going to be a victory that day. The photos capture all of it – the pain, the effort, the joy, the luck…the everything of the races. It’s hard to describe in words (maybe that’s why the text fails), but the photos do an ample job. The text is merely something to occupy your eyes while your brain digests the images.

The Spring Classics is a relatively expensive book, but it’s one that you’ll look through for many years to come. I suppose it’s going to get more expensive when you realise that this book has a companion volume focussing on the Paris-Roubaix and that this is the start of a series of similar eye popping encyclopaedias of European cycling. At least now you’ll know what to say when someone asks what they can buy you for your birthday.

You can buy The Spring Classics: Cycling’s Greatest One-Day Races by Philippe Bouvet, Phillipe Brunel, Pierre Callewaert, Jean-Luc Gatellier, Serge Laget from Woodslane books for $69.95. Woodslane specialise in the types of books you’ll like, covering most areas of cycling as well as many other outdoor activities.

Check out some of the other books we’ve reviewed on BNA, such as Andy Pruitt’s Complete Medical Guide for Cyclists, Italian Racing Bicycles and Racing Weight.

The courses will take the riders past the Tweed Coast beaches, over the Burringbar Mountain Range and through the winding valleys of northern New South Wales. Each course has been designed so  riders can enjoy the views offered by the biggest erosion caldera in the southern hemisphere, over thousand meters deep and over forty kilometres in diameter.

As a charity event, all funds raised go to Heart Kids which helps to raise awareness and provide treatments for children affected by Childhood Heart Disease (CHD).

Entry fees range from $49 to $99 (depending on the distance). More information and entry via 07 3124 6099 or www.qsmsports.com