Gear

This week I have had some issues with my bike. A buckled front rim from the Lake Hayes Tri, a graunching noise in the bottom bracket, noisey brakes and the replacement of a front shifter that was replaced under warantee. I have bought all my bike gear from Cycle Surgery (Dunedin) and I get my repairs done there too. The guys are really helpful and friendly and Goughy usually does me a good deal on parts and accessories. I especially like that Emma takes an interest in my training whenever she sees me in the store and the fact that she remembers my name.

I have a 2009 Scott Speedster S40 and I like it a lot. Apart from the seat, the only things that I have changed are the wheels. Goughy traded in the factory wheels and $200 for a set of entry level Mavics and I am astounded at the difference. I am also astounded at the difference a descent set of tyres has made to the ride.

I am not a slave to the latest gear or the newest gadget but I am happy to spend good money on gear that is functional and that I really need. This week I bought a new seat for my bike as I am sick of my neather regions going numb or my little fella falling off (not literally, but it certainly feels like it sometimes) after about an hour on the bike. So far all of my cycling clothing is second hand (thanks to Michael) or old and none of it has any logos or labels. I am always on the lookout for a good deal on clothing on Torpedo7. Its an awesome site and the deals are great, but I haven't found quite what I am looking for at the moment. I've bought a pump and some lights there so far, but I buy most of my gear from the Cycle Surgery because I appreciate the advice and the fact that I can take it back straight away if it doesn't work.

My wetsuit cost me $99 and is fine for keeping me warm, but it weighs a ton with all of the water that it holds. Its not really designed as a swimming wet suit, but it'll do for the moment. In spring, I'll get a new one in the spring when things warm up and I am able to hit the harbour again some open water swims.

My wish list/gear list for the rest of the year is as follows:

• A couple of pairs of cycling shorts
• Another pair of bib shorts
• Some thermal gear for winter
• A proper triathlon wetsuit
• A trisuit (when I have lost enough weight to not look like an overstuffed sausage)
• Aerobars
• A Garmin Forerunner 310XT GPS watch (This really is wishlist material and it is the one exception to my 'no flashy gadgets' rule).

I am just really lucky that Carleen is fully behind this and that she is happy to have me spend a reasonably sizable amount of money in the lead up to Challenge Wanaka. Thanks, Carleen!