Relaxed geometry for riding.

This is how I like my riding, slow and steady. Like my mascot on my TSR:) 

I like steel bikes 

After riding and writing about cycling for over 5 years, I have an idea of what my personal riding style and the bikes I like.
To be frank, it wasn't really a deliberate scientific rational planning but an organic free flow way of things just happening. And also ...ahemmm a very supportive wife:) 
I like Velo Orange and Rivendell approach. They are simply old skool bike geometry. Much more upright cycling with long wheel base. Key is relaxed, non-competitive and low/non tech. Recycle if possible.  We have a Chinese term for this. Its called 慢慢骑 

These are thumbies or thumb shifters. They work irregardless of whatever speeds cluster (7-10speed) as they use friction rather then SIS(index shifting)

They are almost extinct but u can still find it here 

Not a glam thing but it really helps to know whats coming from the rear. I think they are more important then helmets 

Usually the bicycles are made of  Steel or Chromoly which is heavy compared to carbon. But their defense, they dampen road vibrations pretty very well. Also they are quite robust. Some times we would experience a bike drop on the floor due to careless positioning when leaning on a curb or wall. 
Steel bikes also wear well with age and develop a patina with regular use. I am a product designer by training and this is something which I feel that most modern products have failed miserably. Modern products just don't wear well.
Now, this entry is not about dissing off the folks who want to go fast or love carbon. It's different strokes for different folks. I am just sharing what works with me. Here goes... 

My fleet of steel horses

As with all cyclists, it start with one bike and then the "fleet" will slowly grow. I don't know why but they do...else, you are not trying hard enough" ha ha. 
There are subtle ride differences in the ride quality and yet some how they feel also similar. So I took out 4 bikes in random and try to do some quantitative study. The bikes are 
1) 1990s Trek 930 with a surly LHT fork

Looking ready for a tour. Rigged up with Top Peak rear, Carradice Pendle and Tubus Tara front. 

Really nice Nitto front rack which u can put a safety kit or rain jacket

Wide bars by Velo orange  

2) Late 80s Old Road bike NOB 

My first bike I bought using my holiday work as a book shop assistant. Its being Singled speed-ed by Lynten 

You sure can touch this!

3) Tokyo Bike 

Birthday present by Wife and the basket helps me "tar bao" dinner. The front pouch holds my wallet and phone. 

Rattan basket is from some hamper which I recycled 

4) Alex Moulton TSR

Propriety front rack and Beach road canvas bag with DIY Beeswax waterproofing. 

Road bars installed by Rebound Centre, previously was a mustache bar 

As scientific as it can get from me

measure and check....

I took 3 basic measurements to understand my bikes. 
A) Reach- from Seat tip to steering stem
B)  Handle height 
C) Seat height 
What I found out is they are very similar with I measured! 
No wonder I felt Tokyo bike felt abit too short. The seat was lower compared with the rest of my bikes.
This measurements would be also very useful when u bring ur bike overseas and u need to dismantle them for easier packing. 

I also love the quote by Velo Orange which sums up what I feel on cycling.  

Chill and ride. Learning from the best of the best how to drink kopi ( uncle KC) 

"Most cyclists don't race, yet they ride uncomfortable racing bikes and try to go too fast and so miss much of the world around them. Our emphasis is on a more relaxed and comfortable style of riding, and on refined bikes that are comfortable on a century ride, an inn-to-inn tour, or even on a ramble down your favorite dirt road.
Chris Founder-President Velo Orange"
I know this kind of riding will never be main stream as say road riding. There is simply no commercial intent big enough to do do. This is why I share my opinion on my blog and hight light this small sub-cycling culture. 
Hope one day you could also try out this relaxed type of riding someday. See yah! 

Slow cycling Taiwan

This is Mr Li 林惠忠 who shares about slow riding movement in Taiwan. Its not just slow speed but being comfortable with just "rambling" around. Being able to enjoy the environment and the company of others.  What a kindred spirit!

Video Transcript in English
Mr Li says
Why u cycle on the PCN ? There is no traffic light. Its faster, in terms of time but not because I cycle very fast. When you drive, you need to find a parking spot. If you take a bus/MRT, you might have to switch to another bus or MRT line. It takes up precious time.
Also by cycling, I found out that I can talk to strangers on the road. Its a nice feeling to say "halow" loudly as we meet on the streets. I found the "humanness" in the big city. A simple smile and "good morning" . When I cycle home, its my most enjoyable moment. Everyday! When the sun sets, you put away ur daily stress and tiredness... just cycle slowly home.  Looking at the ever changing views. There is no one. Its quiet but its a nice precious moment. You are relaxed and at home with yourself.
Taiwan is a beautiful island. We should use the bicycle to understand her more.  I went to many countries to cycle and I still feel Taiwan is the most beautiful.  When I shared my slides, now in power point. Many people will ask me "where's this place"? All will guess every places... but it is actually in Taiwan!  Their faces would have that incredulous look.."how can that be possible??? I cycle there before but I have never seen it"
Mr Li smiles... "because you have been cycling too fast!!!"  The mentality need to adjust. To slow down. When you slow down... everything is easier.....
Mr Li perspective of cycling.
Cycling is to relax yourself. Don't be so caught up with speed nor the distance. Don't just be in a hurry to get it over and done with.  There are cyclists who are too "uptight" . It feels more like a competitive sports. I think its a real pity. We are not competitive athletes. Cycling is more than that.  I have 8 important words I live by.  "Slow cycle, Slow life, happy ride, happy living".  (慢骑，慢活，乐骑，乐活)
Not just cycling slowly and finding the shortest distance. But when you slow down, its becomes much much more easier to look up and appreciate the nature and the environment.  That's the most important element of slow cycle.  And then perhaps you will ask yourself..."what's the hurry? " and slowly embrace slow living. This is the foundation of "happy cycling" 乐骑. The route you plan is comfortable, is easy and then this becomes "easy living" 乐活. Lohas. Simple life!
Cycling is a simple thing. To understand the benefits... just go and cycle!
The Five senses
We are different from animals. We have senses. We can see, we can hear, we can smell, We can touch... and we can feel.
Heart! The cool thing in cycling is that we use all the senses and we can smell the rice fields, the cigarette smoke, the rippling of the water flowing. When the wind blows and sand hit your face. You can really feel and know that its painful.
Using your heart. We are rational creatures. We always have things we should do or not do. But when we cycle, the logical part of the mind is shelved. We use our heart to feel the place, together with the variuous senses.  And relax.... this is when you will realised. Its not where you go...every place is ok! Its a special feeling!
Mr li introduces Jin shan... and the places to see.. and to eat. Not too long distance.  Very LCSG style!  A motley crew and electic collection of bikes.