I Live In Japan

It's official. I have left Southern California and I now live in Japan!

I am about 45 minutes North East of Tokyo in Chiba. I'll be here for 2-3 weeks while I find another apartment in Shin-Yokohama. Yokohama is about 30 minutes south of central Tokyo.

Things to do today...

Open bank account

Buy cell phones

&

Find all my luggage...

As soon as I get a second I'll explain how bad TSA can be. Yesterday's trip from LAX to Narita was one of the worst on record. Flight was amazing and Narita is the best - LAX TSA seriously need to get their shit together and stop ruining everyone's lives.

-ADVeveryday

Ticking Clock...

T-Minus 36 Hours...

My life changes in 36 hours.  I will board Singapore Air bound for Narita, Japan.  Important stuff is packed.  Ya know, carbon bike bits, kit, etc.  Hah!  Strapped the #Cervelo S5 in the Bike Box Alan today.  I was a bit geeky about it.  Watched the online video step by step - it's how I do it.  Took a bit but now I know.

It all strapped in perfect.  I am not a big fan of laying the frame derailleur side down but at this point I'll roll the dice.  Out of time and energy...  I talked to a few people that have this box and they didn't have issues.  For good measure I wrapped the important bits in a bit of bubble wrap and protected the frame where the straps connect.

My only criticism is the wheel cutout sections.  I have Mavic Cosmic Carbone SLR's and the deep section carbon wheels (often found on tri-bikes, etc.) don't clear properly at the crossover point between the 2 wheels where the anti-crush pole meets the box.  I protected the wheels and spokes with some more bubble wrap.  Ya, maybe the parts can take a beating but that's not how I prep for over-seas travel.

Took a quick snap of the bike in the box and the layout I used to keep things safe.  The bike is a 2013 Cervelo S5, 2013 Mavic Cosmic Carbone SLR's, and a 2013 Bike Box Alan.

Dear TSA Gods - please don't destroy my bike.  Thank you.

Cervelo Saga Part 2

My super awesome mechanic called back today after he talked to the regional Cervelo rep that came in. The rep has decided to push it up the ladder a notch and contact Phil White. Whaa???  

Phil White is one of the creators of Cervelo. For whatever reason cervelo wanted this bike back anyway once they heard about this ongoing issue. They don't get my back until I have a new one at the shop waiting for me.  Because the issue has grown to a quality control inquiry on their end the rep is talking to Phil about sending out another (3rd) frame to fix this problem. 

At this point I would really like @cervelo two step up and some how apologize for all this. New frame in the mail today is expected but it would be good of them to send out an upgrade like a VWD as an apology.  We'll see what happens and I'll update you then!

Harajuku

If you find yourself in Harajuku (ish) make sure you go down the street, around the store, down the alley, cross at the light and turn left, then go down the other alley, and slide the little wooden door open.

Smash It In

This is how you smash your cycling and camping gear into 1/2 of a Japanese suitcase...

Tent, sleeping bag, 4 tires, vans, cycle shoes, camping pillow

2 more tires, Oakley bag and cleaners, Olympus OMD-EM5, Hammer Towels, Toms

More to come - this is just the beginning...

New Kicks for Travel

When packing for Japan remember... Everything name brand that you may take advantage of in the USA costs double there... Stock up before you leave!

Did some shopping over the weekend for shoes.  I don't wear Vans exclusively but I wanted these!  They normally come in only a red and white combo.  These are some kind of "Chili Pepper" combination.  If you say so - they're mine now!

Vans fit true to size.  I am a dead on 9.0 US

For the next round... I like Toms.  Toms is a shoe company that donates 1:1 for every pair you buy.  Have I ever seen a person in need actually wearing them?  Well, no, but no matter really - I like them.  This is the one style I buy and they are some of the most comfy shoes I have ever worn.

Cervelo Saga

So.... Quick background.  I am on a 2013 Cervelo S5.  It's a phenomenal bike.  Top notch.  If it would only stop making noise in the bottom bracket...

My bike shop / mechanic where I got it has truly gone to war on this one.  He's good.  Really good.  Top level race mechanic and has a vast background - I trust him.  I am currently on my 2nd S5 frame from Cervelo.  For the same problem...  The damned BBright bottom bracket won't stop clicking / creaking / making noise.  Ya, carbon bikes make a bit of noise, but it can almost always be silenced.  That is the name of the game with top end bikes.  The more technology you pack into them - the more tweaking they require.

Cervelo offered up a fix a month ago.  Their partner in dev, Rotor, developed a new bottom bracket bearing system called the Rotor Press Fit 4630 Bottom Bracket that eliminates the absolutely ridiculous plastic cup system that Cervelo thought would be a good idea.  The solution seemed to work.  For about 20 miles.  On Rotor's defense the entire bottom end really did feel better.  Stiffer and more efficient for sure.  I am not a Tour de France rider but I know my bike and how I pedal.  It was a good step forward.  But WTF to the noise that won't go away?!

Mechanic isolated the noise to the spindle in the crank set.  Ripped that out, Rotor warrantied it, sound disappeared for another 20 miles then came back just as bad - maybe worse.

So mechanic calls today.  Cervelo wants the frame - in Canada.  Um, I leave for Japan in 2 weeks!?  Mechanic wasn't having any of this either so he is on the case.  USA Western regional rep comes in tomorrow and I feel bad for him.

The bike is stellar.  Fast, stiff, light, and honestly I really like it!  Just get rid of the effin' bottom bracket noise and I will be a happy cyclist!!!

I'll keep everyone posted on this one as I am sure there are others out there with this issue.  Before this I was on a 2013 Cervelo S2.  Guess what?  No noise!  

This is the last thing I need before I travel half way around the world.  Bags are half way packed, Bike Box Alan is ready to party, and I am dealing with frame warranty BS.  

As a side note this has been an issue from DAY ONE.  This isn't a result of neglect or build.  It is specific to this model.  Please @cervelo do the right thing and sort out this BBright madness!