I'm often asked this question by cyclists and triathletes about to purchase a new bike. (Note: A step back for non-riders-unlike the bikes sold at Toys R Us, REI, Sports Authority, and other general sporting goods stores, specialty bike shops allow for picking/choosing various parts and accessories to add to the bike frame. The most important decision relates to the gearing/shifting/drive-train mechanisms as these parts along with human power make the bike go (and stop). "Dura Ace" is the Japanese manufacturer Shimano's top-of-the-line group. "Ultegra" is considered a notch down in quality...but is it? Typically the conversation goes something like this:

Q: So I'm looking at dropping $1500 to $3000 on a new bike and I'm wondering whether to save some money and go with a Shimano Ultegra group or spend the extra $800 and go all out on Dura Ace?

A: Obviously, if cost is not an issue for you, then go with Dura Ace. It is a better product. But, if cost isn't an issue why aren't you looking at a $10,000 Pinarello, Colnago, or BMC? $800 (DA runs about $1700 and Ultegra $900) is a lot of money to most riders - especially when there are always other cool bike accessories to spend cash on: Better wheels, aerobars, sadde...or even plane and hotel fare for your next event.

Despite the many marketing claims of superiority, the primary difference between Dura Ace and Ultegra is weight. The DA group weighs approximately 300 grams less than Ultegra. About the same weight as a roll of quarters or a box of dozen donuts (if the latter is more familiar to you, ease up on the Long Johns).

Even if we give Shimano the benefit of the doubt that the drivetrain shifts a bit smoother than Ultegra, I simply disagree that the upgrade to DA is worth $800 for those on a budget. A half-pound of weight is miniscule on a percentage basis when considering the overall weight of the bike and even smaller still when including the rider's weight. A rider of 130 lbs. plus a bike that weighs 15 lbs. means that the half-pound of added weight comprises only a third of a percent (i.e., less than one percent) weight differential. Obviously, the weight differential decreases even more for heavier riders-in both cases, an insignificant and unnoticeable amount.

Q: But what about DA's functionality - won't it shift easier and help me go faster?

A: I continue to ride bikes with both set ups and it's very difficult for me to appreciate the difference when I shift, brake, pedal, etc. I'm sure there is a slight difference, but while riding, the hundredths-of-seconds while shifting and the ease of pedaling is imperceptible to me. I don't believe you'll notice a difference either. And look at it this way, if you beat your buddies to the top of a climb, you can always rub it in a little more by exclaiming that you did it with "inferior" components!

Skyrocketing gas prices should help motivate you to participate in this year's Bike to Work Day-- Friday, May 16th.

I know it's not practical for some folks to bike to work, but then make a point to use your bike on Friday for something. Leave the car in the garage and instead ride two wheels to the market...to your yoga class...to your health club...to your kid's baseball game...somewhere.

Recreational cycling is certainly on the rise in this country. Commuting on two wheels is the next step. If only our cities' bike racks looked like Amsterdam's:

Just be certain not to get carried away on your commute -- ride safely:

And don't be afraid to wear your biz attire:

Ahhh, getting money back from Uncle Sam...it's a rare occurrence and always difficult to deposit and save for a rainy day. If you're considering spending that rebate on beefing up, or should I say, slimming down your bike for a quicker 2 wheel split, here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. First, Go Aero

If you don't yet have an aero bar on your bike, buy one. The snake-like apparatus will help you shave more time off of your split than any other bike part. A horizontal back position is crucial to a fast ride. Good options range from $100 up to $400. I suggest spending the $100, and saving the other $300 for new wheels. The best reason to buy aero bars first is that they'll save you time on any type of course-flat, hills, windy, you name it.

2. Race Wheels

This is a tougher purchase to make because race wheels are very expensive. If you only have enough money for one, a disc wheel on the rear or a deep dish for the front will provide about the same amount of time savings on a flat course. If you're lucky enough to be able to afford the set, figure that your new weapons of speed will make you about 60 to 90 seconds quicker over 25 miles. If you have visions of qualifying for the Ironman World Championships, buy a 4-spoke, 3-spoke, or deep dish for the rear instead of a disc-the strong crosswinds make riding a rear disc dangerous and prohibited in Kona.

3. Losing weight vs. getting more aero

Some riders believe that shaving weight off the bike is more advantageous than getting more aero. They're mistaken. Here's a great analysis from wheel manufacturer HED (Lance's wheel of choice):

"Assume a rider uses a conventional bike over a 25 mile flat course time trial. He weighs 150 lb, his bike is another 20 lb, and he is producing 185 watts of power. The aero drag with this scenario would be approximately 6.5 lb using aero bars into a 2 mph headwind of between 0 and 5 degrees. With his standard bike, our rider's time would be around 1 hour 7 minutes and 38 seconds. If we reduced the weight of his bike by three pounds, that time would come down by just 3 seconds. However, swap the wheels to an aero design and the drag could be reduced to 6 lb. Even with the additional quarter pound weight of the new wheels, his time saving over 25 miles jumps dramatically to over 1 minute 30 seconds. No contest."

Walking out the front door this morning, I noticed our car had a flat tire. The nearest gas station to our house with an air pump is about two miles away. The closest Discount Tire shop is located approximately four miles from our house. I've changed enough car tires over the years to know that while the process isn't complicated, it still takes a good 20-30 minutes from start to finish for jacking, removing the lugs, pulling out the spare, replacing the tire, tightening it up and putting away all of the equipment...time that I didn't have due to a morning meeting.

I contemplated driving the two miles to the gas station on the flat, but backing out the driveway and hearing the custom rim grrrrind on the concrete wasn't very encouraging.

Instead, I decided to try and fill the tire with air using my Specialized Air Tool bike pump.

I had heard of people re-filling their car tires with bike pumps, but never experienced the need or situation to try. I was surprised how simple the filling process was. I locked the pump onto the tire valve and started pumping--just like I would for a bike tire. It took about 60-70 pumps, but the air went in easily and I was able to get 40 psi (the tire's maximum psi is 50) forced inside after about 5 minutes (much quicker than messing with the spare). I tossed my bike pump into the trunk just in case I needed to refill and drove to my meeting without further problems.

Later in the day I drove to Discount Tire (on the same air) and had the faulty tire replaced.

So, keep your bike pump in mind as a useful alternative air source for temporary fills. You'll need a Schrader head on your pump as auto tires are not built with presta valves. Some pumps, like the Specialized I have are dual-headed (i.e., they work on both valves).

Final thought: When replacing automobile tires, consider paying a little extra for free tire replacement programs. For $20, Discount Tire will replace any tires damaged from potholes (look for lumps on the sidewall) for free.

No, it's not a new running drill to add to your high-knee lifts and long strides. Here's a new approach to creating a healthy work and learning environment: midrise office buildings without elevators--or more accurately, without elevators that stop on every floor. At the Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art (a Lower Manhattan private college), a new academic building slated to open in January 2009 will introduce students, faculty and visitors, to "skip-stop" elevators.

Though the building will offer classrooms and offices among 9 storys, its elevator will "skip" most floors and "stop" on only the 5th and 8th levels. Guess why? Yep, to not so gently compel an impromptu stair workout--I love it! But something tells me that coeds with classes on the 3rd floor will "skip" the WALK up and instead opt for a ride to 5, and an easier walk down.

The architect, Morphosis of Santa Monica, California, states that a freight elevator also will be available to comply with federal disability laws.

Last month I had to fly from San Diego to Colorado Springs. In the past, this trip required at least one layover. But on this occasion I was excited at the prospect of getting from the Pacific Ocean to "The Springs" directly in two hours. Thanks to Express Jet Airlines (full disclosure: we contribute content to their in-flight mag), non-stop trips to second-tier cities such as Colorado Springs, Spokane, Omaha and Oklahoma City are now available from large cities throughout the U.S.

I'll take a direct route over a layover any day of the week, but without yet flying on ExpressJet I was curious how their service would stack up against the competition. My verdict? While a few features of the plane take some getting used to, I enjoyed my experience and highly recommend putting Express Jet on your radar.

Express Jet flies 50-passenger planes - most carriers fly these regional jets to/from short destinations - eg, San Diego to Phoenix, etc., but EJ's entire fleet is limited to this size plane. Not to be confused with a prop plane, the jets are smooth and quiet. However, the seats are narrow and leg room is less than on a 737. Seats are arranged with one on the aisle's left side and two seats on the right. If you're traveling alone, try to snag a single seat on the left and you'll enjoy a little more room. The backs recline somewhat and the chairs are leather padded.

Due to the plane's smaller size, only one flight attendant is on board. I found that they hustle through the cabin and provide excellent service with a smile. It might take a few more seconds for them to respond to your "call button" than first-class service, but remember you're not paying for that privilege. Complimentary snacks and soft drinks are offered-a turkey sandwich and cookies-not necessary, but a nice touch.

By far, the best feature of flying on ExpressJet is the availability of XM satellite radio. Listening to a baseball playoff game on the way home was awesome! Not to mention that it made the ride fly by-pun intended. Even if a major sporting event isn't scheduled, passengers can enjoy what seems like a limitless number of audio channels. I had to keep referring to the channel guide to review the numerous options.

Bottom Line: Have no reservation about making a reservation on Express Jet. They're definitely here to stay.