| Most bicyclists know without a doubt when we are | | | | rearward, the rider is moving downhill. |
| climbing or descending hills, especially the steeper ones. | | | | However, these floating-ball compasses only provide |
| Not only can we tell by sight, but we can feel the | | | | course readings of slope inclines, although its |
| differing peddling pressures in our legs. Yet, under | | | | gyroscopic-like tilts might be easier to view with the |
| certain weather, wind, or physical conditions, the | | | | larger spheres. Their main advantage is showing the |
| gradual inclines can be more difficult to detect and | | | | bicyclist both the directional and larger-incline readings |
| adjust to on distance rides. Here are two inexpensive | | | | at the same time. |
| ways to estimate or keep track of the lesser inclines | | | | 2. Spirit-level core (large floating bubble liquid-sealed |
| on lengthy bike rides. | | | | within a small tube having midway markings). |
| 1. Floating sphere/ball compass (1 to 1-1/16" diameter). | | | | For a more sensitive indicator of lesser slope inclines, |
| - Purchase a bike-ready floating-in-fluid-ball compass | | | | the spirit-level works best. |
| set within an insulated metal ping-ringer. This model has | | | | - Purchase a mini- or chalk-line type on the Internet or |
| a built-on handlebar mount. Mount it directly to the | | | | at a local hardware store. |
| handlebars if desired, which can take up space from | | | | - Trim the outer plastic mounting down to near its tube |
| other items, like, a computer or headlight. It can also | | | | core for easy mounting. |
| look amateurish. | | | | - Mount it parallel to the top or side of the bicycle's |
| - Or, pull the ball portion out from its ping-ringer frame, | | | | crossbar with an air-drying caulk or glue. |
| and then caulk or glue it partway into the hollowed-out | | | | - If necessary, wrap tape all the way around the |
| end of a handlebar grip if no magnetic interference is | | | | crossbar and the level's ends for extra holding |
| present there. This mounting is out of the way and less | | | | strength. |
| bulky. | | | | Because this device is sensitive to slight changes of |
| - Wrap black plastic tape around the end of the grip to | | | | position or gradient, its mounting attachment must be |
| cover only the glued part of the compass shell. That is, | | | | rigid. Otherwise, the spirit level itself will change position |
| leave the floating apex in the compass visible. | | | | on it own, which will ruin the readings. Yet, once |
| Because the entire ball in this kind of compass floats | | | | mounted firmly, it detects the slightest incline or gradient |
| horizontally within its transparently liquid-sealed outer | | | | easily. Of course, this spirt level must be mounted while |
| shell, its apex floats straight up. Sometimes, this apex is | | | | the bicycle is standing in a level position. |
| noted by a small bubble atop the floating ball. Thus, any | | | | Also, while bicycling, the rider will want to stop or coast |
| shift in the direction of the floating apex from a | | | | slowly to take a reading. The force from peddling a |
| marked reference point atop the outer shell indicates a | | | | moving bicycle will affect the position of the level's |
| shift from being level. If the apex moves forward from | | | | bubble. Also, this bubble will breakup when riding on |
| that point or mark, the rider is going uphill. If it moves | | | | bumpy or rough surfaces. |