Search found 223 matches

by noonoosdad
3 Jan 2010, 1:43pm
Forum: On the road
Topic: Some Bafoon Motorist writing in our Local Free Paper
Replies: 11
Views: 1362

Some Bafoon Motorist writing in our Local Free Paper

Came across this Letter written to the Editor of our local Free Paper, The Wirral Globe.....
Here's the link to the rantings of this complete Idiot...
http://www.wirralglobe.co.uk/yoursay/wi ... commuters/
Makes one's blood boil !
by noonoosdad
28 Jul 2009, 10:12am
Forum: Campaigning & Public Policy
Topic: Cycle to Work Scheme....
Replies: 5
Views: 651

Cycle to Work Scheme....

Great News - my employer (Emergency Service, better not say which one), after much careful consideration is introduce the scheme to all its employees. However, not such great news when you read the small print. They are allowing a maximum of a measly £500 to cover the cost of a cycle and equipment ? - Quite a clever way to put people off bothering to fill in the forms and I have no doubt that this corrupt government have had a hand in this ! :roll:
by noonoosdad
3 Jul 2009, 2:16pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Squeeky Brakes ?
Replies: 3
Views: 329

Re: Squeeky Brakes ?

Thanks for the link to the Thread...

Have now managed to solve the problem. I took all the Brake Blocks off and gave them a thoroughclean with Methylated Spirit then a slight rub down with fine Sandpaper. I also cleaned the wheel rims with Methylated Spirit. Replaced the Brake Blocks and Hey Presto, sorted....no more Squealing !
by noonoosdad
2 Jul 2009, 11:51am
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Squeeky Brakes ?
Replies: 3
Views: 329

Squeeky Brakes ?

I fiited new brake blocks to my cycle about 8 weeks ago and they are still squealing like the preverbial 'Piggy' ! when applied, so much so that it's becoming a bit embarrassing and drawing alot of unwanted attention.
I've tried cleaningt the rims all to no avail. Is there any tips out there please ?
by noonoosdad
30 May 2009, 9:26am
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Puncture protection for 700 tyres
Replies: 35
Views: 3424

Re: Puncture protection for 700 tyres

:D Probably better off with a decent tyre like the Schwalbe Marathon Plus. I've recently replaced my excellent but now worn of Maxis Overdrive for these tyres. So far , so good.
Also, don't forget to keep those pressures to a maximum to stop any foreign bodies getting in.
by noonoosdad
26 May 2009, 3:29pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Trains from Liverpool to Chester??
Replies: 5
Views: 600

Re: Trains from Liverpool to Chester??

:D Hi Manx Cat,

I know these trains very well and they are Cycle friendly. The Train service is run by Merseyrail, part of which is underground in the City and over on the Wirral in Birkenhead. The Wirral Line has a circular route which coming from the Wirral (under the river) stops at James Street, then Moorfields, Lime Street (Main Rail Station), Central then starts heading back towards the Wirral stopping again at James Street - Crosses under the Mersey. There are actually three Wirral Line directions to head in, those are New Brighton, West Kirby or the one you want, Chester - they are clearly marked on the front of the trains. The journey takes about 45 mins from Liverpool. The train carriages are really good having wide doors where cyclists can get on and off and stand with their machines during the journey. Like most train journeys, best to avoid peak times.
Here's the link to the Merseytravel site which features a 'Journey Planner' to help you get an idea of timings etc http://www.merseytravel.gov.uk/

Hope this helps
by noonoosdad
23 May 2009, 10:26am
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Bike to Work - anyone implemented it?
Replies: 11
Views: 851

Re: Bike to Work - anyone implemented it?

:D Can I just wish to comment on this 'Cycle to Work Scheme'.

It is so refreshing to hear that such a scheme is gaining momentum and appears to be growing in popularity. Hopefully
towns and cities in the UK may soon resemble those in the Netherlands and Denmark.

I work for one of the Emergency services and following a poll of interest my Emplyer has decided to offer the scheme to its staff. Unfortunately, I will have retired after 30 years service shortly and will not be able to participate. I already own a decent cycle and regularly commute to work by this means.
by noonoosdad
23 May 2009, 10:13am
Forum: On the road
Topic: Saddlebag contents
Replies: 29
Views: 2798

Re: Saddlebag contents

In my Pannier/Bag I carry the following :

1 x Pair Waterproof Overtrousers Lightweight
1 x Pair Overshoes
1 x Waterproof Helmet Cover Bright Yellow
1 x Tool kit comprising : Spare Inner Tubes, Tyre Levers, Small Adjustable Spanner, Pair of Latex Gloces,
Multi-Tool,'Headlight' for seeing in dark
Set of spare batteries for cycle lights and MP3 player
Cycle Lock
If I'm going work, my 'Scoff' ! :D
by noonoosdad
14 May 2009, 10:16am
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: bike safety thinking of getting a bike
Replies: 16
Views: 1028

Re: bike safety thinking of getting a bike

:D Firstly, Well Done You !

The main thing is, you are not alone and it is very encouraging that more and more people are turning back to Cycling for a number of reasons.

Riding on the pavement is a definate No-No ! - For one thing it is illegal and you could be fined and the other is that it is dangerous for pedestrians. Riding on official cycle paths is obviously fine and there seem to be more and more sprouting all over the place. The one thing that really winds me up are Cycle Paths which have a line down the centre to designate Pedestrians and Cyclists. Quite regularly I have to sound my approach when some Muppet is walking on the Cycle lane and then they give me a dirty look ?

As you haven't ridden a cycle for a long time it is very sensible to practice in a place other than the road. Simple things like ballance play an important part. Once you are confident consider contacting your Local Authority who will be able to put you in touch with Cycle Trainers. There is no reason to feel silly about asking for help and it can be really helpful when it comes to negotiating junctions, signalling etc. etc.

Best of Luck !
by noonoosdad
29 Apr 2009, 12:35pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Puncture resistant tyres
Replies: 13
Views: 2180

Re: Puncture resistant tyres

:D I've recently changed my Maxis Overdrive Tyres which were supplied with my new Giant Hybrid last year. They had covered approx 1,000 miles but both had shards of glass buried deep into the rubber and were cutting up against ther inner lining. This gave me the excuse to purchase 2 of Schwalbe Marathon Plus Smartguard Tyres 700 x 35mm.
I wouldn't say that they are 'difficult' to fit just a bit a tricky. They seem to have a a beaded rim which sits inside the wheel rim, one just has to keep feeding it around the wheel till it pops into place.
As regards weight, I was pleasantly surprised to feel that they they aren't so heavy and if anything they roll along faster than my previous tyres.
Touch wood, no punctures yet. As with all tyres, I think it very important to ensure that the tyres are inflated to their maximum pressures and alwaus use a floor pump.
by noonoosdad
28 Apr 2009, 10:44am
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: opening a shop
Replies: 17
Views: 1338

Re: opening a shop

:D People have more time and less money and so they're looking at a lot of DIY options.

Another possibility to consider is if you're selling bikes, recycle old ones. Give them a new lease of life with some paint and new parts. The more creative you are the more attractive they will be. See http://www.freshtripe.co.uk for examples.


Now that's a cracking idea ! :D
by noonoosdad
27 Apr 2009, 2:22pm
Forum: On the road
Topic: My first commute in the rain
Replies: 21
Views: 1568

Re: My first commute in the rain

:D Cycling in the Rain......I have cycled to work in some quite apalling conditions. The worst was in the Summer of 2007 when the U.K. must have endured one of the wettest July and Augusts for some time.
When it's what I would call 'Stair-rodding-it' down I wear my Dhb waterproof jacket, my Dhb overtrousers, overshoes and my Helmet cover. This keeps everything dry for my 6.5 mile commute. Admitedly one can become a bit more sweaty under this all but certainly not cold which I think is the trick. There is nothing worse that being cold and wet.

My theory is not to let the Weather stop you going out and enjoying yourself !
by noonoosdad
27 Apr 2009, 2:15pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: opening a shop
Replies: 17
Views: 1338

Re: opening a shop

We are constantly being 'bombarded' by the Media telling us that the Country is in a deep recession etc etc....blah, blah, blah......but strangely certain businesses seem to be doing rather well. Yesterday (Sunday), my son and I visited our local Garden Centre and couldn't believe how crowded it was - they seemed to be doing a 'booming' business particularly in the 'Grown your own' Veg department etc.
If you think that there is a need for a Cycle shop in your area then it's worth doing. I had heard that Cycle sales were on the up and and interest in the 'Cycle to Work scheme' increasing, also the increase in fuel costs are making people look towards the cycle as a serious and viable form of transport. With all these factors taken into account, your idea sounds good to me.
by noonoosdad
10 Apr 2009, 11:10am
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Tip - fitting Schwalbe Marathon Plus Tyres
Replies: 91
Views: 212672

Re: Tip - fitting Schwalbe Marathon Plus Tyres

thirdcrank wrote:The reason using standard tyre levers to refit a tyre is generally regarded as a bad thing is that it's very difficult to avoid nipping the tube and causing a puncture.


Yes I agree. That's the reason why I only now use sturdy plastic Park Tools levers which also stop any scratching of the wheel rims.