Search found 40 matches

by Barstaff
12 Apr 2014, 11:44am
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Chain question.
Replies: 13
Views: 1988

Re: Chain question.

Mick - please check your PMs, it's urgent!!!
by Barstaff
12 Apr 2014, 11:32am
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Realistic life expectancy of a bike for "life"
Replies: 65
Views: 4655

Re: Realistic life expectancy of a bike for "life"

Race bikes (even steel) with lose their specific 'spring' in 2-3 years simply becauseof the sheer mechanical abuse they suffer.

I dread to think how many frames Tour riders go through nowadays.
Probably at least three or four carbon bikes a season .
by Barstaff
12 Apr 2014, 7:23am
Forum: The Tea Shop
Topic: Passwords
Replies: 25
Views: 4983

Re: Passwords

The BBC did a good video on how to create a 'very strong password' I'll see if I can refind it.
by Barstaff
12 Apr 2014, 7:20am
Forum: The Tea Shop
Topic: Windows XP
Replies: 112
Views: 14024

Re: Windows XP

+1 If you care about your personal or financial data don't connect to the internet, on an XP machine ever again.
by Barstaff
12 Apr 2014, 7:17am
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: 111mm vs 110mm bottom bracket
Replies: 8
Views: 2243

Re: 111mm vs 110mm bottom bracket

I'd recommend from the same manufacturer as the one you've alreadygot though.
by Barstaff
12 Apr 2014, 7:15am
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: 111mm vs 110mm bottom bracket
Replies: 8
Views: 2243

Re: 111mm vs 110mm bottom bracket

110 would likely be perfect. And you'd save 25gr!
by Barstaff
12 Apr 2014, 7:13am
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Realistic life expectancy of a bike for "life"
Replies: 65
Views: 4655

Re: Realistic life expectancy of a bike for "life"

I have a 21 yr old vitus 979. They have quite thick tubes though and were well built and bonded.
My lbs reckons a daily use carbon will last no more than 2 years.

Carbon warranties this year alone: 17


Steel frame warranties: 0

Kind of tells a story!
by Barstaff
12 Apr 2014, 7:08am
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: 3-in-0ne oil
Replies: 44
Views: 4679

Re: 3-in-0ne oil

I've just been through the whole winter on a KMC chain, I think they are nickel plated, no rust no drama, oiled twice a week: once with light oil and then after the five day commute with heavy motor oil.

They make the high end chains for Shimano. The chain is everything!
by Barstaff
11 Apr 2014, 10:44pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: 3-in-0ne oil
Replies: 44
Views: 4679

Re: 3-in-0ne oil

I think WD40 + freely available road dirt = gumming up.
by Barstaff
11 Apr 2014, 10:42pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Realistic life expectancy of a bike for "life"
Replies: 65
Views: 4655

Re: Realistic life expectancy of a bike for "life"

It's exceptionally unlikely for a 531 frame to break , even if it does it can generally be easily and cheaply mended good as new.

It's extremely likely a carbon frame will break, it is difficult to mend back to the original state and generally costs from £2-600 to do so.

I've never seen a repair on a titanium or aluminum frame which I would either call #safe or #mechanicAlly efficient again.
by Barstaff
11 Apr 2014, 10:41am
Forum: Cycling Goods & Services - Your Reviews
Topic: Paisley Freight (Couriers for transporting bikes)
Replies: 10
Views: 17575

Re: Paisley Freight (Couriers for transporting bikes)

UPS are the polar opposite. They're like a military operation!
by Barstaff
11 Apr 2014, 10:39am
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Poor service with new bike - dangerous gears?
Replies: 18
Views: 2239

Re: Poor service with new bike - dangerous gears?

There are bad mechanics everywhere. Try them and see, then avoid the idiots !
by Barstaff
11 Apr 2014, 10:25am
Forum: Lands End to John O'Groats
Topic: 14th July LeJog Blog?
Replies: 4
Views: 10320

Re: 14th July LeJog Blog?

WordPress is probably the easiest to update on your phone.
by Barstaff
11 Apr 2014, 10:23am
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Frame Failures?
Replies: 12
Views: 1288

Re: Frame Failures?

I have a 531 frame from 1936, in near constant use for almost 80 years!
by Barstaff
11 Apr 2014, 10:21am
Forum: On the road
Topic: Interesting blog
Replies: 6
Views: 3242

Re: Interesting blog

Cyclists have excellent representation in France. All the way up to the top.