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by DaveP
9 Nov 2020, 2:56am
Forum: The Tea Shop
Topic: Remembrance
Replies: 8
Views: 410

Re: Remembrance

My mothers uncle was shot by a sniper, mid October, 1918. His sister, my grandmother, became deaf as a result. Today it would doubtless qualify as PTSD. Her husband, being a coal miner, was in a reserved occupation during both cocnflicts.
Father was just too young for WW11. Towards the end he was a motorcycle messenger for the Civil Defence and did his National Service shortly after the war.
Grandad was the one whose war I find the most interesting these days. As a qualified boiler maker and plate metal worker he also was in a reserved occupation both times. WW11 he was sent just down the road to repair ships in Liverpool docks and came home to night time duty as an ARP warden. I still have the whistle, and used to have the rattle...
During WW1 he was sent all the way up to Glasgow to work in the shipyards, something I only discovered long after he was gone. I've often wondered what it must have been like to be so far from home for weeks on end in a strange city where they all spoke a "different language". Especially when the streets were being patrolled by women handing out white feathers to men not in uniform. I have since discovered that there was a plethora of lapel badges to identify essential workers, but that was a very recent discovery.
I suppose as a family we got off pretty lightly, all the same, I would love to be able to ask Grandad abnout his experiences and if he was ever offered the white feather, and how he felt about my youthful fascination with watching The Great War on his telly...
Kids. So inconsiderate!
You have reminded me that for a variety of reasons I didn't buy a poppy this year. I'll have to find out how to make a donation on line.
by DaveP
9 Nov 2020, 1:57am
Forum: Electrically assisted pedal cycles
Topic: Petition to increase the 25kmh limit on electric bikes in the UK.
Replies: 181
Views: 8156

Re: Petition to increase the 25kmh limit on electric bikes in the UK.

I see that I have been guilty of two sins: I have been allowing myself to use the terms pedelec and e bike somwhat loosely thus causing myself a little confusion, and further, I have allowed myself to become out of date. Last time I took an active interest in electrically assisted cycling it seemed to be practically impossible to legally use bikes that did not conform to the pedelec requirements in any public space because type approval could not be obtained for these "motorised vehicles" thus precluding any possibility of registration, licencing or insurance. And I actually read something recently which although undated, appeared to be recent and referred to this state of affairs as current. My bad.
Classifying the faster electric bikes as mopeds would seem to be everything I was advocating, and although I appreciate that this might be less cocnvenient than a complete lack of regulation I don't think that this will seriously discourage people from taking to their use, especially as petrol starts to be phased out. Well, apart from the cost of acquiring a licence - I toyed with the idea of getting a motorcycle licence about a year ago and decided not to bother.
As for raising the speed limit for pedelecs... being able to sustain 20mph for a few miles certainly places you towards the faster end of non competing riders. I think I would be on safe ground in suggesting that you have developed this ability at least partly by spending a lot of time in the saddle and while doing so you have also acquired, since you are still with us, the necessary judgement to survive. Good luck to you, and long may you keep it up.
But I feel a lot less sanguine about the prospect of a novice walking into a shop and riding out at that sort of speed. The truth is that it doesn't make any difference what speed limit is set, there will always be someone trying to make a case for faster. With that in mind, why alter a limit that appears to be fitting in reasonably well with more traditional types of cycling?

Sorry to read about your accident, BTW. I missed it at the time because I was not actively reading here. Glad you made it!
by DaveP
8 Nov 2020, 7:04pm
Forum: Electrically assisted pedal cycles
Topic: Petition to increase the 25kmh limit on electric bikes in the UK.
Replies: 181
Views: 8156

Re: Petition to increase the 25kmh limit on electric bikes in the UK.

kwackers wrote:
Nigel wrote:Selective quoting, again. <SNIP - unnecessary>

DaveP made it clear he was talking about Speed Pedal Electrics; ie. those capable of about 28mph under power.

Where did he mention 28mph?
He just said "faster".

It's the standard view: anyone going slower than me is holding folk up, faster and they're reckless - because everyone believes they're "mummy bear".


I deliberately avoided mentioning any specific speed because I think that the important isue here is the type of use or, if you prefer, the intent of the rider. My impression is that most people purchasing pedelecs intend to travel as a cyclist . A fast cyclist maybe, but staying within the range of cycle speeds that can currently be observed. On that basis I personally would be quite happy for them to be legally classed as cyclists with the same priveledges and duties that we currently enjoy. FWIW I have observed much worse "road manners" on the part of people whizzing round town centres and supermarkets on electric invalid carriages than I have ever seen from an e bike rider. So far.
On the other hand, people who want to be allowed a speed limit of 28mph clearly aren't going to fit into that scenario and probably don't want to. As I said earlier I don't have a problem with this per se. There are millions of people travelling on the UK's roads faster than I do. Most of them heavily armoured. If some of them are willing to leave that armour at home I could expect to be that much safer.
However, we all know that increased speed is associated with increased risks and for that reason alone I think that this category of users should be required to accept a similar regimen to those using fossil fuels on two wheels. The merits of training should be apparent, and I can see no reasonable grounds for objecting to being held accountable - specifically identifiable -for your actions or for making sure that you can meet your liabilities in the event of accident.
Another way to put this would be to point out that most of us don't tend to regard motorcyclists as cyclists, even though they travel on two wheels and encounter similar problems and the main reason for this is that they travel at trafffic speeds and can interact with the four wheel traffic in a way that cyclists generally cannot. In that context I do find myself wondering where this figure of 28mph originally came from. It's a curious number to choose, surely? Fast enough make a spill much more painful. Not quite fast enough to keep pace with even law abiding urban traffic raising the prospect of being constantly overtaken at a very slow relative speed. Not a speed that I would choose to hold.
Could it be, I wonder, a cunning ploy to avoid regulation? "Oh it's not really fair, after all we can't even reach 30..."
I know - Conspiracy theories - but with the Tangerine Wonder heading into history, we all need some new ones, right? :D
by DaveP
8 Nov 2020, 4:29pm
Forum: The Tea Shop
Topic: Is Trump Mad?
Replies: 2055
Views: 94191

Re: Is Trump Mad?

reohn2 wrote:
kwackers wrote:https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/nov/08/the-other-four-seasons-trump-team-holds-press-conference-at-suburban-garden-centre

Zack Bornstein (@ZackBornstein) wrote:I could write jokes for 800 years and I'd never think of something funnier than Trump booking the Four Seasons for his big presser, and it turning out to be the Four Seasons Total Landscaping parking lot between a dildo store and a crematorium.

Just read the story.
Priceless! :lol: :lol: :lol:


Ooh! I spotted the headline - and smiled. I never suspected that the details might be even better :D
by DaveP
7 Nov 2020, 8:17pm
Forum: Electrically assisted pedal cycles
Topic: Petition to increase the 25kmh limit on electric bikes in the UK.
Replies: 181
Views: 8156

Re: Petition to increase the 25kmh limit on electric bikes in the UK.

Cyril Haearn wrote:In NL there are plans to automatically cut the motors of €bikes in urban areas after lots of fatal 'accidents'

Well this is the UK, and we've been trialling e scooter rentals this summer. I know there is an element of irrationality in permitting a novice to take his first jaunt in an overcrowded city centre while denying those who own one (and presumably have some sort of facility with it) the chance to ride, and not surprisingly there have been significant scrote related problems - Coventry I believe has cancelled / postponed their trial, Birmingham has halved the trial fleet and the local magnet fishers have been recruited to extract the daily crop drom the cities waterways. And of course these rental escoot ers are both limited and geographically restricted.
Currrently pedelecs don't seem to be generating this sort of problem, and I hope that doesn't change, because I'm planning to join the club 8)
Faster e bikes? Well I don't mind those either - just so long as the users have trained, passed something not dissimilar to a motorbike test and purchased public liability insurance, and as long as the bikes themselves are regulated, regularly examined and equipped with a full lighting set and registration plates - because they will be, after all, the mopeds of tomorrow.
I wouldn't insist on Vehicle Excise duty :D but allowing people to fly around at traffic speeds, in silence and anonymity with nothing in place to encourage a responsible attitude would be sheer folly. As the e scooter experiment is suggesting.
by DaveP
7 Nov 2020, 7:30pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Saddle for a re-starter
Replies: 20
Views: 1315

Re: Saddle for a re-starter

mjr wrote:That ain't necessarily so. "Gel" in saddle padding is just a closed-cell foam, so its firmness can vary immensely and most generalisations about gel are over-generalisations and not universally true.


I wouldn't argue with any of that. I've only tried a couple, and prodded a few more. I disliked them intensely for the reason I described, but comfort is where you find it!
It's just that you still see them on sale with glowing reports of their luxurious qualities etc. etc. which I feel is an unhelpful approach. Sometimes I'm moved to state the case against...
by DaveP
7 Nov 2020, 7:21pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Cables for Brompton 3 speed gear leavers
Replies: 24
Views: 1586

Re: Cables for Brompton 3 speed gear leavers

Well according to a handy table wot I found on t'web the length should be one of:
Right 3spd Hub Gear:
S - 1220mm outer, 1379mm inner
H - 1320mm outer, 1479mm inner
M - 1265mm outer, 1424mm inner
P - 1291mm outer, 1450mm inner
I don't know how reliable the list is, I'd put 'em side by side to cut, but if you regard those as the minima required - I'd take a chance on buying anything longer.
by DaveP
6 Nov 2020, 11:28pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Cables for Brompton 3 speed gear leavers
Replies: 24
Views: 1586

Re: Cables for Brompton 3 speed gear leavers

The set of genuine Brompton cables I bought a couple of months ago did indeed use Jagwire housings. The shifter cables used LEX which is their entry level range and the brake cables used CGX - SL which is the next tier up. They both look pretty conventional really, apart perhaps from the SL bit which refers to the Slick Lube liner. See it all here: https://jagwire.com/guides/housing
Nothing too special about the housings then. The ferrules I'm not so sure about - I had some spares floating around in my toolbox and most of my brake ferrules, for example, were too thick to seat in the brake callipers. Then there are the seals on the "business" ends... add all this to some big gaps in the stock list the day I looked and thats the reason I bought OEM. Sometime over the next year I'll be shopping for the components for next time.
I wondered about segmented housings too - Jagwires top range is segmented but I was remembering seeing segments sold loose a little while back. A good way to negotiate a tight bend perhaps, but I could see any liner suffering from being repeatedly bent backwards and forwards between segments during the fold and I felt that excluding muck and water was the important factor. Never mind the paintwork issue...
by DaveP
6 Nov 2020, 7:40pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Saddle for a re-starter
Replies: 20
Views: 1315

Re: Saddle for a re-starter

sargan wrote:Thanks for replies ... no chaffing just 'pain in the but'

Found a great video that shows how to measure your sit bones width ...... great I have a figure, but so far all the places I have been looking don't quote 'sit width'


Not quite the same thing perhaps, but many "serious" dealers such as Spa and St John Street Cycles will give width measurements for saddles. As a general rule, unless you have a very narrow pelvis avoid anything less than about 175mm max width. If you are going to stick with an upright position you could reasonably go wider.
Personally I favour unpadded saddles. Having once acclimatised they don't seem too formidable anymore. I wouldnt automatically turn my nose up at a moderately padded saddle though - if you need a different saddle you should try as many as practicable! The thing about gel saddles or any other with deep padding is that you will sink into it until your sit bones are fully supported. A bit of cushioning around the main poins of contact can feel fine. However, other, relatively uncompressed parts of the saddle will now be pressing, sometimes quite hard, against parts of your anatomy that would scarcely touch a firmer saddle. Is this a problem? For me, yes, but it is a very personal thing. I just wanted to help you see the dilemma :)
by DaveP
6 Nov 2020, 7:20pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Cables for Brompton 3 speed gear leavers
Replies: 24
Views: 1586

Re: Cables for Brompton 3 speed gear leavers

I replaced mine recently, required by swapping my S bars for something a little higher. I felt the same way, then I looked around at what I could obtain, online on the day, in the way of inners and outers. It looked as though I wouldn't be saving very much so I just bit the bullet - especially as I wasnt completely certain what nipples and ferrules were needed. Given that the 3sp and rear brake cables point upwards at the end I wouldn't recommend compromising on rust or water ingress resistance.
I'm sure I used to be able to get cheaper options from my lbs - but he isn't there anymore...
by DaveP
5 Nov 2020, 7:22pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Shifter repair/bending springs
Replies: 3
Views: 391

Re: Shifter repair/bending springs

offroader wrote:I'm not terribly enamoured with the result even if it seems to work on reassembly

Is there a simple way of bending a decent short (2-3mm) hook into a square section clock spring? Should I have deployed heat?


You can't really hope to get away with localised heat treatment on a tiny spring! Those bends at the ends are the most highly stressed part of the spring. I'm surprised that you managed to produce anything resembling the original but don't forget that the spring is now shorter overall and therefore more highly stressede than before. My inexpert guess is that it won't last long in service - it'll either snap again or pop out of its socket because its not exactly the right shape. Sorry!..
by DaveP
5 Nov 2020, 6:56pm
Forum: Women's cycling interests
Topic: Introduction and bike seats
Replies: 8
Views: 6528

Re: Introduction and bike seats

Vorpal wrote:The last thing is that I generally think it is better to solve the issues causing soreness, rather than using creams or lotions.


Well yes, but if you sustain any chafing / undue reddening of the skin then it's time to stop being brave! A dab of Sudocreme is as good as most and cheaper than many! Apply post ride and give yourself time to heal.
by DaveP
1 Nov 2020, 8:09pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: that the Uk bike industry wants to keep huge tariffs on imported Chinese bikes post Brexit
Replies: 59
Views: 4293

Re: that the Uk bike industry wants to keep huge tariffs on imported Chinese bikes post Brexit

So here we start to see just how the Brexit will make us better off. Cheaper good in the shops (for a while) at the expense of the last vestiges of domestic manufacturing. Eventually, of course, were going to need some foreign currency, but you can always borrow that!
A couple of years ago Cummings submitted a proposal to a government think tank in which he proposed that the nation would be better off without domestic agriculture because it should be cheaper import all our foodstuffs just like Singapore does.
I'm rambling again. There couldn't possibly be a connection...
by DaveP
31 Oct 2020, 12:59am
Forum: The Tea Shop
Topic: Covid-19 : 2nd Lockdown 2020 : 3rd Lockdown 2021
Replies: 1005
Views: 36263

Re: Next lockdown, due to C19...

We have had governments who were happy to involve us in wars for what I would classify as party political reasons, but it's been a very long time simce we had a prime minister with the neck to insist that "you shall not have jolly hols this year..."
Its getting steadily harder to distinguish between the scarecrow and the orange idiot.

And they're both personally broke :roll:
by DaveP
31 Oct 2020, 12:48am
Forum: Electrically assisted pedal cycles
Topic: All those choices!
Replies: 28
Views: 1959

Re: All those choices!

mattsccm wrote:Cheers. I will stay here as i am getting somewhere. But why the sensors? I understand the words cadence and torque but what do they?
We/I am after factual info about the tech. Picking a tool should be about how it works not the end result.


Had you read this (recent) thread? viewtopic.php?f=55&t=141115
There's a couple of links in there that I thought were really rather informative about this issue and some other snippets. Helped me no end!