Search found 111 matches

by John Hunter
9 Jan 2014, 12:55pm
Forum: On the road
Topic: The end of the tax disc?
Replies: 6
Views: 14038

The end of the tax disc?

Will that remove one form of potential excuse for drivers harrasing cyclists?
by John Hunter
5 Nov 2013, 8:02pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Non series shimano components
Replies: 7
Views: 4321

Non series shimano components

Hi all,

Anyone know if you can buy non series shimano components and if you can, whether they are cheaper/comparible to the series components?
by John Hunter
8 Aug 2013, 1:38pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Upgrading a Specialized Tricross
Replies: 10
Views: 4999

Re: Upgrading a Specialized Tricross

Thanks for the reply ....

The reasons are threefold really. First and formost is that the parts are wearing out. The bike has done 12000 miles and while I've changed the wheelset, bottom bracket and rear deraileur, all the othe components are the originals.

Secondly, I'd like to use the bike for more than just a winter commuter. It would be good to take off road a bit and as most of the components are original and well worn, I thought it would be good to have a look at the possibilities. My second bike has Shimonao 105 components and it would be good to lelvel up the levels.

Lastly, I'd like to start doing some home mechanics in order to keep both bikes in good nic, thus saving some money .... replacing and setting up components would be a good way of teaching myself how to do that.

Admitedly, I am a complete novice to all this and that's why I've suggested Shimano, as thats what I know. If there are any other recomendations for compatible components it would be great!!! :D
by John Hunter
8 Aug 2013, 12:03pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Upgrading a Specialized Tricross
Replies: 10
Views: 4999

Upgrading a Specialized Tricross

Hi All,

I'd love some advice if you could about upgrading a 2011, basic Specialized Tricross. In theory it's a cyclocross bike but in reality it's a hybrid/tourer. The existing components are basic basic stuff. Shimano 2300 level (apart from the rear deraileur which is an Shimano Alvio). It is an 8 speed machine with a triple chainset. The BB is a Shimano UN55 Square Taper Bottom Bracket to replace the generic Cr-Mo axle, 68mm x 118mm BB it came with.

What I'd like to do is replace them with Tiagra level components if that is possible. I'm not sure whether the square tapered BB would fit a Tiagra chainset for example??? Could I upgrade it to a 9 or 10 speed??? Any good recomendatiosn for cantilever brakes????

Any advice would be gratefully received :D
by John Hunter
9 Jan 2013, 2:05pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Cycle to Work scheme
Replies: 33
Views: 4579

Cycle to Work scheme

Hi All,

I hope this hasn't been done to death but I wouldn't mind some advice on the C2W sceme. I'm thinking of buying a new bike through it, ostensibly so I can get a bike bike more suitable for doing sportives etc, but also to use for work occasionally.

Since the changes (ie the end of agreement payment) what are the pros and cons?
Do they check whether you are using it for the purpose of cycling to work?

Thanks in advance ....
by John Hunter
31 Oct 2012, 10:28am
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Schwalbe Marathons
Replies: 30
Views: 4410

Re: Schwalbe Marathons

I've ridden with the lesser pressure in front & back a few times now. It seems better than before, however, when climbing a steep hill (out of the saddle) I still suffered some wheel spin on the back tyre.

I guess it's not unusual, but I don't remember getting much of it with my old (original) tyres. My concern is the really cold weather .... when ice is a possibility. Will the harder, kevlar marathons be less 'grippy' than the softer Boroughs?
by John Hunter
26 Oct 2012, 1:29pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Schwalbe Marathons
Replies: 30
Views: 4410

Re: Schwalbe Marathons

Yes thanks rehohn2 ... it was really useful .....

I've let the tyres down a little today ..... we'll see what happens.
by John Hunter
25 Oct 2012, 3:46pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Schwalbe Marathons
Replies: 30
Views: 4410

Re: Schwalbe Marathons

Thanks for the advice ....

reohn2 wrote:
John Hunter wrote:
What size tyre are they?

I'd thought of letting some out but the ride becomes really heavy when they are softer.

Could you explain that please?

What Marathon model are they,Schwalbe tyres usually have code number on the sidewall that usually starts with H for Mrathons



... They are 700 x 32
..... It's hard to explain but when the tyres are softer than max I have to put a lot more effort into the ride, possibly because there is more 'drag' from them????
..... Not sure of the moodel - they are kevlar guarded. They were an end of line offer from Spa Cycles ... HS368 maybe????
by John Hunter
24 Oct 2012, 1:50pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Schwalbe Marathons
Replies: 30
Views: 4410

Re: Schwalbe Marathons

Thanks for all this advice guys ..... I've had the Marathons on for about 1000 miles now, in all kinds of weather but they still seem smooth. The previous Boroughs did over 6000 miles before I 'had' to replace them. (I say had .... I think I could have got a bit more out of them).

They are inflated to the max (95psi?) ..... I'd thought of letting some out but the ride becomes really heavy when they are softer.

It might have to be a visit to the LBC over half term ......
by John Hunter
23 Oct 2012, 3:05pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Schwalbe Marathons
Replies: 30
Views: 4410

Schwalbe Marathons

Hi All ... long time no post but I've got a question about the Schwalbe Marathons on my Tricross.

The previous tyres were Specialized Borough CX which came with the bike. They had a very squared profile and the rubber was very soft. They wore out however, and as they had stopped making Boroughs and I'd had loads of punctures I decided to go for the Marathons.

BUT, the rubber of the Marathons seems very hard and smoooth. The ride has become a lot more slippy/slide-y and I've become really nervous about cycling over iron works (especially the tram lines at the bottom of our road).

Is this the pay off for no punctures or can I do something about it? Sandpaper maybe?
by John Hunter
20 Jul 2012, 1:29pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Schwalbe Marathons and a steering wobble?
Replies: 10
Views: 3623

Re: Schwalbe Marathons and a steering wobble?

Last Friday my head set decided to seize up. It's been needing a service for some time. My guess is that the 'wobble' or right steer was because of that?????
by John Hunter
11 Jul 2012, 1:15pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Schwalbe Marathons and a steering wobble?
Replies: 10
Views: 3623

Schwalbe Marathons and a steering wobble?

Hi All,

I was wondering if anyone could suggest a reason for/solution to something I've noticed since I put some 700x32 Schwalbe Marathons on my Specialized Tricross.

Previously, I used the tyres that came with the bike (Specialized Boroughs) which were quite square with a flat profile (if that makes sense). At the weekend I changed the tyres to Schwalbe Marathons which seem to be thinner and have a much rounded profile.

Since Monday I've noticed a real wobble in the steering which seems to take the bike to the right - especially when I 'm out of the saddle and pushing uphill.

I was wondering whether there is an obvious reason for this? Is it the change in shape of the tyre giving less road contact and something I need to get used to? Is it that I have them pumped up to the max pressure and they could do with a bit of release? Could it be that fact that the headset bearings are shot and need replacing?

Any ideas would be gratefully received :)
by John Hunter
24 May 2012, 2:19pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Maintenance Books
Replies: 31
Views: 4647

Re: Maintenance Books

I asked the same kind of question a while back ... Haynes was recommended but I already had it and wasn't impressed. In recent weeks though, with the help of Haynes, YouTube, sites like Park and the advice of a mate, I've been able to change my cassette and the bottom bracket (what a job that was!!)

Overall, I feel really proud of myself!!!! :D
by John Hunter
19 Apr 2012, 12:11pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Best bike building book
Replies: 5
Views: 2378

Best bike building book

Can anyone recomend a really good/simple beginners book about building a bike? I've got an old mtb frame and some spare parts and I'd love to learn a lot more about the mechanics of bikes (at the moment ... in the words of Manuel ..... "I know nothing!"
by John Hunter
9 Dec 2011, 10:00am
Forum: On the road
Topic: Can fitting full mudguards cause a wobble in steering ......
Replies: 16
Views: 1588

Re: Can fitting full mudguards cause a wobble in steering du

thirdcrank wrote:.... high winds?

Not that I've ever noticed.


Is the correct answer!!!!

Oops ..... :oops: The problems of a max title length.

Basically ..... in the recent windy weather, I've noticed that my steering wobbles slightly with the stronger gusts. I'm not talking about a gust that blows the whole bike off. Just the front wheel wobble ...... it feels like the wind is catching the mud guard which then takes it off track ????? I've never cycled with mudguards (fitted on a specialized tricross) but have never noticed the same effect on the MTB that I have previously used.