Search found 244 matches

by s1965c
4 Mar 2022, 10:43pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Is it possible to swap cantilever brakes for v-brakes
Replies: 11
Views: 2636

Re: Is it possible to swap cantilever brakes for v-brakes

Ex Ascender owner here, who did the conversion to V brakes on my own bike.

The existing set up is, frankly, rubbish and cannot be made to be better than mediocre. Partly because of the geometry of the cantis themselves, and mostly because the levers are made from cheap flexible plastic.

I binned the lot and replaced the cantis with a set of Shimano Acera vees, and the levers with a pair of LX servo waves I had in my spares box. Everything fitted perfectly, no bodgery required, and transformed the braking.
by s1965c
20 Sep 2018, 12:44pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: 130Kg on a 2012 Brompton
Replies: 19
Views: 5183

Re: 130Kg on a 2012 Brompton

One thing to consider is that a six year old Brompton still has a considerable cash value.

Rather than take a risk on it surviving, the OP could sell it and find something more suitable to restart his cycling career. I'm a big fan of roadifying steel 90s rigid MTBs for that kind of use. You can end up with a tough, strong bike for buttons especially if you go for a 7 speed freehub model.
by s1965c
8 Aug 2018, 12:14pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: commuting road tyres
Replies: 6
Views: 517

Re: commuting road tyres

If you liked them, why not Gatorskins again?
by s1965c
27 Mar 2018, 1:38pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: 17 year old carbon frame - too old to ride?
Replies: 57
Views: 5992

Re: 17 year old carbon frame - too old to ride?

Why not replace the fork with one from another bike for a while? That's the part with the biggest risk attached.

If the rest of the frame holds up and passes your regular checks, you can buy a new carbon fork for the bike.
by s1965c
9 Feb 2018, 2:41pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Carrera subway 1
Replies: 5
Views: 2201

Re: Carrera subway 1

I've had a few second-hand Subway 1s over the years, I like 'em. They're a solid, no-surprises, "does what it says on the tin" type of bike (although I changed the gimmicky suspension seatpost on the ones I've had).

If you can find one, the older models have better quality components than the newer ones. The ones with orange highlighting to the frame decals are the best of the bunch and available in 3x8 speed with Shimano gearing. After that they dropped back to SRAM kit with 2x7 gears and grip shifts. The older ones all use 26" MTB size tyres and there are plenty of options for road-y tyres.

Like anything second hand - buy on condition. Some have led a hard life and are completely worn out, some come out of the back of a heated garage with very few miles on them.
by s1965c
4 Dec 2017, 4:52pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: New tyres time! Advice needed.
Replies: 12
Views: 893

Re: New tyres time! Advice needed.

Isn't the default answer to this Schwalbe Landcruisers?
by s1965c
25 Aug 2017, 3:21pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Budget commuter hybrid
Replies: 5
Views: 1115

Re: Budget commuter hybrid

For commuting at that price point, I'd have difficulty looking beyond
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/hoprider-30 ... 07664.html

Mrs s1965c has a Crossfire, and it's underwhelming. That's unusual for Carreras, they're usually sound allrounders - my Subway ticks a lot of boxes for commuting. But I have added guards, rack and dynohub lighting, which the Decathlon bike already comes with.
by s1965c
2 Aug 2017, 9:54am
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Maxxis tyres
Replies: 8
Views: 673

Re: Maxxis tyres

If they're anything like their motorcycle road tyres, they'll grip brilliantly but won't last long.

If they're like their CST bicycle tyre cousins (same company), they'll grip badly and won't last long.
by s1965c
19 Apr 2017, 1:03pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: pedals change
Replies: 21
Views: 1910

Re: pedals change

Or for the zero cost option, fit the pedals from your mountain bike to the Boardman while you get used to the bike.
by s1965c
19 Apr 2017, 12:42pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Cycling in Torbay
Replies: 7
Views: 1002

Re: Cycling in Torbay

N.A.'s advice is good, but I'm not sure Samwhile is at a level where he'll be comfortable with true tracks yet. To the uninitiated, those type of tracks are hard work and exhausting.

I'd start off on the Granite Way or the Exe Estuary trail. Neither have traffic, or challenging hills. The Tarka Trail in North Devon is good too, it's a pretty train ride up to Barnstaple then you can go in either direction.

Try those first, then see how you feel.
by s1965c
10 Apr 2017, 8:16pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Tyres - CST V Innova
Replies: 3
Views: 894

Re: Tyres - CST V Innova

Both companies produce a range of tyres for the cheaper end of the market. Neither is likely to be better than the other, but it's rather naughty of them to send you something other than what you ordered.
by s1965c
10 Apr 2017, 3:36pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Online shop feedback
Replies: 23
Views: 6750

Re: New bike shop "Kraken" experiences

Apart from their bicycle business, they also seem to be selling high value guitars. That seems an odd mix to me.

It's got scam written all over it.
by s1965c
10 Apr 2017, 1:59pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Online shop feedback
Replies: 23
Views: 6750

Re: New bike shop "Kraken" experiences

Website is only 86 days old.
It's registered through an anonymising service, so you can't find out the real website's owner.
They've got all sizes available on their web site - does that sound like something someone buying up bankrupt stock would be able to offer?

Your call, but I'd be looking elsewhere.
by s1965c
9 Aug 2016, 1:27pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Dawes Galaxy Classic 531 2016
Replies: 51
Views: 15546

Re: Dawes Galaxy Classic 531 2016

Sadly, apart from the retro appeal of having a 531 frame, it's all a bit "meh".

Alivio drivetrain, an aluminium rear rack, Mavic A119 rims and Schwalbe Road Cruisers, although all worthy, aren't what I'd expect to find on an £1800 bike.

Cover up the Dawes name on the frame and it looks at least £1000 overpriced to me.
by s1965c
27 Mar 2016, 10:11am
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Trek Madone frame query
Replies: 8
Views: 850

Re: Trek Madone frame query

There are so many good frames out there, why buy one with a potential problem?