Search found 337 matches

by largeallan
17 May 2022, 3:42pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Brake caliper allen key bolts stripped.
Replies: 8
Views: 735

Re: Brake caliper allen key bolts stripped.

Thanks for your help cats! I managed to get it out with mole grips. It was half out before I destroyed it.
The other three bolts seem fine.....anyway, I've ordered replacements all round.
by largeallan
17 May 2022, 12:29pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Brake caliper allen key bolts stripped.
Replies: 8
Views: 735

Brake caliper allen key bolts stripped.

HELP!! I've stripped out the head of the bolt that holds the caliper to the frame on tektro oryx cantilever style
brakes.They are a 5mm allen key button type head, obviously made of mild cheddar.
Can anyone tell me if these are a standard bolt on most bikes as I've now entered the minefield of buying bolts.
Where can I find suitable decent quality 'bike specific' replacements?

Thanks, Al
by largeallan
4 May 2022, 8:43am
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Cassette Wear
Replies: 37
Views: 1864

Re: Cassette Wear

I run an 8 speed set up and TBH the components are so cheap its hardly worth
the faff of changing sprockets. I'm on my third chain and third cassette on a 12 year old bike...
.....still the original front 3 rings.
by largeallan
12 Apr 2022, 1:55pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Are touring bikes old fashioned?
Replies: 312
Views: 26974

Re: Are touring bikes old fashioned?

Just googled 'Beausage'........this is a word I intend to use often in the future, after a lifetime without it. :D
by largeallan
5 Apr 2022, 12:14pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Holland cycling guidebook?
Replies: 21
Views: 1208

Re: Holland cycling guidebook?

Ordinarily, I would have bike theft concerns on most tours, but there are three or four of us going, so
I'm not quite as worried.
by largeallan
5 Apr 2022, 9:43am
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Holland cycling guidebook?
Replies: 21
Views: 1208

Re: Holland cycling guidebook?

:lol: I was looking for something a bit more recent than 1868.....interesting though it is.
by largeallan
5 Apr 2022, 8:36am
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Holland cycling guidebook?
Replies: 21
Views: 1208

Re: Holland cycling guidebook?

Cool, thanks for your help cats. I've ordered a Landelijke Fietsatlas for now......it looks a good purchase.
by largeallan
4 Apr 2022, 6:53pm
Forum: Lands End to John O'Groats
Topic: Naked all the way!
Replies: 84
Views: 28584

Re: Naked all the way!

Funny you mention the Naked Rambler.....I passed him a coupe of years ago heading southbound on the drop between Rannoch Moor and Tyndrum. It was one of those days with absolutely horizontal freezing sleet and every car and truck passed leaving him in a cloud of spray......to say he was 'red raw' is putting it mildly.
by largeallan
4 Apr 2022, 6:32pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Holland cycling guidebook?
Replies: 21
Views: 1208

Holland cycling guidebook?

Hi....I'm planning a cycle tour of Holland this summer. Can anyone point me in the direction of a useful guidebook. I've trawled amazon and I usually like a cycle-specific Cicerone style book, but surprisingly, nothing seems to exist for Holland apart from the route out on a Rhine tour. Call me old fashioned but I am a sucker for an actual physical guide book for planning and generally whetting my appetite.....any recommendations?

Thanks.
by largeallan
28 Jul 2019, 5:54pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: New York to California without leaving England
Replies: 18
Views: 3610

Re: New York to California without leaving England

There's a Moscow in Ayrshire.
by largeallan
9 Mar 2019, 8:04am
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Why I like single touring
Replies: 45
Views: 9450

Re: Why I like single touring

When I cycle alone, I yearn for company....When I cycle in company, I yearn for solitude.
by largeallan
9 Mar 2019, 7:53am
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Tubus Tara Front Low Rider - suitable panniers?
Replies: 9
Views: 2226

Re: Tubus Tara Front Low Rider - suitable panniers?

Ortlieb front rollers for me too....The Ortlieb/ Tara combo is popular for good reason. Interchangable with the back rack for day rides on mine too.
I've balked at the price of Ortlieb too, but they really are worth it in the end if you prefer your stuff to stay dry on tour.
by largeallan
25 Sep 2018, 10:34am
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Hub Dynamo for winter commute.
Replies: 166
Views: 11092

Re: Hub Dynamo for winter commute.

I'm in the west of Scotland, hence my bad weather reliability concerns.
by largeallan
25 Sep 2018, 10:30am
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Hub Dynamo for winter commute.
Replies: 166
Views: 11092

Re: Hub Dynamo for winter commute.

....Absolutely agree pwa, I'm not looking to buy cheap crap, though I'm not stretching to a SON either. I'm looking at spa cycles looking like I'll be getting a ready built 36hole Sputnik rim with something in the middle.....the 'something' is what I'm interested in.
by largeallan
25 Sep 2018, 8:38am
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Hub Dynamo for winter commute.
Replies: 166
Views: 11092

Hub Dynamo for winter commute.

Hi there, I'm looking to hear thoughts and experience on the reliability of shimano hubs dynamos through the murk of a Scottish winter.
I've decided to bite the bullet this year and try a 20mile commute, to and from work, but the weather effects on my electrics concerns me
regarding lights and dynamo. I don't expect it to be chucking it down every day, but........

Has anyone found water ingress to be a problem?

Also, any recommendations on a decent set of lights at a reasonable price? My pedal will be mostly former railway cycle path, but with a 3 mile grind up a country single track to start
....the start is the bit that's always put me off commuting. :shock:

Thanks, Allan.