Cycling UK Forum

Would Nazca open-cockpit stem or bars work? They are cheaper than the prices you mentioned. The stem doesn't fold, but it is telescopic so could be dismantled if necessary. Could be combined with a basic stem-raiser if more height is needed.

I believe the Challenge Mistral doesn't have an idler, at least in some versions. I have never ridden one.

I do feel that the psychological advantage of a smooth and silent drivetrain is not to be sneezed at! It can really help me to pedal more enthusiastically if everything is running smoothly, whereas I really dislike noise coming from the bike. On some of the longer, lower bikes, without an idler the ...

A few thoughts: 1. The fact that idlers don't get hot doesn't prove that they are not wasting energy through friction. I'd expect most of the friction to come from the chain being forced to bend whilst under tension, rather than the idler bearings or friction between the chain and idler. The idler i...

Mick F wrote:Is it viable to buy a modern cassette hub and me build it into the existing wheel and then buy a modern cassette say 14-32 6sp or 7sp?

Unless your daughter is having trouble with snapped axles, why not stick with freewheels? Much cheaper and easier than rebuilding the wheel surely?

Mega-range 7 speed freewheels are cheap. 14-34 teeth. Maybe as a starting point, and then look into smaller chainrings if the gearing is still not low enough?

It strikes me that in general there are two assumptions which are behind a lot of these types of discussions: 1. We need high-density housing so that the distances people have to travel are short and they are more likely to walk or cycle. 2. The way to get more density is to build taller buildings. ...

Other options: Folding baskets that attach to the sides of the rear rack. side basket.jpg "Shopping" panniers that always stay on the bike. They are £20ish and can be attached on with some kind of lock. pannier.jpg Steco Bag Mee (£15ish) Steco_Bag_Mee-1.jpg Steco folding crate (£15). Could...

I think baskets or crates are a very good idea for everyday use! A rear basket will make it slightly more awkward to mount and dismount the bike. This may not be a problem for you. If you have a laterally stiff rack, I don't think you will mind the effect of a rear basket on handling. It's perhaps n...

You could buy one of the Steco racks (they are both about £25 I think) and no basket. Then you could strap just your rucksack on to it using a bungee.

Beats having a sweaty back !

The rack which mounts to the axle and handlebars, and the one which mounts to the head tube, are both designed to be permanently attached to the bike. It would be a faff to remove and reattach them regularly. They also both come with a bracket for mounting your light. If you wanted to remove the bas...

There's nothing to stop you putting a wicker basket on the Steco rack! Since the basket will be very well supported, it probably doesn't need to be particularly strong. The rack which attaches to the axle and handlebars also comes in a small version. If you didn't want the rack to be so visible, tha...

I have the Steco rack which mounts to the head tube, and doesn't turn with the steering. If have enough space between the top of the wheel and the bottom of the handlebars, I'd recommend it. It's much nicer to load up a basket that isn't flopping about with the steering, and with heavy loads it has ...

I don't see why a powered two-wheeler limited to 30 mph should be treated differently depending on whether it is powered by an electric motor or a petrol engine. (At least from the point of view of road safety). It could be that the laws on 30 mph mopeds/motor-scooters are too strict. I'm open to be...

Hi Recumbent Panda

I have hung my recumbent by the rear wheel on Crosscountry Voyagers. It just fits. Perhaps if you use the rear wheel then you don't need the strap?