Search found 46 matches

by Kell
6 Oct 2012, 8:07am
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Build up old frame, or sell and buy new?
Replies: 5
Views: 4922

Re: Build up old frame, or sell and buy new?

I thought all the clockworks were built in Halifax. But no matter.

Turns out the frame's from March 94 so it's an early one.

Got no joy in terms of price from retro bike, but am inspired to keep hold and make it a project.
by Kell
5 Oct 2012, 8:28pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Waterproof but not necessarily breathable jacket!
Replies: 23
Views: 9039

Re: Waterproof but not necessarily breathable jacket!

I'm convinced that Goretex is magic. And only works if you 'believe' in it.

I also reckon that it's as cheap to not wash a jacket throughout the winter and just replace it in the summer as it is to faff about washing it with expensive proofing and cleaning stuff.
by Kell
3 Oct 2012, 1:28pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Build up old frame, or sell and buy new?
Replies: 5
Views: 4922

Re: Build up old frame, or sell and buy new?

I sort of figured it would be worth something. But as I've had it for so many years, I'm loathe to get rid.

I almost went for an E4 when I bought my second one, but found the aluminium frame too harsh and went for steel again. Unfortunately, it seems to have dropped off their current line-up. But the Clockwork has re-appeared. :D

Love Orange as a brand - even if they're now just 'designed' in England as opposed to built.
by Kell
3 Oct 2012, 1:26pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: winter cycling shoes
Replies: 60
Views: 18312

Re: winter cycling shoes

I hope you do well with Lake.

I wouldn't touch them with a bargepole now. In my post above I mentioned that one pair literally fell apart and the second pair I never got to wear in anger as when screwing the cleats in, the thread stripped before it was tight.

:(
by Kell
3 Oct 2012, 1:05pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Build up old frame, or sell and buy new?
Replies: 5
Views: 4922

Build up old frame, or sell and buy new?

Just wondered what you would be tempted to do in my position.

I currently have three bikes in the shed.

My commuting Dahon Matrix, a 2000 Orange P7 hardtail and a circa 1992 Orange P7 rigid.

I've not riden the older P7 for about 7+ years, but I still love the bike.

As I'm now 40+, I'm unlikely to take a rigid bike off-road anymore, so thought about converting it into a fast(ish) road bike. It would need some work though. New BB and new headset for starters. Plus new wheels and a good service.

I guess the question I'm asking is: is it really worth spending the money or do I buy a cheap bike that is designed for purpose (like the B'Twin Triban) and sell my old frame?

And if so, aside from the sentimental value, is it actually worth anything?
by Kell
13 Jul 2012, 5:04pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: How can I look like a "real" cyclist?
Replies: 41
Views: 4978

Re: How can I look like a "real" cyclist?

I'd have thought half the fun of passing 'real' cyclists is being able to do it in normal clothes.

I wear baggy freeride type clothing ('cos I'm fat) and love going past lycra-clad skinny blokes on raod bikes. Especially when they try and overtake me back.
by Kell
16 Apr 2012, 9:33am
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Numpty alert - chain question
Replies: 10
Views: 1252

Re: Numpty alert - chain question

New block fixed it. Didn't even need to fiddle with the indexing.

Lesson learned.
by Kell
12 Apr 2012, 7:23pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Numpty alert - chain question
Replies: 10
Views: 1252

Re: Numpty alert - chain question

cyclingvirtual wrote:R U sure you fitted the chain correctly ? and the pin is central ?


Image Image


It's a SRAM chain (and block and shifters) with a power link. So it's impossible to get a pin out of place.

The chain itself indexed correctly while the bike was on the workstand. I just had problems actually riding it.

I had hoped someone would say: 'Yeah, that's a known problem with running a 9sp chain on an 8sp block.'

But it looks like the teeth are probably too worn and that's what's giving the issue. Especially as it's worse in one gear - and that's the gear I usually use. I've never excperienced it before, as I usually adhere to the advice and change block and chain together.

Thank you for all the advice.
by Kell
12 Apr 2012, 12:18pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Numpty alert - chain question
Replies: 10
Views: 1252

Re: Numpty alert - chain question

I did think it might not be so simple as just buying a new 8-speed chain.

To re-itterate.

The bike's an 8-speed (24, if you're being pedantic). But I checked online, to see it said the current model was 9-speed and bought a 9-speed chain. Causing huge issues with one gear in particular.

Thought, Oh, I'm going to have to get a new cassette after all - which I did.

Went to fit it, and only at that point realised I'd ordered the wrong stuff.

So I've not removed the 9-speed casette from its packaging, in the hope that I can send it back. If not, I've got another bike that I can fit the 9-speed cassette to, but I hardly use that bike, so it's a relatively expensive mistake.

I was going to try and fit the 9-speed cassette and just index it so it only used 8 of the gears, but then I couldn't find a long enough wrench to give me purchase to get the cassette off.

So my plan was to order an 8-speed chain, fit that and see if it cures it. Probably won't, so I'm going to have to get a new 8-speed block too.

Seems a pity that you can't replace individual cogs (on the blocks I'm buying) as it's only the smallest cogs that I really use. And unfortunately, it's the first fixed cog that's causing the problems.
by Kell
12 Apr 2012, 10:23am
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Numpty alert - chain question
Replies: 10
Views: 1252

Numpty alert - chain question

I recently snapped a chain (twice actually) and so bought a replacement.

Had the bike on a stand and when shifting, it went onto every cog on both front and rear and seemed to be indexing well.

When I rode it however, the chain was climbing out the cog with even the slightest bit of pressure.

So I thought, I'll buy a new block, maybe the old one had worn to my old chain (as bike shops always tell you) and that's what was causing the problem.

It was only at this point that I noticed that my bike does, in fact, have an 8-speed block and not a 9-speed. :oops:

So I didn't fit the new block.

Is it likely to be only the chain causing the problem? i.e. running a 9-speed chain on an 8-speed block.

For the record, I've had this bike 2 1/2 years and ridden it about 60 miles a week in that time and never really known how many gears it had. So I checked online, and the Evans website does state it's 9. Still doesn't excuse it though. :oops: :D
by Kell
26 Aug 2011, 10:08am
Forum: Cycling Goods & Services - Your Reviews
Topic: Dahon Matrix - 2009 model
Replies: 17
Views: 55363

Re: Dahon Matrix - 2009 model

It's better than it could have been as it turns out it's the cam bolt that's snapped, not the frame.

However...

Hi Kell,

Re: Dahon Warranty Claims for model years up to 2009.

The Dahon brand is in the middle of an important transition phase which affects distribution, warranty and service. Normally, it would be the UK distributor’s responsibility to provide replacement parts for bikes from model year 2009 and previous, whether under warranty or not. However, due to the change in our distribution network, this is currently not possible.

Cyclemotion ceased to be the UK agent after nearly 30 years involvement with Dahon at the end of the 2011 model year.

This note is intended to be a thorough and professional instruction for customers to follow a new process to persue a potential warranty claim for Dahon branded bicycles supplied into the UK market prior to 1st Jan 2010 and/or not supplied through the 2010/11 UK distributor Zyro Ltd. The 2010/11 UK distributor Zyro has stated that with effect from 1st June 2011, it is only able to support bikes and parts that were actually supplied by them. If the bike is a 2010 or 2011 model and was supplied through a UK retailer, you should first report the problem to the supplying retailer to follow up with Zyro.

If you have been directed to Cyclemotion it may be because your bike or part was not supplied by Zyro. In these cases we would therefore suggest that:

• Either you check availability of spares at http://www.dahonspares.co.uk to purchase the parts that you need;

• Or you may pursue it as a warranty claim by forwarding it to Dahon China using the following e-mail contacts:
novelle@dahon.com.cn Novelle is the person who handles claims
eddie@dahon-ecosmo.com Eddie Eccleston is Sales Director of Dahon

If following the warranty claim route, I would suggest you supply the following details:

1. Retailer name, address, telephone and e-mail contact details
2. Retailer reference number and person in charge of this case
3. Customer name, address, telephone and e-mail contact details
4. Date and place of purchase (proof of purchase if possible)
5. Model and year of manufacture
6. Frame number (Digital Picture is possible)
7. Digital Pictures (clear and in focus) of compete bike as set up for riding from both sides
8. Digital Pictures of failed part
9. Any extra details/notes e.g.
•Rider height and weight.
•Type of riding, distance travelled.
•Flag priority level….e.g. Bike off road and needed daily for work top priority.
•Flag for special treatment….e.g. If there is an injury involved and/or a possible liability issue.

Should you have any difficulties, please feel free to contact me again for further advice, and I will gladly try to assist, however, please realise that I no longer act as any form of representative for Dahon.

Yours sincerely,

Mark Bickerton
Cyclemotion


What I'm going to do is buy the replacement kit anyway. It's £30 and as said above, my bike being off the road for a week will rack up more costs. Evans have agreed to fit it for free.
by Kell
26 Aug 2011, 10:05am
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Dahon frame knackered - where do I go next?
Replies: 14
Views: 2737

Re: Dahon frame knackered - where do I go next?

I just got this note back today:

Hi Kell,

Re: Dahon Warranty Claims for model years up to 2009.

The Dahon brand is in the middle of an important transition phase which affects distribution, warranty and service. Normally, it would be the UK distributor’s responsibility to provide replacement parts for bikes from model year 2009 and previous, whether under warranty or not. However, due to the change in our distribution network, this is currently not possible.

Cyclemotion ceased to be the UK agent after nearly 30 years involvement with Dahon at the end of the 2011 model year.

This note is intended to be a thorough and professional instruction for customers to follow a new process to persue a potential warranty claim for Dahon branded bicycles supplied into the UK market prior to 1st Jan 2010 and/or not supplied through the 2010/11 UK distributor Zyro Ltd. The 2010/11 UK distributor Zyro has stated that with effect from 1st June 2011, it is only able to support bikes and parts that were actually supplied by them. If the bike is a 2010 or 2011 model and was supplied through a UK retailer, you should first report the problem to the supplying retailer to follow up with Zyro.

If you have been directed to Cyclemotion it may be because your bike or part was not supplied by Zyro. In these cases we would therefore suggest that:

• Either you check availability of spares at http://www.dahonspares.co.uk to purchase the parts that you need;

• Or you may pursue it as a warranty claim by forwarding it to Dahon China using the following e-mail contacts:
novelle@dahon.com.cn Novelle is the person who handles claims
eddie@dahon-ecosmo.com Eddie Eccleston is Sales Director of Dahon

If following the warranty claim route, I would suggest you supply the following details:

1. Retailer name, address, telephone and e-mail contact details
2. Retailer reference number and person in charge of this case
3. Customer name, address, telephone and e-mail contact details
4. Date and place of purchase (proof of purchase if possible)
5. Model and year of manufacture
6. Frame number (Digital Picture is possible)
7. Digital Pictures (clear and in focus) of compete bike as set up for riding from both sides
8. Digital Pictures of failed part
9. Any extra details/notes e.g.
•Rider height and weight.
•Type of riding, distance travelled.
•Flag priority level….e.g. Bike off road and needed daily for work top priority.
•Flag for special treatment….e.g. If there is an injury involved and/or a possible liability issue.

Should you have any difficulties, please feel free to contact me again for further advice, and I will gladly try to assist, however, please realise that I no longer act as any form of representative for Dahon.

Yours sincerely,

Mark Bickerton
Cyclemotion


So I think that buying the bits myself and having Evans fit them is going to be less troublesome (and ultimately cost me lesss) than pursuing a warranty claim through China.
by Kell
25 Aug 2011, 3:57pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Dahon frame knackered - where do I go next?
Replies: 14
Views: 2737

Re: Dahon frame knackered - where do I go next?

OK current situation.

I'm going to buy the kit and Evans are going to fit it for free.

I figure I can do it this way around and stand a chance of making a claim for the £30 afterwards. I'm not happy about this, but I want my bike back quickly.
by Kell
25 Aug 2011, 2:14pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Dahon frame knackered - where do I go next?
Replies: 14
Views: 2737

Re: Dahon frame knackered - where do I go next?

iow wrote:are evans responsible for honouring the dahon 5 year warranty? if not, then i think they could argue that a 2 year life was 'acceptable' for a wear and tear item.


Unsure.

My understanding of it is like this. If I buy a kettle from John Lewis, and the element stops working, John Lewis honour the warranty and exchange/refund. they then send it back to the manufacturer for recompense.

It seems to me that Evans know they won't get any money back from Dahon and are putting the onus on me to source the parts.

In the example above, I wouldn't expect John Lewis to tell me where I could get an elemaet from and tell me to fit it myself.
by Kell
25 Aug 2011, 12:14pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Dahon frame knackered - where do I go next?
Replies: 14
Views: 2737

Dahon frame knackered - where do I go next?

I'll try and keep this short.

Have a Dahon Matrix I bought in 2009. A few weeks back I heard a horrible 'Crack' as I tightened up the lower hinge - at first I thought the frame had snapped, but Evans tell me it's the cam bolt inside has either snapped or snapped its casing.

OK, so replace it.

Therein lies the problem. Dahon are undergoing some major changes at the top and there's currently no UK supplier - so Evans have no one to contact to get parts. They suggested an independent company which supplies spares, but I fail to see why I should have to run around ordering parts when my contract is with Evans and the frame has a 5-year guarantee.

I can't register on the Dahon forum as they're not accepting any new members - which is frustrating as a couple of people on there seem to have had the same issue and say the replacement kit is about £30 and is easy to fit. (Although, the mechanic at Evans said that they're unsure what's snapped as they can't work out how to take it apart.)

But do I go back to Evans and say you're obliged to fix it? Some guy on the Dahon forum has done that and says Evans have now had his bike for three months.

Or do I bite the bullet, order the spares kit and take the £30 hit to be back on my bike - after all, £30 is only what I'll pay in tube fares for one week off my bike. But then do I attempt to do it myself bearing in mind the Evans mech said they can't get it apart?

Do I say if you can't fix it, I want a refund? Do I complain to Evans HQ?

Just looking for advice on a) what my correct and legal course of action is and b) what the most sensible course of action is.