Search found 103 matches

by mr_mark_sid
24 Nov 2021, 2:39pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Lanes, Lights and High-Cab Lorries
Replies: 27
Views: 1649

Re: Lanes, Lights and High-Cab Lorries

Thankyou all for very helpful replies.

I have had several specific instances of trucks approaching from ahead. It happens as trucks set out for a night time trip from farms stocking either poultry or hay bales (7-10pm) to often quite distant buyers. I know they freight the hay bales nationally. This has also happened about twenty meters from a right turning junction where they are turning onto the lane that I am on.

While I mention 'blind spots' I am not sure that this is the whole picture. My impression is that this may more be 'sight lines'. From a higher elevation I think the drivers look further ahead and pay less attention to the nearer and lower objects outside of the sight line which they are more attentive too. Hence a higher light source is more likely to be in the sight line that they are paying attention to and a flashing, diffuse source is all the more effective.

Mark
by mr_mark_sid
24 Nov 2021, 7:49am
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Lanes, Lights and High-Cab Lorries
Replies: 27
Views: 1649

Lanes, Lights and High-Cab Lorries

I am a country vicar and my role requires me to ride country lanes at night. This time of year is a double jeopardy because the dark evenings and the fact that bulk farm materials like hay bales are trucked at night to avoid daytime traffic means that I sometimes encounter articulated lorries with very high cabs on dark lanes.

The high cab means there is an extended blind (or low visibility) spot infront of the cab and I have had some uncomfortable near misses. I have found a light on top of my helmet absolutely invaluable to resolve the issue. The extra height of the light compared to a frame mount seems to make a big difference.

1. What experience do others have?

2. How do you approach the 'be seen' aspect of lighting on dark country lanes?

3. I cover a lot of miles and so I work hard to reduce the 'per mile risk' any suggestions on how to reduce this risk?

I look forward to reading your reponses, Mark
by mr_mark_sid
6 Nov 2021, 8:46pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Good Secondhand Bike Shops?
Replies: 21
Views: 1531

Re: Good Secondhand Bike Shops?

Bristol Bike Workshop is excellent - a good range of refurbed second hand bikes
by mr_mark_sid
8 Aug 2021, 10:13am
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Does anyone still use a cape
Replies: 104
Views: 6562

Re: Does anyone still use a cape

I regularly use a Carradice Duxback on our sit-and-beg position child carrier box bike. It works really well in the context of circa 10mph everyday riding, even in wind. At these speeds and cycling style, it protects top and legs really well. For what you get, it is exceptionally good value.

I have also used a carradice Pro Route cape and I have to say it is awesome for both head and lee winds and windless conditions. No issues with helmets for this style of cape and the hood tucks away if you want. You are effectively in a 'tear-drop' form and so very good aero-dynamically and it greatly reduces drag. However, side winds are a nightmare and this is why I have largely stopped using it. It remains a really good stand-by for occasional showers for summer commuting because it is smaller and lighter than carrying waterproof top and trousers.

Happy capers!

Mark
by mr_mark_sid
7 Jun 2021, 7:02pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Headset Press Disaster
Replies: 36
Views: 2313

Re: Headset Press Disaster

sorry to hear about this - sounds tricky.

Any chance you can knock out the press cups from behind?

You could also try some variation on a tool like this 'blind hole bearing puller' (see video at 1')
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9gIEG1db0s

photos would help,

Mark
by mr_mark_sid
2 Jan 2021, 7:23pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: where can ifind drop down bull bars for mtb bike
Replies: 2
Views: 224

Re: where can ifind drop down bull bars for mtb bike

I love these things. They work really well on our family tandem when I really want the control of longer bars in town but to get down on the drops in the wind or if we are out for a burn.

I get mine from SJS:

https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/handlebars/jtek-superlight-drop-bar-bar-ends-black/

or

https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/handlebars/origin8-propulsion-road-ends-drop-bar-bar-ends-black/

I like the Jtec ones, which simulate a compact drop. I recommend something like this to go with them:

https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/handlebar-tape-grips/222-mm-diacompe-dc-138-hand-rest-tan-rubber/

The Dia Compe ones are also available in black if you search.

****Pay attention to the diameters you need when you purchase****


Cane Creek also make something suitable:

https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/componentstandem-specific-parts/cane-creek-ergo-dummy-stoker-levers/

enjoy!!

Mark
by mr_mark_sid
11 Sep 2020, 7:04pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Which work spd shoes - 3000 miles per year?
Replies: 40
Views: 2107

Re: Which work spd shoes - 3000 miles per year?

Thanks tatanab for confirming my thoughts and giving more support for the giros.

Janwal - that is a good thought. It might be something I try.

Freiston - those Lakes look well worth it. What sort of milage are you getting out of those?

thank you all, Mark
by mr_mark_sid
11 Sep 2020, 7:00pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Who still couriers bike boxes?
Replies: 20
Views: 1287

Re: Who still couriers bike boxes?

I have had 100% success with Paisley Freight:

https://www.paisleyfreight.com/bike-courier

We have used them maybe 10 times all told. Always good and always helpful.
by mr_mark_sid
8 Sep 2020, 7:39pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Which work spd shoes - 3000 miles per year?
Replies: 40
Views: 2107

Re: Which work spd shoes - 3000 miles per year?

thanks RickH and speedsixdave for a fullsome description of the Giros and slowster for insights into the Lake boots. The giros certainly look well made and well thought through in their design but it is good to read this first-hand

speedsixdave - I can get away with dark brown and even a few flecks of branding here and there. I often get spotted when my cleats are revealed at the altar rail :) I have asked REW Reynolds if they can do a boot in black but I will settle for the dark brown otherwise. I am guessing they are on furlough because I have not heard back.

I am realising that an approach of two pairs - winter and summer will work well and so I am looking to winter boots first.

borisface - My boss was never one to throw the first stone so I guess he might not be averse to a boris bike :)
by mr_mark_sid
8 Sep 2020, 4:12pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Which work spd shoes - 3000 miles per year?
Replies: 40
Views: 2107

Re: Which work spd shoes - 3000 miles per year?

thanks rogerzilla. Good tip re:leather. I have a way of threading the laces into the inside of the top lace hole to keep the lace-tie safe....but thanks for the heads up.

love the sandles idea borisface - thanks for the giggle. I often muse on 'What bike would Jesus ride?' :D For now I am guessing a Thorn ....

The Northwaves sound good. I will have a look.

thank you!

Mark
by mr_mark_sid
7 Sep 2020, 7:40pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Which work spd shoes - 3000 miles per year?
Replies: 40
Views: 2107

Re: Which work spd shoes - 3000 miles per year?

thanks cyclop. I may well try this at some stage.

Mark
by mr_mark_sid
6 Sep 2020, 8:53pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Which work spd shoes - 3000 miles per year?
Replies: 40
Views: 2107

Re: Which work spd shoes - 3000 miles per year?

The cassock may hide the shoes but muddy footprints up the nave adequately reveal the stain of sin ... no hiding from that :D

Still the co2 from my parishioners' cars is a far worse emission .....
by mr_mark_sid
6 Sep 2020, 6:00pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Which work spd shoes - 3000 miles per year?
Replies: 40
Views: 2107

Re: Which work spd shoes - 3000 miles per year?

thankyou iow for a very professional response. I am going to get the Reynolds for this winter (and the next ...) and Dromarti for next summer (and the next ...).

I can reveal why I need smart black shoes in that I am a parish priest. I know that the red stitch on the Dromarti will make my parishioners assume I have aspirtions to be a cardinal ... :lol: as if!! :lol:

Thank you very much all for these comments. I will still wrestle about the giro and the quoc pham but I think I have a clear enough idea how to make my longer-term investment.
by mr_mark_sid
6 Sep 2020, 3:03pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Which work spd shoes - 3000 miles per year?
Replies: 40
Views: 2107

Re: Which work spd shoes - 3000 miles per year?

Hi PH,

Winter mud can be a challenge for sure but I find toe covers cover most eventualities with full covers if need be. They are tiny to stash away and easy to wip on and off ... so far so good after a few years.

Mark
by mr_mark_sid
6 Sep 2020, 1:32pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Which work spd shoes - 3000 miles per year?
Replies: 40
Views: 2107

Re: Which work spd shoes - 3000 miles per year?

iow wrote:Dromarti - The finest leather cycling shoes on the planet.
I'm bound to say that as I own the brand, but I have a pair which have covered 25k+ miles on the bike and 100's of miles walking which still look fantastic. (Mod's please remove if this is in breach of forum rules)
$matches[2] IMG_20191023_131239_266.jpg


thanks iow. It feels an honour to get a reply from such a well-respected brand. As I look between the Reynolds and the Dromarti, a deciding factor has to be how easy it is to get them resoled. It looks like Reynolds can do this. Please can you advise whether your team at Dromarti will resole a shoe?

Many thanks!

Mark