Search found 1129 matches

by SimonCelsa
17 Mar 2024, 7:12pm
Forum: For Sale - bits of bikes, etc.
Topic: SOLD Spa Nidd saddle
Replies: 3
Views: 216

Re: Spa Nidd saddle

Does it have the synthetic backing material on the underside which tends to prevent the saddle 'breaking in', or is it one of the newer models where this backing material is omitted?

I have an ageing Esk model which is still rock hard after 25000 miles more or less........fairly comfortable though!
by SimonCelsa
16 Mar 2024, 4:39pm
Forum: Cycling Goods & Services - Your Reviews
Topic: Halfords
Replies: 2
Views: 237

Re: Halfords

gbnz wrote: 16 Mar 2024, 9:13am Have had to bin the part ............
You chucked away a brand new derailleur? That's a bit cruel!
by SimonCelsa
15 Mar 2024, 5:38pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Headset on Claud Butler Dalesman
Replies: 32
Views: 925

Re: Headset on Claud Butler Dalesman

Rob D wrote: 15 Mar 2024, 2:45pm Thanks both. I'm inclined to do a bit of investigative surgery, just to have an idea of what's there.
Good idea, I reckon your upper headset bearing arrangement is not fitted correctly, it doesn't look quite right. Maybe one of the bearing 'shields' (for want of a better word) is upside down.
by SimonCelsa
15 Mar 2024, 5:23pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Choosing puncture resistant tyres on a new bike before buying
Replies: 39
Views: 1882

Re: Choosing puncture resistant tyres on a new bike before buying

Vetus Ossa wrote: 6 Mar 2024, 4:53pm Continental Contact plus with slime inner tubes, can't be bettered.
Yes, I've had good service from the Continenetal Contact Plus (with normal tubes) for the past year. Getting on for 3000 commuting miles and have always stayed inflated. Can't really say if they're more comfortable than Schwalbe Marathon Plus as I tend to keep my tyres at firm pressures and neither brand provides a particularly plush ride!
by SimonCelsa
12 Mar 2024, 4:45am
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: last second ebay bidding
Replies: 51
Views: 2421

Re: last second ebay bidding

Jezrant wrote: 11 Mar 2024, 6:01pm
One of the last times I 'won' an auction on fleabay, I made an educated guess about what the item was worth and then put in a maximum bid much lower with the sniping software. I was actually testing the sniping software as it was still fairly new to me at the time (this was a few years ago). There were a few other bidders and a little flurry of activity in the last few seconds, and then I 'won'. £200 less than what I would have wanted if I was selling that item.
Yes, but surely you would still have 'won' it without the sniping software if you had just entered your maximum bid at the outset??

Ebay bids automatically for you, up to your maximum bid doesn't it.
by SimonCelsa
10 Mar 2024, 8:17pm
Forum: For Sale - bits of bikes, etc.
Topic: Oddments
Replies: 9
Views: 474

Re: Oddments

If still available I'll have a go with the 'Grab-On foam touring grips' - I'll send you a PM shortly.
by SimonCelsa
10 Mar 2024, 11:47am
Forum: Offered for Free
Topic: Gone: 1995 Ralegh M-Trax with Sturmey hub gears and brakes
Replies: 3
Views: 334

Re: 1995 Ralegh M-Trax with Sturmey hub gears and brakes

Maybe stick it in the actual 'for sale' section for £1 or some other token amount. I think that section of the forum may get more views than this one.

As you say, the hubs alone, if you're into that sort of thing, would make this a very interesting proposition for someone in your area.

Best of luck in getting rid and making space, certainly there must exist 'bike tinkerers' close to you!!
by SimonCelsa
5 Mar 2024, 7:14pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Importing a new or 2nd hand bike into the UK from the EU.
Replies: 49
Views: 3855

Re: Importing a new or 2nd hand bike into the UK from the EU.

brianleach wrote: 5 Mar 2024, 9:58am
the right time to cash out a chunk of money
Don't forget to consider the possible capital gains tax liability!
Yes, and try and get any decent appreciating stock investments within an ISA quick. You were allowed to make £12000 last year, 6 grand this year and a paltry £3000 next year. Although I doubt much sympathy would be garnered if this were your topic of winge down the local boozer!!
by SimonCelsa
29 Feb 2024, 4:42am
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Axa bottle dynamo wiring
Replies: 16
Views: 1650

Re: Axa bottle dynamo wiring

Good to hear a happy punter.

I use a similar set up on my tandem, the only niggle I have is that during daylight hours the bottle dynamo tends to 'spring' into action when I go over bumps, necessitating reaching down to pull it back off the tyre and into the stowed position. One day I'm going to grab a handful of moving spokes by mistake!!

It also seems impossible to open it up (without wrecking something). I'd like to take a look inside and maybe give it some maintenance every now and then but cannot see an easy way of doing this.

But yes, on the whole, cheap, reliable and a good light source.
by SimonCelsa
18 Feb 2024, 5:48am
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Mileage declining !
Replies: 23
Views: 2061

Re: Mileage declining !

gbnz wrote: 17 Feb 2024, 8:46am
On becoming partially disabled in 2018, I was illegally banned from using public sector gyms in Northumberland, for being "disabled". Have a 36 mile round bicycle ride / or bus journey on my disabled bus pass to my current private gym. A ride can be preferable
When I started my career at sea, a wizened old Bosun said to me, 'Son, if you're looking for sympathy, you'll find it between sh*t and syphilis in the dictionary'.....

All the best, hope you regain your joie de vivre!!
by SimonCelsa
14 Feb 2024, 6:19am
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Hub/Freewheel problem
Replies: 36
Views: 2385

Re: Hub/Freewheel problem

Gumwall wrote: 14 Feb 2024, 1:18am
Also...there was a washer. I took care to stack the nuts etc in the order they came off the axle, then I reached for something and the stack fell over. Where does the washer belong? Surely not between the cone nut and locking nut? It looks like it can only belong outside the locknut, but I'd like that confirmed.

I think it's quite common on an axle to have a washer or spacer between the cone and locknut, especially on the non drive side. Here's a stock photo from eBay showing just that, (random sample of one!!)::


axle spacer.JPG
by SimonCelsa
13 Feb 2024, 1:57pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: sub 20 lbs Raleigh Record Ace
Replies: 21
Views: 1261

Re: sub 20 lbs Raleigh Record Ace

mig wrote: 13 Feb 2024, 12:18pm do you use two brake calipers?
No, when running fixed gear I just use a front caliper. I've become reasonably proficient at ambidextrous 'skidding', or more usually just slowing down using the pedals and straps. This bike is mainly for summer commuting use, and the occasional 40 or 50 miler. I don't tend to seek out big hills on it, or go for multi day tours.
by SimonCelsa
13 Feb 2024, 9:35am
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: sub 20 lbs Raleigh Record Ace
Replies: 21
Views: 1261

Re: sub 20 lbs Raleigh Record Ace

UpWrong wrote: 13 Feb 2024, 8:22am
You'd save some chain by running 38x15 say. About 7" worth.
Valid point, but I'd also be losing quite a lot of skid patches, and as I plan to run Continental GP5000's I want to wear them down evenly!
by SimonCelsa
13 Feb 2024, 5:14am
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: sub 20 lbs Raleigh Record Ace
Replies: 21
Views: 1261

Re: sub 20 lbs Raleigh Record Ace

UpWrong wrote: 12 Feb 2024, 9:05pm Will you be using 11 speed chain?
Doubtful, probably 8 speed, I've got a few of them knocking around and although I seek lightness, it is not at any cost.
by SimonCelsa
12 Feb 2024, 6:17pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: sub 20 lbs Raleigh Record Ace
Replies: 21
Views: 1261

Re: sub 20 lbs Raleigh Record Ace

Crikey, no I'm not that tall, 2' 6" at the last measuring!!