Cycling UK Forum

Lots of good advice above, some of which is repeated here... Don't confuse wheels with tyres. Most wheels will take a variety of tyres, which in the scheme of things are not that expensive to replace - a good LBS might do it almost for free on a new bike. Unfortunately, based on what you say, neithe...

Ortlieb say they can do repairs, it might be worth contacting them for costs. Or for DIY they recommend "Camplast" ( link for both). Thanks for that - I should have thought of looking at the Ortlieb website. As well as Camplast, they recommend McNett Tenacious clear tape, which got me thi...

I have an Ortlieb 5 Plus bar bag, with an Ortlieb map case which attaches to the bag lid with press studs. Last year some DEET insect repellant leaked out of its container in the bag, and dissolved a patch of the waterproof coating at the bottom. The DEET vendor reimbursed me for the full new cost o...

You'll need to give more information if you want sensible answers: - Describe your current bike, and what you like and don't like about it. Some commuter bikes would make decent tourers, maybe with a few extras added. The fact that it is old is not necessarily a problem. - How much stuff will you ca...

https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/accessories/busch-muller-cycle-star-mirror-fits-to-handlebar-end-no-stem-for-drop-bars/ Excellent mirror (love mine). Ian Another +1 for this. Small enough not to get in the way, but big enough to get a decent view, and no stem which means minimal vibration. The only dra...

I assume your 60-80 miles is for one way only? It's at least 60 miles/100 km each way. I'd agree with the suggestion to make a circular route rather than out-and-back. Also, as suggested the K&A route is very pleasant, if rough in places, and potentially muddy. It is all cycleable, though - I've...

Can you replace individual gears in a rear cassette? I wouldn't mind having a slightly higher top gear, perhaps an 11 instead of a 13. It's possible, but in your case, as it seems very likely the whole cassette is worn, I'd just get a new cassette. This is simpler and not much more expensive (even ...

You don't give your location, but many towns/cities have local charities which do up donated/abandoned bikes and sell them on. If there's one near you, it would be worth popping in with the broken part to look for a match. They are likely to have all sorts of bits and pieces salvaged from donated bi...

As uppadine says, the car park is ok, and I am pretty sure - but not 100% - that you can get your car out after the last ferry arrives - it would be pretty silly if you can't. Alternatively, if it's just for a day, it shouldn't be hard to find somewhere to leave the car within a mile or so of the te...

The point about the Tailfin rack is that is can be quickly and securely fitted to a bike lacking mounting points for a conventional rear rack, without needing bodges like P clips.

Having said that, all the other critcisms seem valid. Its looks are a matter of taste; I'm in the 'fugly' camp.

Next year? You're overthinking this trip :D . +1. You're in the UK. Whatever your opinion of current political goings-on, it's a developed country in the 21stC, and nothing is likely to go seriously wrong. If you're worried, take a credit card (with a reasonable amount of credit on it) and a smartp...

All motorists caught speeding should be made to attend a speed awareness course as well as a fine. For some a fine is just an easy option. The hassle of attending a course can be quite a "punishment" in itself, and I know several who have opted for the fine and not the course. In my wife'...

Great report, full of details! Do you think that a day-off in Clachtoll to reach the Stoer Lighthouse would be a good option? Everyone mention midges, I really think that we should buy a net :wink: I've never been there, but it looks like Stoer Lighthouse is only 7 km off your route, along a fairly...

I imagine drinking dead-sheep-water or uranium-water once would probably not be harmful, anyone here with medical knowledge care to comment? I've no particular medical knowledge, but the two risks are quite different. The dead-sheep-water will either make you ill, or be completely harmless. The cha...

... ready for you to start for Bath from Reading - possibly along NCN 4 (Kennet & Avon canal path). NCN4 is indeed a pleasant route from Reading to Bath, but maybe not before April or so, because some sections of the towpath will be muddy and slippery. Also there are a couple of awkward barrier...