Search found 22 matches

by guzzimag
5 Mar 2019, 11:56am
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Caledonian cycleway
Replies: 6
Views: 3107

Caledonian cycleway

Morning all. I'm off to pedal the Caledonian Cycleway in May, and it's the age old question: which bike do I take. The Sustrans maps are a bit useless in terms of terrain description - are there any particularly muddy/rocky sections?

I have a choice of a slick tyred mtb, 25mm tyred touring bike or a 32mm tyred jack of all trades "hybrid".

I only ask as last time I did a long distance route most of it was on-road/smooth trails but there were a few sections where my poor Audax bike took a right hammering on it's skinny rims, and I ended up busting a spoke and needed a new rim when I got home.

Thanks
by guzzimag
16 Jul 2013, 2:20pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Is leather really better than synthetic...
Replies: 25
Views: 2392

Re: Is leather really better than synthetic...

I have a B17, a B17 Imperial, and a Spa Wharfe (I think - the thinner one). I prefer the Brooks as the leather is thinner and breaks in quicker. The Spa feels extremely hard, and I can't see it breaking in this side of 2020!! But saddles are personal - I visited Spa and they let me take the bike out for a spin with the B17 imperial fitted before I decided to buy). Spa saddles are much cheaper though so maybe worth a punt if it fits you.

Maybe you could find a LBS that would do the same, it's the only way you'll know. I wouldn't go back to a plastic saddle now - they caused me agonies anything over 20 miles. With the Brooks I've done multiple 80 mile touring days without a second thought. Legs die before bum does :D
by guzzimag
26 Feb 2013, 12:26pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Cycling Backpack Advice
Replies: 24
Views: 8617

Re: Cycling Backpack Advice

Cycling Active did a review of backpacks a while back and the Vaude Bike Alpine came out tops and is available in a rather fetching green!
by guzzimag
26 Feb 2013, 12:23pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Recommended powder coaters/enamelling old steel frame?
Replies: 21
Views: 3326

Re: Recommended powder coaters/enamelling old steel frame?

I've just had a motorcycle frame and myriad other parts done by Triple S in Bingley. Worth ringing and asking if they'll do a bicycle frame as they are absolutely first class - won't find a better company to entrust rare and expensive parts too.
by guzzimag
28 Nov 2012, 4:12pm
Forum: On the road
Topic: How do I handle a large, busy roundabout?
Replies: 20
Views: 3541

Re: How do I handle a large, busy roundabout?

Yes that's the roundabout in question, and I agree it is difficult for drivers too. I think the advice to find a better route is ringing true. It's the only part of my journey that feels dicey. Cowardice being the better part of valour and all that?! It's OK on the way in as has been said, it's downhill so you can get across it more rapidly (which I do in primary). Huffing your way slowly across the jaws of death uphill on the way back with a van up your posterier is no fun!

I think a combo of better lights/side vis and a new route is needed. I'll also get hold of a copy of cyclecraft. Thanks for the tips everyone.
by guzzimag
28 Nov 2012, 2:37pm
Forum: On the road
Topic: How do I handle a large, busy roundabout?
Replies: 20
Views: 3541

How do I handle a large, busy roundabout?

Hello - I'm after advice.

Part of my commute takes me across the Lawnswood Roundabout in Leeds - it's a major intersection on the ring road, 3 lanes of traffic and 4 exits. Very high traffic volume with queues of traffic waiting to enter. I cross straight over it. I nearly got taken out twice last night, once on that roundabout by someone pulling out in front of me as I was trying to exit, and the same thing again on another roundbaout later in my commute.

I wear a Nightvision jacket, flashing front Smart Lunar 30, cateye ld1100 rear on solid plus reflectors. It's dark when I'm on the road home. Last night I ordered a much brighter front light, and a topeak headlux helmet light to increase my side/rear visibility. I'm used to defensive riding having motorcycled that route for many years.

My question is: what road position should I be occupying when crossing the roundabout? I tend to stick to the inside of the nearside lane - which means I'm close to car bumpers waiting to enter the roundabout, and I noticed that the "smidsy" offenders view was blocked by the cars door frame (they had the seat right back). I don't think they clocked me at all during this near miss. Should I be bold and cross it in primary position?? Slightly concerned about getting rear ended if I do this, but it would increase my visibility to those waiting to enter the roundabout when I'm crossing it.
by guzzimag
15 Nov 2012, 7:30pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: SRAM Apex versus Shimano 105
Replies: 11
Views: 3491

Re: SRAM Apex versus Shimano 105

I have a SRAM Apex equipped Spa Audax, and a 105 triple equipped Cube. Both systems work, my personal preference would be the Shimano 105 but you should try both. My opinions: The Apex gearing (compact double and 32 at the back) is far more widely spaced. I sometimes find it hard to find the perfect gear, but not very often. The 105 is close ratio in comparison. The lever action of the SRAM is far more clunky. The 105 feels lighter to use and more positive in use.

The SRAM Apex bottom bracket failed on me twice and has now been replaced with a Hope bottom bracket (marvellous thing). I love my Spa though - it's more than the sum of it's parts. However - if I had my time again I probably would have spec'd it with 105 instead. Bear in mind it is a more expensive groupset so maybe not fair to compare it to SRAM Apex.

They both work fine. The 105, for me, is a bit better thought out and easier to use. The SRAM is perfectly good as well though - but the BB in my experience is a weak point. 105 brakes are nice too - no experience with SRAM brakes as my Spa came with Miche brakes (rubbish, replaced with Shimano!)

Try both . Good luck
by guzzimag
5 Sep 2012, 1:57pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: SRAM Apex - Ajustment
Replies: 6
Views: 721

Re: SRAM Apex - Ajustment

SRAM Apex shifters in operation on my bike are heavier to use than the Shimano 105 on my other. Both are new ish and well setup, the SRAM just takes a fair bit more shove when moving to a bigger cog. You sure you're not just used to a lighter shift? Still like my Apex setup, it's just different. CLONK. CLONK. CLONK. Whereas the shimano is more snick snick snick
by guzzimag
23 Aug 2012, 1:19pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: SRAM Apex bottom bracket
Replies: 15
Views: 6093

Re: SRAM Apex bottom bracket

I've now Installed a Hope BB with GPX converter shims, done 300 ish miles on it and it's a syrupy smooth thing of wonder and has transformed the bike. I love my Spa again all is forgiven :D
by guzzimag
1 Aug 2012, 1:19pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: audax bikes; gearing too high
Replies: 68
Views: 6160

Re: audax bikes; gearing too high

I was a victim of shiny bike syndrome. After two happy years aboard a flat barred (comfy), Deore XT equipped (massive gear range) hybrid and a couple of thousand miles of commuting and weekend rides I decided on a "proper" road bike - a Cube Attempt race bike.

Fine for 15 miles, then my wrists and back start murdering me. Hills....gearing nowhere near low enough for hills in the Dales. I tried different saddles and stems to no avail. Bottom line is my buttock is too high and wrists too low - I should have realised from years of riding motorbikes that I would not get on with the sports bike position - whether one with an engine or pedals.

I now have a Spa Audax. I stuck a Brooks on it and left the bars in the highest position. I fitted a rack. It gets used for everything and I love it. I like the humungous 32 cog on the back (SRAM Apex) and use it a lot. People overtake me - I don't care. I can happily do 50 miles with no pains.

Anyone want to buy an immaculate, slightly dusty, 2011 Cube Attempt with about 200 miles on it??? :mrgreen:
by guzzimag
28 Jul 2012, 2:43pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: SRAM Apex bottom bracket
Replies: 15
Views: 6093

Re: SRAM Apex bottom bracket

A further update for anyone interested. The replacement SRAM GXP bottom bracket is knackered, AGAIN.

Not impressed, this one lasted 400 miles before the crunching and grinding started again. I've had enough: fitting a Hope BB next week. Still love the Spa though but the SRAM running gear is not great, wish I'd specced 105 now but you live and learn!
by guzzimag
16 Jun 2012, 9:27pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: SRAM Apex bottom bracket
Replies: 15
Views: 6093

Re: SRAM Apex bottom bracket

To finish up the tale....the bike came back from Spa a bit back, with a stripped, cleaned and rebuilt BB. It lasted another couple of weeks before it went south, looked like the chainring was warped and no amount of adjusting the front derailleur would stop the chain rub.

Back to Spa...bottom bracket was knackered, not the chainwheel so I now have a new BB (Sram again). Can't fault the service at Spa, although was slightly put out when it was initially suggested I'd buggered the chainring by shifting under load! Harumph. I like to think I'm not a total butcher with the gearchanges. Anyway the replacement BB works, might be my paranoia but it just doesn't feel as solid as the Shimano Hollowtech II on my Hybrid and still makes some noise.

If it goes again I'm going to stick a Hope one in. Maybe the SRAM just can't take the grunt I'm putting out when cranking up the hills in a big gear :wink:
by guzzimag
22 Apr 2012, 7:46pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: SRAM Apex bottom bracket
Replies: 15
Views: 6093

Re: SRAM Apex bottom bracket

Brucey et al - that's really useful information thanks will have a look through it all. Bike is booked into Spa for it's first service and a look at the ill BB so see what they say
by guzzimag
21 Apr 2012, 3:22pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: SRAM Apex bottom bracket
Replies: 15
Views: 6093

SRAM Apex bottom bracket

Hello there,

I have a Spa Audax Ti which I love, but it's developed a clicking bottom bracket bearing. It's only done about 500 miles, so taking it back to Spa this week for them to have a look and do it's first service.

My question is: what alternative bottom bracket bearings will work with the SRAM Apex chainset? I'm not sure I want to replace the Apex bottom bracket with another if it's only going to last 500 miles! Something of a better quality would be nice with a max price of say £50 (so not the top end SRAM ceramic bearings)

Any suggestions?
by guzzimag
12 Mar 2012, 9:32pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Spa Ti Audax
Replies: 12
Views: 4413

Re: Spa Ti Audax

Nope won't be replacing the Guzzi's!! My garage is a 2 wheels only zone - part from the little uns trike :D