Search found 371 matches

by Mr. Viking
22 Aug 2014, 3:41pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Sturmey X-RD5(W) issues
Replies: 11
Views: 2079

Re: Sturmey X-RD5(W) issues

I'm working through the same issue, but when stripping the hub I'm not able to get the drive side bearing cup off. I've tried using a hammer and punch but am approaching the point where I'm worried I'll break it. Am I being too gentle with it or is there something I'm missing
by Mr. Viking
22 Aug 2014, 11:54am
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: My first tour (I didn't make it)
Replies: 93
Views: 11862

Re: My first tour (I didn't make it)

don't concern yourself too much over the 100kg recommended limit for the bike. I weigh in at 120 and carry up to 30kg on my bikes. Have not had any serious issues. Braking can be hairy though and it's a good idea to make sure nuts are all tightened and wheels are straight. Never had one fail under me yet though
by Mr. Viking
17 Jul 2014, 10:19pm
Forum: On the road
Topic: Cruelty to bikes
Replies: 22
Views: 4180

Re: Cruelty to bikes

If there were rules about this I would have been banned from cycling many times over :oops:

turns out riding in the sea isn't good for gears.

Or suspension.

Or riding into walls to see how fast the bike stops.

How about cutting a spoke to see what happens.

Or using the maximum chain angle possible because "it sounds like a motorbike"

Or cleaning the oil off the chain with a brunsh because it made my hands dirty when I put it back on (for some reason it fell off quite regularly)

Or forgetting to tighten the rear wheel nuts and being surprised at how fast the bike would slow down when the wheel came off

or chucking the anti turn washers from a hub gear because they looked stupid

My bike was once dropped off the back of a car while heading off for a camping holliday.

I used to try and run in to the back of my brothers bike because it would make him skid

I rounded off just about every fastener using vise grips because I was too lazy to get a screwdriver

I used to turn the bike upside down, spin the wheel up and push polystyrene into the tyre to shred it.

Sometimes it takes a bit of cruelty in order to learn.
by Mr. Viking
17 Jul 2014, 10:00pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Spoke Nipple Sizes
Replies: 4
Views: 3610

Re: Spoke Nipple Sizes

I measured mine with (99p) vernier calipers. I think they were either 3.2 or 3.3mm, couldn't be sure. Suppose that would mean 3.25mm, though presumption does precede a fall. My (cheapo again) spoke key wouldn't fit properly.Going to see about getting a good one for the weekend. Need to get this bike finished.
by Mr. Viking
16 Jul 2014, 7:19pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: tubeless tyres
Replies: 13
Views: 2050

Re: tubeless tyres

Mick F wrote:Trouble is, won't tubeless tyres have to go on tubeless rims?

yes, I would guess they are more difficult to maintain at home. I was having a look at them until I realised new rims would be needed.

Read something about a sealant system that can be used, but it seems very fiddly and doesn't satisfy me it will be more leakproof than tubes
by Mr. Viking
16 Jul 2014, 6:52pm
Forum: The Tea Shop
Topic: Jailed for messing a Merc
Replies: 12
Views: 2596

Re: Jailed for messing a Merc

I didn't know car washes were so expensive.
by Mr. Viking
15 Jul 2014, 7:31pm
Forum: The Tea Shop
Topic: We should always be allowed to do this!
Replies: 13
Views: 2893

Re: We should always be allowed to do this!

Mick F wrote:Wow!

I've rode through the Clyde Tunnel many many many times, but it isn't as far .............. or as iconic.

Clyde Tunnel is great fun. Not sure if it still is,but at one point it was the steepest tunnel in the world
by Mr. Viking
14 Jul 2014, 6:30pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Friction gears?
Replies: 36
Views: 25470

Re: Friction gears?

Bike-Rich wrote:Many thanks, I understand now :)

For down-tube shifting, is it required for the frame to have provision for the fitting or is it braze-on type?

you can get shifters which fit braze ons or you can get band-on shifters which are attached with a contracting band
by Mr. Viking
7 Jul 2014, 8:27pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Small metalwork Job
Replies: 8
Views: 1954

Re: Small metalwork Job

I work next to a steel fabricator. They have told me they can produce just about anything. Not sure about coming in off the street for it, or whether the finish would be great, but if you know a fabricator, or a friend of a friend, that would be worth contacting as a start. Do you know the dimensions of the tubing, to check if it is available as general stock?
by Mr. Viking
30 Oct 2013, 10:14pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: dynohub designed for 20" wheels in a 28" wheel size?
Replies: 4
Views: 1916

Re: dynohub designed for 20" wheels in a 28" wheel size?

The larger wheel will rotate at 70% the rate of the smaller wheel for any given speed. This means that the light will not reach full brightness until a slightly higher speed. In my experience with dynamos they reach full brightness slightly above walking pace so this shouldn't be an issue. I've only used bottle dynamos, but I can't see how a dynohub would be any different
by Mr. Viking
28 Oct 2013, 11:54pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: dutch style roadster..
Replies: 25
Views: 4747

Re: dutch style roadster..

you'll grow to love the hub brakes
by Mr. Viking
28 Oct 2013, 11:41pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: dutch style roadster..
Replies: 25
Views: 4747

Re: dutch style roadster..

I have a Dawes graduate. Do most of my cycling on it. 5 speed gears, hub brakes. It has not been zero maintenance but much closer than other bikes I have used. I had trouble with the rear wheel moving in the stays but i have never ridden a bike where this has not been an issue. One thing I like are the heavy duty wheels, 36 2mm spokes, which despite being abused have stayed perfectly true

It has been ridden in hard weather for commuting one year and general riding for 3. The chaincase has surface and paint peeled off, though this was mostly due to being stored outside for it's first year. The frame has no signs of damage or corrosion apart from where I have chipped the paint.

I have never cleaned the bike. It still runs great. It was a smidge under £400 4 years ago. The frame is in perfect nick and the brakes bedded in nicely only thing I wouid change would be 90mm rather than 70mm drums. i had looked at Pashleys before but couldn't justify the extra cost for what seemed to amount to detailing and a handbuilt frame, which i didn't see as a big deal because the frames are so heavy they should be strong regardless.

The brake levers are nice to use, though the screw barrel on one has broken. Comes with a bottle dynamo that works but isn't ideal.

Sadly Dawes have stopped making this model and only seem to do deraileur models similar which won't be so robust. Halfords Real classic range looked identical but at a lower price and with some slightly different components though they no longer list the mens' frame on their website they might have some old stock

My only difficulty would be replacing the tyres, as it is fiddly to remove the rear wheel.
by Mr. Viking
28 Oct 2013, 11:23pm
Forum: On the road
Topic: That one hill...
Replies: 31
Views: 5370

Re: That one hill...

hill outside my parents' house. I know I should be able to climb it fine, but every time when I'm about halfway up (it's very short but rather steep) whatever bike I'm on will have some sort of malfunction causing me to fall off or otherwise come to a stop. I'm not superstitious but I'm sick of it happening so I take other routes
by Mr. Viking
30 Sep 2013, 11:54pm
Forum: On the road
Topic: Deliberate or not?
Replies: 16
Views: 3109

Re: Deliberate or not?

If it was deliberate I think they could have mustered a bit more than that. I see that sort of quantity fall off trailers all the time, especially when maneuvering. Nobody could notice that amount falling out of a tractor trailer, remember that they often tow several tons of the stuff.
by Mr. Viking
30 Sep 2013, 11:47pm
Forum: The Tea Shop
Topic: Hows your workshop?
Replies: 13
Views: 8525

Re: Hows your workshop?

I prefer to work away from where my sleep, otherwise I get up during the night and fiddle, and find it harder to get to sleep. On a personal note, I received a Nuffield bursary to go on a work placement while I was at school.