Search found 43 matches
- 25 Aug 2021, 9:17am
- Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
- Topic: Any advances in HIKING GPS units recently? - As in let's talk about hiking GPS units not phone based gps systems
- Replies: 147
- Views: 5577
Re: Any advances in GPS units recently? - hiking ones that can be used on a bike too
As a professional mountaineering instructor and cycle tourist this is an interesting discussion. The reality is that all devices work for all people. What you chose to use suits your issues at that time and probably changes over time. When working I have GPS, phone with OS (and downloaded map), map, compass and altimeter. When cycling I have gps on my bars which is also my cycle computer and phone with OS in my bag. I rarely take a paper map when cycling these days as if both devices failed I would find a shop or garage and buy a map.
- 24 Aug 2021, 9:27am
- Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
- Topic: Any advances in HIKING GPS units recently? - As in let's talk about hiking GPS units not phone based gps systems
- Replies: 147
- Views: 5577
Re: Any advances in GPS units recently? - hiking ones that can be used on a bike too
I would agree with Jonathon. As a professional mountaineering instructor I use a sat map active 20 on the hill and on my bike. It is bulkier than most cycle specific GPS units but gives me 1:50000 os maps for the whole of GB and my cycle computer needs of spread, average etc. The batteries easily last two days touring and I have a dry cell replacement pack if I ever need it.
- 9 Jun 2021, 9:27am
- Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
- Topic: M4 quick release
- Replies: 19
- Views: 931
Re: M4 quick release
I don’t know if Garmin offer quad lock backs but I use a Satmap 20 for mountaineering and cycling and I got a quad lock for the back of the device and fitted the other bit to my stem. It gives me 1:50000 maps for the whole uk and also acts as a cycle computer. It has a variety of functions but I only use speed, average, time and height gain. They are expensive but if you use it a lot it’s a good investment. The rechargeable battery last 10 hours with the display on continually and I have an adaptor for AAA cells for touring.
- 27 May 2021, 6:08pm
- Forum: Cycle Camping sub-forum
- Topic: Inflatable Sleeping Mats
- Replies: 47
- Views: 7238
Re: Inflatable Sleeping Mats
I bought my first self inflating mat in the early 1980 s and have now owned 4 or 5. Only 2 have punctured, once by a deliberate act of a disgruntled young man, and once by an African thorn the size of a darning needle. Both were repairable in the field using the same principles as bicycle punctures. I am a mountaineering instructor who has spent at least 30 nights a year camping for the last 35 years. This includes expeditions to every continent, except Antarctica. I now have a thermarest neoair which is the lightest and most compact and the most comfortable I have used. Why be concerned about puncturing when you can repair easier than an inner tube.
- 2 Apr 2021, 4:36pm
- Forum: Does anyone know … ?
- Topic: Transition from drop to flat bar tourers
- Replies: 48
- Views: 3068
Re: Transition from drop to flat bar tourers
I made the change to flat bars with Ergonomic GP5 grips 3 years ago and haven’t looked back. I use Thorn flat track bars and have reduced the width to the minimum they allow. I find I spend most time on the horns of the GP5 unless I’m braking heavily. I no longer get the back ache I used to because of the more upright position. I’m also past my sell by date as far as working goes.
- 21 Mar 2021, 10:58am
- Forum: Touring & Expedition
- Topic: If Europe's out where in the UK??
- Replies: 33
- Views: 2313
Re: If Europe's out where in the UK??
The Peak District. The trails are great and pretty level and the roads are quiet, but hilly. With a bit of careful map work you can work out good circular routes. And there are plenty of accommodation options.
- 2 Mar 2021, 1:40pm
- Forum: Does anyone know … ?
- Topic: Bar End Mirrors on Drops
- Replies: 76
- Views: 6959
Re: Bar-end rear view mirror
I use a down tube mounted mirror and it’s fine when day cycling. It gives a view as good as my old sports cars gave, not like a modern wide mirror but enough to see if anything is approaching. Unfortunately when touring all I see in the mirror is panniers and bags. I’ve tried bar end mirrors and after the third was broken by others on trains, and outside cafes I gave up.
- 25 Feb 2021, 10:01pm
- Forum: Touring & Expedition
- Topic: Favourite multi-day tours in England & Wales
- Replies: 40
- Views: 2717
Re: Favourite multi-day tours in England & Wales
Don't exclude the Welsh border. Mainline stations at Newport and Chester for a 2-4 day tour either camping or B&B. If Wales is still not open you can do it without crossing the border but it’s easier if you cross back and too in places.
It’s pretty countryside with pleasant small towns. I took a leisurely 4 days with a half day to include travelling at the start and finish. So 2 days at about 50 miles and 2 about 30 miles. The only busy parts with traffic were getting out of Newport and into Chester.
It’s pretty countryside with pleasant small towns. I took a leisurely 4 days with a half day to include travelling at the start and finish. So 2 days at about 50 miles and 2 about 30 miles. The only busy parts with traffic were getting out of Newport and into Chester.
- 2 Feb 2021, 7:47pm
- Forum: Touring & Expedition
- Topic: Classic C2C and general touring costs
- Replies: 30
- Views: 2614
Re: Classic C2C and general touring costs
I do it all the time. Find somewhere to park, hotels, b&b or pub will often let you leave the car on a corner of the car park if you use their services. Then either plan a circular route or a linear route with public transport back to the start. The limits are your own imagination and map reading or planning skills. Devon c2c, Newport-Chester Welsh border, classic Cumbria- N Sea, a variety of Scottish c2c. My latest was a Holyhead-Lowestoft. I find intercity trains a pain so look for local trains where you don’t have to book six months in advance.
- 8 Jan 2021, 4:02pm
- Forum: Does anyone know … ?
- Topic: MTB in primary school
- Replies: 15
- Views: 1121
Re: MTB in primary school
This is entirely possible and could be a real winner if you have support of the Head and governors. PM me if you want.
- 8 Jan 2021, 2:17pm
- Forum: Does anyone know … ?
- Topic: MTB in primary school
- Replies: 15
- Views: 1121
Re: MTB in primary school
Many outdoor education centres use cycling as an activity and with primary age children it is usually done on a purpose made track within the grounds. I know of several that have constructed such tracks and there is guidance on how to do it. Staff are also required to be competent in delivering such activities usually by gaining a cycling leadership award of some sort. I also know of one centre that has constructed a bmx pump track.
The benefits are manifold and sometimes results in children gaining cycle awards themselves as well as increasing self esteem and perhaps increasing cycle safety.
The benefits are manifold and sometimes results in children gaining cycle awards themselves as well as increasing self esteem and perhaps increasing cycle safety.
- 2 Jan 2021, 12:05pm
- Forum: Cycle Camping sub-forum
- Topic: Helinox-alike chair? Current offers?
- Replies: 18
- Views: 4293
Re: Helinox-alike chair? Current offers?
I have one of these. Rolls to the size of a small sleeping mat and weighs 700 gms. You are sitting on the ground but it’s amazing how often you can find a rock, bench or bank to sit on. It supports your back and I find it a lot more comfortable than the very lightweight stools and the like.
Made by Crazy creek in the USA and I bought mine for a canoe trip over there. I also use it as an extra bit of insulation for sleeping.
Made by Crazy creek in the USA and I bought mine for a canoe trip over there. I also use it as an extra bit of insulation for sleeping.
- 21 Dec 2020, 9:34am
- Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
- Topic: Multitool recommendations
- Replies: 18
- Views: 928
Re: Multitool recommendations
https://www.parktool.com/product/multi- ... ulti-Tools
I have one of these Park Tool wrenches which has nothing to go wrong. Simplicity itself.
I have one of these Park Tool wrenches which has nothing to go wrong. Simplicity itself.
- 18 Dec 2020, 8:35pm
- Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
- Topic: What chainring and rear cog for Rohloff? Need Help
- Replies: 107
- Views: 5457
Re: What chainring and rear cog for Rohloff?
All of the gear options are detailed in here.
http://www.sjscycles.com/thornpdf/Thorn ... _LoRes.pdf
http://www.sjscycles.com/thornpdf/Thorn ... _LoRes.pdf
- 5 Dec 2020, 11:43am
- Forum: Does anyone know … ?
- Topic: What bike for my Mum?
- Replies: 14
- Views: 948
Re: What bike for my Mum?
Have a look at Elephant bike.
https://www.cycleofgood.com/elephant-bike-bicycle/
I have one in my stable as my shopping bike. Sturmey Archer 3 speed enough for the flat, I live in the High Peak so don’t use it on the hills. They are ex post office Pashleys and completely refurbished. For every one you buy they send one to Africa. The only downside is the weight.
https://www.cycleofgood.com/elephant-bike-bicycle/
I have one in my stable as my shopping bike. Sturmey Archer 3 speed enough for the flat, I live in the High Peak so don’t use it on the hills. They are ex post office Pashleys and completely refurbished. For every one you buy they send one to Africa. The only downside is the weight.