Search found 48 matches

by keithb
13 Jan 2018, 5:10pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Replacement for HyRd disc brakes - suggestions?
Replies: 57
Views: 6020

Re: Replacement for HyRd disc brakes - suggestions?

Someone on singletrack suggested fitting a cable oiler like this on the caliper end:
https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/cables/jtek ... ck-3-pack/

Obvious potential problems include overspray of lube onto disc/caliper, and another break in the outer cable creating a higher chance of spongiNess in the cable.

It may offer a limited solution with careful installation and use?
by keithb
11 Jan 2018, 7:10pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Replacement for HyRd disc brakes - suggestions?
Replies: 57
Views: 6020

Re: Replacement for HyRd disc brakes - suggestions?

I'm sure I remember some sort of stretchy caliper cover being around years ago intended for mtb's, possibly before mtb brakes became sufficiently robust, so many years ago!

Can't find a reference on Google now, and it may be from before Google...

Edit: and they never took off, so may not be findable!
by keithb
18 Dec 2017, 8:21pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Lowering Gearing - Chain Wrap Capacity
Replies: 8
Views: 669

Re: Lowering Gearing - Chain Wrap Capacity

Put a smaller granny ring on with a less extreme cassette?
Should be able to go down to 24T on a chainset like that, though the drop from 42 may be a bit big. And then a 28 or 32 tooth cassette

Could all work with existing deraileurs, though would need checking.
by keithb
3 Nov 2017, 11:06am
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: STVZO compliant lights - are reflectors UK compliant?
Replies: 30
Views: 2486

Re: STVZO compliant lights - are reflectors UK compliant?

So , as the K marked reflector on the Secula is too small to carry a "Z" mark, I would need to have either a BS or "Z" marked reflector, in addition to the "K" marked reflector built into the light... Yes?

So my search for an approved, legal, single unit mudguard/seatstay mounted integrated light/reflector goes on....

You wouldn't think it'd be this hard to comply with the law, would you? I mean, if there was a rack on the bike, it'd be simpler, but lugging an extra ~600g of steel around to function solely as a light bracket seems a bit excessive.... And given a significant number of road bikes can't even take racks....
by keithb
2 Nov 2017, 1:58pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: STVZO compliant lights - are reflectors UK compliant?
Replies: 30
Views: 2486

Re: STVZO compliant lights - are reflectors UK compliant?

Ooooh...... That's a good point... I'd forgotten that (for some inexplicable reason) front reflectors are only required at the point of sale of new bikes, and technically not required during use...

How totally bonkers!
by keithb
2 Nov 2017, 11:37am
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: STVZO compliant lights - are reflectors UK compliant?
Replies: 30
Views: 2486

Re: STVZO compliant lights - are reflectors UK compliant?

Thanks for all the replies - Much appreciated!

Gaz: What are the makes/models of the lights that you are running? Are they battery or dynamo?

As most of my winter cycling is at night, I', trying to be a good little cyclist and complying as fully as possible!
by keithb
2 Nov 2017, 9:38am
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: STVZO compliant lights - are reflectors UK compliant?
Replies: 30
Views: 2486

STVZO compliant lights - are reflectors UK compliant?

Hi all,

In my search for sourcing some "legal" battery lights, with the recent change in STVZO regulations allowing battery powered versions, more of these are coming available, such as the B+M Secula rear light and the Lumotec IQ Eyro freont light. Both of these examples include built in reflectors.

Now, it seems to be accepted wisdom that STVZO approved lights comply with UK lighting regulations by meeting "equivalent other EU standard", but does anyone know whether the reflectors built into these lights also comply by meeting an equivalent standard, or would I still need additional, separate BS marked front and rear reflectors to be legally compliant?

A recent article sent out in Cycleclips was less than useless on the topic....

I'm really interested in establishing whether it is possible to actually be "road legal" at night, given the state of the current lighting regs and available lights.
Cheers,
Keith

PS: I also already have pedal reflectors fitted, but not sure if those are/need to be BS marked....
by keithb
8 Feb 2017, 12:32pm
Forum: Cycling UK Topics and Discussions
Topic: CUK recruiting Off-road access officer - Tech officer next?
Replies: 8
Views: 14018

CUK recruiting Off-road access officer - Tech officer next?

I saw in cycleclips the other week that CTC are trying to recruit a new "off road access officer". This would appear to be a direct replacement of the role Ian Wharby (I think) undertook for CTC, and is certainly a position that existed previously, it makes me wonder if the powers that be are actually beginning to listen to the membership, at least in areas where public gains can be made.

Given I have not renewed my membership (last summer) with a lack of off-road campaigning being one of my reasons, it' starting to feel like the organisation is beginning to respond to the needs of cyclists. Now that total restructure seems to have bottomed out....

I wonder if there'e any consideration being given to a replacement "technical officer" post? I think this has massive value to the organisation to guide and speak authoritatively to MPs, regulators, legislators etc on the technical aspects of cycling (thinking of lighting regulations here for example).

I hope they do return to having a technical post, as it was one of the most valued by members and gave real technical weight to arguments for cycling.

Thoughts?
by keithb
26 Oct 2016, 12:30pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Non-Dynamo crown mounted front lights..
Replies: 7
Views: 1821

Non-Dynamo crown mounted front lights..

Hello all,

Just thought I'd ask on here if anyone knows of any battery powered fork-crown mounted front lights?

I've seen this one: https://www.velovitality.co.uk/collections/front-lights/products/ikzi-nero-front-bullet-light which I rather like the look of, but cannot find any furether info from Google (and the shop hasn't responded to my email as yet).

Basically, I'm looking for a legally compliant light that securely mounts to the bike, rather than the handlebars.

The requirement for battery rather than dynamo is due to the cost of replacing a perfectly servicable front wheel...

Cheers,
Keith
by keithb
27 Aug 2016, 10:00am
Forum: Cycling UK Topics and Discussions
Topic: Off-road access survey - CUK jumping on bandwagon?
Replies: 5
Views: 1012

Re: Off-road access survey - CUK jumping on bandwagon?

It was one of the articles in cycle clips this week.

In looking for it I scrolled tp and down the email twice before seeing it. The article starts with "win an iPad mini..." which I didn't read beyond as I was looking for something about "off road survey" or the like, that being the main point...

So, it this bad implementation or trying to be involved in something that they haven't really got behind,to claim some of the credit?

Whatever, I'm just glad it's on the agenda.
by keithb
26 Aug 2016, 3:08pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Can anyone recommend a front rack?
Replies: 5
Views: 1176

Re: Can anyone recommend a front rack?

Thanks for that, both the blackburn and teh surly seem to do the trick... I'll have go find some in a shop to look at!

Thanks!
keith
by keithb
26 Aug 2016, 12:40pm
Forum: Cycling UK Topics and Discussions
Topic: CTC Member Benefits
Replies: 45
Views: 41662

Re: CTC Member Benefits

I was more referring to updating,or "relaunching" of the website, rather than the routes themselves.

on a quick browse of nottinghamshire I noted rides from flat, local 20milers to longer more arduous ones. so the range of rides is quite broad, and could appeal more to the newer, or more leisure orientated cyclist (than the "race/sportive" image BC has).

you could even split the access so routes under, say 25miles were publicly available, but longer/multi-day routes for members only? Give a taster and hope people join later?

I'm pretty sure lots of new, potential and utility cyclists would come to CUK before going hunting elsewhere? or do I have that totally wrong?
by keithb
25 Aug 2016, 8:05pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Can anyone recommend a front rack?
Replies: 5
Views: 1176

Can anyone recommend a front rack?

To the fount of all touring knowledge,the CTC forum;

So, I'm considering fitting a front rack to my trek crossrip do carrying occasional extra stuff, and possibly panniers in some future tour.

But I only have mid blade mounts on the outside of the fork, single mudguard mounts at the dropout and a threaded mount at the front of the Crown.

I also want a pack with a platform, and ideally a mid rail to carry front panniers low down.

Now the blackburn mtf 1 almost meets all these criteria, but doesn't have a mid rail.

Any suggestions? Oh, and it can't break the bank either... :)
by keithb
25 Aug 2016, 7:53pm
Forum: Cycling UK Topics and Discussions
Topic: CTC Member Benefits
Replies: 45
Views: 41662

Re: CTC Member Benefits

Blimey I've just been to ctc maps and it's a huge resource of routes! I'd forgotten it ever existed. They really should bring it to to date and make it a bit more user friendly (displaying routes on a map?) And that could draw people in.

Thinking back I think it used to be members only when I first joined? Could again be a resource for encouraging people to start cycling or go further? Thinking outside the strava demographic here.

This and cyclists welcome could be great resources and help position CUK at the heart of leisure cycling.
by keithb
25 Aug 2016, 1:34pm
Forum: Cycling UK Topics and Discussions
Topic: Off-road access survey - CUK jumping on bandwagon?
Replies: 5
Views: 1012

Off-road access survey - CUK jumping on bandwagon?

Given I joined the CTC at a time when it was just about the only group caompaigning for improved off-road access, and at the time had an "off road" officer who dealt with such matters, the issue seems to have been largely ignored for the last 10-ish years, until the Welsh Government looked at opening up access and a relatively recent debacle in the peak district where Derbyshire CC badly resurfaced a byway without consultation and using unsuitable materials...

while I'm glad that there seems to be some sort of progress on the issue (ie: it's actually being talked about! again!) it feels like CUK is basically jumping on a bandwagon that others have put in motion. After neglecting the issue for many years... even teh Press release stated that the design and creation of the survey was "led" by open MTB. My interpretation of "led" in this instance is that openMTB did all the leg work, and CTC have basically publicised it..

Given i've also only heard about this through a public forum on a third party website, doesnt fill me with confidence that CUK is actuallty committed to this issue, but is rather using it to gain exposure, as it is a current "hot topic".

Or am I just toally cynical..

It is, however, making me reconsider my intention to let my membership lapse at renewal...