Search found 26 matches
- 9 Aug 2020, 10:40pm
- Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
- Topic: Bar ends inboard of brake levers
- Replies: 42
- Views: 2234
Re: Bar ends inboard of brake levers
If you are trying to maximise the distance between the bar ends try fitting them outside the brake lever clamps to gain a few centimetres but check you can comfortably pull the brakes, I found a 2 finger lever a little awkward but some 3 finger levers I tried were just right for my big hands. I use Ergo hand grips, for better hand support and comfort, so trimmed them down to put my hands in the right place.
- 11 Jun 2020, 7:44pm
- Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
- Topic: Spa Wayfarer with 27.5" wheels
- Replies: 38
- Views: 2185
Re: Spa Wayfarer with 27.5" wheels
How much ground clearance do you need? I feel most bike manufacturers err on the side of having too high a bottom bracket. I am considering putting together a pair of 650B (27.5) wheels for a 700C bike just to overcome this as I don't come close to grounding my pedals. Hoping that being able to get on the bike with less of a stretch, getting more of my foot down whilst still seated and lowering my centre of gravity and profile will make it worth while.
If you do try using smaller wheels, please let us know how you get on.
If you do try using smaller wheels, please let us know how you get on.
- 2 Jun 2020, 12:00am
- Forum: Cycle Camping sub-forum
- Topic: Which Camping Quilt?
- Replies: 14
- Views: 1438
Re: Which Camping Quilt?
If you prefer to use synthetic insulation then Valley and Peak make custom quilts, not cheap but I am pleased with mine.
- 30 Apr 2018, 8:45pm
- Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
- Topic: Aldi bike pump
- Replies: 9
- Views: 4159
Re: Aldi bike pump
If it is the little pump I was looking at it appeared that the chuck takes shraeder valves as standard but by unscrewing/sliding the two halves of the chuck it extends to leave a hole long enough to accommodate a presta valve. Think trombone. Hope this makes sense. Jeff
- 27 Apr 2018, 11:48pm
- Forum: Health and fitness
- Topic: Cysts, saddle sores
- Replies: 14
- Views: 7406
Re: Cysts, saddle sores
Maybe using a chamois cream or Conotrane will help reduce the chaffing.
- 27 Apr 2018, 11:33pm
- Forum: Cycle Camping sub-forum
- Topic: Sleeping mats and punctures
- Replies: 59
- Views: 6243
Re: Sleeping mats and punctures
Hi Trevor
I still take my old Karrimat even with my inflatable mat. The inflatable mat and goes on top of the Karrimat, giving it some extra protection, and if It goes down during the night I will still have bit of padding and insulation from the Karrimat.
I still take my old Karrimat even with my inflatable mat. The inflatable mat and goes on top of the Karrimat, giving it some extra protection, and if It goes down during the night I will still have bit of padding and insulation from the Karrimat.
- 9 Feb 2018, 10:03pm
- Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
- Topic: Day ride brewing up tackle
- Replies: 29
- Views: 1649
Re: Day ride brewing up tackle
Large titanium mug and a meths penny stove for me. I fashioned a stand using some old spokes and a windshield using a sheet of aluminium cut from a coke can held in place with, you guessed it, old spokes. The whole kit, shot of milk and teabag fit in the mug.
Jeff
Jeff
- 19 May 2017, 10:24am
- Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
- Topic: front derailleur for triple with smaller chainrings
- Replies: 12
- Views: 5548
Re: front derailleur for triple with smaller chainrings
Hi Bob
I had the same problem but was able to use a mountain bike front mech on a steel frame with this shim from St John Street Cycles
https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/gear-spares ... hed-split/
The "eccentric" shim allows adjustment of the chainline and I was as able to get the best of both worlds, narrow Q factor and consistent/reliable changing. Althought expensive for what is just a lump of plastic it did solve this problem without changing to a longer bottom bracket or compromising on gear changes.
I had the same problem but was able to use a mountain bike front mech on a steel frame with this shim from St John Street Cycles
https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/gear-spares ... hed-split/
The "eccentric" shim allows adjustment of the chainline and I was as able to get the best of both worlds, narrow Q factor and consistent/reliable changing. Althought expensive for what is just a lump of plastic it did solve this problem without changing to a longer bottom bracket or compromising on gear changes.
- 8 Dec 2016, 9:34pm
- Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
- Topic: TRP Spyre/Spyre SLC
- Replies: 80
- Views: 8431
Re: TRP Spyre/Spyre SLC
Although Spyres tend to be close to spokes this can be an advantage as it means the caliper is further inboard than many cable operated disc brakes. I have a bike with the rear caliper mounted on the seat stay and the BB7 I originally fitted made attaching a pannier rack and mudguards a nightmare ( special disc rack and custom extra long mudguard stays and stays fitted to the rack light bracket), but a spyre caliper fitted within conventionally fitted rack and mudguard stays.
- 2 Dec 2016, 12:09am
- Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
- Topic: Which new rear battery light?
- Replies: 22
- Views: 1532
Re: Which new rear battery light?
Hi PWA
I have an older B&M 4D Toplight 3yr old) which is ok but on another bike the newer Toplight Flat S (1yr old) which does seem to be brighter and a better design. I bought them as they meet German regulations but supplement them with lights from Cateye & Moon/Aldi for regular night riding.
Jeff
I have an older B&M 4D Toplight 3yr old) which is ok but on another bike the newer Toplight Flat S (1yr old) which does seem to be brighter and a better design. I bought them as they meet German regulations but supplement them with lights from Cateye & Moon/Aldi for regular night riding.
Jeff
- 1 Dec 2016, 11:38pm
- Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
- Topic: Pinching tubes on installation.
- Replies: 20
- Views: 3348
Re: Pinching tubes on installation.
I use a techniques similar to Brucey's, always finishing at the valve when putting the tyre back on. It puzzles me that so many start at the valve where it is most difficult to get the bead in the rim well making it more difficult to get the last bit of the tyre over the rim.
One thing I like to do once the tyre is back on is partially inflate the tyre and then roll the wheel, whilst pushing it down, for at least a complete revolution and then roll it back. I feel this gives the inner tube a chance to free itself from being trapped between the bead and rim, even though I have already looked out for this and push the valve up, and also helps the tyre to seat correctly when I fully inflate it. I have no evidence or science to support this but it doesn't seem to cause any harm and might be doing some good so I continue my little ritual even if it does add 30 seconds to the time taken to complete the job.
Jeff
One thing I like to do once the tyre is back on is partially inflate the tyre and then roll the wheel, whilst pushing it down, for at least a complete revolution and then roll it back. I feel this gives the inner tube a chance to free itself from being trapped between the bead and rim, even though I have already looked out for this and push the valve up, and also helps the tyre to seat correctly when I fully inflate it. I have no evidence or science to support this but it doesn't seem to cause any harm and might be doing some good so I continue my little ritual even if it does add 30 seconds to the time taken to complete the job.
Jeff
- 15 Apr 2016, 8:21pm
- Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
- Topic: solid tyres any one?
- Replies: 33
- Views: 2515
Re: solid tyres any one?
IIRC Green Tyres were also well reviewed and I bought a pair for my new commuter bike which also had 4 speed Shimano hub gear and roller brakes. I only got as far as fitting a Green Tyre on the rear. That was enough, the grip and handling was vague and the suspension seatpost couldn't disguise the poor ride quality. I may not have had any rear punctures but after a few hundred miles I started breaking spokes in the rear wheel. So much for my vision of a low maintenance commuter bike.After 500 miles I rebuilt the wheel with quality DB spokes but after 500 miles spokes started breaking again so I removed the Green Tyre, respoked the wheel again and had no wheel problems during the following years and thousands of miles. Lets hope this new incarnation of solid tyres come closer to living up to the hype.
- 1 Apr 2016, 11:22pm
- Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
- Topic: 8 speed chain on 9 speed cassette
- Replies: 8
- Views: 5021
Re: 8 speed chain on 9 speed cassette
I managed to fit a 8speed chain (SRAM) on a 9speed shimano cassette. It ran but gave a whirring noise and felt a bit rough giving a noticeable vibration through the pedals on smooth tarmac, so not very often. Can only assume I had thrown the 8speed chain in my 9speed spares box and neglected to check before fitting it. Thought it was a worn cassette during the 1st ride but after a second ride realised it was an issue and discovered my mistake. No apparent damage and the chain gave good service when fitted to a Campag 7speed drivetrain.
- 1 Apr 2016, 11:02pm
- Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
- Topic: Direct Cable Routing - why only MTB derailleurs?
- Replies: 7
- Views: 1400
Re: Direct Cable Routing - why only MTB derailleurs?
Hi Manc33
Happy April Fools Day
Happy April Fools Day
- 16 Sep 2015, 9:45pm
- Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
- Topic: Bull Horn Bar Brake Levers and Shifters
- Replies: 11
- Views: 3473
Re: Bull Horn Bar Brake Levers and Shifters
Hi Pickerd
The "upside down" lever works well, with your hand directly above the lever your stronger fingers have more leverage and straightening your arms to become more upright and increase drag gives maximum braking with minimum effort. If you are stretched out to be more aero your little finger can reach the end of the lever and offer enough braking to check your speed. If using the straight part of the bar you cannot reach the brakes but if that is an issue then auxillary levers can be fitted.
Jeff
The "upside down" lever works well, with your hand directly above the lever your stronger fingers have more leverage and straightening your arms to become more upright and increase drag gives maximum braking with minimum effort. If you are stretched out to be more aero your little finger can reach the end of the lever and offer enough braking to check your speed. If using the straight part of the bar you cannot reach the brakes but if that is an issue then auxillary levers can be fitted.
Jeff