Search found 26 matches

by Jeff31
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.
by Jeff31
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.
by Jeff31
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.
by Jeff31
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
by Jeff31
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.
by Jeff31
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.
by Jeff31
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
by Jeff31
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.
by Jeff31
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.
by Jeff31
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
by Jeff31
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
by Jeff31
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.
by Jeff31
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.
by Jeff31
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