Search found 424 matches

by JakobW
24 Mar 2021, 8:10pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Best wishes for Brucey
Replies: 613
Views: 73389

Re: Best wishes for Brucey

GWS Brucey! I met him a couple of times (and bought a couple of bikes from him) when I was living in Cambridge, so this is shocking news. Fingers crossed for his recovery.
by JakobW
21 Mar 2021, 5:17pm
Forum: Cycle Camping sub-forum
Topic: Mug/Cup
Replies: 43
Views: 4288

Re: Mug/Cup

Sadly there isn't anything that is as good as a ceramic mug from a thermal capacity/conductivity/mouthfeel POV, so it's a matter of picking your tradeoffs. I'm not normally a huge fan of plastic or silicone mugs, but I've got an ancient Lexan(?) one which doesn't seem to taint hot drinks in the same way; it weighs next to nothing and is pretty much indestructible. For use on a stove or burner, I've got a couple of Ti mugs - you just need to let them cool down a bit before drinking. If I'm taking mugs for a group picnic, I'll also bring a couple of enamel mugs, though they can be prone to chipping if knocked about too much.
by JakobW
21 Mar 2021, 4:47pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: How low it's too low? Bar vs saddle height that is.
Replies: 19
Views: 1503

Re: How low it's too low? Bar vs saddle height that is.

You can sometimes gain an inch by flipping the pentaclip (the manual should have an explanation), but at 6'5" you should always have needed the telescopic post IMO. I don't think there are any other posts worth seeking out - there have been various aftermarket Ti ones, but AIUI they're not ideal for taller riders.
by JakobW
13 Mar 2021, 8:58am
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: How low it's too low? Bar vs saddle height that is.
Replies: 19
Views: 1503

Re: How low it's too low? Bar vs saddle height that is.

The standard Brompton block is now stiffer, so it should be fine. I'm towards the upper limits of the bike's weight ratings, and I can't say I feed the need for a stiffer rear end.
by JakobW
13 Dec 2020, 7:46pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Winter jacket - recommendations please
Replies: 36
Views: 1984

Re: Winter jacket recommendation (again)

IME most softshell jackets do provide a fair amount of warmth; if you look at the specs, most of them say they're suitable down to high-mid-single digits Celsius with a baselayer, and down to about freezing with a baselayer and jersey underneath. This is obviously dependent on how hot you run/hard you're working, but that matches my experience.
by JakobW
9 Dec 2020, 8:30pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Telling the time at night
Replies: 30
Views: 2262

Re: Telling the time at night

My first instinct would be to get a cheap watch and a long strap to strap it on over my jersey/jacket; as long as it's not pitch black and it's got a reasonably legible face you should be fine. If you wanted a clock on the bars, I'd probably try the motorbike clock mentioned upthread and see how legible it was, especially as it's only a tenner. Otherwise I'd try something like one of the Timex Easy Reader or Indiglo watches - they've got a decent backlight that stays on for a bit after being activated, so you're less likely to have to squint at the bars whilst trying to press a button. Though at that point you've got to ask yourself whether it's worth the money for the effort.
by JakobW
6 Dec 2020, 11:18am
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: 'standard' pedal bearings
Replies: 33
Views: 1428

Re: 'standard' pedal bearings

Brucey wrote:Worth mentioning that running-in creates wear debris, so arguably the time to service the bearings properly is after six months use or so. Prior to then you can adjust the bearings, and add better grease if you want to. Both these things can be done without taking the pedal completely apart. The outboard bearing can be greased in situ once the dustcap is unscrewed. The inboard bearing can have grease added to it by removing the dust seal ring (black plastic), wadging grease in the gap, and then replacing the seal ring. Provided you have added enough grease, replacing the dust seal ring (which BTW isn't any kind of a good seal per se) will tend to force grease into the bearings. This obviously isn't as good as a full service, but it should be good enough for a few months use.

cheers


In which case I may just add grease and adjust the bearings for now, and strip the pedals completely come spring. If I've understood you correctly, the correct adjustment is to set the cones so that there's no play in the axle (finger-tight?), and then tighten the cones about a further 10um/3°, which will entail some faffing with tab washers; the factory adjustment is usually with more preload than this?
by JakobW
5 Dec 2020, 5:56pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: 'standard' pedal bearings
Replies: 33
Views: 1428

Re: 'standard' pedal bearings

This thread is timely: I recently bought a new pair of MKS Touring pedals, and was going to strip and re-grease them with a proper all-weather grease. I note that the instructions say to add some preload, but aren't particularly clear on how much; what's the best adjustment when new? I'm assuming I'll have to tighten them up after a few hundred miles as the bearings run in?
by JakobW
30 Nov 2020, 8:39am
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Re-proofing wax for Carradice cotton duck
Replies: 10
Views: 1097

Re: Re-proofing wax for Carradice cotton duck

The Carradice wax is rebranded (literally - with a Carradice label stuck on the tin lid) Millerain reproofing wax, but it's about the same price elsewhere. I just used Barbour wax, because I had half a big tin of it in the back of the cupboard.
by JakobW
25 Nov 2020, 8:20pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Bells
Replies: 114
Views: 5113

Re: Bells

The 1880s solution: 'the cyclist's road-clearer'...

https://www.acmewhistles.co.uk/acme-siren-147

(Fun though these are, actual use on the road would be enough to mark oneself as an irredeemable Mr Toad...)
by JakobW
25 Nov 2020, 7:41pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Bob Jackson's is shutting up - IT IS NOW (sob) !!
Replies: 168
Views: 15685

Re: Bob Jackson's shutting up

Good news!

Bob Jackson's Website wrote:Bob Jackson Cycles have the great pleasure to announce that they will no longer be closing as planned on the 18th December.

Additional investment and support has been secured to ensure the iconic brand of Bob Jackson Cycles will be continuing well into the future whilst thankfully remaining at our historic Leeds factory. We will continue to build and restore frames to our exceptionally high standards and the current skilled team will be retained and expanded to allow us to take on additional work, whilst investing heavily and improving our processes and facilities to align with expected future demand.

With immediate effect – We are now open to all retail and trade orders and will be communicating some exciting news over the next few months as we realign the business towards future sustainability whilst protecting and building upon our amazing heritage.

We apologise and regret any confusion or distress our decision may have caused over the preceding few months – but we fully intend to be around for at least another 85 years – doing what we do best.

We look forward to welcoming both old and new customers to Bob Jackson Cycles as we begin a new chapter in the long story of this incredible company.
by JakobW
26 Oct 2020, 9:14pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Minimum distance for wearing Lycra on a commute ?
Replies: 39
Views: 2230

Re: Minimum distance for commute

I did a 3.5 mile commute in civvies on a town bike. If doing short commutes in civvies, I suppose the main consideration as to whether to walk or cycle would be the availability of secure cycle storage. If I can just lock up in a bike shed at work, then I might even cycle down to a mile or so, at least some of the time.
by JakobW
26 Oct 2020, 6:06pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Dynamo lamp reliability
Replies: 32
Views: 1207

Re: Dynamo lamp reliability

In the event of no deal, I'd expect the pound to drop at least 10% against the Euro (i.e. German lights will become at least 10% more expensive); tariffs will be the least of our worries...
by JakobW
26 Oct 2020, 9:55am
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Supercommuter?
Replies: 121
Views: 24856

Re: Supercommuter?

Interesting findings about the chain, given discussion in the other thread about cheap chains and Shimano fakes.

Looks like for 9 speed there are two Shimano chains, CN-HG53 and CN-HG93. Both claim to have chromed pins, and through the vagaries of pricing appear to be available for less than CN-HG71 from vaguely reputable retailers (given the discussion on the other thread I'm discounting eBay prices). I might have to try one of those next time I need a chain.
by JakobW
23 Oct 2020, 9:22pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Cycle Jacket, Breathable & Waterproof
Replies: 53
Views: 3568

Re: Cycle Jacket, Breathable & Waterproof

The Gore Shakedry stuff is supposed to be brilliant, but it's relatively fragile (so no rucksacks), and is very expensive.

I run hot, so just resign myself to being warm and wet rather than cold and wet - I don't bother with waterproofs unless it's chucking it down.