Search found 149 matches

by Suffolker
2 Aug 2021, 2:08pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Is this hex screw generic and if so what is it
Replies: 25
Views: 1040

Re: Is this hex screw generic and if so what is it

Another name for these is "machine screw", which is of course a bolt-type of fastener. Then there are set screws, half and full dog, and a number of other types, and that's before getting into the different head forms (dome, countersunk etc.) and the fastening method (socket head cap screw, Phillips, Pozidrive, slotted etc.).

The most useful thing about these nowadays is that metric sizes and threads (fine and coarse) are the norm, and we don't have to worry too much about UNC, UNF, Whitworth, BSF, and so forth.
by Suffolker
30 Apr 2021, 2:28pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Pump maintenance
Replies: 12
Views: 620

Re: Pump maintenance

I use silicone grease in very small amounts on seals and o-rings, but only if absolutely necessary. Oil or oil-based lubricants and preservatives, applied as liquid, are, I think, to be avoided, as any that manages to transfer from the pump into the inner tube can rot the rubber.
by Suffolker
12 Apr 2021, 2:35pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: 1957 Raleigh Superbe Restoration Thread
Replies: 151
Views: 13249

Re: 1957 Raleigh Superbe Restoration Thread

iandusud wrote: 6 Apr 2021, 2:53pm
Suffolker wrote: 6 Apr 2021, 10:42am Best of luck with the restoration.

I have a later Raleigh Superbe, which I bought new in the early 1980's from a now-defunct cycle shop in Lowestoft. I think it was one of the last sold new. By then, the headlight had changed to a more rectangular plastic model, the battery backup had gone, and it has a rear rack. It came with a Brooks B33 in brown with black paintwork, a modest toolkit and a decent frame pump.

At the time, I had a difficult decision, as I had to choose between the green Superbe, which fitted me, and a brand-new black Raleigh "police" cycle, which did not.

It's a very nice cycle to ride, and I like the "stately progress" it makes. Just the thing for summer days.
I actually sold a few of those in the eighties and everyone had a rubbing chaincase and they were b*ggers to set up so that they didn't rub somewhere (which is presumably why they didn't do it properly at the factory). Weighed a ton and unless the rims were built up totally concentric the brakes would snatch. But they are lovely :D
You're right about the chaincase! The other problem with them is that the slide out door by the crank, and occasionally the removable rear section, are prone to going adrift. In fact, I have somewhere a couple of the doors that I've picked up from the road. I'm not too impressed by the chrome on the wheels, although mine have been in a salty environment, including salt water flooding, which didn't help. I keep meaning to replace them with stainless rims, and bought a really nice old machine with stainless Westwoods off someone for a tenner or so. Didn't notice at the time that the wheels were 28" and too big.
by Suffolker
6 Apr 2021, 10:42am
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: 1957 Raleigh Superbe Restoration Thread
Replies: 151
Views: 13249

Re: 1957 Raleigh Superbe Restoration Thread

Best of luck with the restoration.

I have a later Raleigh Superbe, which I bought new in the early 1980's from a now-defunct cycle shop in Lowestoft. I think it was one of the last sold new. By then, the headlight had changed to a more rectangular plastic model, the battery backup had gone, and it has a rear rack. It came with a Brooks B33 in brown with black paintwork, a modest toolkit and a decent frame pump.

At the time, I had a difficult decision, as I had to choose between the green Superbe, which fitted me, and a brand-new black Raleigh "police" cycle, which did not.

It's a very nice cycle to ride, and I like the "stately progress" it makes. Just the thing for summer days.
by Suffolker
30 Mar 2021, 4:47pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Best wishes for Brucey
Replies: 613
Views: 73479

Re: Best wishes for Brucey

I, too, am late to see this unhappy news, and to add my best wishes to him; echoing all those before me.

He is an absolute fount of impeccable and valuable knowledge, which I cherish all the more for the spirit in which it is so freely and generously given. I look forward to his return to the Forum, which I hope will not be too far off.

Peter
by Suffolker
12 Dec 2019, 2:48pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Strong front wicker basket for Pashley Roadster- any suggestions?
Replies: 23
Views: 1693

Re: Strong front wicker basket for Pashley Roadster- any suggestions?

I've had several baskets made by Suffolk basketmakers, ranging from an enormous one for my Pashley trade bike, to a small-ish one for my Raleigh Superbe. Unfortunately, almost all these makers have packed up.

Whatever you eventually decide and get, my own experience is that wicker baskets, cycle and otherwise, are magnets for woodworm, in places where the insects are otherwise absent (seemingly). I've found that it pays to treat them, if raw wood, with some sort of woodworm preventative, let them dry and air thoroughly, and then apply, as Brucey suggests, 2 or 3 coats of varnish for protection, well worked-in to the weave. I use International or Sadolin Yacht Varnishes, depending on the wicker colour; which, since they're intended for a marine environment, are both durable and, importantly, flexible enough to move with the wicker without cracking etc.
by Suffolker
24 Apr 2019, 7:18pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Raleigh steering lock
Replies: 18
Views: 6273

Re: Raleigh steering lock

Mick F wrote:
Suffolker wrote:I also have the original instructions, which caution against riding the bicycle with the key in the lock.
Any advice for people riding it with it still locked? :wink:

None at all. Not even a suggestion for nerves of iron and a wide, very straight road.
by Suffolker
24 Apr 2019, 7:02pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Raleigh steering lock
Replies: 18
Views: 6273

Re: Raleigh steering lock

Brucey wrote:there are two generations of lock; old ones (Wilmot-Union-Breeden, which take a single-sided Key with the prefix NGN in the key code) or the later one which uses a more symmetric key with serrations down both sides; IIRC the later lock barrel is the same as that used in some cars in the late 1960s/early 1970s. The NGN series keys are also flat on one side; the later keys have grooves down both sides

The lock barrel is held in the fork by two things

1) a screw which is accessible on the RHS and
2) the fact that it is a lock

IIRC the lock barrel will only come out if the screw is removed and you have the key for it; I think it is obstructed (from sliding lengthwise as well as rotating) if the leaves in the lock are not drawn flush with barrel. If you pry out the cap on the RHS of the fork crown, you can access the screw.

There are only 50 different NGN keys (at one time Raleigh dealers might have a bunch with all fifty on it) and a comparable number of the later type. In the grand scheme of things these locks are not that difficult to pick (I've taught myself how to pick this type of lock, and made tools to do it with).

Some Raleigh-branded Rudges, Sunbeams etc had the option of a steering lock with the barrel built into the frame rather than the fork. These locks were only made during the era of NGN series keys and therefore share the same lock barrel etc and the same fifty different keys.

FWIW I think that once the screw is undone, the barrel is obstructed from lengthwise movement one leaf at a time; this may make it easier to remove the lock barrel if you don't have the key for it.

cheers

I have a men's Superbe, which I bought new in about 1983 (in preference to the too-big black police cycle I was offered new at the same shop and time).

The fork lock keys for mine are single face, double edge and marked "L F Telford 95272".

I also have the original instructions, which caution against riding the bicycle with the key in the lock.
by Suffolker
20 Mar 2019, 2:24pm
Forum: Cycling Goods & Services - Your Reviews
Topic: Spa Cycles (Harrogate)
Replies: 691
Views: 388683

Re: Spa Cycles (Harrogate)

I ordered a Gilles Berthoud Galibier saddle on Monday morning (18/3/2019), and it was delivered to me in Suffolk, by tracked courier, at 10 a.m. today, Wednesday. Excellent service, and a very competitive price for said article as well.
Hats off to Spa.
by Suffolker
24 Jan 2019, 6:45pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Diamond Gauge
Replies: 18
Views: 1259

Diamond Gauge

I have one, mostly for checking my disk brake rotors. The graduations aren't high precision, but close enough to be reliable. I've checked the accuracy against a Moore & Wright feeler set.

It's a useful tool when I don't want to put my best vernier and micrometer gauges into a dirty environment, and I won't spend time sanitising it.
by Suffolker
22 Jan 2019, 12:17pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Pressure guage
Replies: 24
Views: 1846

Re: Pressure guage

It seems that links render differently on a mobile to a desktop.

Anyway, here is a picture of my Giant gauge, which is very similar to the Giyo and Rolson models. Blue head is Presta fit, the red Schraeder. The gauge needle stays at the reading after it's removed from the valve, until the pressure is released with the silver button. This can also be used, when on the tyre, to release air to bring down the pressure to the required reading. The whole thing is in a substantial rubber casing.

IMG_0184.JPG
by Suffolker
21 Jan 2019, 4:55pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Pressure guage
Replies: 24
Views: 1846

Re: Pressure guage

LittleGreyCat wrote:Still confused.
Suffolker your Google search just shows track pumps.
Sweep I can't find a previous post under your name.

The Oxford gauge seems to have 2 up one down. Some good external reviews.
Chain Reaction are out of stock but it is available on Amazon so I might, after a period of reflection, have a punt.
Not sure what's going on. If I go to the link I posted, it brings up a page to the Giant pressure gauge. Try just searching for "Giant pressure gauge". If you search on that well-known auction site for cycle pressure gauges, you will find listed the Rolson and the Giyo versions.

I'm a trendy consumer. Just look at my Redmi 3 using hovercraft full of eels.
by Suffolker
21 Jan 2019, 7:37am
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Pressure guage
Replies: 24
Views: 1846

Re: Pressure guage

I've got one of these.
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=giant ... QxWoN2KMtM:
It seems accurate enough, and I've cross checked it against other gauges known to be accurate.

The "Giant" branded model doesn't seem to be available now, but there are very similar gauges by,for example, Rolson and other Far Eastern makers. I can't speak for their quality.

I find mine handy to use, rubber-armoured enough to stand kicking around in cycle bags, and of course it handles both valve types. The only downside is that it's quite heavy, if weight is a consideration.

Being analogue and mechanical, it doesn't suffer from a hard-to-read digital display or need a battery.
by Suffolker
18 Jan 2019, 6:32pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Disc Rotor Cleaning
Replies: 14
Views: 1462

Re: Disc Rotor Cleaning

I use surgical spirit or isopropyl alcohol, with rags, cotton wool and buds, and sometimes an old toothbrush for the cutouts.

I'm a trendy consumer. Just look at my Redmi 3 using hovercraft full of eels.
by Suffolker
9 Jan 2019, 12:35pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Shimano Alfine 11 - Longer term reliability
Replies: 891
Views: 230218

Re: Shimano Alfine 11 - Longer term reliability

Downloaded the book AOK. It's very interesting, and thanks for making it available.