Search found 19 matches

by sea lion
15 Mar 2011, 9:27pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: motorola defy?
Replies: 27
Views: 2980

Re: motorola defy?

One massive advantage of an android phone over an iphone:

When the battery gets flat you take the rear cover off and pop in a fresh one. If you run out of memory, the put in a bigger sd card. The iphone has a factory sealed back. I often go away for a few days and use the Viewranger OS mapping system all day- heavy usage. Then there is the long winter evenings in the tent using music player, radio, internet etc At home I have a wall charger and 4 spare batteries. A battery lasts a day. I even have a larger battery with 3x capacity witch comes with it's own custom back.

I have the 2.1 version (eclair) I can upgrade to 2.2 (FroYo) but not sure whether to bother. The only advantage I cas see is 2.2 comes with flash player so you get bbc iplayer.

The huge amount of apps enable you to really customise it for your own suitabilty. For instance I hve added toggle switches to (without going into settings) turn on/off screen swipe, 3g, auto rotate, all usefull with viewranger
by sea lion
26 Feb 2011, 9:51pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Views on a tent
Replies: 35
Views: 3800

Re: Views on a tent

I have just sold a spacepacker. Nice and light but a nightmare to put up, no headroom. Think more bivvi than tent.

Replaced it with a Hilleberg Akto. It is an absolute dream. Pricey but bought mine from Cotwold with the CTC discount. I looked on ebay but good s/h ones were selling for more than I paid for a new one. Had it for 3 weeks and have used it 3 times, one night -6 degrees, other 2 rained all night.

In fact as I type this, just returned from a trip in it. I often leave after work on friday and return sat night.

Keep it light is the key.
by sea lion
3 Feb 2011, 9:11pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Clipless - Why ??
Replies: 51
Views: 5272

Re: Clipless - Why ??

I have the shimano pedals with SPD one side and flat the other. 99% of the use is with the spd's. Personally I feel safer with the spd's. The bike feels part of me and i feel more planted when going down hills or on rough terrain etc.
by sea lion
3 Feb 2011, 8:59pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Fitting Butterfly Bars - My Experiences
Replies: 16
Views: 9245

Re: Fitting Butterfly Bars - My Experiences

In response to a few comments/observations:

The normal position (ie back section of the BB bars) leaves your hands significantly wider apart the the tops of drop bars. I actually tried cyclocross levers on the drops before changing, but found my hands too close together. If you want figures, the inside of my hands are approx 8" apart on the top of drops, and 11" apart on the butterflies.

The normal BB position is futher back than the tops of drops, however, on a galaxy there are 50mm of risers, I ditched 40mm of these and angled the stem up so the normal position on the butterfly bars is a bit lower. As a matter of interest I initially bought a 130mm stem after measuring the origonal position of the drops. In use I found this was too much of a stretch and changed it for a 110mm stem.

I chose foam grips to try them out, my wife's bike has normal tape. Don't think it makes much difference really.
by sea lion
30 Jan 2011, 10:13pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Fitting Butterfly Bars - My Experiences
Replies: 16
Views: 9245

Fitting Butterfly Bars - My Experiences

I had been considering fitting butterfly bars for some time to my Ultra Galaxy. This is my experiences if anyone is considering doing the same.

What eventually made it happen was:

My wife’s new bike has them and she gets on very well with them.
I wanted to make my tourer feel different from my carbon road bike rather than a heavier version of the same.
The gearing on my two bikes is different – one low normal, one high normal. Jumping from one to other with the same bars fitted always caused problems.
I use the Galaxy for bridle paths, tow paths, trails etc. Riding on the hoods up/down a steep rocky incline never gave me confidence, I usually walked.
The only time I ever used the drops was going downhill. That was purely to give better control of the brakes rather than for aerodynamics.
I recently fell off and made a mess of the STI levers. They are incredibly expensive.
The Galaxy has a long wheelbase and the hoods are quite a stretch compared to my other bike.

Fitting was not exactly straight forward:
I originally bought some XT mtb sti levrers, these went back because when the brake is applied the whole unit moves. The levers are qute close together on the new bars and the cable outers clashed. Also I have cantilevers not V brakes.
I bought R440 levers because they are advertised as for flat bar road bikes. However the cable pull ratio for the front derailieur is not the same, so I have to replace that with a compatible R443 mech. This looks exactly the same quality/construction as the ultegra mech it replaced, but with a longer pull arm. Still retained the trim feature.
R770 levers were used operate the cantilever brakes.
I cut the stem right down and used an adjustable angle stem. This looks a lot better and also was expecting a bit of trial and error in getting the position right.
I used BBB bars because these have a side for your hand (not all do).

Now the job is done, this is want I think:

Pros
Very pleased. I’m also pleased with how they look.
I now have the controls at more readily at hand in a more upright position. Much better for the rough stuff and down hill.
Now have correct position sorted and no difference in riding speed or distance I cover (rode 88 miles last Saturday along Trans Pennine Trail).
The side hand hold position opens up your chest and makes heavy breathing easier.
With the adjustable stem, I can adjust position any time if I want.
More varied hand positions.

Cons.
On a long fast stretch, when on the most forward position, the levers are not readily to hand. But I am finding shifting my hand back is becoming more instinctive.
The bars are wider than drops, some anti motorbike gantries are too narrow, you have to stop and lift the front with the bars askew to get through.
Up a steep hill and standing on the pedals, your knees sometimes can catch them.


Would I consider changing back, definitely not. But if it was my only bike, I would have probably left them as they are.
by sea lion
27 Jan 2011, 9:09pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Peak District mini tour
Replies: 17
Views: 1666

Re: Peak District mini tour

You sould find plenty of places to camp if you head right to the heart of things (esp hope valley). Bear in mind a lot serious hikers/students etc. visit in winter and expect to camp.

I know there are 2 campsites in edale open (field head and coopers).

An absolute gem is the field at the back of the three stags pub (SK17 8RW). Real ale pub that serves food such as rabbit pie. Don't ask for lager or a vegetarian option as you will likely be thrown out.

There is another at the back of a pub about 5 miles from buxton on the main road to ashbourne.

The shady oak pub at fernilee.

Personally if visiting at that time of year I would just chance it, and be prepared to wild camp if I had to.

Cheshire will have very little camping (cycled for 60 miles around it yesterday, didn't see one) because it just doesn't attract that type of tourist (Gucci don't make tents :wink: )
by sea lion
26 Jan 2011, 8:42pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Peak District mini tour
Replies: 17
Views: 1666

Re: Peak District mini tour

Nutsey wrote:Kinder Scout - I know Hayfield well, and have walked around the resevoir under Kinder Scout. I have been meaning to explore the top of the scout but understand that as of 2010 it is now illegal to go up there! (saving the wildlife blabla)
:D


I live in Hayfield and as far as I'm aware there is no restriction to access. In fact the Pennine way crosses it so as a ROW I don't see how it can be closed.
by sea lion
25 Jan 2011, 9:02pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Conversion from drops to flats
Replies: 17
Views: 1908

Re: Conversion from drops to flats

I have just been through this exercise changing my ultra galaxy drops to butterfly bars. Some of it I learnt the hard way (by msistake). This is what I used:
Shimano R440 shifters
Shimano R443 front derailier (because although the R440 shifters are supposed to be for road bikes, their front mech pull is still different. However, the mech seems exactly the same as the Ultegra mech it replaced, just with a longer pull pivot)
Shimano R770 brake levers to be compatible with my canti brakes

One thing I would advise is an adjustable angle stem, so you can get the position comfortable.
by sea lion
25 Jan 2011, 8:51pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Alloy chainrings: worth the extra cost?
Replies: 13
Views: 2970

Re: Alloy chainrings: worth the extra cost?

When an alloy component wears against a steel one, the steel will often wear faster. In a car engine, the allow piston grooves will often wear out the cast steel piston rings. The big end bearings are so soft you can indent them with your fingernails, but they can wear out the harder steel crankshaft.

This is because as the steel wears, the surface becomes work hardened. Tiny particles of this brittle work hardened steel in effect flake off and will imbed themselves in the surface of the alloy.
by sea lion
22 Jan 2011, 8:51pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Ahhhh booking bike on Train !
Replies: 16
Views: 1641

Re: Ahhhh booking bike on Train !

It's not too bad around here. You can't book for northern trains, first come first served. I regularly use the hope valley line between manchester and sheffield and the guard was telling me the most bikes she got on the train once was 17. I used it last week and there were 7 bikes on the train.

I once had a right problem booking a space on a train from newcastle, most space seemed to be booked, However I turned up to chance it, there were no bikes on the (virgin) train. However there were 3 bike spaces on the train, 2 to be booked, and one for a first come first served basis.

I must admit I find the whole situation a farce. Is this not something the CTC could take up with the government?
by sea lion
22 Jan 2011, 8:40pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: how comfortable are hybrid bikes ?
Replies: 13
Views: 1652

Re: how comfortable are hybrid bikes ?

You could alway fit butterfly bars. You wouldn't have to replace any of the contols and you still get the varied hand positions.
by sea lion
27 Nov 2007, 5:55pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Advice please with SPD's and knee problem.
Replies: 6
Views: 1252

Thanks for your replies. I think it is the amount of toe-out available that is causing the problem. When riding, my right foot naturally takes the position with the heel as far in as it will go. The cleats are set so that my heel just misses the chain stay.

I also remember that when I used to use toe clips, I only tightened them when giving it some stick, so would do a fair milage with them loose. Consequently, on the underside of my right shoe, there would be a depression on the sole where the edge of the pedal sat because my foot would overhang the pedal side.

Anyway, I have ordered the 20mm pedal extender so will let you know what happens. I need to get this sorted as I am planning a big 8 week trip and this would jepordise it.
by sea lion
26 Nov 2007, 9:38pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Advice please with SPD's and knee problem.
Replies: 6
Views: 1252

Advice please with SPD's and knee problem.

After a return to cycling and having SPD's for the first time, I am getting a right knee problem. It seems to be gradually getting worse. so that I went out for 20 miles on Sunday, and have an aching knee for 2 days (in the kneecap region).

I assume that it is pedal adjustment. But they are set to give the maximum toe-out without my heel bashing the chain stay.

Trouble is I have size 11 feet and naturally walk like a duck with my feet sticking out, the right one more so.

I was considering going back to toe clips, but saw these 'Kneesavers' from SJS:
http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/sessionID/YN ... -14725.htm

Does anyone have any thoughts or experience on these. I hoping that they are the solution to my problem.

Thanks all.
by sea lion
10 Nov 2007, 7:46pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Ultra Galaxy (Advice Needed)
Replies: 10
Views: 1918

I bought one three months ago and have been thrilled to bits with it. Just been away for the weekend cycling around Anglesey, loaded up etc. and had a great time. Otherwise I use it whenever I can.

I used to do a lot of touring but have been away from bikes for about 12 years. Got into it again following a back problem. I wanted a good tourer, but a known brand and off the peg so that I could sell it on if I or my back didn't agree with it. It fitted like a glove during the test ride and was so obviously right, it was an easy decision to buy it. I would have considered the Super Galaxy, but I have an aversion to the colour brown.

All the kit on it seems well specified. The SPD pedal took some getting used to as I have never used them before

If you can get to Spa Cycles in Harrogate, they have all the Galaxy range in the various sizes. Test rides are no problem.

Hope this helps.

I am now trying to get together a two month tour on it from Bilbao to Naples.
by sea lion
5 Nov 2007, 4:47pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Circular cycle route of Anglesey?
Replies: 4
Views: 1311

I am hoping to cycle round Anglesey next weekend, I was just going to take the roads that run nearest the coast and try and avoid the A roads where possible. Then if I have time meander towards the Lynn penninsular. Does anyone know how far it is around, I guestimate about 90 miles.

I was going to camp, but cannot decide whether to lighten things up and b&b. I fancy the cheapness of camping but it is a long time since I've cycle camped solo and think the nights may be a bit long. Anyone else cycle camp at this time of year?