Search found 58 matches

by troutmask
4 Mar 2015, 1:50pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Ultegra compatabilty
Replies: 14
Views: 1418

Re: Ultegra compatabilty

Just reverse the little screw that ensures the mech wheels clear the 32 and a longer chain. No need for a longer cage as short cages will have no trouble taking up the very small increase in chain length required. I have used a short Dura Ace with a 32 for years even though Shimano say it is beyond it's max. You only really need longer cages when using a triple on the front with Shimano mechs as long as you do the old trick of reversing the clearence screw.
by troutmask
26 Feb 2015, 6:17pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: faroe islands anyone toured there, how did you get there fro
Replies: 18
Views: 3075

Re: faroe islands anyone toured there, how did you get there

It is very sad that Smyril no longer run from Scabster. When I went that had just put a new platform in to receive the ferry. It must be said it didn't actually work properly and cars were trapped on the ferry for an hour before a makeshift ramp could be built. Seems they stopped visiting Scabster the next year.
Maybe CalMac didn't like being reminded what a decent ferry looks like (:
by troutmask
26 Feb 2015, 1:06pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Latex inner tube
Replies: 11
Views: 1534

Re: Latex inner tube

With quality tyres latex tubes are essential to get the best out of them. Many high end tyres are basically an open (or clincher if you are American )version of a tub and designed to work with the increased flexibility of a latex tube.
Installed correctly they will give a smoother ride,better cornering and less punctures. But carry a butyl as your spare as they can be problematic if not installed correctly and the side of the road in the dark and rain isn't the best place for anything that requires sensitivity.
by troutmask
26 Feb 2015, 12:50pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: faroe islands anyone toured there, how did you get there fro
Replies: 18
Views: 3075

Re: faroe islands anyone toured there, how did you get there

http://www.beaconrcc.org.uk/hubub/2014/ ... -forecast/
This is an article I wrote for CTC magazine some years ago following a four week stay camping by bike. Great place.
by troutmask
26 Jan 2015, 6:55pm
Forum: Cycle Camping sub-forum
Topic: ... of beach camping with traffic free coast paths
Replies: 28
Views: 3199

Re: ... of beach camping with traffic free coast paths

Orkney. Flat, get there on train and ferry, lots of beaches where wild camping is tolerated if you are sensible. Beautiful islands with lots to see and do for the kids. A bit windy and weather can be mixed but the ideal place for kids to cycle.
by troutmask
3 Oct 2013, 10:25pm
Forum: Racing, Olympics, TdF, Competitive cycling
Topic: Veulta Horner Too Old ?
Replies: 24
Views: 52087

Re: Veulta Horner Too Old ?

Or rather more likely Horner doped during his recovery period with EPO and used blood transfusions during the race itself.
Horner is referred to (rider 15) in evidence as previously using EPO during recovery from injury so why not do it again.
There is absolutely no way that a rider of Horners age could win a grand tour in which he repeatedly beats three of the worlds best climbers up mountain stages and in doing so posts better times than Froome two years ago and Contrador whilst at his best (and doping).
This is one of the clearest examples of doping since Armstrongs victory in the 1999 TdF. It was the willingness of people to accept a good "miracle" story over basic sense that allowed that.
It is very sad that clean riders such as Nibali have had their hopes dashed in such a way. It will only encourage riders such as Valverdee and Jaquim to return to their bad old ways.
by troutmask
3 Aug 2007, 11:43pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Tyre sizes
Replies: 3
Views: 763

SKS Link

Link to mudguards on wiggle
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/ProductDetail.aspx?Cat=cycle&ProdID=5360010679
I run the the 45mm on my touring bike with 700c wheels and 32mm tyres and the 65mm on an old mtb now used as a comuter with 26" x 1.75 tyres. They are the best
by troutmask
12 Apr 2007, 7:30pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: 24 Hour Advance booking demand?
Replies: 12
Views: 3221

Arriva Trains, run by Franz Kafka and Joseph Heller.

I have forwarded details on this, but would be interested if others have had problems with Arriva Trains. They run the "service" from Birmingham to North Wales, an ideal route for cyclists. They recommend making reservations for bikes. This is so when the train is full they can tell you that your bike can't come on unless you have a reservation. However you can't actually make a reservation, I have tried.
It is not possible to make bookings over the phone with them.

It is not possible to make bookings when booking a ticket on their own web site.

It is not possible to make bookings in advance at a staffed station, I have tried at Snow Hill and Shirley station in Birmingham.

It is not possible to make a booking on the day of travel. I tried to make a booking at Birmingham New street but was unable to do so.
Arriva blame "staff training" and say that they are not responsible for booking staff. The rail regulator says it is nothing to do with them.
Kafka or Joseph Heller would have got a novel out of this; I just get a headache!


8)
by troutmask
12 Apr 2007, 9:08am
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Touring Tyre of the year!
Replies: 5
Views: 2451

28, which is perhaps a little narrow on the rear when fully loaded for some. I used to run a 32 on the rear but can't get these tyres in 32. However if you don't mind a firm ride they are very good. Unloaded they run really fast for such a solid tyre and (before burning a hole through the rear) I had no problems with punctures (and I rode them on some pretty dodgy surfaces, canal tow paths; Birmingham cycle paths etc...)
Even before this incident I considered them the best all round tyres I had used. They are a very tight fit when new, make sure you have got a good set of tyre levers! :)
by troutmask
10 Apr 2007, 5:10pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Touring Tyre of the year!
Replies: 5
Views: 2451

Touring Tyre of the year!

Image
This is a damaged tyre that took my bike, fully loaded all round Orkney!
After travelling 580 miles in the car to Scrabster to catch the ferry I found that the exaust on my car had done this to the rear tyre of the (my) bike that was nearest to the car on the carrier. Having no spare I put a new tube in and set of to get a new tyre in Kirkwall. Strangely the only bike shop had no 700c tyres larger than 23 in stock. So I spent the rest of the week on the tyre with fully loaded panniers cycle camping around the islands. I was expecting to have to at least regularly replace inner tubes; but the tyre held out.
I am very impressed, not with my original stupidity in failing to remove a wheel which was too close to a hot car exhaust; but with the qualities of this tyre.
It is a Specialized Nimbus Armadillo Road Tyre and I have replaced it with the same.
by troutmask
28 Mar 2007, 6:45pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Touring tyres/packing panniers
Replies: 15
Views: 3228

I do enjoy reading these lists....all these light weight travellers!
I am just packing for a couple of weeks in the North of Scotland, my panniers have to cope with
SLR and two lenses
Tripod and head
Climbing shoes,walking boots, harness.
Petrol stove, coffee pot, wok, etc..
Tent, sleeping bag, mat and chair converter.
and lots of food.
This is before I start worrying about clothes and bike bits.
Pack everything you want, then add a bit more. Ride slowly and take in the scenariy.

:lol:
by troutmask
15 Mar 2007, 7:50pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Anyone know of a good waterproof?
Replies: 9
Views: 3035

Paramo

If you cycle in the rain in the UK then Gortex is really a waste of money. Gortex works well in dry cold climates (like high up in the Alps) it doesn't keep you dry in wet warm weather like we have in the UK. You will sweat and it won't be cold enough outside for the wicking to work.
Gortex is wind proof, but so are many other materials.
The best waterproof cloths for the UK are made by Paramo. They are basically an update on the old waxed cotton principal. They can be easilly re proofed, are far more hard wearing than gortex, and just as breathable in the dry. They are a little warmer than gortex. The Vasco Jacket makes an excellent cycling jacket for cold days.
I have been using Paramo clothing for cycling, and climbing for years. Its ease of care and log lasting qualities beat gortex for anything other than big mountains and in the rain is the best clothing going.
In the summer a cheap shell jacket will do for light showers as Paramo is to warm and gortex to expensive.
by troutmask
6 Mar 2007, 12:38pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Touring saddle
Replies: 37
Views: 7007

yes I find geese best, sometimes I use a duck but they don't last as long :)
by troutmask
6 Mar 2007, 7:31am
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Touring saddle
Replies: 37
Views: 7007

Brooks saddles get a lot of reccomendations (sic) by, to put it not-so-delicately, the sort of people who hang around the CTC.

So that may be people who place function over fashion then?

When a saddle has been around as long as the B17 from Books don't you think it may be because it actually works? Or is only the "latest" with added "super thingy whatisit" good enough?
The fact that bums and styles of riding vary is why saddles that change to fit you, rather than changing you, is the best idea. Leather does this and that is why it is the best material to make a saddle out of. Leather "breaths" naturally (which is why the best car seats are also made of it) and lasts. It is also renewable (easy to grow cows).
Brooks saddles are made in England (just about the only thing left that actually is) by crafts people who are paid a living wage (rather than children at 5p an hour), they are environmentally friendly, last for years etc.. OK every few months you have to spend 20 seconds putting some geese on them; I realise that this may be far to much like hard work for some; in which case it is obviously better to spend you time removing the saddle, throwing it away and buying a new one. But then I am just one of those old reactionaries who hang around the CTC. :D
by troutmask
5 Mar 2007, 1:09pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Iceland
Replies: 10
Views: 3485

If you want a challenge, that will prepare you for Iceland, but is a little more acsessable then try the highlands and islands of Scotland. Weather systems are similar but not quite as windy. Days are as long and winter doesn't come nearly as soon. The scenery is just as dramatic and they even speak (a form of) English up there!
Most importantly the roads in the highlands are good and well looked after, you can choose if you want to cycle off road instead of it being forced on you! If you want a real challenge then Bealach na Ba to the Applecross peninsula should suit.
Cycling in the highlands is wonderful and as good as anywhere in the world. May and early June are usually the best months but September can be a really good month to go, as the midges have usually gone, it rains less than in August and you should have a few sunny days, late June, July and August are midgy and there are lots of tourists who don't know how to drive on single carriage roads around.