Search found 1431 matches

by Grandad
25 Mar 2024, 9:19am
Forum: Campaigning & Public Policy
Topic: Escooter trial to start
Replies: 351
Views: 37563

Re: Escooter trial to start

Have the earlier e-bike trials finished? If so,what were the results?
by Grandad
24 Mar 2024, 10:03pm
Forum: Campaigning & Public Policy
Topic: Escooter trial to start
Replies: 351
Views: 37563

Re: Escooter trial to start

What does this say about the trial?
by Grandad
17 Mar 2024, 1:47am
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Oldest bike
Replies: 39
Views: 2475

Re: Oldest bike

As requested a pic of my Royal Enfield, c1914, in original condition
The acetylene lamp brought back memories from the mid 1950s.

Whilst doing National Service I won 1st handicap in a 100 mile time trial. In those strictly amateur days prizes were either medals or if money then it had to be used to purchase either cycle parts or something capable of being engraved. Payment was only made on production of a suitable receipt. Needless to say the LBS gave out receipts for many historic or imaginary purchases.

At the time I was stationed 35 miles from home and doing the round trip every sports afternoon and weekend, returning to camp in the early hours of the morning. This was costing a fortune in batteries.

I had heard older riders extolling the virtues of the light provided by their old acetylene lamps. The LBS had some reproductions for £3, the exact amount of my winnings so I submitted a genuine receipt. Another one and sixpence for a large tube of calcium carbide and I was away.

The lamp works by dripping water on to calcium carbide, this produces the gas acetylene which when ignited burns with a very bright light. The size of the small hole that feeds the water is adjustable and this is a very critical operation which I discovered the hard way, creating enough heat to melt the plastic lens.. Fortunately a Bemo dynamo glass was the same size.

The lamp required careful nursing to maintain the ambient level of light, often having to stop to relight it. It also had to be cleaned after each use. This created a very pungent smell which permeated the toilet block.

The major snag was that the light provided was not as good as the Never Ready battery lamp - I think the old-timers recollections were based on comparison with the previous oil lamps.

I continued to use it as it was so much cheaper. Once demobbed I had it rechromed to display as a trophy but never bothered with any engraving.
by Grandad
13 Mar 2024, 1:07pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: last second ebay bidding
Replies: 52
Views: 2855

Re: last second ebay bidding

Yes

What operating system?

And are you only interested in eBay, or in other auction sites as well?
Windows 10, only e-Bay
by Grandad
13 Mar 2024, 11:53am
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: last second ebay bidding
Replies: 52
Views: 2855

Re: last second ebay bidding

Is sniping software easily accessible to a limited ability computer user?
by Grandad
29 Feb 2024, 10:57pm
Forum: Electrically assisted pedal cycles
Topic: Is 250w enough power for modest speed up steep hills
Replies: 335
Views: 29604

Re: Is 250w enough power for modest speed up steep hills

I suggest that this recent development should be in a new thread - being on page 28 of a long running it may not be noticed by many readers
by Grandad
21 Feb 2024, 6:09pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Viking bike
Replies: 3
Views: 540

Re: Viking bike

"Search" says there are 30 threads on Viking cycles. I remember one going over many pages about 4 years ago
by Grandad
10 Feb 2024, 2:39pm
Forum: Health and fitness
Topic: Does endurance sport harm your heart?
Replies: 62
Views: 3820

Re: Does endurance sport harm your heart?

Please could you tell us a bit more about "fluid on the lungs". Is it congestive heart disease? And is the medication helping with the breathlessness?

I suggest making sure that the specialist knows how important the cycling is to you. And if you have any specific questions do write them down so that you don't forget any when you next discuss them, either in a consultation or remotely. That should include questions about the pacemaker.
The breathlessness started earlier last year When riding. I noticed that I was making more use of the motor. Had an exercise ECG, 24 hour monitor and an x-ray with no mention of any specific problem. Appointment made for a face to face consultation in July with a view to fitting a pacemaker.

Appointment was cancelled, heard nothing further and in November the breathlessness became a lot worse. Raided the piggy bank to go private, Ecg and X-ray revealed fluid on the lungs. Nearly completed a 3 month course of medication then decision time for pacemaker.

Cardiologist knows my cycling history and his aim is to get me back on the bike. The medication quickly cured the breathlessness so I have restarted gentle rides with no problems.
by Grandad
8 Feb 2024, 10:23am
Forum: Health and fitness
Topic: Does endurance sport harm your heart?
Replies: 62
Views: 3820

Re: Does endurance sport harm your heart?

I've been examined and treated by half a dozen cardiologists since and they've all said to keep up the cycling - and not a single medic of any stamp has said anything to the contrary.
At the recent consultation the cardiologist said that the target was to get me back on the bike.
by Grandad
6 Feb 2024, 11:45pm
Forum: Health and fitness
Topic: Does endurance sport harm your heart?
Replies: 62
Views: 3820

Re: Does endurance sport harm your heart?

Actually December 1935 but I don't suppose that will make much difference
by Grandad
6 Feb 2024, 10:53pm
Forum: Health and fitness
Topic: Does endurance sport harm your heart?
Replies: 62
Views: 3820

Re: Does endurance sport harm your heart?

I'm an 88 year old nerd who has recorded every mile since riding to school age 12, Have covered 371,000 miles including 43 years commuting over 10-32 miles a day, 500+ time trials between ages 19 to 63 with a 24 hour at 59 and 151 audax rides up to 600k between
ages 56 and 83.

Developed atrial fibrillation when 65, 2 ablations were only temporary cures and for the last 19 years the advice has been "live with it"

Bought an e-bike 3 years ago and left the clubruns a year later. Became increasingly breathless 6 months ago and stopped riding. Diagnosed as fluid on the lungs "cured" by medication so am doing very short (12-15 mile) rides whilst waiting to see if a pacemaker is needed.

Have these miles caused the heart problems or are they the reason that I am still riding and otherwise in good health?
by Grandad
1 Feb 2024, 9:45pm
Forum: Electrically assisted pedal cycles
Topic: The Joy of E-Bike
Replies: 40
Views: 2952

Re: The Joy of E-Bike

Doll is marginally better than Moll
by Grandad
29 Jan 2024, 9:55am
Forum: Electrically assisted pedal cycles
Topic: Trading Standards warning
Replies: 3
Views: 509

Re: Trading Standards warning

Nexrdoor message

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) is taking enforcement action and warning consumers about a brand of e-bike battery – UPP – that has been linked to a number of fires across England. Amazon, AliBaba, eBay and Made in China have been issued with Withdrawal Notices which require them, in their roles as distributors of the product, to stop supplying the UPP battery. OPSS has also issued a Withdrawal Notice to 20 sellers directly and has also issued a Withdrawal Notice to the China-based manufacturer.

The product presents a serious risk of fire as it is poorly built with poor welding to connect the components. The product also did not have a heat sensor to prevent overheating, with the battery management system not sufficient to prevent the battery from entering thermal runaway.

Consumers are being advised not to use the battery and contact the seller for further redress. Batteries can also be disposed of in local household recycling centres, however consumers should check first with their local centre if they accept this type of battery.

E-bikes and e-scooters use large lithium-ion batteries which can present a risk of serious fire or explosion in certain circumstances. While these can be used safely, there have been a number of fire incidents involving lithium-ion batteries in e-bikes and e-scooters, including in conversion kits.

You follow these five steps when purchasing, using or charging your e-bike or e-scooter to reduce fire risks:

Step 1: RESEARCH – only BUY an e-bike, e-scooter, charger or battery from a known seller and check any product reviews

Step 2: READ – always READ and FOLLOW the manufacturer’s instructions for charging and using e-bikes or e-scooters

Step 3: CHECK – not all e-bike or e-scooter batteries and chargers are compatible or safe when used together. Check and only USE the manufacturer’s recommended battery or charger

Step 4: CHARGE – always charge in a safe place without blocking exits and always UNPLUG your charger when you have finished charging

Step 5: NEVER – attempt to modify or tamper with your battery