Search found 512 matches

by MLJ
9 Nov 2017, 3:19pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Danube Cycle Route: Vienna to Belgrade
Replies: 7
Views: 1824

Re: Danube Cycle Route: Vienna to Belgrade

Cicerone have an excellent guide book to carry in your pocket.
https://www.cicerone.co.uk/search/?keyword=danube
by MLJ
6 Nov 2017, 10:19am
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Cycling World magazine
Replies: 37
Views: 8752

Re: Cycling World magazine

CPL Media (Colin Woolley) took over publication of Cycling World in April, 2004. Prior to that it had been owned since its inception by Stone Leisure (Bob Griffiths). Originally it contained articles written by cyclists, most of whom were not full time journalists. Eventually, and more recently, the owner avoided paying for copy by publishing mainly advertorials, ie those provided free by the advertisers to enhance their businesses. At all times since it changed ownership it struggled financially. Quite often printing was withheld until the previous month's bills had been paid, so its publication dates were rather erratic. I believe that it began publication because at that time Bob Griffiths was involved with Motor Home Monthly and this seemed to be a complementary magazine as so many motorhome owners used bicycles.
by MLJ
28 Oct 2017, 2:33pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Cycling World magazine
Replies: 37
Views: 8752

Re: Cycling World magazine

Facebook shows a continuation of Cycling World magazine
https://view.joomag.com/cycling-world-m ... 1504795920
Maybe contacting the publisher will bring some clarity?
by MLJ
3 Apr 2017, 2:06pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Bicycle/Tricycle Towable Camper
Replies: 8
Views: 1394

Re: Bicycle/Tricycle Towable Camper

I recall seeing the Australian Bushtrekker trailer tent, apparently seen as useful in that country to raise one above any snakes while camping. However, the towing weight, empty, was 27kg, shown here. A tent, camping mat and pannier bag would weigh a great deal less.
https://www.eta.co.uk/2012/04/19/a-tent-that-tows-behind-a-bicycle/
by MLJ
24 Mar 2017, 4:02pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: In line cable adjusters
Replies: 9
Views: 1218

Re: In line cable adjusters

I fitted a lock-nut to mine, using the valve screw which is the same thread.
by MLJ
9 Feb 2017, 4:02pm
Forum: Lands End to John O'Groats
Topic: Highlands Summer 2017
Replies: 30
Views: 16318

Re: Highlands Summer 2017

In September I rode the NC500 with camping kit on board, on my Brompton, taking about 10 days riding at about 80km per day.
http://www.sevendaycyclist.com/a-brompton-on-the-nc500-part-one
http://www.sevendaycyclist.com/a-brompton-on-the-nc500-part-two
by MLJ
27 Jan 2017, 3:56pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Wheel Dishing
Replies: 29
Views: 1744

Re: Wheel Dishing

The dishing is merely to centre the wheel for the bicycle. The rim should be central to the stays when correct. When I first started to build my own wheel I was told to spoke the RH side firmly but not tight, then do the same for the LH side and tighten that until the rim was central. By then the tension would also be correct. That has always worked for me.
by MLJ
23 Jan 2017, 10:04am
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Sturmey 5 speed gear lever Q.
Replies: 7
Views: 801

Re: Sturmey 5 speed gear lever Q.

You can use a pair of 3-speed SA levers, too.
by MLJ
21 Jan 2017, 3:16pm
Forum: Lands End to John O'Groats
Topic: Which best month for Scotland?
Replies: 11
Views: 9372

Re: Which best month for Scotland?

I have had midge problems April/May/September, all of which can be recommended months for touring! Expect the summer months to be worse. For carriage hostels, try
http://www.sleeperzzz.com/
http://www.hostel-scotland.co.uk/hostels/Glenfinnan-Sleeping-Car
http://www.stationlodge.co.uk/
by MLJ
2 Jan 2017, 9:30am
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Black ice
Replies: 84
Views: 10187

Re: Black ice

Black ice happens when a wet road freezes. If the road has been dry then a frost on it is white and often not slippery.
by MLJ
25 Oct 2016, 10:05am
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: CTC Meriden Carol Service
Replies: 5
Views: 1485

Re: CTC Meriden Carol Service

18th December according to the Coventry CTC site. Organised by Heart of England Cycling Club.
by MLJ
17 Oct 2016, 9:28am
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Rear Panniers - as far forward as possible?
Replies: 11
Views: 1611

Re: Rear Panniers - as far forward as possible?

It's the tail that wags the dog: further back means more unbalanced swing. Furthest forward is more stable but there must be clearance for the heels.
by MLJ
6 Aug 2016, 3:02pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Rear rim out of true - options?
Replies: 14
Views: 1134

Re: Rear rim out of true - options?

The wheel size is most likely 26" MTB, check the tyre for its size. Next, check whether there are any broken spokes: if so, you can replace those one at a time and tension the wheel as you go. All that is needed is the correct length of spoke. If on the drive side, the sprockets/cassette will need taking off first. The bicycle falling over is unlikely to have caused this, unless the wheel was compressed/stood on, while lying down. If no spokes are broken it is worth trying to re-true the wheel yourself: before wielding the spoke spanner, test the necessary movement by squeezing two spokes together opposite the 'bulge', to pull in the rim.
by MLJ
1 Aug 2016, 9:36am
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Dartford Tunnel
Replies: 23
Views: 5778

Re: Dartford Crossing

You may find the Gravesend-Tilbury ferry more useful
https://www.thurrock.gov.uk/ferry-services/tilbury-to-gravesend-timetable
As far as I know, the Dartford crossing depends on a service vehicle carrying the bike through, whenever it is available at your side.
by MLJ
23 Jun 2016, 2:11pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Trains & Tickets in Germany Beware!
Replies: 20
Views: 1478

Re: Trains & Tickets in Germany Beware!

Train tickets as bought are not dated. To validate one for the journey it must be 'composited' (as the French stations say), and the necessary machine will be found on the platform. You cannot expect the ticket inspector to absolve an 'uncomposited' ticket-holder: a rule is a rule!

In the UK train tickets are pre-dated and can only only be used on that day, whereas on the Continent the tickets are sold undated so that they can be used on any day, provided, of course, that they are validated in the platform machine!