Search found 451 matches

by gazza_d
20 Mar 2024, 6:55pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Best online or app map for non-road routes?
Replies: 11
Views: 597

Re: Best online or app map for non-road routes?

For general routing and navigation I find Komoot to be very good and generally reliable for plotting routes, both A-B and circular.

If you want something more detailed especially for public rights of way information, than frankly the gold standard is OS online mapping. You can buy a paper map and use the code in it to access the online version. You'll need to do your own navigation though.
by gazza_d
6 Feb 2024, 5:27pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Moulton SST O.L.D.
Replies: 7
Views: 692

Re: Moulton SST O.L.D.

I am sure it is 132.5mm
I have a Moulton come which is the same basic frame set as the SST. I have to spring it very slightly to get the Alfine 11 hub which has a 135mm OLN.

In practice it's not a problem and not hard at all to get the wheel in.

Gaz
by gazza_d
31 Jan 2024, 7:58pm
Forum: Campaigning & Public Policy
Topic: LTN politics
Replies: 54
Views: 3588

Re: LTN politics

Newcastle have just pulled an ltn in Jesmond (one of the richer bits of Tyneside)
Consultation had 9 months left yet caved to a noisy minority. https://www.newcastle.gov.uk/citylife-n ... be-removed

I'm guessing that it's because many are too posh to walk and have influence against a weak council.
by gazza_d
25 Jan 2024, 6:32pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Which CR2032 Batteries?
Replies: 19
Views: 1639

Re: Which CR2032 Batteries?

I see several people have suggested Duracell.
I've had issues with Duracell button batteries in several devices as they have a coating designed to be yucky to children.
Garmin mention it here. If you don't have kids then maybe use an alternative. https://support.garmin.com/en-GB/?faq=2 ... DGEXYxtMM9
by gazza_d
5 Jan 2024, 4:29pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: GPS device
Replies: 18
Views: 1129

Re: GPS device

I have a Sigma ROX 4.0
It syncs rides up to Komoot and can use planned routes from Komoot for navigation.
Both work very well.
You don't get a full map but turn but instructions at each turn and a little beep
Attractive design
✅Good large display
✅Good integration with Strava and komoot maps
✅Uses standard Garmin mounts.
✅Ant+ and Bluetooth connection to sensors.
✅ USB C connector for pc connection and charging.
by gazza_d
1 Jan 2024, 7:36pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Inline dynamo connectors
Replies: 36
Views: 3949

Re: Inline dynamo connectors

An update.
I did buy some connectors like the one pictured by MickF a while ago. 10 for under four quid.
Once assembled the connector seems reasonably robust and has little rubber baffles to keep the water out.
Working well so far and are a lot less fragile and fiddly than a pair of spade connectors.

Gaz
by gazza_d
1 Dec 2023, 5:36pm
Forum: On the road
Topic: Pass Pixie - camera warning.
Replies: 26
Views: 6942

Re: Pass Pixie - camera waarning.

Cugel wrote: 18 Nov 2023, 10:50am
As another poster points out, its the idiot driving loon who is most likely to prang you .... but also the same idiot likely to either ignore or react badly to being warned-off with a sign. I recall a survey in which a percentage of drivers took offense to such signs on cyclists, on the grounds that it excited their angst about, "Cyclists feel they are special or better than we drivers, so I give 'em a punishment pass".

Sometimes signs can become no more than a fetish object that the user believes instrumental in changing the behaviour of others but ... in reality it either doesn't or does so in ways other than what the signer hopes for.
Over a couple of years of using one, I've never had even a hint of anyone objecting to it. It is fair warning. And as I said earlier, most drivers pass better when I use it
by gazza_d
1 Dec 2023, 5:32pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Shimano dyno hubs and wheel size
Replies: 16
Views: 1158

Re: Shimano dyno hubs and wheel size

I've ran Shimano dynohubs on my 20" moultons for about a decade now with no issues whatsoever.

On the Moulton I use most I've had an SP dynamo hub for over two years with no issues.

Just do it, it'll be fine. It'll generate a little more power as it rotates quicker, but not enough to trash modern lights. I have lights that auto turn on when light gets low and you can barely even feel any drag.
by gazza_d
24 Oct 2023, 7:26pm
Forum: On the road
Topic: I will be commuting again after a 15 year gap! Nervous.
Replies: 133
Views: 24823

Re: I will be commuting again after a 15 year gap! Nervous.

As others have said dynamo hubs and lights are a game changer. They are just always there. Theft proof too as they're bolted to the bike. The two bikes I use regularly both have Dyno lights as theyre that useful, especially at this end of the year when the days are short

If the OP has an ebike now then SVTZO compliant front and rear light would be a more sensible fit.
by gazza_d
20 Oct 2023, 4:18pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Quote for Painting a Dawes Galaxy Ultra
Replies: 21
Views: 8759

Re: Quote for Painting a Dawes Galaxy Ultra

brumster wrote: 19 Oct 2023, 7:17pm Having followed this thread, I sent Maldon shot blasters and powder coaters my 20 year old Thorn ( plus racks ) and am very pleased with the results. ( Spanish Fly and Chrome Powder coat )
That looks very nice indeed. Lovely.
by gazza_d
18 Oct 2023, 6:11pm
Forum: On the road
Topic: I will be commuting again after a 15 year gap! Nervous.
Replies: 133
Views: 24823

Re: I will be commuting again after a 15 year gap! Nervous.

I started cycle commuting again about a decade ago now after managing only the occasional ride.
I started by taking the car part way and cycling the last 5 miles. Even with faffing with bike and car it was still quicker than driving those last few miles.
After a couple of months or so I stepped up to cycling the full 17 miles each way.
Best thing I ever did. Yea it was maybe 15 minutes longer, but I started saving nearly £200 a month (fuel and parking). The time was an investment in me.

Don't think you have to cycle every day. It's fine to have an off day or give it miss due to the weather.
For the darker months I really recommend a hub dynamo and lights. And make the bike carry any weight.

Sure you'll smash it. Good luck
by gazza_d
18 Oct 2023, 6:03pm
Forum: On the road
Topic: Planning a route
Replies: 17
Views: 4846

Re: Planning a route

For mixed styles of riding then I've found komoot to be the best route planner I've used.
It will let you pick a route with points of interest and generally the route will be decent and safe.

There's a few others:
Strava
Cycle.travel
Ridewithgps
Cycle streets (a to b rather than circular)

May be worth trying each one and seeing which you prefer.
by gazza_d
17 Oct 2023, 8:18pm
Forum: On the road
Topic: Pass Pixie - camera warning.
Replies: 26
Views: 6942

Re: Pass Pixie - camera waarning.

I have a passpixi and cameras.

I do find it works on the majority of drivers and I get decent passes. The cameras are fairly discrete so unlikely to be noticed by all but a tiny minority.

It's not 100% as some drivers are just so bone headed.
Well worth a tenner. And if I trash or lose mine I'll be getting another asap...
by gazza_d
8 Oct 2023, 9:14pm
Forum: On the road
Topic: Favourite complicated bike
Replies: 6
Views: 3768

Re: Favourite complicated bike

Got to be my Moulton.
Just a sublime ride and so much fun to ride.
Alfine 11 and Dyno lights add to the complexity and yet also the simplicity
IMG_20230903_083914.jpg
by gazza_d
8 Oct 2023, 7:48am
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: TRP Spyre disc rear brake poor stopping
Replies: 25
Views: 2164

Re: TRP Spyre disc rear brake poor stopping

As others have said compressionless outer cables makes a huge difference.
Ensure the ends are cut dead square and use metal ferrules.
Also use good quality pre stretched stainless steel inner cable.
When I first fitted a trip cancel disc I was disappointed, but those changes made a load of difference.

Gaz