Cycling UK Forum

PM sent.....I think

Cold weather kills led head torches. I have had a few attached to my cycle helmet, sub zero cycling temp kills them.

I cycle toured in Scotland in May/June. We soon learned to pitch the tent high up enough, away from water and in the wind.....spray deodorant kills any midges in your tent.

Anyone know where you can buy 22.2 dia drop bars?

This morning 6am standing on the pedals, low gear, head down, 4mph
4pm going home same stretch of road top gear, legs like cartoon legs, briefly 32.4mph

This is my 3rd day cycle commuting into really strong headwinds/cross winds in Lincolnshire.
It's no fun, the trees & hedges don't offer protection this time of year.

MarkusT makes a valid point, the brake position is closer to you than before and very narrow.
I considered these type of bars and the above changed my mind. You could fit the brakes on the sides which would be more stable but combined brake/gear levers probably won't work.

viewtopic.php?f=5&t=127755

I answered it here

Well I have 3 sets of 26" wheels, noting spectacular but still serviceable for a long time yet.

I wouldn't change my 531c touring frame by putting sti shifters or anything like that on it.

I think 70miles a day is too far. 30-40 can be hard work in hilly terrain with a loaded bike.
Others have suggested a more local UK tour first, this will give you a better idea of what you're capable of.

As I read this post and the linked post, the weight of a gas pipe frame and 531 frame are similar.
However a good 531 frame is a joy to ride....mine is anyway, as it flexes and absorbed bumps.

26" wheels (new metric not imperial) are, or were, the long distance touring standard.
Is or has this now changed? If so to what? 700c, 650b?

I'd work out what top gear you can comfortably run, you may find you don't use your current top gear.
Then size your big chainring to that and freewheel down hill.

From reading all the related sa 5 speed posts it would appear that the sa gear shifters are poor in design and responsible for most hub failures.
What's the alternative?
After market shifter?
Friction? (Brucey has covered this before)