Search found 719 matches

by julk
7 Nov 2022, 5:45pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: when (if) I should replace my handlebars?
Replies: 11
Views: 954

Re: when (if) I should replace my handlebars?

Mick F wrote: 7 Nov 2022, 10:41am I can't remember who it was or when it was on this forum, but it's absolutely yonks ago.

He said that he replaces his handlebars every few years. He gave a number, but I can't remember. I seem to think he said two years.

I asked him what he did with the "old" ones ............ and never got an answer! :lol:
That was probably me - a long long time ago.
My handlebars snapped whilst comuting home from Edinburgh in rush hour one dark November evening.
I was lucky I survived in the traffic with grazes and a cracked rib.
It changed my views on keeping going with old handlebars.
I change mine every 5 years and give the retired ones to anyone who wants them.
Definitely overkill, but it keeps me happy.

So keep yours as long as you want, but check them for cracks and be very wary if they creak under pressure.
by julk
20 Jul 2022, 4:38pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Bar bags, bikepacking, roll up dry bag type
Replies: 3
Views: 404

Re: Bar bags, bikepacking, roll up dry bag type

I use one for my Downmat - it works well attached below my riser straight handlebars and cradled by the cables.

You can experiment with a large plastic bag and some toe straps to see if it works for you before laying out some money on a professional one.
by julk
18 Oct 2020, 7:01pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Brooks B17 Versus their Flyer / 67
Replies: 21
Views: 2402

Re: Brooks B17 Versus their Flyer / 67

I use both, a B17 titanium on a Brompton and a Flyer on a Thorn.
I ride mostly on tarmac and find the Flyer has the edge for comfort on potholed sections (too common nowadays).
by julk
8 Jun 2020, 6:17pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Gravel rash
Replies: 43
Views: 2691

Re: Gravel rash

Our family experience, raising 4 cycling boys, is that once the wound is down to bare clean flesh covering it with Calendula cream (Marigold) gave the quickest and least scabbing healing.
Hypercal cream, a mixture of Marigold and Hypericum, is almost as good and contains a local pain killer if needed.

I still have some gravel in an elbow from a childhood spill on a steep unpaved road.
by julk
30 May 2020, 7:33pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Which Brompton tyre make/model are easiest to fit
Replies: 6
Views: 399

Re: Which Brompton tyre make/model are easiest to fit

I recently fitted a new Brompton Schwalbe Marathon Racer HS429 (35-349) to my Brompton front wheel by hand without using tyre levers.
I was surprised as well!
by julk
24 Mar 2020, 3:48pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Nitto S84 - will it rust? And offset?
Replies: 17
Views: 993

Re: Nitto S84 - will it rust? And offset?

I have one fitted in my Thorn expr touring bike which is used for cycle camping and country lane riding.

Will it rust - most unlikely it is very well plated.
Setback on mine is 40mm centre of seat tube to centre of saddle clamp.

I would recommend getting one for the layback if that is what you need.
It is very well made and should end up as a family heirloom.

I use a Brooks Flyer set right back (the Flyer has springs at the rear) and needed to get a longer bolt for the saddle clamp at one end.
The bolts unusually are M7 - if you ever need one PM me for a source.
Julian.
by julk
14 Nov 2019, 5:35pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Help with tyre punctures
Replies: 21
Views: 1760

Re: Help with tyre punctures

If you are new to mending punctures and taking tyres/tubes off and putting them back on then it is possible you have nipped the tubes putting the tyres back on. Very easy to do especially if you are using tyre levers to get the tyres back on.

If the punctures are caused by something penetrating the tyre then the position you find the hole in the tube will give a good guide to where the object has come through the tyre. A check for the item still being in the tyre is to run a finger gently inside the tyre - no blood then the object is out!

Finding an ‘invisible' hole in a tube is easily done by inflating the tube and passing it close to an eye. You will feel the tiny jet of air from the hole on your eyeball.

I hope this helps.
by julk
8 Oct 2019, 6:17pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: set back seat post ?
Replies: 37
Views: 1703

Re: set back seat post ?

Just to prove Colin is right.
https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/seat-posts/nitto-s84-seat-post-silver-300-x-272-mm/.

I use one and it works for me.
by julk
31 Aug 2019, 11:30pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Heat transference between layers (when camping)
Replies: 42
Views: 3010

Re: Heat transference between layers (when camping)

My experience camping in the Uk is that an insulated sleeping mat makes a huge difference.
i moved to a down filled Exped mat (sadly £££) from foam mats and then self inflating mats.
Money well spent in my experience.
by julk
19 Jul 2019, 11:49am
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Need unpadded short finger gloves or mitts
Replies: 11
Views: 1596

Re: Need unpadded short finger gloves or mitts

Many thanks for the suggestions, I am getting spoilt for choice!
by julk
17 Jul 2019, 8:15pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Need unpadded short finger gloves or mitts
Replies: 11
Views: 1596

Re: Need unpadded short finger gloves or mitts

Many thanks for the suggestions.
I had not thought of sailing mitts - but they look suitable.

I used to sail a dinghy a lot in the late sixties early seventies and have to say we did not normally use gloves then, maybe neoprene ones in a frostbite series.
Either I am getting old and grumpy and/or the current generation must be getting softer!
by julk
17 Jul 2019, 2:53pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Need unpadded short finger gloves or mitts
Replies: 11
Views: 1596

Need unpadded short finger gloves or mitts

I use Ergon grips and find with padded gloves and mitts that the padding gets in the way and is uncomfortable.

I have some old mitts which were produced by (or for) Ergon and have no padding - but they have worn out and are no longer available.

Can anyone recommend me some mitts which are unpadded or have very thin padding for me to buy now?