Cycling UK Forum

531colin wrote: ↑15 Apr 2024, 8:40pm
Phone! E mail answering is an awful chore and doesn’t get done in a timely manner

I get your point, however, I can’t use my phone during the day due to my job. Emails are much easier for me to pick up once I get home (after shop closing time). Also, it does bug me when companies put an enquiry contact form in and then don’t get around to answering them… grumble, grumble.

Emailed wheel builder. No reply and anxious to spend birthday money… Good advice re skewers. Is there a locking seatpost bolt too?

Currently running Bontrager Affinity TLR 21mm width - 36 holes. As long as the replacement is black it should be ok.

I am moving to a Dynamo set up, initially for lights but MAY add a charging system later.

I’ve seen this:
https://www.spacycles.co.uk/m10b0s170p5 ... ce-of-Rims

But not sure which rim to choose.

We mostly do self-supported camping for a max of two weeks. I run Schwalbe Marathon plus 700 x 40 c. I have 6 bolt rotors but understand you can use centre locks with no issues and it’s in a QR.

Any advice greatly appreciated.

I have DMRs too. They do a resin pedal which might get past your weight issues.

https://www.sigmasports.com/item/DMR/V1 ... RSEALw_wcB

Campsite prices? Shop around and you get better deals. I generally contact campsites before I get there and ask for the price for two cyclists and a small tent. This can get you a better deal than turning up and booking a pitch. IMO.

Surely on a bike, like any vehicle, you are either accelerating or decelerating most of the time and rarely at a constant velocity? So wheel weight will affect you all the time.

However, I think this is quite an irrelevant fact as toughness/reliability are more significant for tourers.

This site has a great planner for routes specific to NL. I find it better than cycle.travel (for NL). It has an English version and the planner will give you all the ‘knoordpunts’ (sp?) that you need to head for. This is very useful as names are not always used on signposts. You’ll be able to work out routes to a very detailed level.

https://www.hollandcyclingroutes.com/on ... te-planner

Martyn

The railway station at Harwich Port has a car park. I think it works out about £10 per day but is reasonably secure. I.e. there is a manned barrier in and out.

I think it sounds like a grand plan for a trip. Yes the distances aren’t huge but if you are travelling abroad, you want to see more than just the cycle paths right? I’ve been to most of the places and they all have their charms.

We are heading back to Holland for our fourth trip this summer. Lots more to see even after that trip.

On the tubes site they will explain what geometry they will fit too. Then you could buy from eBay…

Diatom wrote: ↑17 Feb 2024, 11:43am Have you thought of cycling from the Hook of Holland to Rotterdam? There is a pleasant and well-surfaced cycleway which goes along the banks of one of the branches of the Rhine. Only 30 km to the centre of Rotterdam, flat and easy! Shouldn't take much longer than an hour and a half, you'd probably get to the city centre quicker that way.

Yep. Done that before. We are heading to Groningen to tour up there so want to take a train. Therefore looking for quick ways to get to station.

Thanks

The problem you are going to find with your price point is you won’t get small pack size AND warm. I learned this the hard way when young and I sleep warm.

Have you considered the second hand market? Have a look for any ‘big brand’ items and the check online reviews for that. I reckon it’s the best way you have of accomplishing what you want.

We use a Kryptonite lock and cable when touring plus a quick, probably useless, cable lock for quick stops. I’d rather lock than not even if it means carrying the weight.

I, stupidly, once said on another post that surely no one would take kit off the bike. I then had my Brooks saddle and seatpost stolen in Holland.

So now I am taking a small hiplok lock to ‘lock’ the saddle to the frame too.

Ultimately, you can only put people off not stop everything being nicked.

I’d go powerbanks too with a multi usb plug so if I get the chance to charge stuff I can do it quick. You can get them with different plugs that you change so you don’t need to take an adapter too. A solar panel is great where the sun is strong and I’d use it to top up the battery packs. Mine sits on top of my rear panniers during the day and spread out/hung up at campsites.

It may be obvious but also switch your phone/ipad off when you aren’t using them. This will save a lot of power and stops you being dragged into the real world because you hear those notifications or it’s quick to check.

Enjoy!

Just looked up Moser’s bike

https://steel-vintage.com/pages/frances ... le-auction

I can’t imagine that rear wheel was light! The rules around the hour record are, apparently, very obtuse and change on a whim, so I’m amazed this got through.

However, I can’t see this catching on while touring, there’s no room for a rear rack.