Cycling UK Forum

Re: Bike stand.
For maximum stability the bike stand/support should be as high as practical (and definitely above centre of gravity) on the bike and give the bike between 10° and 20° of lean.
I always carry* a purpose made collapsible pole made from aluminium tent poles. This pic shows use of a hiking pole that can be quickly extended to suit.

* Strapped to underside of downtube

The bike looks good, but where was the pic taken?

Knucklas Castle (remains of) 52.363766° N, -3.103393° W

Day 1 (travelling east to west) of the Trans Cambrian Way.

My Subway 2 kitted out for seven day tour on Welsh bridleways. A fantastic budget bike.

Does the crack at its current length and position seriously compromise the strength of the frame?

Could this current crack fail suddenly and catastrophically, or would it likely just slowly extend?

Would a small, 3/4mm hole at each end of the crack prevent the crack extending?

Would I ride this knowingly compromised frame? With addition of above mentioned holes, yes.

Would I throw it at every major obstacle? No. But for general riding I'd not have any qualms. Regular inspections advised.

My thoughts:

Pics 1 and 3: Life on the road.
Pic 2: Read too much sales literature defining must-haves.
Pic 4: Long term tourer. Multiple climates catered for.
Pic 5: Moving house.

Success. I chose to use a piece of hessian sackcloth. Gentle but persistent rubbing has dulled the surface nicely. Some of the internal corners were a PITA, but overall I'm quite happy.

I stand corrected.
All the authentic Shimano HG73 or HG93 9 speed chains I've ever bought never came with a quick link but always a joining pin.
It would appear as if Shimano only started making quick links (of the modern design, not for 6,7,8 chains) for ≥11 speed chains. Or am I wrong again

kwackers wrote:. . . It was a Shimano chain and I'd used their split link -

Shimano don't make quick links. Authentic Shimano are supplied with a single chain pin.
If you bought a 'Shimano' chain that included a quick link, it's very likely a counterfeit item. ebay is the worst source.

sailorp wrote:But is the new "BB7 MTB" calliper the direct replacement of my "BB& MTN"?

Yes.

sailorp wrote:I'm thinking that the pad may not be retained in place by the somewhat flattened pad retaining pin on the pressure foot.

The pads are held in place by having their tabs properly located into the pad retainer clip, not by the small protrusion on the presser foot face.

There are dozens of listings on ebay and Amazon for BB7s. Just beware, the cheapest on ebay are often counterfeit.
Post a pic of the damaged part / area, it may still be salvageable. BB7s are, generally speaking, virtually bombproof.

andr000ide wrote:Hello guys. I'm thinking of buying a power meter on the left crank.
But the thing is, my cranks are 170mm, and I can only find 172.5mm, do you think it's okay if I use 172.5 on one side and 170 on the other?
Thanks.

You'll definitely notice it for the first ride, not so much thereafter and probably not at all after half a dozen rides. If in doubt try putting a thicker insole in one shoe for a test ride. This only affects the vertical component of each revolution obviously.

I had in mind some sort of 'pickling' liquid. Not concerned if I get a slightly patchy result. It's the smooth highly polished finish that bothers me. Just doesn't look right on a well (ab)used mtb

I have a black aluminium stem with a highly polished finish. Any suggestions on how to mat this down, without damaging the paint* obviously.

* Probably anodised rather than painted.

Sharp edges and tight corners mean I don't want to try a light sanding in case I rub through to the base aluminium.

I had the same problem. My local cobbler sanded down the sole until smooth and affixed a new vibram sole. I was left to cut out space for the cleat.
Bit untidy but it worked, sort of. I wouldn't do it again.
Next time I'd just remove the cleats and use the shoes for cycling on flat pedals.

Mike_Ayling wrote:
. . . and 15-20kg of gear for credit card touring.

mike

Man! That's one heavy credit card