Cycling UK Forum

Well, seems like a back up battery pack is top priority- so will start there along with a waterproof phone cover and maybe a bracket for handlebars for the summer months. For now, I will use the map wallet as it’s pretty cold here at moment.
You can pick out the experienced cyclist compared with someone like me who just likes to get out and ride my bike!!! Thank goodness you are all here to help, thanks a lot.
Jane

I have a daypack handlebar bag which has a map holder on the top, so I could put phone in there, I thought.
It will be easy to see and protected from wet weather, also big enough to put a map in there too!

Hi Jonathon
Thanks for helping me make up my mind. Things are clearer now and I feel a bit more positive about things. Where I live and surrounding areas, it’s hilly, beautiful and remote as a lot of Wales is. The country lanes are easy to get lost in and I get carried away when out, so now I will learn to plan in advance. I occasionally cycle on busy roads, but don’t enjoy it anymore - like I used to years ago. Huge farm vehicles thundering past are not my idea of fun.
I will post an update in a few weeks with how things are going.
Thanks jane

Wow, what interesting and varied comments. I have to say that you have all got my mind ticking over like an old clock!
I have made a decision based on some good advice. I have a Samsung galaxy phone, so could try getting an app on that. Once I have used that to track my route a few times, I will know if that is all I need. Yes, I am a day out type of cyclist, so pointless spending a load of cash if the phone will help me. Perhaps it is about time I put more effort into dealing with this map reading problem I have always had - never too late, even at 66!
I have recently retired and always promised myself that I would cycle more and enjoy me new found freedom.......so here goes, phone at the ready!!
Thanks to everyone who has replied, very much appreciated.
Jane

Thanks for all the replies. I will look into all these mentioned. I would like to purchase one for around £150 and I don’t mind if it is second hand as long as it has been looked after.
It’s a pity that the shimano steps computer on my ebike doesn’t have sat nav features built in to it. Still, there is space to mount another computer on handlebars, if I can find the right size arm....if that’s what it’s called!!

Thanks for that. I have looked on eBay and see Garmin 520 Explore. They go for around £90.00-£100.00. The reviews look good. Do you think they are worth considering?
Thanks

Hi all,
Please can I have your thoughts on which is a reasonably priced cycle computer. I need one to help me find my way around our lovely countryside - as I have difficulty reading maps! I Need one to act as a sat nav does in a car but not to necessarily keep track of my fitness etc. Owning one of these will give me more freedom to explore as at the moment I tend to avoid some scenic routes in case I get lost. I generally cycle alone, so pretty important that I don’t get lost!
Any advice welcomed. Thanks
Jane

Hi Everyone,
I am dead chuffed to now have my new rack fitted on my bike and the bag that started me off on this journey of learning.
In the end, we decided to remove the lock on back wheel, attach tubus roundstays from rack to a new seat clamp and use the fitting shown on one of the posts, which fixed the mudguard to the rack where the reflector is fitted on the back.
If it wasn’t for all the helpful advice you all gave me on here, I would never have known all these bits and pieces were readily available.
Thanks again for your help.
Jane

Golly,
I just looked up Sheldon Brown’s website and found loads of interesting topics to read. What a clever and knowledgeable man and such a shame his life was cut short. I had better try and educate myself......never too old to learn!

Again, Thankyou for advice you have given. Now to get out the tape measure - again! Rack packed up and ready to go back to Germany. Next time,I WILL get it right.
Jane

Does that mean I should have ordered a 29 inch rack going by the tyre size then?

Tyre say WTB 1.75 29 . It’s all very confusing as I thought rack size meant size of wheel not complete with tyres. I have a lot to learn.
Yes, you are right. I will return it for the correct one. If you could clarify if my tyre size is also the rack size before I make another mistake! Pity they get sent from Germany though.
Thanks Jane

Is this what I need please?

Hi again
At last, My rack has arrived but unfortunately it is too short by about half an inch. It is supposed to be for a 26 inch wheel but will be too close to mudguard pushing it down on tyre - the ne t size up is supposed to be for. 28 inch wheel. Should I have bought that one I wonder.
Does anyone know if there is so e kind of piece that could be fitted to eXtend the struts by about an inch. If not I will have to forget the idea which is a shame as it’s just what I wanted.
I hope someone sees this post and can offer me more advice. Grateful thanks.
Jane

After waiting patiently for my rack to arrive, company told me there has been an error and it’s still in the warehouse in Germany! Looks like I will have to be even more patient!

Checking on order, I see it is coming from Germany, so that’s the reason it’s slower. No worries though as gives me time to plan. I will probably be needing your wise heads again once I have it here. It will be a good feeling once it’s on and I can use my bag.
It’s good to have all this advice and it’s much appreciated.