Search found 76 matches

by clandyfield
10 Jun 2016, 6:16pm
Forum: On the road
Topic: Butser Hill - proposed cyclepath for the missing link
Replies: 143
Views: 31522

Re: Butser Hill - proposed cyclepath for the missing link

Graham wrote:I have reported this to Hants C.C. and they tell me that the contractors will take remedial action.

What is the betting that the patching-by-hand team will be dispatched ??
The smooth surface lasted only a few weeks !! Deeply unimpressive.

Drove (sorry) past it this afternoon and weeds are still in abundance. One looks like it has the makings of quite an impressive bush. Some "empty" mole hill type eruptions as well, so I assume that the p-b-h mob have passed that way at some time.
Still can't find any information on the final solution - anyone got any more info?
Plenty of goings-on in the layby putting up close board fencing and short posts to stop drivers falling into the gully when layby gets re-opened.
by clandyfield
25 May 2016, 9:31pm
Forum: On the road
Topic: Butser Hill - proposed cyclepath for the missing link
Replies: 143
Views: 31522

Re: Butser Hill - proposed cyclepath for the missing link

Graham wrote:The only anecdotal gossip is that the engineers were trying to agree whether the Ramp down into QECP should be an uninterrupted curve or have zigzags. !! Zigzags !! OMG :shock: madness . . .

I would have a different view though. An uninterrupted curve will, by its nature, result in speeds that I would consider inappropriate for that particular area. A short distance zig-zag I would think would be more appropriate.

Graham wrote:Yesterday, I found a section that I had never know existed before - alongside the A3 (west side) between West Liss & Ham Barn roundabout. http://binged.it/1WhEjdC
But don't get too excited : it was rubbish. An old tarmac footpath designated as a cyclepath. Very poor surface quality and I won't bother using it again despite providing a means to avoid crossing the A3 using the Ham Barn roundabout itself.

Anything that provides an alternative to riding on a major, high speed dual carriageway is a bonus IMO.
Surface quality is bad on a majority of roads these days due to false economy "top dressing" that is now breaking up into a horrid surface to drive/ride on. Cars aren't really affected too much by poor surface (potholes excepted); you notice them, but they don't really affect speed/handling as they do for cyclists.
My approach is to use cycle tyres and speeds that can handle such surfaces (and I ride a Brompton as well as a "normal") and be thankful for the routes that allow me to cycle on my own little road regardless of surface.
Until something drastic happens in this country, it isn't going to improve. Why are French roads so much better??????
by clandyfield
24 May 2016, 9:58pm
Forum: On the road
Topic: Butser Hill - proposed cyclepath for the missing link
Replies: 143
Views: 31522

Re: Butser Hill - proposed cyclepath for the missing link

Graham wrote:I'm expecting the whole route to be overgrown before the final section is completed. :wink:

I agree.
What do you think of the possibility that a further request for additional funding will have to be made once the "programme of works" is determined?

This is not going to end well.........
by clandyfield
24 May 2016, 9:31pm
Forum: On the road
Topic: Butser Hill - proposed cyclepath for the missing link
Replies: 143
Views: 31522

Re: Butser Hill - proposed cyclepath for the missing link

Latest update reported on the 24th May reads:
"As soon as the start date for these works are known this web page will be updated"

So that's it kicked into the long grass for the forseeable I guess. Actually making me feel rather annoyed!
by clandyfield
6 May 2016, 9:47pm
Forum: On the road
Topic: Butser Hill - proposed cyclepath for the missing link
Replies: 143
Views: 31522

Re: Butser Hill - proposed cyclepath for the missing link

gaz wrote:It is possible to build long lasting and usable wooden structures

Can't dispute that. However, when you add the word "affordable", one might think of something a little less desirable than your example.

Since a solution to Section 5 wasn't, it appears, determined at the time the additional funds were requested and allocated, then I wonder how much is actually available now for the <whatever> engineering solution. Will the steel girders that were on site will still figure in the solution?

Ah well, time will tell.
by clandyfield
6 May 2016, 8:02pm
Forum: On the road
Topic: Butser Hill - proposed cyclepath for the missing link
Replies: 143
Views: 31522

Re: Butser Hill - proposed cyclepath for the missing link

I am hearing that the quote: "achievable and affordable engineering solution" mentioned on the HCC webpage is to be a wooden structure.
So maybe, Graham, your idea was not so far fetched.

As Section 5 is the key to the viability/use of the whole path from QECP to Petersfield, I find it really disheartening that, while it is possible to build long lasting and usable metal structures to get cyclists/pedestrians over railways, a wooden structure is deemed an acceptable solution to overcome a similar rise/drop for such a key area of the path.

Comments/any more information anyone?
by clandyfield
3 May 2016, 10:51pm
Forum: On the road
Topic: Butser Hill - proposed cyclepath for the missing link
Replies: 143
Views: 31522

Re: Butser Hill - proposed cyclepath for the missing link

I see that the promised update date appears to have been missed.
Quote "With regards to Section 5 of the scheme, engineers are working hard to identify an achievable and affordable engineering solution to complete this route and are investigating a number of alternative construction methods.

A further update will be provided on 27th April 2016."

I'm at a bit of a loss to understand why (suddenly) it had become so difficult to build a retaining wall. Anyone got any further details on this? I wonder if it is something to do with the proximity of the A3 bridge sides.

My prediction of September is looking rather optimistic (sigh).
by clandyfield
9 Apr 2016, 8:21pm
Forum: On the road
Topic: Butser Hill - proposed cyclepath for the missing link
Replies: 143
Views: 31522

Re: Butser Hill - proposed cyclepath for the missing link

Graham wrote:Nasty surprises to date :-
1) Cyclists Dismount signs alongside the narrow footpath on the railway bridge.

To be fair, the exceedingly narrow footpath at the northern end of the railway bridge is governed by the badly executed roadway and so, in the absence of a "Cyclists take really extra care" sign, the dismount one is the best compromise. Any cyclist losing control there is in real danger of being wiped out by a car coming up behind them on their side of the road. So dismounting is possibly the best idea anyway!

Are we going to start a sweep on the Opening Date for the path? My 4d worth is September (but I'm not prepared to state which year).
by clandyfield
9 Apr 2016, 5:03pm
Forum: On the road
Topic: Butser Hill - proposed cyclepath for the missing link
Replies: 143
Views: 31522

Re: Butser Hill - proposed cyclepath for the missing link

Graham wrote:Despite searches, I cannot find any further info about the outcome of this meeting / approval.


The Executive decision has been made - see document(s) linked in my previous msg.
Quote:
"The decision:
1.1. That the Executive Member for Environment and Transport approves the revised Project Appraisal Update for Petersfield to Queen Elizabeth Country Park Cycle Route as outlined in the supporting report.
1.2. That the Executive Member for Environment and Transport gives approval to procure, spend and enter into the necessary contractual arrangements for the implementation of the improvements to the Petersfield to Queen Elizabeth Country Park Cycle Route, as set out in the supporting report at an estimated total cost of £1,565,523, representing an increase on the original estimate of £477,523, which can be funded from existing identified resources.
1.3. That authority to make minor variations to the design or contractual arrangements be delegated to the Director of Economy, Transport and Environment."

Phew!
by clandyfield
23 Mar 2016, 12:26pm
Forum: On the road
Topic: Butser Hill - proposed cyclepath for the missing link
Replies: 143
Views: 31522

Re: Butser Hill - proposed cyclepath for the missing link

Meeting to discuss this now appears to be scheduled for 31 March in Winchester.
http://www3.hants.gov.uk/councilmeetings/advsearchmeetings/meetingsitemsummary.htm?pref=Y&tab=1&item_ID=7294&cancel=n
If you look in the Documents section the increased costs details are there, together with the timescale - 4 months!
by clandyfield
18 Jul 2014, 9:53am
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Rattling Ortlieb Ultimate Plus Bar Bag!!
Replies: 9
Views: 1417

Re: Rattling Ortlieb Ultimate Plus Bar Bag!!

bike3isavolvo wrote:I would be really grateful to Clandyfield for identifying details on the Press-studs, so I can order the corresponding bits to quieted the racket, or insert my own reduced-size map pocket.

PM sent to you - as usual, Colin was right!
by clandyfield
18 Feb 2013, 9:34pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Repair Options for B17
Replies: 33
Views: 3669

Re: Repair Options for B17

Big T wrote:Whilst cleaning my bike yesterday, i noticed the nose bolt on my B17 has bent. the saddle is about 5 years old and has been tensioned by about 3/4 of an inch. The bolt has bent where it enters the nut.

This is the second B17 i've had where this has happened. On the previous one, the bolt actually broke. Has any one else had this happen?

I notice Brooks offer a repair service. Has anyone used this and is it worthwhile?

Big T, I had similar problems with both my and my wife's saddles. Here's an extract of a posting we made in another forum a year or so ago:

The main bolt carrier (the bit that fits on the rail) is folded with varying degrees of accuracy.
The inaccuracy of our main carriers meant that the bolt thread was rubbing on the cutout and had actually compressed a number of the threads.
The bolt was wound back to its loosest position (counting the turns) and then the end cap and therefore the saddle top was prised off the bolt end (its just an interference fit) with a large flat bladed screwdriver positioned on the main carrier and under the saddle nose piece (lever forward, away from rear of
the saddle).
The bolt can then be withdrawn and the main carrier wiggled off the frame.
Once off, the carrier was then reshaped so that the front was as vertical as possible (to ensure correct fit of bolt) but still able to fit back on the rail.
The bolt was still fouling the cutout, so this was opened out using a Dremel + stone wheel.

The main carrier/bolt were then replaced on the frame and the large, flat bladed screwdriver was placed on the bolt end and underneath the saddle nose piece and the cover was levered back into position (lever the cover up and towards the rear of the saddle).

The bolt was then returned to the original setting.

All has been well with our saddles since then....

Andy
by clandyfield
3 Feb 2013, 12:23pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Steerer Extender Safety
Replies: 16
Views: 5516

Re: Steerer Extender Safety

Jack, my Panorama is a 60cm frame size as well - although I'm only 6"2"!
IMO for a £12.50 outlay (+p&p), the extender (+ extra spacers) is really a no-brainer and will solve your problem.
However, I found that the height I thought that I wanted the bars to be wasn't correct, but it was easy to reduce it in increments with this type of extender until it was just right.
Being of "mature years" I'm sure I remember that until the advent of "threadless" all stems used the quill approach!

Andy
by clandyfield
2 Feb 2013, 9:39pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Drop bars on a mountain bike?
Replies: 22
Views: 5249

Re: Drop bars on a mountain bike?

I had an old MTB sitting forlorn in the garage........superseded by a new Ridgeback Panorama.
Riding it with "straights" was a nightmare for me as well.
I thought I'd make use of some spares that were sitting around to convert it to drops - best thing I ever did!

Here's the result:
trek 3900 opt.jpg


I have to say that I almost prefer it to the Panorama now - although it defies all the rules, it has turned out to be a super bike in its new setup.

Items changed were: a new set of forks (Kona P2s) - the suspension ones didn't. A set of Tektro levers and bar end shifters married to Paul's Thumbies plus bars.
End result is that a 19.5" (50cm) framed MTB now exactly matches my 60cm Panorama in the cockpit department and rides just as well.

I'd say give a thought to this conversion to your bike as well and you may be pleasantly surprised.

Any more info required, just ask.

Andy
PS. I also tried Butterfly bars - total nightmare for me; hands always in wrong position for brakes and they're so w i d e!
by clandyfield
2 Feb 2013, 9:11pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Steerer Extender Safety
Replies: 16
Views: 5516

Re: Steerer Extender Safety

I'd second Colin's suggestion - that's what I've fitted to my Panorama:

extender.jpg


This view is while I was deciding what height I wanted. Once decided, the extender was then moved back down into steerer to remove the excessive spacers above.

FYI, I also tried initially the extender you linked to. No problems in use on a touring holiday in France, but it is really ugly as you can see!

Panorama in France.jpg


Let me know if you want a "current" (all sorted and looking good) photo of the Panorama.

Andy