Search found 20 matches

by PinkPanther
5 Mar 2009, 3:47pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Tyres for non-hooked rim
Replies: 8
Views: 2009

Re: Tyres for non-hooked rim

I've run Schwalbe Marathons on an eighties Raleigh with Weinmann rims for the last 18 months (about 4,000 miles) without a problem, think I've had them at about 80psi.
by PinkPanther
4 Mar 2009, 1:05pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Better lighting set-up for a Brompton
Replies: 24
Views: 9273

Re: Better lighting set-up for a Brompton

SJS have a stainless steel bracket by Schmidt specifically for the Brompton: http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/product-Schmidt-Schmidt-Stainless-Steel-Headlamp-Bracket-for-Mounting-Schmidt-E6-Headlamp-on-a-Brompton-11620.htm

I bought one for mounting an Edelux on a Brompton (that I've not yet bought) - I ended up using it on my Mercian as it got the Edelux sufficiently low to not be obstructed by a bar bag. Need to order another one if/when I get to ordering the Brompton!

I think the dimensions of the Cyo are similar to the Edelux so it should work - the bracket is described as for use with an E6, which is bigger.
by PinkPanther
18 Aug 2008, 4:31pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: CLAUD BUTLER VINTAGE FRAME: Correct wheel size
Replies: 11
Views: 2258

27" wheels have a bead diameter of 630mm, 700c wheels have a bead diameter of 622mm, 8mm difference, therefore your brakes need to reach 4mm further to be able to swap from 27" to 700c.
by PinkPanther
11 Jul 2008, 6:53pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Schmidt Edelux/ Supernova E3
Replies: 4
Views: 2013

The other thing to bare in mind is the initial supplies of the Schmidt Edelux are completely sold out, no more are expected until the end of September at the absolute earliest apparently. SJS are the UK distributor and sold all theirs in 5 days they told me - no one else in the UK had any!
by PinkPanther
17 Feb 2008, 2:25pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Anyone have any Cleaning Tips for Spokes and Wheel Rims
Replies: 8
Views: 940

'Paint' everything gungy with Gunk engine cleaner using an old paintbrush (especially the rear rim after you've made the mistake of using Finishline wet lube which seems to just have the effect of spraying the rim making braking a bit interesting!) then hose off with a fine spray and then wash the bike with car shampoo -Autoglym seems good.

Clean the chain at the same time, I use an adaptation of MickF's method - fruit smoothie bottle (larger M&S ones are good), drop chain into bottle, half fill bottle with Gunk, shake like mad, go away, come back shake some more, repeat, etc. Then tip Gunk out, half fill with hot water, shake, tip out, half fill with hot water and a glug of Flash liquid, shake, rinse, etc until the detegent is gone. Get chain out of bottle, dry on an old towel and hang on a pipe in the airing cupboard overnight.
by PinkPanther
1 Feb 2008, 3:45pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Any tips for buying secondhand?
Replies: 20
Views: 2528

Don't know whether it's just my imagination but I don't think there's as good a selection of Galaxys, Mercians or Raleigh tourers on ebay as there was at this point last year and the ones that are there seem to sometimes go for silly amounts.

The prices asked on the For Sale/Wanted section on this site, ACF or Bikeradar seem a lot less - I suspect these people don't want the hassle of ebay and would like the bike to goto a like minded person and I'd think there would be a lot less chance of buying something stolen by that route.
by PinkPanther
1 Feb 2008, 2:09pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Park and Ride into London
Replies: 5
Views: 1065

Go to the bottom of the M1 and park in a side street near Brent Cross tube station? You might need to be quite a few streets away but only a few minutes walk or if switching to bike it doesn't matter.
by PinkPanther
12 Jan 2008, 10:39am
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Mercian Vincitore Special on Order - 631 or 853
Replies: 19
Views: 3363

When I placed my frame order canti brakes went on the order to permit 32mm tyres, afterwards I remembered about the relatively recent Tektro R556 55-73mm dual pivots - don't think Mercian had seen these before, anyway I got a pair from the US and sent them up to Mercian - John at Mercian seems to think they look good so that's what is being used.

Apparently Rivendell in the US were instrumental in persuading Tektro to make them.

Mine are Allen key fitting but SJS are now stocking a nutted version - good for old 27" frames!
by PinkPanther
12 Jan 2008, 1:12am
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Mercian Vincitore Special on Order - 631 or 853
Replies: 19
Views: 3363

I spoke to John in the shop today who said he'd advise 853 for a heavier rider or loads of baggage - I'm not particularly heavy, certainly not the 18 stone he mentioned! Anyway, as long as I let them know pretty soon of any change it's OK - so the jury is out for the weekend, verdict expected early next week!!

I asked the same question on ACF, so got lots of comments and opinions to look at. As I said there the other issue is what colour to go for as this is currently a big TBA - thinking Flame Red Pearl or Orange Pearl with White Pearl head tube and bands (barbers pole?) maybe even like Mick F's recent refinish with multi coloured bands (if Mercian could stand doing it again so soon!) - those pictures looked good!

I've googled for Mercian photos for ideas but please do post photos of any 'pride and joys' out there - I bet there's a few!
by PinkPanther
12 Jan 2008, 12:56am
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: white road paint when raining
Replies: 16
Views: 2167

And it has a tendancy to become completely invisible when wet and dark, even with, maybe especially with sodium street lights - certainly have this problem when driving and have noticed it too when on the bike.

Motorcyclists I believe definitly hate it for its lack of grip, France and maybe elsewhere seem to use paint that doesn't create as big lumps in the road - think ours is supposed to be reflective - except its completely useless when it's wet and really required.
by PinkPanther
11 Jan 2008, 6:33pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: LUMOTEC IQ Fly senso plus
Replies: 114
Views: 32954

Have a look at http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/light-mounts.asp

Seems to be lots of interesting stuff on his website! It's in the US but he says he ships internationally (I've not used him though).
by PinkPanther
11 Jan 2008, 4:27pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: HELP - Raleigh Randonneur
Replies: 6
Views: 966

Sounds like it needs some attention from a frame builder, Mercian for example, their website lists:

New fork column £44.00

And then its going to need a repaint too, they should be able to match the original finish.
by PinkPanther
11 Jan 2008, 11:31am
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Mercian Vincitore Special on Order - 631 or 853
Replies: 19
Views: 3363

I think rear stays have to be either 525 or 725 regardless of whether the main tubes are 631 or 853?

Think I might phone them and ask why I shouldn't go 631 forks, 853 main tubes and 725 stays. :?
by PinkPanther
10 Jan 2008, 11:06pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Mercian Vincitore Special on Order - 631 or 853
Replies: 19
Views: 3363

Thanks, my original logic went along the lines of any weight difference 631 - 853 would be fairly insignificant for a touring bike carrying panniers, etc and also there seems to be some suggestion that 853 would be more likely to dent easily. Wonder why Dawes choose 853 for the Ultra Galaxy? Thorn seem to use a fair bit of 853 too.

Any more thoughts? MickF must be asleep - no response to a mention of Mercian, and it's been here for, ooh, hours now!!!
by PinkPanther
10 Jan 2008, 7:33pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Mercian Vincitore Special on Order - 631 or 853
Replies: 19
Views: 3363

Mercian Vincitore Special on Order - 631 or 853

I've got a Mercian Vincitore special on order at the moment specified with 631 tubing - I thought I'd decided this, but now can't help thinking would 853 be 'better'...

The frame is being built as a tourer with wide clearances, etc - off the peg you might consider a Dawes Ultra Galaxy (853).

Anyone got any thoughts on the pro and cons either way?

Thanks!