Search found 31 matches

by les tocknell
8 May 2019, 12:20am
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Alfine 8 gear cable guide keeps migrating up to the chain
Replies: 2
Views: 213

Alfine 8 gear cable guide keeps migrating up to the chain

I cannot get the gear cable guide/bracket into my Alfine 8 hub to stay in place so that it maintains a straight route into the hub. With the wheel nuts loosened I can move it into position but after a few miles' riding it migrates up towards the chain even, on occasion, leading to the chain rubbing against the bracket. Has anyone else experienced this and found a solution?
by les tocknell
7 Feb 2019, 9:36pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Road riding in Czech
Replies: 7
Views: 2871

Re: Road riding in Czech

There are extensive signed routes across the country. We have cycled through town and country, on and off road. The numbering system is easy to follow and is replicated on the range of Shocart maps that you can buy (try Upton Maps of Upton upon Severn) and that are given out at tourism outlets. In addition, this same mapping is available free for you Iphone or Android from Phonemaps so you can use gps to be sure you're on the right road. The same numbering appears on yellow signs on the road, and, we have found, deep in the forests on logging roads etc, as on the maps. Recommended routes for cycling are shown on the maps with colour coding. Exemplary.
by les tocknell
14 Sep 2016, 10:20pm
Forum: Cycle Camping sub-forum
Topic: What do you look for in a campsite
Replies: 108
Views: 9276

Re: What do you look for in a campsite

You're all so reasonable! I bet you wouldn't be so reasonable at 4.00 am ( and it waS, i CHECKED)
by les tocknell
13 Sep 2016, 10:59pm
Forum: Cycle Camping sub-forum
Topic: What do you look for in a campsite
Replies: 108
Views: 9276

Re: What do you look for in a campsite

Please don't allow the refuse people to empty the bins at 4.00 am! An unnamed site in La Manche is the guilty party...
by les tocknell
11 Aug 2016, 2:07pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Poland Czech border routes
Replies: 5
Views: 527

Re: Poland Czech border routes

http://www.cykloserver.cz/cykloatlas/in ... 4.69185P14

I used this on my Windows 10 phone using Phone Maps app (linked in the Cykloserver site) whilst touring in South Bohemia. It is excellent and you can buy the section you want and the level of zoomable detail you need. I found it very accurate and easy to use especially with gps switched on. It seems to have coverage across the borders, too.
by les tocknell
5 Jul 2016, 5:22pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Straightening mudguards
Replies: 4
Views: 743

Straightening mudguards

I recently fitted SKS Chromoplastic mudguards and I am very pleased with them. Unfortunately the front one has come back from a boxed trip a bit bent. Does anyone have an idea how to straighten it. I thought of perhaps using a hairdryer but didn't want to risk it in case that made things worse!
by les tocknell
28 Mar 2016, 11:01pm
Forum: Cycle Camping sub-forum
Topic: What do you look for in a campsite
Replies: 108
Views: 9276

Re: What do you look for in a campsite

bretonbikes wrote:
les tocknell wrote:Toilet rolls!


Yea I know -- I also know what cyclists are like as they nick half a roll to see them through the next 5 sites (because that's what I do...). It's in the plan...

I've been (!) on loads of municipaux where rolls are provided. It is a nuisance to only be able to buy a pack of twelve in the supermarche. Cyclists are blamed for everything :roll:
by les tocknell
23 Mar 2016, 8:11pm
Forum: Cycle Camping sub-forum
Topic: What do you look for in a campsite
Replies: 108
Views: 9276

Re: What do you look for in a campsite

Seating of some sort. I have found a picnic bench very useful on many sites. Loungers would be good, too!
by les tocknell
1 Dec 2014, 8:05pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Circuit of the Luberon
Replies: 5
Views: 1745

Circuit of the Luberon

We're planning to travel to Provence by Bike Express next September. We intend to do the circuit of the Luberon and anything else that takes our fancy. We will be camping and, as my wife is not a regular cyclist, although amazingly fit when she does, I wondered if anyone has done this and what the hills are like? Campsite recommendations, especially municipals, would be welcome. too.
by les tocknell
4 Jun 2014, 2:41pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: suspension seatposts
Replies: 27
Views: 4233

Re: suspension seatposts

I've used USE suspension seat posts since they first came out and I find them excellent. Very adjustable, need very little maintenance and make a huge difference over stutter bumps (old railways) and forest tracks off-road and the near bridleway state of Herefordshire back roads I habitually ride on as well as voies vertes in France. I have one on my mtb and one on my road mtb. They don't move significantly up and down so don't affect your saddle adjustment, which you would measure sat on the saddle anyway wouldn't you?
by les tocknell
8 Dec 2013, 1:52pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Cleats - whats that about then?
Replies: 148
Views: 8482

Re: Cleats - whats that about then?

I use multi-directional release SM-SH56 SPD cleats and I swear by them. I used various single release SPDs for years but lost confidence after a non-cycling ankle injury. I swallowed the purist line that single release pedals were the only ones to use. After several slow speed falls I went for multi-release cleats with the pedals set to a low grip and I find I can still climb without pulling out accidentally but can bail out quickly when needed. I use Shimano shoes because they have a wide fit and the shoes are easy to walk in when touring and off-roading.
by les tocknell
17 Nov 2013, 4:32pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Trains across London
Replies: 14
Views: 16181

Re: Trains across London

Thanks everyone. It looks like the tube, then.
by les tocknell
16 Nov 2013, 4:59pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Trains across London
Replies: 14
Views: 16181

Trains across London

I am planning a tour in the Czech Republic next Spring and would like to get there by train. I want to avoid big city cycling in London and Paris so I am interested in the boat train that goes from Liverpool St to Amsterdam via Harwich. Does anyone know if it is possible to get from Paddington to Liverpool St with bikes X2 by public transport? Or do you know of an alternative route from Gloucester/Cheltenham/Hereford direction to pick up the train between London and Harwich?
by les tocknell
13 Oct 2013, 12:42pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: http://www.cycle-route.com routes
Replies: 1
Views: 1475

Re: http://www.cycle-route.com routes

Had a quick look. It seems quite good but with a quirky line in geography. It suggests Glen Nevis is in Gloucestershire and that Hertfordshire is part of Herefordshire...