Cycling UK Forum

I was looking at a post offering a lot of maps. I bought some. After thinking overnight, perhaps a few more could be of use. But the listing had gone. Is there any way of retrieving a post; is it archived, or lost until the guy re-lists, please?

Another possibility is a storage hoist. I have a Lidl one (possibly Aldi) and was about £10. I haven't tried it as a work support, it will keep the bike up, but the bike will move about a bit if using force. I did recently do some minor cleaning/adjustment/lubrication with the machine lifted with one of the lever load straps hanging from an eye in the beam above. The front wheel was still touching the ground so that stabilised it quite a lot.

Thanks for your responses. The machine is a Concept all suspension presumably "mountain bike". I'm a staid old (84yr) plodder with upswept bars and the suspension protects my aged connective tissue off-road (and over potholes). The mech is marhed Top Swing SIS and Shimano 050 encircled by a styised C. I'll put the lever where I can, as I will only change occasionally according to the terrain. Indexed would probably be preferable, as with end stops on the mech there is only the middle to get right on the cable.

I know little of derailleurs, but have ended up with a twistgrip front SIS triple marked SIS, with a hub gear rear. I want to work the triple with a lever instead. What problems am I likely to face, please?

I ride upright with upswept handlebars and swinging over the handlebars isn't an option. I like to explore, both urban and rural; cycling has always been a means, not an end in itself.

Dismounting aided

I find increasing difficulty swinging my leg over to dismount when stopped, but can do so without thinking when moving. In my eighties, I know that I cannot ride through narrow gaps so easily. I concluded that I was getting short of dynamic balance in this fast dismount action. I have found that if I place my left foot quite a bit further out on the ground then I can swing off quite well. Age usually brings loss in balance; I see that they are promoting dancing to help balance in old folk and avoid fall injuries.

To save searching the website, this brings up the sticks http://www.betterlifehealthcare.com/products.php?catID=6&subID=38

I've just bought a folding walking stick for less than £6, and it is similar, though stouter. I've shortened it by a couple of inches on the bottom section. A bit of inner tube for the brake, and I am set up. And I have a stick if I should hurt myself! Folds to 10" (it is aluminium). Quick delivery too. http://www.betterlifehealthcare.com

I had an SA 5-star, but it kept breaking axles of-roading with the Rough Stuff Club; it was a weakness, and soon spares ran out. I have since had good service from a 7 Speed SACHS, now SRAM. However, the ultimate is the (rather expensive) Rohloff 14 speed with more than 5 to 1 range, just like an 18 speed mountain bike. I've just got one on the road, and it is a dream!

Bryan-H