Cycling UK Forum

I have a Bike Eye on my road bike - I have mixed views on its efficacy. On the plus side, it fits solidly to the bike frame, so little to no additional vibration other than that normally experienced with 100 PSI in 23c tyres. The view rearward is a very narrow field of view. For instance, if a vehicle is just behind you, you'll only see part of the grill and get little understanding of the overall width/size of it. You need to bend your knee outward a little to see rearwards and if you've got panniers you'll see .... the panniers and nothing else (haven't tried it with a rack pack though - this will be higher and possibly out of the line of vision).

It is definitely better than nothing, but as I spend most of my time on flat bars with bar end mirrors, I lament the limited field of view of the Bike Eye. Let's put it this way, when I buy my next tourer with drops, I won't be getting one of these.

Hi Mercurykev,
Does 'very sturdy' also equate to 'heavy'? Were they of equal weight or one much heavier than the other? Any other observations about touring abilities, reliability etc?

Thanks Crepello - PM sent

Having not experienced drops on a tourer nor a steel frame, I'm currently looking for a used tourer with drops and a 531 (or better) frame.

Galaxies seem thin on the ground at the moment but I have the chance to acquire a Claud Butler Black Diamond (apparently made exclusively for SJS Cycles some years ago.)

Is anyone in a position to comment on the relatives merits of the Claud Butler and the Galaxy as I would be grateful for your views - thanks.

Manybikes - oh yes, so they do - Hants/PO9 now comes up as being covered for delivery - they must have seen my whinge!

Julk - yes, the Downmat is top of my shopping list and I'm ordering one up today, but I didn't know about the Chairkit - 40 quid though :-0 Still, you get what you pay for!

Thanks to both

Before I go out on my bike I make sure it is safe to ride, that I'm as visible as possible to other road users and that my lights will work if it's dark - all this to make sure I make it through the day. Why on earth would I then jepordise my personal safety by drinking ANY alchohol at all. For me, the answers is, I wouldn't, but it's a free (ish) country...

I have the Trekker chair as used with Thermarest mats, but I'm changing mat type and now need a different chair - must have a BACK REST. I don't mind a little bit of extra weight so alloy frames, or even steel if under, say, 1.5kg. Size also not necessarily a problem as I could 're-fashion' long tubes in the workshop. Decathlon have a contender (Quechue low folder http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/folding-l ... 117139292/) but they don't send to my location (Hants). Any suggestions on this one please?

Further to what Colin63 says (and to which I fully endorse), I have had hypo thyroidism for 25 years and take levothyroxine too. Once the dose is right (through blood tests and a GP who knows what to do with the results) you should lead an absolutely normal life. I do, am extremely healthy, probably more so than others my age (58), cycle (a modest) 5000+ a year and cycle tour as much as I want to. Just completed LeJog a few weeks back and have just got back from France before I'm off again next month. So, bottom line, hypo thyroidism plus levthyroxine = normality.

Maybe a bit off topic but I use a Garmin GPSMap60csx - holds all UK road maps, has buttons that can be worked with gloved hands, the screen is still very good in sunlight, is waterproof and runs for a good 12+ hrs on a pair of disposables or NiMH's. Satmap has OS maps of course - the GPSMap60 doesn't.

Another Option is to hire an estate car 1-way from Inv. Two weeks ago I hired a Mondeo diesel estate that did 47mpg from Hertz for 80 GBP per day to get self, wife and tandem back to Hampshire. (got us from JoG to Inv via www.highlandbicycletransfers.co.uk ). Try Hertz or www.rentals-4-less.com

I used the services 2 weeks ago of a guy (Kyle) to get my wife, self and tandem from JoG to Inverness in his specially adapted Transit van at 120 GBP. You could ask him if he'll take your bikes, pack and post them - email Kyle at info@highlandbicycletransfers.co.uk . He has a website www.highlandbicycletransfers.co.uk

Wife and I just completed LeJog in April and B&B most of the way. I took a 900gram netbook which along with my phone gave me Internet access. We were able to book just one or two days ahead using these 'tools', but even in April it wasn't always plain sailing. June could well be difficult, but ringing ahead may be an advantage as I suspect some B&B places show 'no vacancies' whether or not they are actually full. Maybe they want to avoid passers by - who knows?

We did lejog on our tandem in April - I didn't have to prove our trip, but we have loads of evidence starting with photos at each end showing the commercially used signpost* that has the location and date on them. Plus of course countless detailed till receipts, ATM slips, Debit card slips and so on, and any accommodation 'signing in/registering' books. At joG there are large books in the cafe and souviner shop to sign if you want to. Don't know about Lands End - was too keen to get started to look.

* at each end there is an enterprising fellow who will put your home town on his signpost and take your photo, for a fee of course. I think it's 10 GBP but you can take your own photo with the post in the background without too much difficulty and I didn't get hassle for doing so either.

Answer yes IMHO. Wife and I did LeJog April this year on our tandem -- aim was 40-50 miles a day over all quiet roads (which often equates to hilly) - due to flu beforehand, we only managed 350 miles training in the TWO MONTHS before starting. I am approaching 60 and am definitely not an athlete or even a hardened cyclist - wife even less so, and we coped with no problems, sore butts etc. As one previous writer said, dealing with the ride is mostly in the head. We had a great time, enjoying every day - go for it!

Have a look at bikely.com