Cycling UK Forum

Paramo is good stuff. Also take a look at Gore Paclite

hartleymartin wrote:No, it wouldn't have been an eccentric bottom bracket such as those found in tandems. Some early bottom brackets were a cartridge-type unit that had to be inserted into the main bottom-bracket shell, and had pinch-bolts or cotter pins to hold them in place. There are many variations on the design, so it's hard to pin-point exactly which one you've got.

If the issue was chain tension, then what is the thing on the rear fork-end? (not a drop-out!) That is where chain tension is regulated.

Of course, you're correct, I remember now. Not that I ever had one myself, you understand, it must have been my grandad's bike!

If you mean an eccentric bottom bracket, try SJS Cycles - or any decent dealer who sells tandems.

GrahamNR17 wrote:

enigmatic wrote:.......One cannot have too many bicycles - at least not until the day one opens one's garage and can't get see the saddles for the handlebars.

Is that bad, then?

Yes if it means they're so tangled up that you can't get you and your bike out of the door to ride it (or them). I'm rapidly approaching this stage

Edvardus wrote:

enigmatic wrote:It is imperative that one has a bike for every season and every occasion. One cannot have too many bicycles -

Please can I have that statement on parchment, signed and sealed, to show to my wife. She just won't believe me when I tell her that.

Parchment not required. Just point out that whatever number of bikes you might have, she will always have at least 2x number of shoes.

hartleymartin wrote:I lost count somewhere at 15. However, most of them are in parts or frame-only.

I know that feeling. It's a fact that, whatever you keep 'just in case' you will either a) forget what it was for, b) lose it completely, c) discover it's broken after all, d) locate it just after you've bought a new one or e) find it won't fit/match updated equipment.

It is imperative that one has a bike for every season and every occasion. One cannot have too many bicycles - at least not until the day one opens one's garage and can't get see the saddles for the handlebars.

I've never had satisfactory performance from cordless computers, tried several but always seem to get problems with inconsistent signal resulting in wrong data recording. Cateye, Sigma and Ciclosport all do good reliable wired versions, if you want a cheapo then look in Halfords or Aldi

I bought a plastic bag-full of 100 OZZO patches from Mike Dyason for about half the price of Velox or similar. Excellent sticking properties and small, so very suitable for slimmer inner tubes. Unfortunately I can't see them on his current site so they may be discontinued (but he does sell Velox ones in different sizes).

How old is your rear mech? Sound like a worn out spring to me. When you've cleaned/lubed everything and checked the cables for snagging and it still won't work properly - you need a new mech.

Possible issue for anyone uploading routes via Garmin Connect

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2010/06/09 ... acy_snafu/

Probably a one-off or very occasional promotion. You can get the kit (including transponder) for around £22 from Parkers or Amazon but whilst I thought it was worthwhile when I had a motorbike, I'm not so sure for a pushbike. Probably just as well off postcoding the frame (metal stamp or ultraviolet pen). And of course either use a good lock, never let the bike out of your sight or - in extremis - make sure it's at the bottom of the pile at the cafe stop

You should have done your base miles during last winter! Having said that, if you're reasonably fit, have the right mental attitude, don't try to ride too fast and make plenty of cafe stops, you should do it in 10 days with ease. Especially with a following wind and no rain

Just noticed you're riding JoG-LE, are you sure you know what you're doing? Against the prevailing wind and with all the steep hills in the last two days? Best of luck.

Do you really mean 'shortest'?

The fastest route by tarmac will be the Road Records Association route used by E2E record breakers, about 840 miles and loads of traffic. You could probably make it shorter distance (and longer time) by using odd minor roads and lanes to cut corners, but it might provide a decent starting route.

If you really are intent of setting a 'shortest distance' record, then your method is as good as any, but be prepared for getting lost, plenty of punctures and lots of late nights looking for somewhere to stay/camp for the night

Stick with Velox cloth tape. IMHO plastic rim tapes are much more prone to causing snake bite punctures.

£3.50 to register for Audax UK permanent E2E brevet ride, the CTC will provide you with a sample route and you have the brevet card as a permanent reminder

Hope you've complained to the relevant Highways Dept and claimed for damage done.