Cycling UK Forum

I have a Fred James in 853 with Cinelli lugs built by Rick Powell. I would class the workmanship as amongst the best and the quality of the paint and chrome is outstanding, I bought it second hand and enjoy using it even though it is a very short wheelbase frame. My go to bike for all round use is a 1984 Raleigh Record Ace and I rate the Raleigh bikes of that era as second to none.
Any information on Rick Powell would be appreciated.

Not been that good at adjusting that type of brake blocks, also finding that after a couple of rides the problem returned, I fitted a Shimano CX50 cantilevers and find them so easy to adjust and seem to stay that way. Not cheap but has transformed my Galaxy. The older Galaxy pivot studs are set to close together to allow V brakes to be fitted unless there are some out there that I did not come across. These CX50 cantilevers are fitted tight onto the studs and the pivot is in the canti itself which probably helps as well.

Ron Hill tracksters in medium would fit you fine and are reasonably close fitting on the legs so do not flap around, I think I got mine from Sports shoes direct and they also they are on ebay.

Grab yourself some Veloce shifters which I believe are still available but from less and less shops. I have both Centour and Veloce and believe they are near enough identical.

I have bought several items over the years from PlanetX and all in all I cannot complain on that score, but I would probably have bought much more, if it was not for their website. You search for an item on the internet, Planet X invariably comes up with the item at a certain price, On opening their website the item may have a higher price instantly or when you click to select the various options the prices all become higher. Another bugbear is that you have to open each option up and often there is no stock or say in the case of stems only one choice of length. I invariably give up on them as life is to short for that sort of hassle,

I am about 5' 5'' and bought a used bike with 160 cranks 8 yrs ago. Just rode it a couple of 100 yards and thought these kiddie cranks have to go and changed them for 170's.
Fast forward about 4 years I tried the 160's on another bike and went for a decent ride. I came to the conclusion that I went better and dare I say it faster and my legs felt much better afterwards.
Since then I have changed all my bikes to 165's as I could not get the old idea that longer cranks where the way to go. On reflection I am a little sorry I did not go for the 160's.I may even go that way in the future as long as Spa cycles are still stocking their excellent range.

Many thanks Redvee that is really helpful and explains my higher telephone bill.

Much appreciated Paulistic, Thanks

Does any body know if the a pay monthly android phone for Strava costs. My bill is slightly up from the basic amount per month and I can think of no other reason than looking on strava to view friends rides.
Cannot access my providers account to check as my password needs changing and it's bordering on the impossible to do that for me at least.
I am asking because I have no doubt that there are cyclists out there who will be able to answer instantly.

Altura night vision on their site for £19.94 posted well worth a look at in my humble opinion.

Thanks Gents I already have a zipped roll, super c audax, super c large which I have never used and a Carradry saddlebag which wipes clean on my trike as it has open rear wheels and while the mud misses me it lands on the ends of the saddle bag. Super C material turn from new to 30 year old in one wet ride.
This Carradry saddlebag is huge but on a bike would be unwieldy.
I recently replaced my Karrimor panniers with the Carradry front panniers but they are like most newer panniers are very wide. Best day panniers I had where some Avenir ones but they do nor seem to make any thing similar now.
Thanks for the suggestions anyway.

Thanks both for your replies as it does seem that 14cm is about the depth of small panniers. I recently bought some Carradry front panniers to use on the rear and they are 14cm. They are really an overkill for day rides. I have seen some shallower one on ebay but without seeing them it's a bit of a gamble.

I would be grateful if someone could point me in the direction of a pannier that is only about 10cm wide and not to large. A pair of individual ones if possible but a set joined would be acceptable as a last resort.

Maybe 810c to large a drop for the front and maybe the back. I have a Shimano on the front 47 to 57 with the shoes on max drop and a 559 on the rear at about 60. All from memory will have a look and amend if necessary. And yes it is a Raleigh Record ace of 1984 vintage albeit a smaller frame.

Spot on there RickH with the Tektros. It may be possible to get away with a up to 57 for front but really no need not to have a pair of Tektros. The brake blocks will be up pretty high at probably around the 60mm drop so spot on braking from my experience.