Cycling UK Forum

I put the handle on top of the kettle with the grabby bit pointing downwards if that makes sense? I also use one of the multidiscs, very good for chopping, straining and protecting the fryingpan surface when everything is packed away.

Would a picture help? I can take one if you need it.

Yup, I have a 27 and a 25. The kettles fit inside in both instances and the burners fit inside the kettles. I make sure that the burner is drained/burned out (then cooled) and in a sealed plastic bag before packing it in the kettle otherwise you end up with tea tasting of meths.

I was looking at the Topeak bags but my rack isn't a Topeak one.

Rather than buy a new rack I think I'm going to resign myself to buying a decent bag and just bungeeing it on to the rack.

tad wrote:Now does the CTC shop stock this ideal bit of kit?

http://www.ortlieb.de/_prod.php?lang=en ... t=trunkbag

alas no

rollinbone wrote:dont forget Arkels stuff
http://www.arkelpanniers.co.uk/uk/?noredirect=1

the 'trailrider' rack pack come with its own built in waterproof cover
has many nooks and pockets for your various bits and pieces and your can expand the main compartment if it gets crowded
it does attach via velcro but i've never had a wearing out problem with it

very smart too - it comes in 3 colours red, blue or black (the waterproof cover is always bright yellow)

bit expensive @ £78 + £12 pxp but Arkel stuff is built to last

That looks ideal, the velcro part really puts me off though, I'm not convinced by it, as well as wearing out it is a faff putting it all together. Now does the CTC shop stock this ideal bit of kit?

http://www.ortlieb.de/_prod.php?lang=en ... t=trunkbag

I agree that 2 1/2 years isn't long but they do get used day in day our come rain shine or snow. Rather than for the odd Audax or just a couple of days a week etc. My ride is on and off road, bouncing along fire trails, farm tracks and bridle paths so I can understand the landing strip coming apart being constantly bounced up and down whilst full of stuff. The zips busting is my own fault for overloading.

I do like the sound of a single pannier, especially as I'd be able to get the lap top in it (not that I want an excuse to be able to work from home!), I'm just put off the idea by the lopsided weight distribution.

Keep the suggestions coming please.

foxy12 wrote:Halfords BikeHut Rack pack. At 29.99 it is good quality and big enough to use for cycling to work. Halfords are doing a 3 for 2 offer just now so its worth buying something else you need to get the third item free.

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... yId_236256

Thanks for the post. Unfortunately this is velcro fitting which isn't appealing, I don't want to have to replace it when the velcro wears out in 3 months. I need something for that will be used every day and taken off at work and when back home.

Hello, hello!

What cranks do the folks out there in CTC land recommend for a Rohloff equipped 29er? And what sized chainring are we running?

I'm after something as solid and dependable as the hub rather than something exotic, light weight and crack prone.

Cheerio,

Tad

My old Altura rack pack has given up the ghost after 2 1/2 years of day in day out commuting, both the zips on the side pockets have bust and the "landing strip" that fits on the the rack has fallen apart.

It was one of these:



Do I get another one or do folks recommend something else? The big plus for me was that it was so easy to clip on and off the rack, this is a must. Something a bit bigger wouldn't be so bad as it was a snug fit for all the stuff I used to pack in it. I ride 12 miles each way in all weathers so some degree of water resistance would be good. I can't find anything similar made by Ortlieb unfortunately.

All advice is welcomed.

Cheerio!

gilesjuk wrote:While custom is nice, you are risking having something built by a frame builder who has no experience of 29er MTBs.

That's why I'm doing my research and asking for recommendations rather than picking a frame builder at random.

hubgearfreak wrote:if you google antbikemike / alternative needs transportation, you'll see examples of what you're after. shocking prices but nice pictures and maybe some ideas/pointers for you and/or a UK framebuilder?

http://antbikemike.wordpress.com/bicycl ... /fireants/

Thanks for the link

PH wrote:Shand cycles, a small, one man builder in Scotland seems to have a lot of experience with both 29ers and Rohloffs. I have no experience, I came across the website while looking for a new Rohloff frame. Bad news is, he's so busy he isn't taking on new orders for a while. That could be a good sign, would he be that busy if they weren't good?
http://www.shandcycles.com/

If I was in your position and had the money and time I'd be tempted to enroll on a Dave Yates frame building course. There's a bit of a waiting list, time to do the research and go knowing exactly what you want. I can't think of a better way to honour your engineer grandfather.

I've heard great things about Shand from a few people, likewise that he's flooded at the moment, he is on my "watch" list at the moment.

I have considered a Dave Yates course and have to admit that it is very tempting... However I am aware of my limitations and I'm not sure that I want to risk it all one one frame that may go horribly wrong!

Does anyone know if Overburys have ever made a successful 29er? I love their Pioneers from the 80s

gilesjuk wrote:The problem with custom frames is the geometry, how are you going to know you're getting something that will perform well?

By doing some research, posting here and other forums to find a frame builder that comes recommended as having built decent 29ers

The singular looks good, I have come across them before. One of the things that puts me off is things like the rear mech hanger just left there out the back. I could always get a frame builder to copy their gemetry.

Thanks.

I have heard more tales of woe regarding off the shelf bikes as well. It is why I am doing some research first before committing myself. Thanks for the link, that is one frame builder to cross off my list.

Hi All,

The title pretty much says it all. I'm after some feedback on custom frame and fork builds for a 29er. The usual suspects, Roberts, Yates et al have great reputations for regular 26" MTBs. Is there anyone out there that you'd recommend for a 29er?

I'm looking for something special, just for me. A Rohlof hub and eccentric BB/sliding drop outs so it's not going to come off the shelf. I have received a small inheritance from my grandparents and rather than spend it on day to day stuff or something that vanishes after a couple of weeks like a holiday I want something that will last for (with any luck) the rest of my life to remember them by. My grandfather was an engineer, so he'd appreciate an artisan built frame and be fascinated by the Rohlof.

Don't mention Thorn, I've seen how they behaved over replacing a riding buddies cracked frame and my view of what a frame waranty is differs wildly from theirs.

Cheers.

PC Frank wrote:Graham edit : Copied & stickied from the original posting.


One of my roles is to reduce bike theft in Bristol city over the next two years in tandem (haha) with the timetable for cycling city.

Now for the contriversal part.......are you ready........(deep breath).......I am not a cyclist.

Hello and welcome PC Frank a useful addition to the forum.

One question, if you're not a cyclist how did you get saddled (ha ha ha) with reducing bike theft in Bristol?

I'll get my coat.

I too have suffered the pain and discomfort involved in breaking in a new Brooks, putting the miles in and proofide is favourite. It's worth it in the long run though. I've got another on the way as we speak, the commute to work's not going to be the most pleasant for a while.

Take a look on Sheldon Brown's site, he has advice on how to speed up the process which will unfortubately probably void any warranty.