Cycling UK Forum

Hi,
Welcome to the site - it's good to hear from you about your planned ride. I'm sure that someone will be along soon to advise you about the best route - as you will find out there is a John-o-Groats-Lands End section on the forum and many people on here have done or are planning that ride. There will also be much advice about what bike is best for the ride. You don't need to spend shed loads of money and an out-and-out 'racing' bike is possible not what you need. You'll certainly find many pointers suitable to second-hand bikes on here too.
Good luck,
Nigel

If you look on Ebay - try searching '531' - you'll find dozens of decent quality steel bikes selling for peanuts. Get a good frame and upgrade as you go on. Something like a Galaxy or Claud Butler Majestic will be ideal.

What an awful thing to happen and for you to have to witness Thoughts and prayers with all concerned and their loved ones.
N

Good to see you back posting, Tom. Not sure about the best route, but avoid Naish Hill! In this area, many JOGLE riders come across the Somerset Levels and follow the A38 down to Exeter and then the old A30 into Cornwall. I'm sure that MickF will be along soon with the best route.
Good luck!
Nigel

I guess, the angle. Try dropping the nose of the saddle very slightly. I also find that it's important to make sure that the saddle is absolutely in line with the centre-line of the frame. I inadvertently got it slightly wrong when I dropped the saddle, and it was very uncomfortable.
N

I usually carry a spare tube, tyre levers, pun***re repair kit and a Topeak Alien multitool. It all fits into the side pockets of my Barley.

I use a track pump which I bought in Halfords half-price sale. It's been good for some years now.

When I was at school, we had a maths teached called Melmoth. The subject was always called 'Moths'

We've got another nuclear power station coming to a field near us

I have learned tonight (on another thread) that Chris Bell/Highpath Engineering is no longer trading due to health problems.

see here quote: Re: suntour gearing
by BigG » Wed Sep 21, 2011 7:48 pm

Most regretably, Chris Bell has had to give up his custom chainring business for health reasons. To my knowledge, no-one else has yet taken on a similar service. Chris's contribution to cycling will be missed.BigG

Posts: 334
Joined: Mon Jun 07, 2010 4:29 pm
Location: Devon

I would have recommended Chris Bell, but have just learned on another thread that he has had to give up his business for health reasons. Thorn Cycles (SJSC) in Bridgwater, Somerset sell crank shorteners for tandems as well as their own range of cranks in different lengths. They may be able to help you.
N

That is a huge loss. I 'found' Chris after Josie Dew wrote about him in 'Slow Coast Home'. He had one of the very last sets of TA Zepryr cranks to fit me and sourced the chainrings I needed too. A real enthusiast and a great guy to deal with. I wish him well and hope that he makes a good recovery.
N

It might be worth trying Chris Bell at Highpath Engineering in Ceredigion. He's an expert on gearing and makes custom kit. He might be able to modify an existing block with new cogs.

N

Even a wet day is a good day in Cornwall if you can get a walk or ride along the coast

N

Well done! Wish I was in Cornwall today

N