Cycling UK Forum

Hope Brucey’s making progress. To highlight what a special engineer he is, I was browsing a Sheldon Brown article on Nexus/Alfine IG hubs, and lo and behold, there was an additional piece submitted by one Bruce Dance. His authority is clearly respected internationally.
I would add my concerns about him not having a mobile, which I came across when selling him a bike. FWIW I have a surplus Samsung Tocco Lite, which is a cracking little phone with a battery which lasts for ages. He would be welcome to it FOC, but I suspect his lack of phone is due to a dislike of them............! One of life’s individuals!

Cheers. fenmanctc

“He sounded bright” They’re the best words I’ve heard since this story broke! Hang in there, Brucey. You’ll have a kick reading all the wonderfully appreciative comments on this forum when you’ve access to the internet. And all deserved.

Hi everyone
I last had contact with Brucey by email on March 6th following the sale of a cycle to him at the end of February. In view of the outpouring of concern and appreciation shown by users of this forum,( to which I would add mine) I’ve emailed him again to ensure he’s aware of your worries and to get in touch if possible, but no reply so far. I’d he does respond I’ll let you know.

Cheers fenmanctc

If the attraction of belt drive is low maintenance, I have fitted my Trek Soho ( early with Alfine 8speed) with a full Hebie Chainglider. This almost obviates chain wear the need for frequent lubing,and keeps clothes clean. Had to change front chainring from original to one compatible with Hebie’s sizing spec, but it works a treat. Have drilled a small oiling port on upper surface.Can be fitted to most IGH bikes, but ain’t cheap. BTW the Soho is a cracking town bike, but has an aluminium frame. Spec now reduced to Nexus, I think.
Cheers

Thanks to all for suggestions. Have now ordered a Busch and Muller mirror with double ball joint which sounds as if it will be ok even with the North Road bars on one of my bikes. Will report back on it’s performance.
( Incidentally, received my Cycling UK renewal notice this morning. At £48 it’s well worth it just to be able to discuss all these obscure subjects with you knowledgeable lot!)
Cheers.... fenmanctc

Has anyone experience of using a rear view mirror on a flat-barred city bike? Do they work? I use my city bike mainly at night. I was looking at models from Hafny and Third Eye. They’re not that cheap and I would welcome wisdom and advice from the collective Forum Brain before purchasing. I don’t wear a helmet, so that route isn’t an option. Thanks. Fenmanctc.

Interesting, this one. I had the same problem in my utility room, which had stick-down vinyl tiles. I tried just about everything suggested here, ( excluding gratuitous violence-I’m single, so would have to thrash myself), and sad to report, nothing worked. I think the tyre rubber chemically alters the floor material. Sorry.

You people are brilliant! Looking at those catalogue excerpts, I’m certain it’s an 8807 frame. The paint job is exact, but there the Raleigh spec ends. Mine had SunTour alpha mechs, Wolber 57 rims ( still original) double-butted stainless spokes, sealed hubs and bottom bracket bearings, cantis, Brooks B17 Narrow saddle, MKS quill pedals with Christoph clips etc.
I’m going down the road of improved touch-up having sanded down the hammered finish of the Hammerite and can spray used sparingly. Might also try Brucey’s clear coat recommendation. That cling film masking sounds a cracking idea- better than masking tape.
After all, I’ve just turned 76. I reckon the bike will last longer than me! John (fenmanctc)

Jeez! Looking at that one, I should worry! The only light corrosion on the Raleigh was on inside of the chainstays, where mud had abraded the paint, and I applied Hammerite before they rusted. The small tube in front of the rear mudguard was rustier, but I assume this isn’t structurally important. BTW, I have removed the seat post and looked inside, and there is a grey coating in there, but no visible rust. Good news? There is no spoke carrier, and the Raleigh decals are indeed white, so does that make it a Randonneur or Royal frame?
Cheers John (fenmanctc)

Hi. I have a Raleigh-framed 531st tourer, built up for me in 1988 by a LBS. The frame number is WD6000546 . It has a transfer on the seat tube which says GVOD in a stylised logo. There is another decal on the chain stay which says “Raleigh Lightweight Frames”. The paint job is a shaded light gold/ bronze as shown in the attached pic. I have converted it to flat bars, and use it as a dry weather weekend tourer.
My question is this.The paintwork is a bit distressed in places, and has been touched up with Hammerite gold paint in places to keep rust at bay. Is the advice to have it resprayed professionally, continue to touch it up or leave it alone? If a respray, with what?
Cheers fenmanctc

Have attached the lightly- used 9 speeder and will give it a try. I put a Nexus 22t sprocket on the Alfine hub, which is more compatible with the Chainglider.
Thanks for your suggestions. John ( fenmanctc)

Thanks for that. I have a 9 speed chain that isn’t registering 0.75 wear on my chain wear indicator! So I’ll try that. The bike( a Trek Soho with Alfine 8 speed) has a hebie Chainglider, and the wider chain is at the maximum tolerance for this, so the 9 speed chain should run more easily. Cheers

Hi. Does any body know if it’s okay to use a single speed chain which is slightly wider than the original on a Shimano Alfine sprocket/ chainwheel set-up? The original was 3/32 , and measures 5/16 outside width, but I have a new chain in stock which has an outside width of 3/8. Thanks.'

Elbow Grease. Best de-greaser I’ve ever used. Clothes. Bikes, hands.£1 from many supermarkets.
Cheers fenmanctc

Any mileage in completely removing paint from the area of the dent and using epoxy resin adhesive, i.e. Araldite Standard, as a filler. This stuff is aircraft-grade strong, can be filed to a profile on setting and takes paint well. I've used it on smaller damaged areas than Brucey's example, and it worked.