Cycling UK Forum

Thanks again to all for taking the time to reply. I will let you all know how the test goes soon.
Thom

I can't understand why all modern bicycles aren't fitted with hydraulic disc brakes as standard.

If you can afford it get yourself hydraulic disc brakes and throw those useless v brakes in the skip.

Thank you very much for taking the time to reply and for convincing me I should give these cycles a try. I'm going for a test ride next week and the info that you have given about muscles etc is something no-one told me, nothing like the voice of experience to point one in the right direction.
Thanks
Thom

I would like advice from anyone who has experience of travel on laidback v. upright.
Thanks
Thom

Horsetail can be used to prevent potato blight, but you must know what you are doing. I wouldn't worry about any plants/vegetation/shrubs/trees etc. Remember all flora is poisonous. Looks like Glyphosate use will be banned in the near future as a probable carcinogen. Any way how did I get into this, I came on here to ask about recumbent v diamond frame. Which is easier to travel on? speed is not a consideration.

I remember you guys voted to stay in the EU in the last referendum in '75 I think. England and Ireland were joined to Europe until the Storegga Slides of 8 thousand years ago https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Storegga_Slide. If that hadn't happened then we would still be part of mainland Europe. Illegal migrants walked to England and Ireland from Europe and all originally came to Europe from Africa. Of course it wasn't illegal then as the land was joined and you just walked. If there was a referendum here in Ireland I would definitely vote to leave. The EU saddled the tiny island of Ireland with 42% of the entire Eurpoean bank debt which Irish people had nothing to do with and didn't cause in the first place. We all should have taken Icelands lead and jailed the bankers and bailed out the citizens, but our politicians were afraid to lose their fat salaries and pensions. Now Iceland is fine but the people of Ireland are forced to pay failed PRIVATE investors EIGHT THOUSAND MILLION POUNDS per year for all time. Get out now.

Freshly rolled oats, water, whatever available local berries fruit or nuts. Heat in a discarded beer can or other container on a homemade rocket stove with a bunch of dry twigs, how could anyone possibly be so busy that they wouldn't have a few minutes to do this? The taste cannot be matched by a 100 michelin starred eatery. Why would anyone want to eat plastic??

molzor wrote:Hello,
I am currently in the process of building up a tourer using a croix de fer frame. The man in the bike shop couldnt understand why I wanted canti brakes, and they dont fit on the frame anyway. I guess i can go with cable disc brakes...But do any of you have any thoughts on using hydraulic disc breaks on a tourer.

I understand some of the pro points for using hydraulic brakes but are they really suitable for touring? and furthermore, has anyone had issues flying with them?

Never had any problems with hydraulic disc brakes, they are as, far as I'm concerned. more reliable than any other type of braking system.

Thanks for prompt replies. Looking at the spec of some of the more expensive touring bikes I note that some run Alivio or Sora rear mech. I think I will take your suggestion and use a smaller front inner chainwheel. The Alivio rear mech that is currently fitted has covered many thousands miles faultlessly. Maybe I should just move to new bicycle with more modern components.
Thanks for taking the time to reply and I appreciate them. I don't really need a new bike but just an excuse to change

Thanks for reply Dave P. I'm thinking of upgrading to Shimano Deore front and rear mechs, Shimano Acera triple chainset and 11-34 cassette and new chain. I use the bike for daily use, loaded touring and ocassional off-road etc. and the miles tend to rack up without really noticing until something has to be replaced. The current set up has been exceptionally durable and reliable. I wonder if you could offer your opinion on this upgrade.
Thanks

Hi all, I need to replace drive chain and I'm thinking of upgrading some components. Bike is currently fitted with Shimano 8sp 11-32 and Alivio derailleur, which has been perfectly reliable. I'm changing cassette to 11-34 due to loads, hills, and rider age, could anyone on here recommend a better or more suitable set up of components or any other overall improvements, bike is already equipped with hydraulic disc brakes which are superb and clipless pedals.
Thanks

I don't know anything about Spa Cycles but if you are having a touring bicycle custom built get hydraulic disc brakes fitted. They will run for thousands of miles, maintenance and adjustment free. You can bring spare pads in your pocket, these are so small you could bring enough for years on the road. Controllable and unbelievable stopping power in all weathers and unmatched reliability.

What fantastic replies. Thank you all so much for taking the time to answer. I really appreciate your advice and suggestions as I'm going to visit my daughter (only child and luckily for me, a complete daddy's girl) and husband as they currently live and work in the area. So thank you all very much.
Thom

Don't know your location, but I wouldn't start from Dublin. Are you flying into Dublin? Could you instead take the ferry from Fishguard/Pembroke to Rosslare as you are visiting Cork?