Cycling UK Forum

I had this problem. Bike shop mechanic jumped on the pedal and it clicked into place. Worked without the heavy tactics thereafter.

Thought this was a good buy at local bike shop. See it online for twice the price.
http://walkers-cycling.zpecommerce.co.u ... ouring-pro

So, you present your bank details to a Chinese trader for a product costing £2 including delivery charge? Is this safe and secure?

The ones that have lost the power of flight are Jay-walkers.

A T30 screwdriver with secure one-way screws will do the job. Make a mistake and you might need someone with a pneumatic drill if not a spade.

My winter bike is a 10 year old MTB. Maybe not fast but never lets me down on road, path, canal towpaths, parkland etc. Grippy tyres mean harder pedalling but hold a line on leaves, in puddles and through patches of light frost. SKS double-jointed mudguard stops spray. The bike's an ace and seems to be thief proof because of its age and looks. I wouldn't get out half as often without mybtrusty Giant XTC.

Who won what ...courtesy of Bike Biz.

Shimano for a time had their XT mechs running in reverse ie the thumb-push took the chain to the biggest cog. The thinking was a gentle flick on both left and right pods at the same time would drop the gears quickly and fully when confronted by a steep hill or obstacle. They changed it back after a few years to pacify exasperated mtbers and bike mechanics. Could the old mech be onebof these types?

Here's my bike. Perfect for the job. Relaxed ride position.£1,000 or less online depending on size.
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bik ... 227/77321/

Would a cheaper, nonproprietary version of Sudocrem not be called Psuedocrem?

Mainstream publishers are about to introduce anti-adblocking technology.

I joined because I liked the CTC folk I met on rides. I also like their range of outings. The insurance and the magazine are bonuses.

Buy dedicated bike cable cutters from the usual suspects - Park Tools, Pedros, To peak. The more you spend generally, the better the quality. Expect to pay around £20-£25. An online search will find you bargains but a good brand name will get you a tool to cherish as a long-lasting workshop investment. Don't scrimp on this - would be my advice.

The bike is fine. Lightweight alloy frame and the narrowest of road tyres will assist you. You could change the cassette/freehub at the back to give you lower gearing. It could be that your level of fitness needs worked on rather than any efforts to make the bike more efficient. You can always buy a better model as you progress. Meanwhile, keep up the hill climbing. Time in the saddle will make you fitter, faster and more confident.

My thoughts are:

FD is an Altus top swing clamp model with spacers for 28.6 and 31.8 seat tube diameter. A Deore 9 FD with same characteristics will suit but clamp alters to suit all tube thicknesses so no insert needed.
RD will have to be long cage to suit low geared cassette, ie anything from 32 to 36 tooth biggest cog.
Crankset can easily be changed over but check crankarm length and swap like for like. Also, be wary of bottom bracket type - ie square taper or splined. Spec list has 'sq' code so assume it is square taper.
The gear levers you have work independently of the brakes which is a positive. You can easily switch these for Deore triggers.
I am not sure there are any advantages of swapping over your brakes. The Clarkes are basic hydraulics and any similar replacement will do similar job. I personally found that Shimano Deore or XT systems to be first class and simple to service.
Having said all that, the set-up you have seems ideal for that type of bike and the pedalling work it is required to do. Doubt if an upgrade will offer any significant improvements. Good fun, I know, and a challenge. Let us know how it goes. I have a huge box of Deore widgets should you need any "odd bits" as you reassemble your bike.