Search found 444 matches

by MarcusT
2 Dec 2024, 5:19am
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Prepaid Mobile Plan for All of Europe?
Replies: 41
Views: 4531

Re: Prepaid Mobile Plan for All of Europe?

plancashire wrote: 1 Dec 2024, 11:43am
simonhill wrote: 1 Dec 2024, 8:32am Be aware that most of the e-SIMs like Airola are data only.

They don't do calls or texts.

I currently have a foreign e-SIM, but have left my UK SIM in as background. This enables me to receive texts (free) and calls (expensive so I ignore) from UK and more importantly to use WhatsApp over internet for calls and messages.
Signal https://signal.org is an alternative to WhatsApp with good security and better privacy.
Disagree. Used Whatsapp for years and not a single unknown msg or spam. Started using signal for work and get multiple spam and unsolicited msgs
by MarcusT
16 Apr 2024, 5:11am
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Best flat. Touring pedals
Replies: 18
Views: 2221

Re: Best flat. Touring pedals

For steel pins-Raceface Chesters
For plastic studs-Raceface Ride
Both are fully repairable/maintainable
by MarcusT
8 Apr 2024, 5:08am
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Shoes for flat pedals
Replies: 25
Views: 6279

Re: Shoes for flat pedals

5-10s work great. Just be careful which model. I have the Freeriders and they absorb water like a sponge
by MarcusT
4 Mar 2024, 5:04am
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: touring gearing ?
Replies: 18
Views: 1548

Re: touring gearing ?

Without knowing the brand of crank, have you considered just changing the 26 chainring for a 24 or 22?
by MarcusT
12 Feb 2024, 5:10am
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Music on the turbo trainer
Replies: 14
Views: 1221

Re: Music on the turbo trainer

Bluetooth ear buds. And set your phone far enough to not get sweaty
by MarcusT
5 Feb 2024, 5:11am
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: of a rotor lock for bikes?
Replies: 9
Views: 1128

Re: of a rotor lock for bikes?

I use a disc lock with an alarm.
Has not been tested yet, but offers an extra sense of protection

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gbivbe-Motorcy ... F0aWM&th=1
by MarcusT
3 Jan 2024, 5:21am
Forum: Electrically assisted pedal cycles
Topic: Noisy Steps motor - reasons?
Replies: 6
Views: 1879

Re: Noisy Steps motor - reasons?

With my first EMTB, I also heard a noise at highest power on a steep uphill. I started to get nervous because the bike was quite expensive for my means. I used my phone to record the noise intending to take it back to the dealer. After getting home, I listened to the recording and it was really not that loud. I spoke to several in the business and they said, it is quite normal at that power lever and strain.
The motor has a sensor that recognizes the pressure you put on the pedals and increases power, thus the noise.

Unless you hearing a grinding or rattling noise, I would ignore it
Most shops will only hook it up to their computer and if the computer shows nothing wrong they will ignore it.
by MarcusT
18 Dec 2023, 5:16am
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Toxic armpits
Replies: 37
Views: 9820

Re: Toxic armpits

Shave your armpits and use apple cider vinegar before showering
by MarcusT
30 Nov 2023, 5:21am
Forum: Electrically assisted pedal cycles
Topic: Mid drive and rain and or water
Replies: 9
Views: 3079

Re: Mid drive and rain and or water

I've ridden through some of the worst storms and countless deep puddles with the Bosch Gen 4 (yes, with the flimsy plastic battery cover). I have not had any problems. Bosch warns just not to submerge the motor.
The motor cover on the bottom will hold water, be sure to tilt the bike to let that drain out
by MarcusT
16 Oct 2023, 5:03am
Forum: Electrically assisted pedal cycles
Topic: Bosch or Shimano Steps?
Replies: 28
Views: 7032

Re: Bosch or Shimano Steps?

I did a fair bit of research. Online reviews,Youtube, etc (scientific and non) and it seemed the Bosch usually edged out the Shimano.
I have no direct experience.Went with Bosch Gen 4 CX and am more than satisfied
by MarcusT
21 Aug 2023, 5:26am
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Best touring bike 2023: Buyer’s guide
Replies: 22
Views: 4258

Re: Best touring bike 2023: Buyer’s guide

In all fairness they do say 'guide' and admit they have not ridden the bikes. It is a "guide" to merely let the readers know what is available in the touring world. Saying the 'best" may be a little inflated, but is decided on components and frame options.
It is what it is. I've seen far worse where people have labelled videos and articles such as "We've Reviewed the Best Bikes in the World" and all they do is read the manufacturers advertisement.
by MarcusT
17 Aug 2023, 4:51am
Forum: Cycle Camping sub-forum
Topic: Camping Chairs - Helinox Chair One and lookalikes
Replies: 23
Views: 15986

Re: Camping Chairs - Helinox Chair One and lookalikes

[/quote].
You've got to be careful with chairs on wet ground too. The legs sink in to the soft ground, and you've got to be careful not to lose the feet when you pull them back out.
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I lost several feet. I purchased wider replacements and glued them to the shafts. So far so good
by MarcusT
27 Jul 2023, 4:57am
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: planning a Alps cycle tour, advice needed.
Replies: 16
Views: 1887

Re: planning a Alps cycle tour, advice needed.

foxyrider wrote: 25 Jul 2023, 7:59pm
I do try not to use bottom gear - that really is for dire emergencies, the stupid long 25% climb out of Bertchesgaden to the Austrian border springs to mind! Most of the longer climbs are much less steep.
You rode a 25% climb with a loaded bike???
We applaud you!!