Cycling UK Forum

I once had a click (with each crank rotation but never when out of saddle) which sounded like it came from the BB area but it turned out to be from the joint in a two piece seat post.

stewartpratt wrote:I can't confidently say I notice a strong trend for any vehicle type. Confirmation bias is a very easy trap to fall into.

Me neither (after 20 years of cycle commuting)... except perhaps white vans.

Brucey wrote:a) they are invariably badly adjusted when you find them on a new bike

b) most owners don't appreciate the benefits of adjusting them correctly, and don't know how to do it anyway.

I recently bought a Genesis Day One Disc which has Joytech hubs. There was a lot of drag on the rear wheel but it wasn't until after a week of commuting that I noticed there was so much pre-load on the bearings I couldn't turn the axle with my fingers. (It's possible one of the locknuts hadn't been tightened properly so perhaps the cones had accidentally tightened.)

I adjusted the bearings the way I would normally but I do wonder if 70 odd miles on the original set-up might have damaged something - there's a slight clicking noise now.

I also adjusted the front hub which felt a little gritty.

CREPELLO wrote:Has anyone else noticed the apparent lack of molasses in the road salt this year?

I've been commuting in all weather for over 15 years but never known my brakes to be so hopeless as they have been in the recent wet weather. It only occurred to me today that it's probably due to molasses on my rims.

Si

I agree totally with every point you make.

I'm using Schwalbe Marathon Winters. Of course, they're primarily ice tyres so I can't really expect them to be that great in slush. I wonder if some of the more aggressive tyres like the Schwalbe Ice Spiker for example would cope better in sorbet?

The problem with snow is there are so many states it can be in - no doubt Eskimos have a word for each one

Phileas

I'll just add my vote for studded tyres (Schwalbe Marathon Winter).

I bought them (and a bike to put them on) after the snowy spell last Feb.

I usually commute on a road bike. Over 14 years of year-round commuting I've become rather nervous on ice although I've only fallen badly once (hip injury - stretched ligaments - still able to cycle though).

They're not that special on snow/slush but better, I think, than skinny road tyres. I also prefer the MTB frame/riding position.
On ice (smooth or frozen snow/slush), they are great.

Phileas

I've got a Dawes Giro 500 road bike with an al/alloy frame which I commute on. The paint finish is looking tatty with dirt and cracks and flaking paint.

I was thinking of getting a new frame and I'm wondering if there are finishes which are harder wearing and easier to clean than paint e.g. anodising. What about powder coated steel?

I don't mind having the frame all one colour and I'm happy with a matt finish. I just want it to be hard wearing.