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by leftpoole
6 Nov 2007, 4:26pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Super Galaxy
Replies: 17
Views: 2331

pete75 wrote:
john28july wrote:
tony.w wrote:
Graham wrote:Hi Tony,

I have read your post, but cannot really work out what you are intending to do. Can you reiterate you questions in a a simple way ?

How old is the bike ?
What is the current gear configuration ?
Do you know the distance between the rear stays at the axle ?
What is the intended new configuration ?


Sorry I go babbling on, it is a old Galaxy running Sun tour chain set, I am intending on using the crank as its very good and has only two cogs which i think will be more suited to road use? I want to fit Indexed shifters but not sure whether the Suntour derailleur will work correctly. I have Cold set the frame out to 135mm to accept the new wheels/hubs and 9 speed cassette.
Hope this is better explained


Tony

The Suntour derraileur will not index with Shimano.
John.


Yes it will.
I have an elderly British Eagle Touristique with original Suntour rear derailleur. It's now running on Shimano Dura Ace 9 speed bar end levers and Shimano rear sprockets. It indexes with no problems.


Two bikes with same equipment? Two answers formed from experience. Looks like you must try it and see, but I doubt that it will work on indexed
John.....
by leftpoole
6 Nov 2007, 2:42pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Super Galaxy
Replies: 17
Views: 2331

tony.w wrote:
Graham wrote:Hi Tony,

I have read your post, but cannot really work out what you are intending to do. Can you reiterate you questions in a a simple way ?

How old is the bike ?
What is the current gear configuration ?
Do you know the distance between the rear stays at the axle ?
What is the intended new configuration ?


Sorry I go babbling on, it is a old Galaxy running Sun tour chain set, I am intending on using the crank as its very good and has only two cogs which i think will be more suited to road use? I want to fit Indexed shifters but not sure whether the Suntour derailleur will work correctly. I have Cold set the frame out to 135mm to accept the new wheels/hubs and 9 speed cassette.
Hope this is better explained


Tony

The Suntour derraileur will not index with Shimano.
John.
by leftpoole
6 Nov 2007, 8:57am
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: 28 Gatorskins vs 32 Marathons is it my imagination or....
Replies: 9
Views: 1689

Re: 28 Gatorskins vs 32 Marathons is it my imagination or...

andyh2 wrote:I've recently fitted some 32 Marathons expecting them to feel significantly more comfy than the previous 28 Gatorskins. But actually I think I've found the opposite ie the gatorskins to be more comfy and better rolling.

This seems a bit odd is it my imagination? is my feeling 'reasonable'? Anyone else noticed anything similar.

I run the 28 gatorskins at 80 psi and the marathons at 65-70 psi.

makes me think that what I'd like to try is some 32 or 35 gatorskins, but they don't do them that size. Any recommendations for a 32-37 tyre that would be like an extra comfy gatorskin.

Thanks

Hello,
One of my bikes has Gators 28mm and one of my bikes has Marathons. The Gators are 700c, the Marathons are 26".
The Gators run faster. But the Marathons are more comfortable.
But this may be down to the bike and not the tyre, as one bike (Gators) is an Audax 853 Thorn, the other a Thorn Sherpa.
Generally speaking I would think that the Marathons would be more comfortable but run slower.
John.
by leftpoole
5 Nov 2007, 10:56am
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Recumbent chosen
Replies: 10
Views: 1490

Re: Recumbent chosen

Ben Lovejoy wrote:Went up to DTek this afternoon to test-ride a series of Trikes, any or all of which I may be mispelling. :-)

Katweisel: Not ridden at DTek as I'd tried one at London Recumbents. Having now got a basis for comparison, I'd say it was a bit heavy, the one-sided drive is a bit clumsy and the Delta design isn't as good as tadpoles.

Anthratek: Solid, comfy, bit heavy.

Scorpion: Felt like a tank: just as solid and just as heavy.

Catrike: Felt light, nimble, fast, but uncomfortable seat and not quite the right size for me (non-adjustable - either you are Catrike size or you aren't).

Windcheetah: Amazing steering system, really does justify the 'telepathic' comments. Fast, light, lovely. But alas about an inch too long for me (non-adjustable, as per the Catrike).

ICE T: Loved it. Felt fast, nimble, lovely handling, just a joy to ride.

ICE Q: Just like the T only more so. The particular one I tried was the NT, which has an utterly pants turning circle.

So ... I'll be getting an ICE Q with standard track and the quick-release dismantling system. I haven't yet decided on the year - the suspension does make it slightly more comfortable, but I didn't find it that big a deal. Kevin also made a good pitch for a new one - if he can supply it in silver (apparently he can get special paint jobs done sometimes), he might win that one. :-)

Just waiting now for options & prices.

If anyone else is in the same position of wondering whether a recumbent is right for them and/or wondering which model to buy, I can heartily recommend paying DTek a visit.

Ben


Hello,
As a one time recumbent owner, I have a question.
Have you ridden up any hills yet?
End of question!
John.
by leftpoole
5 Nov 2007, 9:30am
Forum: On the road
Topic: Where can I buy cheap carpet tacks
Replies: 32
Views: 5834

Re: Where can I buy cheap carpet tacks

Whilst I'm on a rant, why is that there all cycling alone?

Hello,
Welcome to cycling. I ride alone. Why? By choice? Because nobody wants to ride with me? Because I am too slow for a companion? Because I am too fast for a Companion?
No to all except the first-choice.
We as a family moved to where we now live 10 years ago. Previously we lived in Poole, Dorset where over a number of Years I made a few cycling friends and did indeed on occasion ride with others. But since moving to Gloucestershire I have met but not made new friends, particularly cycling ones. The reason? One is because I do not wish to live where we are and am constantly waiting for the time we can move back to Dorset. But partly because I along with a number of cyclists, am just a loner particularly when riding a bike. It is very hard for a enthusiastic cyclist to meet and make a friend to ride with because being alone on a bike is brilliant! Its real freedom.
Well it is to me.Plus making friends is difficult for older cyclists such as myself and the fear (threat) of finding that the new friend rides like the wind and leaves one behind! Many real reasons but not a single solution to your question.
Enjoy your group rides but please do not put us lone (ly?) cyclists in a bad frame. We are all in a World of our own.
by leftpoole
5 Nov 2007, 9:13am
Forum: On the road
Topic: Abused Cycle lane! Interesting.......
Replies: 18
Views: 2707

Re: Abused Cycle lane! Interesting.......

john28july wrote:Hello all,
Saturday last I was out on one of my regular routes. Firtsly let me say that, I never use cycle lanes. But-there is a very short stretch of cycle lane on the A38 approx 15 miles from my home. The lane is on a pavement. When approaching the area it is very obvious why the lane has been made (built?). The A 38 narrows suddenly on the left half of the road. There is a traffic Island in the middle of the road too. Plus a very busy (at times) junction to the left. The cycle lane takes cyclist off the road for only 30 metres or so. It is a rare example of a useful and indeed used cycle lane!
The cycle lane goes along the pavement and back onto the road and is very easy to use.
Last Saturday I turned as usual onto this lane and to my astonishment I had to brake suddenly, stop and gaze with amazement at the large car parked fully taking up the whole of this lane.
I did something most unusual-I raved and ranted and generally told the driver (sitting in the car) what I thought of him. I also explained in no uncertain terms that he was breaking the law. I concluded that I was actually in a good mood and would not report him or photograph him for my web pictures site. ( I carry a small camera on my rides).
The man grovelled, crawled and mad himself out to be stupid careless and sorry sorry sorry. It would not happen again.
NOW heres the good bit.
It was a Police car with Police driver!!!!!

John.............
As an added point here:- I know what the officer was doing, he was on a 'stakeout' or whatever its called. He was 'hiding' outside a car auction centre. This has been known to 'catch' people taking their purchased vehicle home without Excise licence/ Insurance. So should we give him the benefit or not? I think not as he was in fact breaking the law.
As I mentioned he did apologise.
by leftpoole
4 Nov 2007, 11:06am
Forum: On the road
Topic: Abused Cycle lane! Interesting.......
Replies: 18
Views: 2707

Abused Cycle lane! Interesting.......

Hello all,
Saturday last I was out on one of my regular routes. Firtsly let me say that, I never use cycle lanes. But-there is a very short stretch of cycle lane on the A38 approx 15 miles from my home. The lane is on a pavement. When approaching the area it is very obvious why the lane has been made (built?). The A 38 narrows suddenly on the left half of the road. There is a traffic Island in the middle of the road too. Plus a very busy (at times) junction to the left. The cycle lane takes cyclist off the road for only 30 metres or so. It is a rare example of a useful and indeed used cycle lane!
The cycle lane goes along the pavement and back onto the road and is very easy to use.
Last Saturday I turned as usual onto this lane and to my astonishment I had to brake suddenly, stop and gaze with amazement at the large car parked fully taking up the whole of this lane.
I did something most unusual-I raved and ranted and generally told the driver (sitting in the car) what I thought of him. I also explained in no uncertain terms that he was breaking the law. I concluded that I was actually in a good mood and would not report him or photograph him for my web pictures site. ( I carry a small camera on my rides).
The man grovelled, crawled and mad himself out to be stupid careless and sorry sorry sorry. It would not happen again.
NOW heres the good bit.
It was a Police car with Police driver!!!!!
John.............
by leftpoole
31 Oct 2007, 4:45pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: the benefits of an expensive bike?
Replies: 10
Views: 1682

Re: the benefits of an expensive bike?

Mythical wrote:By the standards I'm reading about now, my last bike was rubbish. Hi-ten steel frame....ok that's all I actually know about it, but it was a £100 JJBs "lets not admit we sell these" bike. It lasted 6 years just fine. It's last 2 years, it did around 60-70 miles/week - with various 120 mile weeks, and once, 120 miles in two days, (I did A 100 mile charity ride on my schwinn and felt sorry for the other bike - so I rode it to coventry from manchester) only replaced brake pads and a crank - tho admittedly, when it was pinched there were a few things I was thinking about replacing/fixing (and I hope they all go at once, whilst it's freewheeling down a REALLY big hill....but I digress) For a cheap and nasty bike.....I actually thought it did good.

I'm now faced with a dilemma - it's replacement is going to be bought by various pitying relatives, and I've been told I don't necessarily need to have the cheapest available. I've never had a (serious) bike that wasn't dirt cheap, but I'm tempted by some bikes that look err....moderately priced. Considering that out of both my bikes, the easiest one to ride was the cheapest, when I just want my Emmelle POS back, what's going to be so much better about a £600 bike than the bike I've just lost???


Hello,
Keep to the cheap rubbish. Why? Because you rode a cheap bike for 6 years and still do not know why you should get a real quality machine.
Seriously are you sure you want a good bike? Why do you want a better bike? Do you think a more expensive bike will suit you? Do you really want to start justifying expenditure-because thats what you will have once you get a good bike.If you get a better or more expensive bike will
 you know the difference? Will you ride the better bike more? Why have you ridden what to all intents is a rubbish bike, for all these Years? Was it because you liked the bike or could not afford a more expensive bike , or is it because you think more expensive bikes are just a waste of money?
You must be an enthusiast to want to spend money on better bikes. Are you?
Have fun thinking about it.
by leftpoole
31 Oct 2007, 9:07am
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Help in choosing dynamo/lights
Replies: 20
Views: 7394

Hub Dynamo

Hello,
I now have all my bikes fitted with hub Dynamos. Some are Shimano Ultegra and they work well. One is a Schmidt SON hub which of course is great-but I do not think it much better than the Shimanos at less than half the cost. The wheels for all were made at Spa Cycles. I have used bottle dynamos in the past and found AXA good plus Dymotec 6 too. Its what you want or can afford, but as someone mentioned earlier its doubtful that you would get a poor dynamo these days.
John.
by leftpoole
29 Oct 2007, 1:00pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: House Contents insurance with generous limit on cycles?
Replies: 10
Views: 1883

Re: House Contents insurance with generous limit on cycles?

john28july wrote:
Jeff_Humm wrote:Can anyone recommend house insurance which doesn't have low limits on cycle cover (eg, 500 GBP on our Norwich Union policy)?

Thanks in advance for any leads.

Jeff Humm

I am with Norwich Union at £1500 per cycle. No maximum-you just tell them what you want. Total cover I have is £5000 and added to policy cost an extra £20 approx. Away from home cover included too.
John.....
by leftpoole
28 Oct 2007, 5:42pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: House Contents insurance with generous limit on cycles?
Replies: 10
Views: 1883

Re: House Contents insurance with generous limit on cycles?

Jeff_Humm wrote:Can anyone recommend house insurance which doesn't have low limits on cycle cover (eg, 500 GBP on our Norwich Union policy)?

Thanks in advance for any leads.

Jeff Humm

I am with Norwich Union at £1500 per cycle. No maximum-you just tell them what you want. Total cover I have is £5000 and added to policy costr an extra £20 approx.
John.....
by leftpoole
27 Oct 2007, 9:13am
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Tent,sleepingbag,mattress extra weight??
Replies: 23
Views: 5891

barn wrote:
ergle wrote:I took camping gear in panniers and on a rear rack to the pyrenees this year, and didn't really notice the weight.

I had a lightweight tent, a wee airic inflatable matress and a small sleeping bag - no cooking gear as I ate in restaurants in the evening. I suppose the gear does slow you down, but I wasn't in any particular hurry, and on the uphills you just drop a cog and get there eventually.


Yeah that is what i am looking at doing taking camping gear and eating in restraunts,or buying it on the way.I went to a camping shop yesterday,tent was 2.5kg and sleeping bag was 1.2kg does that sound about right?.

Hello,
The tent is too heavy, the sleeping bag could be lighter but if as I suspect, it is synthetic, then with a lighter bag you would probably get cold.
John.
by leftpoole
27 Oct 2007, 9:07am
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Bottom bracket spacer
Replies: 7
Views: 1455

Re: Bottom bracket spacer

Steve wrote:Anyone know where can I buy a spacer to pack out the right hand cup of a bottom bracket, rather than buy a new longer one? I bought a double road chainset which came with a 110mm bottom bracket but have 135mm rear axle - so by how much do I need to "extend" the bottom bracket? Presumably the cassette is 2.5mm further to the right than a if it was a 130mm hub, so I need to adjust the bottom bracket by a similar amount to get the same chain-line. Or is it more complicated than that?

Hello,
A suitable spacer can be had by using a Sturmey Archer/Sachs ring which fits over the S/A Sachs sprocket before putting on the circlip. This type of modification is quite common and does not as mentioned cause any extra sress or problem with the bottom bracket.
You can buy the ring I mentioned, from any Sturmey or Brompton dealer for about 50p.
However, the bottom bracket of 110 that you have is the correct one and in my opinion should be used. The chainline 'you want' is probably not the one you should have and the bottom bracket supplied is the correct one.
After all that are you still with me?
John.
by leftpoole
25 Oct 2007, 5:50pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Some touring pictures updated
Replies: 0
Views: 555

Some touring pictures updated

http://www.pbase.com/john28july
by leftpoole
24 Oct 2007, 8:56am
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Brooks -- a real pain
Replies: 31
Views: 5745

Re: Brooks -- a real pain

sharpy wrote:Hi folks,
Just took delivery of a new B17 tan brooks saddle.
I have read all the threads concerning treating a Brooks with proofhide etc and have given the thing a fair number of applications of the aforementioned substance. What I really want to know is how long I might expect to have to suffer a sore bum before the damn thing is broken in.
Went out for 40 miles with the local section yesterday and my posterior still hurts.

Please, please , please give me some reassuring news :roll:


Hello,
I have always used Brooks saddles.
At present I have 4 bikes all with said saddles. 2 saddles are very comfortable, 1 saddle is nearly comfortable and the final saddle is rotten! Its the varying leather thats the problem in my opinion.
Just keep on until it hurts no longer is all I can offer.
John..

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