Cycling UK Forum

tatanab wrote: ↑17 Apr 2021, 7:22pm funny you should mention that.100_1404.JPG

Perfect, I rode for years with, toe straps securing my 'oilskin cape' using the bag loops just like you have @tatanab
PS Neither in that picture are of me

drossall wrote: ↑18 Apr 2021, 8:45pm There are also adaptors for regular SPDs that let you have one side as a flat pedal.

Being plastic the 'cleat section' can get damaged quite quickly if you keep taking them on and off; especially if the spring tension is quite high.

When it was more common place that high end bikes came with pedals these were often fitted these when the bike was supplied with SPDs, so a customer could take one for a test ride if they were not wearing their SPD compatible shoes.

Audax67 wrote: ↑18 Apr 2021, 10:17am The only drawback I've noticed with SPDs is that, because all the weight is carried on a relatively small area, they can deform the sole of an insufficiently stiffened shoe....

That is indeed quite a common issue, especially with the trainer styles versions as they are inclined to have a more compliant softer sole, some can complain of what is often referred to as 'hot foot' at the cleat contact point. Stiffer soled shoes can help with that issue, as can more accurate footbeds, most are supplied with flatter than needed.

Many bike stores now supply a range of footbeds, normally a low, medium and a high option, each will often include what is referred to in that link as "a footrest metatarsal pad helps to reduce or eliminate hot foot". The store will usually have simple device to help illustrate which of the three is the most suitable .
Although these are of course quite generic having one closer to what you need is often a positive, for more accuracy can you can get some custom made, Sidas and Specialized probably being the two most common versions offered by bike fit specialists.

fastpedaller wrote: ↑18 Apr 2021, 10:44am I met someone recently who was really struggling with his SPD-SL cleats, both in terms of disconnecting...

In terms of disconnecting often that is down to incorrect set up, I frequently see cleat angulation set to 'heel out' (the opposite of the blue back ground below) but if the rider actually needs them 'heel in' the float will often allow and accommodate that when pedalling, but that means they will need to twist to disconnect far more than is ideal. In effect if the cleats are set up 'heel out' and the float allows the rider to still achieve their required 'heel in' style, then the first part of their twisting just moves the shoe to where the cleat has been set up in the first place; they must then twist even further before the cleat disconnects.

SPDs on a road bike is a popular enough choice that some shoe manufacturers have road style shoes for them

The Bontrager Solstice has recessed cleats for SPD pedals Starvos Road Shoe similar style shoe, cleats not recessed There are plenty to choose from even the odd pair that have a more touring style design like the Exustar Stelvio, click for review of those plus others

I like the Lezyne, but I still see these as emergency pumps for when I puncture on a ride; I use a full size floor pump normally; as such I haven't invested quite as much as the Lezyne, I have personally used a Topeak Micro floor pump for over 15 years, the Mini Morph

Parts and bikes are in very short supply.

Due to the shortages I am part time furloughed with no signs of that changing although this is mainly due to bike shortages as I am the store bike fitter and the person who in normal times helps a customer choose the correct size bike from a relevant model range. I have very little to offer at the moment apart from what we have arriving pre-ordered from last year, stores that hadn't done the same will struggle; I elaborate this far more in a not dissimilar thread (click). For new bike orders it is quite normal to quote an ETA of 2022 and even 2023; I have never known things to be this bad.

Bonefishblues wrote:

Paul Smith SRCC wrote:So sad to read this; four days laying alone in need of help is tragic.

I think you've voiced everyone's silent fears

I live alone and part time furloughed, I can literally go for days without speaking to a human being so yes I confess it sent a shudder through me to read the initial news to be honest; when 'alexnharvey' updated us all with "I spoke to Brucey this morning and he sounded bright" it gave my day an emotional 'lift' that's for sure; I so hope his progress continues in such a positive way.

Especially during this last year I for one pop in here for a bit of virtual interaction with like minded humans; seeing this outpouring of obvious affection for a fellow forum member highlights not only how respected and popular 'Brucey' is but also it speaks volumes of the forum community;

Entry level endurance bikes often have pannier mounts and mudguard clearances, most manufacturers have them, the Trek Domane and Cannondale Synapse being just two examples. Note I have mentioned 'entry level', as you morph into higher spec' models they will often be set up more focused as lightweight fast day ride bikes and loose features like pannier rack mounts.

These are no heavy load carrying pack mule tourers designed to take camping equipment mind you, but if your trip to Scotland from London in August is using B&B/Hotels or similar then with minimalistic packing then these bikes are viable. Some Gravel bikes if you fit road tyres are often very close to these bikes and also worth considering, these can cope with slightly heavier loads as you may want for your 4-5 weeks tour in France; again if you intend to go camping then there are more focused heavy duty tourers that will cater for that style of riding.

To elaborate on minimalistic packing, modern travel clothing and indeed cycle kit is such that it packs small and drys quickly, I have done two week tours using front panniers as rears and that was when I needed to carry cold weather kit as was going over the high Alps. You will be surprised just how you can reduce the packing size, a trial run packing before you go is always a good idea. Obvious things like take enough tooth paste and soap for tour only, if you normally use a battery shaver then wet shave instead, perhaps cycle shoes that are comfortable enough off the bike for a stroll to the local pub or flip flops if they are wet from a rainy day.

So sad to read this; four days laying alone in need of help is tragic.

His passion for cycling and sharing his knowledge has my respect on every level; I hope we get some positive news about him in due course.

chris_suffolk wrote:Thanks, Spoke to them, and it seems to be a distribution issue, in that container charges have risen....

A common response from a UK distributor at the moment sadly, availability of many items can be poor; what is still being imported will often have significant prices increases as a result

I worked for the UK supplier for a few years; if you have no luck finding what you are looking for they should be able to help:

R.S.I.(CYCLES & MOTORS)LIMITED
69 Manor Park Road
LONDON , NW10 4JX
United Kingdom

Tel: 0208 965 2510
Fax: 0870 051 2298
Email: rsi@rsi-cycles.com
Web: www.exustar.co.uk

Steel frames can also rust internally which can go relatively unnoticed; it's not unusual for an older frame to fail not long after a respray from the 'inside out'.

I have a couple of thirty five year old 531 frames, now a bit battered and I have touched up the scratches to protect. During their life I have had both resprayed, although that was driven by removing Cantilever braze on mounts more than it was to freshen the appearance. Being so old I would not respray either again, when I give them a proper service, BB out kind of service, rust tumbles out of it from inside, quite a bit of it to be honest. I still use them for day rides, if they fail then I've ruined a day out but I have replaced them with a newer bike for holidays; mind you even that is fourteen years old now

My recommendation would be to ride yours and see how you feel after Lejog (that I did on my steel frame that I now use a fixie). You may decide that you have grown attached to your two wheeled loyal friend as it's taken you on that adventure; or you may decide you'd actually prefer something else. If the former then if sure why not treat yourself to a respray; although if it is an older frame referencing my first sentence perhaps not risking investing in one by some of the more expensive painters. Arguably you get what you pay for, with the cheaper painters don't expect perfection, the odd run maybe and more basic designs but perfectly serviceable on bikes that don't enjoy a precious life as far as I'm concerned; I just wanted plain simple colours that hid their scars well and easy to touch up!

In no particular order here are just a few that I know of:

Vaz Cycle Finishes:
25 Mallet Rd,
Hither Green,
London
SE13 6SP
Inexpensive and good value.
Phone number: 020 8852 0711.

Colour Tech:
Industrial Unit at rear at
165 Heath Lane
Dartford
Kent
DA1 2TW
Phone number: 01322 555549
Email: David@Colour-Tech.co.uk
Probably slightly better than Vaz at the more intricate finishes; although I have not used Vaz for a few years, he may be as good now; an example My Bike, a good balance of quality versus pricing.

Dave Yates - 01526 343322 (During office hours only please!)
Ivy House Farm
Hawthorn Hill
Coningsby
Lincolnshire
LN4 4UW.
Email: enquiries@daveyatesframes.co.uk
Not seen their work since Dave left 'M Steel', not sure if he does them in house or if he outsources paintwork, but if you need some work done to the frame then he will probably be able to offer and organise a respray.

Argos
Address: Unit 12 Riverside Business Park, St. Annes Road,
St. Annes, Bristol BS4 4ED
Phone number: 0117 9724730
Fax: 0117 9724730
Email: sales@argoscycles.com
Very respected and established, good quality and not as much as an investment as some.

Mercian
Pontefract Street
Ascot Drive
Derby
England
DE24 8JD
Phone number: 01332 752468
Email: (click for form)
Like Argos, Mercian have a respected reputation for producing quality good value finishes.

Enigma Paintworks
13 Apex Park
Diplocks Way
Hailsham
East Sussex
BN27 3JU.
Phone: 01323 845849
Email:info@enigmabikes.com
I used to work there, (sales, bike fitting and custom made to measure geometry designs). Very high quality finishes, their facility is well worth a visit; they have become very impressive on every level. The quality of their frame building and paint shop has evolved to rival the very best in the world; first class.

Fatcreations
38, St Johns Close,
Aldingbourne,
Chichester,
West Sussex,
PO20 3TH
Phone number:07798 733202
Email: fatcreations@hotmail.com
Very high quality finishes

iandusud wrote:..Paul, thank you for your insight into the closure of GB Cycles and the current plight of cycle retailers, but also for a very intelligent commentary on retail in general. I couldn't agree more with you.Ian

I must add I don't know the details, but I will be very surprised if they have "gone out of business" as such. I'd imagine it's potentially more a case of the 'sum of the parts', George is of retirement age, he owns the premises and the future for a variety of reasons is looking uninspiring, at least uninspiring enough to conclude that keeping their bricks and mortar destination store is just no longer worth it; he may as well sell up and retire. In part it's that feeling that it's no longer worth it that for me is the bigger picture; Geoffrey Butlers was an institution and an era has come to an end, as I alluded to up thread; it feels like the seventies when Supermarkets grew at the expense of Green Grocers, Butchers and Bakers, it just doesn't feel me with joy.

As for 2021 for sure it will be different, very different to a normal summer, challenging and definitely somewhat worrying especially with supply even worse than 2020; but it's not all doom a gloom. When the weather breaks I think cycling will still be very popular, workshops will again be very busy, if current predictions are accurate we will probably have restricted lifestyles again this coming summer and all the same factors that made cycling popular last summer will still be relevant.

How a LBS supplies bikes and how customers shop has to some degree naturally changed, in normal times a store may show case a a model range and order in from that, the customer choosing the model, colour and size of their choice, the latter often after a sizing 'bike fit' and something that many find of value that sadly we can't offer at the moment. The current situation is it's far more a case of we can supply something that would be a relevant choice, it may not be your first, second or third choice, but it is a viable consideration. The other thing that has changed is a more traditional LBS is having customers travel from further a field should they happen to have the very bike the customer wants; a bike that their own LBS has just quoted a very long ETA for. This is because most brands have been presold into dealers pretty much for their entire summer 2021 production run, so unless your LBS has what you want on pre-order then yes expect an extremely long ETA. Note pre-orders still normally have very long lead time as well; just not as long!

At the moment it's not unusual to still see a shop full of bikes and often a few in boxes that have been delivered; but these were probably ordered months ago. In reality stores are trading on these pe-orders that are arriving in dribs and drabs, as and when they arrive they go onto the shop floor and a customer chooses from that stock; in effect they've got what they've got at that moment and the customer often needs to make a decision quicker than they may have normally. As you'd expect the supply and demand of this very limited stock means it doesn't remain on the shop floor for long.

PH wrote:That's a shame, I've used them several times and sometimes called in when I had relatives in the area. They ran the CTC shop at one time and continued some of the touring lines when it went elsewhere.
Tough times for a lot of retailers.

It was me who ran the CTC Shop so I am really sad to see them close. I have the upmost respect and fondness for all involved at Geoffrey Butler Cycles, nearly all of them have been there for years, they must all be devastated. I fear there will be more casualties during this pandemic, cycle retail has not been as amazing as many may understanbly assume.

Yes the demand for everything cycling during the summer was much higher than normal, but supply was much worse than normal and it's getting worse. A few weeks ago I quoted a customer 'June' for a Medium Trek Slash 8; which is a current bike, we had just sold the one we had ordered back in the summer; the customer responded unsurprisingly with "Oh no, five months"; I then finished what I had started and said "not June 2021, June 2022!".

The availability of parts is not much better, a few days ago I tried to quote for a custom build using the customer's existing frame and updating to Shimano GRX810, nearly all of that had late summer and into the winter lead times. I still work for a LBS and am personally still part time Furlough, I am bike fitter and salesman, I can not do the former and am very limited to what I can offer regarding the latter. Brexit has also taken everyone by surprise as well, imports are slower and far more expensive, expect to see significant price increases to bikes especially.

All the above will have been the same for Geoffrey Butler, I had a few chats with their Director Stephen Delaney during the last few months, talking through how we hoped we would get through this with supply being so poor. The distributors seem to be supporting the larger multi outlet online stores more than a quality LBS, their business model is far more 'click and collect' and they use their stores far more as that, a collection point to distribute their large stock holding. For sure they were brave and invested heavily with large orders that the suppliers fulfilled while they could. I know the majority of local bike stores were more conservative and paused to see what was going to evolve, for all we knew we were going to have to close and then have no revenue to pay for all that stock, that slight caution was both understandable and arguably I believe they were showing due diligence; sadly in hindsight it effectively resulted in them missing the opportunity to get stock while it was still available. Fair play to the decision makers and those who fund these large outlets, they took an educated gamble and it worked perfectly, but for me it's similar to Supermarkets versus local Green Grocers, Butchers and Bakers, it's all rather fabulous but I feel on many levels we are much poorer for it.

The multi outlet click and collect business model can work to an extent, although it has to be said it's these chains that often get into financial difficulty, but for me it's works far more on a business level than it does for what I would personally look for. I'm not just talking about the cycle trade, I'd much rather buy something from someone that offers a superior service than I would give my business to someone just because they can supply the item I want. In the case of a quality LBS they may offer a 'sizing' and then 'collection fit', the former not only helping with size choice but often what is the most suitable model as well; far more danger of ordering the wrong size or model when it's 'click and buy/collect'.

Odd times for us all, I sincerely hope all involved get something soon.

The original CTC Shop was set up in part to offer hard to get items to supply to their members; I managed the CTC Shop on a franchise basis from 2001-4 before Evans then Wiggle and one of the hard to get items we stocked was ADFC Cycling Maps! Shame the members store no longer exists and a subject that was understandably discussed at the time in this forum (click), I get why it doesn't but it is a shame none the less; I was proud to be part off it.