Cycling UK Forum

We will be touring in northern Portugal later this summer and have a few logistic questions.

Can you take bikes on the trains?
Is a helmet mandatory?
How best to arrange rural accommodation (small hotels, hostels, B&B?).
Do you need to book ahead in late September?

thanks

What would be the maximum cassette size you could fit in to an old frame with 120 OLN?

Can anyone recommend a set of canti brakes with good stopping power and adjustment to replace a 1980's set on a 27" tourer?

thanks

I have an Orbit Gold Medal touring bike, 27" wheels, 6 speed screw on block, canti brakes.
The frame is in good condition but many components are old and in need of replacement.
I am contemplating renovation.
Could I put 700 wheels on?
Could the frame be set to accept a wider back axle so I could run a 7 speed cassette?
Are there modern canti brakes that would work with 700 wheels?

Or should I look to get a new touring bike?

I need to replace my RH gear shifters. I currently have a deore 8 speed rear hub and deore rear mech - I would like to upgrade the shifters to 9 speed. Would the hub take a 9 speed cassette ?
thanks

We are planning a similar trip in late April.
Does anyone have route suggestions heading W/SW?
thanks

I did not condemn the staff in my post just reported the experience of visiting a Halford super store. There were only two staff and they were polite and apologetic. My point is that Halfords have the sole UK distribution rights but do not carry stock and from my conversation were not expecting any in the near future.
There are no alternate UK suppliers. It's a pty Wiggle don't have the UK distribution rights.
The bikes on display looked great - frames had good attention to detail and the components were good quality.
Halfords (in our area) just don't have any to sell!

I know it is a dirty word amongst many but on Saturday we thought we would visit the dreaded Halfords to look at Boardman bikes and see what the reviews were referring to. On arrival on the business park we realised there were no cycle racks so before the security guard could stop me I locked our bikes to the large container of screen wash.
We found the hybrid bikes but with only two staff on a Saturday afternoon we realised quality advice was going to be difficult. After patiently waiting we discussed requirements and requested advice on size with a friendly salesperson. On getting the selected bike off the rack it turned out to be large not medium. We then learned there were no mediums in any of the local shops but we could search online and Halfords would "DHL" it. We were then told they did not know when any more will be coming in.
The sales person tried to help but was hampered by poor stock and minimal information. I had read the bad reviews online but thought we would give it a try. Sadly our worst fears were confirmed over Halfords. Why did Boardman Bikes opt to sign a sole supply contract with Halfords?

Can anyone recommend either of these bikes for "credit card" touring? My wife is looking for a lively flat bar bike for general use but suitable to take rack and a couple of panniers for the occasional longer tour.
thanks

my wife is looking for a new bike which has to be able to:
* be lively and enjoyable to ride on day rides and longer tours on road and on tow paths/fire roads,
* have rack for light to moderate touring (two panniers max)
* mudguards
* flat bars
* sloping top tube for easy step over
She has considered a Boardman hybrid, Specialized Vita and going for a more traditional steel frame.
Any recommendations especially from experienced female riders
thanks

Called them at lunchtime, discussed purchases with a person, decided and ordered products, they said they would be sent that afternoon, the arrived 08.30 next morning.
Brilliant service and VERY competitive prices.
Recommend them

I need to replace grips on my straight bar tourer - any recommendations?
thanks

does anyone know whether the bus services in Cuba will transport a tandem (I have read they take solo's)

thanks

Have seen 2 books referenced - Bicycling Cuba and a Lonely Planet book.
Has anyone used either?
Any one recently visited Cuba?
Do you need to specify booked accommodation for the tourist card?
Any recommendations for good Casa Particular in Havanna?

many thanks

has anyone used the Fenix torches as a bike light? I am considering this one for road riding and occasional offroad -
http://www.fenixtorch.co.uk/led_torches/fenix_pd30.html
or other recommendations?
cheers

In terms of facilities I benefit from our company having just opened a brand new fitness facility - separate M & F changing rooms each with 4 showers and separate shower room for disabled. Soap & towels are provided along with individual lockers for cyclists, and loads of bike racks. A drying room was requested but insufficient room. The facility is popular and well used - you have to sometimes queue for the showers but that is a minor problem given the quality of the facility. There are about 1800 people on site.