Search found 196 matches

by NickWi
15 Sep 2020, 11:17am
Forum: Electrically assisted pedal cycles
Topic: Derestricting motor to 500w - will I notice much difference?
Replies: 74
Views: 5859

Re: Derestricting motor to 500w - will I notice much difference?

Rob Archer wrote: I suppose I'm asking is it worth breaking the law for?


Ultimately that decision is yours and yours alone, just remember this: In the infamous Charlie Alliston case the police used his social media posts against him. You've just gone on public record stating that you both know what the law is and that you're prepared to break it for personal gain.

Now, in practice the odds of the Police pulling you over for a 'just a routine check sir' are slim, and even slimmer are the odds of a that PC knowing the fine details of e-bike laws, but, and this is the big but, you have an incident that warrants their full investigative powers and the law could come down on you like a ton of bricks. The points and a fine may not bother you, but driving without insurance is a Criminal Offence and could haunt you for years. It also goes on the CRB records and that may affect you chances of getting certain types of job.

As roubaixtuesday said: . . . . . . ^
by NickWi
2 Sep 2020, 8:28pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Of a peaked cap with mesh insert in peak?
Replies: 18
Views: 1035

Re: Of a peaked cap with mesh insert in peak?

This, https://www.castelli-cycling.com/gb/ros ... 535STP-034 is my favourite cap of the moment. Sorry, it hasn't got a mesh peak but it does have a mesh front panel with a fold back cover.

Now I admit that sounds a bit strange, and it is, but boy does it work. On sunny days I get both ventilation and eye protection from the sun (if flipped down). Cooler days, cover back in place and bit more protection. Wet, well something that thin is never going to be really waterproof is it, but it'll keep the worst of it off.
by NickWi
2 Sep 2020, 8:09pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: How to steal a bike by City of London Police
Replies: 4
Views: 735

Re: How to steal a bike by City of London Police

greyingbeard wrote:...Mods, feel free to delete this link.....


Please don't, in fact make it a sticky. People need to know how the scumbags work, what tools they use and frankly how useless some, no most bike locks actually are.
by NickWi
22 Aug 2020, 11:48am
Forum: Electrically assisted pedal cycles
Topic: Petition to increase the 25kmh limit on electric bikes in the UK.
Replies: 181
Views: 8170

Re: Petition to increase the 25kmh limit on electric bikes in the UK.

I won't be signing either. As far as I'm concerned the 15.5mph assisted limit keeps e-bikes under the radar (and licence, insurance & registration and everything else the Daily Mail haters call for) free. If you want increased speed then petition for a new e-bike category but don't be surprised if the powers that be say that’s only going to happen if comes with licencing, compulsory helmets, insurance etc, etc.

The impression I get from some e-bike users that what they want a mini moped, i.e. power, speed and a throttle, all on something that looks like a regular bicycle but with none of the responsibility that goes with riding what in effect is now a motor vehicle.
by NickWi
16 Aug 2020, 9:00pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Wide fit SPD shoes?
Replies: 9
Views: 569

Re: Wide fit SPD shoes?

Northwave shoes are worth a look. I take a EU size 48 (UK 13) and found they suit my wide flippers very well.
by NickWi
1 Aug 2020, 9:18am
Forum: Cycle Camping sub-forum
Topic: Synthetic sleeping bag
Replies: 11
Views: 1441

Re: Synthetic sleeping bag

The Sea to Summit range is worth a look, if a little expensive.
https://www.seatosummit.co.uk/products/sleeping-bags/
by NickWi
29 Jul 2020, 5:17pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: When will bike shops replenish their stock, and when will 2021 models be released?
Replies: 13
Views: 1104

Re: When will bike shops replenish their stock, and when will 2021 models be released?

Sea freight from the Far East is typically 6 weeks plus handling & distribution at both ends. Allowing for the fact that the Chinese factories restarted work before ours did then any 'old' orders that caught up in the lockdown ought to be arriving anytime soon.
by NickWi
24 Jul 2020, 6:00pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: natty ways with ratchet straps
Replies: 18
Views: 818

Re: natty ways with ratchet straps

Replace the hooks with a Carabiner Hook? One clicked into the anchor point it then wouldn't matter of they lose tension, that's be corrected when you take tighten things up. They don't need to be climbing quality, but a cheap aluminium one would be more than strong enough.

Amazom has loads.https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=Carabiners ... _sb_noss_2
by NickWi
22 Jul 2020, 7:35pm
Forum: Cycle Camping sub-forum
Topic: Different tarp set-ups
Replies: 10
Views: 988

Re: Different tarp set-ups

Sweep wrote:...I do have a 3x3 but it is a tad heavy....


I use a DD SuperLight Tarp 3 x 2.9m. It packs down to about the size of a bag of suggar and it weighs in at less than 500grm so they don't have to be heavy. https://www.ddhammocks.com/product/DD_Superlight_Tarp
by NickWi
21 Jul 2020, 9:24am
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Nordisk Asgard 7.1
Replies: 2
Views: 488

Re: Nordisk Asgard 7.1

You've got to remember that apart from backpacking tents this type of heavy duty cotton tent was the mainstay of what tents used to be. The design is well proven, they're spacous and fir it out with an equally tough groundsheet, a stove (with a flue through the canvas) and very high winds aside they'll pretty much cope with whatever nature can throw at it.

P.S. I'm jealous!
by NickWi
19 Jul 2020, 8:15am
Forum: Campaigning & Public Policy
Topic: National Cycle Network Being Slashed
Replies: 172
Views: 28701

National Cycle Network Being Slashed

https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2020 ... ty-grounds

It looks like as of Monday we will no longer having a National Cycle Network!
by NickWi
17 Jul 2020, 5:38pm
Forum: Cycle Camping sub-forum
Topic: Tents for large people? and a new cotton one from Alpkit
Replies: 11
Views: 1041

Re: Tents for large people?

Maybe the title should be "Tents for People with Large Cars". The Sungpack at 5.4kg / 11.9lbs hardly falls into the cycle camping catergory. As for the Vango Kapalua, 51.5kg. Throw in the beds, sleeping bags, camp chairs, lights, a cooker, a cool box and probably the kitchen sink and you're into trailer country if you got an average car and a family of four.

Lightweight tent or Bivvy & Tarp for me please.

Lastly, a salutary lesson for those considering this type of "sealed sided tents" and the cooking arrangements.
https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2014/0 ... mWtxZfwmtU
by NickWi
14 Jul 2020, 5:45pm
Forum: The Tea Shop
Topic: Favourite sounds
Replies: 30
Views: 1355

Re: Favourite sounds

further wrote:The hiss of a pint of ale being pulled.


I'd refine that a little and say the hiss of a bottle of beer being opened then that ring, rattle, settling sound of the bottle top takes a second to come to rest on a hard surface.

Ahh.. the anticipation.
by NickWi
14 Jul 2020, 1:18pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Good iPhone Road Bike holders suggestions
Replies: 22
Views: 1387

Re: Good iPhone Road Bike holders suggestions

Personally I think the best place for your phone is in your bag, but when i have to add one to my bar or stem it'sa +1 for Quadlocks. I've used one my old Galaxy S5 and now on an Iphone XR. Both aren't small phones but they're solid as can be. In fact I leave the Quadlock holder on all the time as it's slim enough not to be obtrusive and gives the phone an extra layer of protection. I also have a 'waterproof' (I use term very loosely) cover. As I've just implied take waterproof bit with a pinch of salt, but it'll stave off the worst of it.