Search found 373 matches

by PAB855
2 Oct 2022, 5:53pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Front light for tunnels and dark stretches of road
Replies: 20
Views: 958

Re: Front light for tunnels and dark stretches of road

I wòuld prefer rechargeable batteries.

A dynamo isn't a possibility because of what's already on hubs.

The OCOOPA appears to have a high and low output as well as flashing. For £25 with a rear light included? Where's the catch?

Yes, I don't want to blind anyone but I need to see where I'm going!

Cheers
by PAB855
2 Oct 2022, 4:59pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Front light for tunnels and dark stretches of road
Replies: 20
Views: 958

Front light for tunnels and dark stretches of road

I'm looking for a front light which will be suitable for illuminating poorly lit areas during the daytime. I don't go out on unlit roads after dark so the requirement is slightly different. Unlit tunnels and dense foliage, even under railway or canal bridges during daylight hours can hide hidden dangers. I almost lost balance riding through an unlit tunnel once, as I became disorientated.
In strong sunlight particularly, some roads through dense foliage can reduce visibility considerably. Not all cyclists try to make themselves visible, quite the opposite, but that's a different well-worn topic!

I'm wondering whether to go for a separate lamp of greater output than my 100lumen, which is simply for 'being seen'. This light would be used only rarely to let me see where I'm going.

Would a lamp with two different outputs, low and high, be an alternative solution?.

How many lumens would do?

In some respects it's easier to light your way when in complete darkness.

Cheers
by PAB855
5 Aug 2022, 9:59pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Is there a suitable C2C for me?
Replies: 7
Views: 611

Re: Is there a suitable C2C for me?

Thanks for that Paulatic

I've not kept an eye on all the possible routes since just before the pandemic.

There have been quite a few changes, more choice and more companies offering their expertise.

A good part of the enjoyment is the planning, so I could be in for an interesting time ahead.

Thanks again
by PAB855
5 Aug 2022, 4:59pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Is there a suitable C2C for me?
Replies: 7
Views: 611

Is there a suitable C2C for me?

I probably am looking for the impossible, but I would very much like to do a C2C say from Workington to Tynemouth.

The problem is I am now in my mid 80s and don't get the same time on the bike as I used to.

Within the past 10years I have done a number of sportives including Oban and the Lakeland Monster adventure cross, but the shorter distances.

Next month I am due to tackle the Tayside Challenge 46miles. That will be a good test of me and my machine.

I have converted my CUBE Cross Road Trekking bike 2012 to take a Cytronex e kit, but have yet to drain the battery completely other than doing it on purpose on a high setting, on a shorter run, just to see and feel it go through the stages, green, blue, purple, red,flashing red. I've not done many rides longer than 30miles recently unfortunately.

I could only contemplate a fully supported max number of days which may be a rather expensive safari and the logistics in getting to and from the start and other factors involving my family might scupper it.
I'm remembering the preparation to get to and from Keswick in 2014 and the training I did beforehand took up time.

Are the routes and difficulty on a par with that event? I wouldn't think so judging by the Cicerone book on the C2C. The Adventure Cross was quite technically challenging, but I had no problems, thoroughly enjoyed it and completed it in 6.5 hours, not quick, but respectable. OK, I'm older, but the e assist is an absolute joy to use.

This may be an exercise in wasting your time, but I can't think of a better way to gather information on this subject.

Apologies for missing out any other information you may need.

Cheers
by PAB855
29 Jul 2022, 1:45pm
Forum: Electrically assisted pedal cycles
Topic: Converting derailleur to hub gear
Replies: 2
Views: 424

Converting derailleur to hub gear

Can I direct your attention to the technical section please. I put this topic there, but of course having the e assist sheds a completely different light on things and may not have caught the eye of interested parties.

Cheers
by PAB855
29 Jul 2022, 10:14am
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Converting derailleur to hub gear other than Rohloff
Replies: 22
Views: 1791

Re: Converting derailleur to hub gear other than Rohloff

All very useful and to my relief encouraging suggestions.

The other flaw I have found with dérailleurs in my experience is that when they're new, the changing is by a single click, which is as expected, but as time goes on the two up one down or two down one up repeated attack on selecting a gear gradually becomes the norm. It's not a lot better than the old down tube friction levers, or am I just not looking after my bike properly. Don't blame the tools!!!

I'm going to take time to study all this and who knows, maybe return to a single chain wheel and a hub gear.

Happy (?) memories of grinding up the A9 in either bottom or middle gear, leaving top until over the Drumochter summit, on a Raleigh All Steel ( you've said it) 3speed AW(?) bicycle with full STEEL chain case complete with screw in oiling cap, hub dynamo and 5p diameter rear light! Fantastic.

What am I thinking about?
by PAB855
29 Jul 2022, 8:08am
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Converting derailleur to hub gear other than Rohloff
Replies: 22
Views: 1791

Converting derailleur to hub gear other than Rohloff

As the years roll on, I am gradually changing the spec of my 10 year old CUBE Cross Road Trekking bike to help me with my slow reduction in ability, fitness etc.

First was a retrofit Cytronex edrive.

Second a dropper seatpost.

Thirdly I am considering a hub gear, having been a user many years ago and never really liked dérailleurs despite thousands of miles ridden.

Why?

Being able to change from top to bottom gear while at a standstill is my main mission in view of the current trend and I don't want to do a Joe Biden although I don't have foot withdrawal symptoms yet.

I know a number of factors need to be considered such as a new wheel and a change lever, but if I need to obtain a similar gear range to what I currently have,, could I retain the rear derailleur in order to take up chain tension on the front triple chainrings? 48,36,26 and 11- 34 . Why not use them?

Maybe more knowledgeable cyclomathematicians could tell me how I could obtain a comparable range with minimum overlaps or what my options are. Am I flying a kite here?

I have long envied the Rohloff owners, but I'm not doing many round world trips these days !!!! and they are a bit pricey, but the Rolls Royce of gears no doubt.

I'm thinking, SA, Nexus, Shimano etc

PS I was here before so it's still a bee in my bonnet and at that time Brucey contributed in his remarkable way, a brilliant guy.

Hopefully I've not been too unrealistic this time, I don't wish to waste any body's time

Cheers
by PAB855
29 Jul 2022, 7:27am
Forum: Electrically assisted pedal cycles
Topic: Rear wheel removal on cube electric hybred bike
Replies: 12
Views: 2530

Re: Rear wheel removal on cube electric hybred bike

Yes, GAADI was the brand name I couldn't remember, thanks richardfm
by PAB855
28 Jul 2022, 10:04pm
Forum: Electrically assisted pedal cycles
Topic: Rear wheel removal on cube electric hybred bike
Replies: 12
Views: 2530

Re: Rear wheel removal on cube electric hybred bike

Have you tried these inner tubes which are like a length of tube sealed off flat across the two ends to make its length equal to the circumference, but they don't sit in a straight line, they sit curled into a ring with two ends touching.

What's their name?

I think they were invented in Germany or Holland to get over the tube changing problem without removing the rear wheel on bikes with back pedal brakes, chain, chain guard etc etc etc.

Anybody had any success..?
by PAB855
28 Jul 2022, 9:44pm
Forum: Non-standard, Human Powered Vehicles
Topic: ICE Adventure recumbent trike - where to position a bell
Replies: 8
Views: 1075

Re: ICE Adventure recumbent trike - where to position a bell

Thanks for your comments Ian.

Unfortunately for reasons of disability my wife is reluctant to let go of the steerer bars, although she can do it to signal if she concentrates.

We have both right and left mirrors and they are the most efficient ' won't ever slacken no matter what' mirrors. ' Mirrcycle?

The bonus with this position is that the bell remains in the same position relative to the hand at all times. It remains well out of the way of the hand which rests below it and doesn't interfere with the brake lever.

I've just spotted the bottle cage in the photo, also for easier access. The magic of cable ties.

Since her stroke which led to a balance problem, the trike has been a way to freedom. I've had to innovate in various ways. A previous Pashley Tri -1 upright trike had 40 cable ties for various reasons. Most were removed when it was passed on and left no signs. Those and leftover parts from a TV ariel, nothing is thrown away.

Anyway, maybe my idea could be of some help to someone else. I hope I haven't wasted your time but I was trying to keep my posting brief and it does tend to lead to misunderstandings. Thanks again.

Cheers
by PAB855
28 Jul 2022, 8:34pm
Forum: Non-standard, Human Powered Vehicles
Topic: ICE Adventure recumbent trike - where to position a bell
Replies: 8
Views: 1075

ICE Adventure recumbent trike - where to position a bell

Where did you position your bell?

Did you find it easy or difficult to find a suitable place where it's easy to operate?

The one shown is operated by the index finger, not the thumb!

Many failed attempts preceded this.

Bring them on
by PAB855
27 Jul 2022, 8:00am
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Seat Dropper Post for Urban eBike
Replies: 3
Views: 287

Re: Seat Dropper Post for Urban eBike

DevonDamo, thanks for bringing to my attention the make of the bike. I missed this one in my searches. I must find out more about Richard Peace, he definitely thinks outside the box.

Your comments about the seat tube do require particular attention. It looks like the battery slips in behind the seat tube and would definitely need to be looked into before going ahead. It looks as if it might be OK, since the existing seat post appears to be round, unlike a particular LIV bike my daughter has where the frame shape makes it impossible to fit a dropper post, but she has been able to fit a throttle which she finds works fine for her.

Incidentally, tonril, there's plenty length of cable to allow for a step through frame.

Good luck
by PAB855
26 Jul 2022, 9:40pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Seat Dropper Post for Urban eBike
Replies: 3
Views: 287

Re: Seat Dropper Post for Urban eBike

A Brand X Ascend II might do if it's an external cable you want. I have just fitted one for a similar reason to you. I bought it from Wiggle a few weeks ago for about £90 and it had a big discount at the time.

Take care to order the appropriate operating lever. If you have a single chainring then either type will do. If you have a gear change lever or levers on the left side of your handlebars, then choose the lever which rotates around the handlebar and stands up.

I left the brake lever alone and moved the gear levers to the right to give enough room to slip the dropper lever in between. My left thumb can operate it easily as well as the gearlever and the bell. I was agreeably surprised how easy it all works.

I've found it has made a huge difference, it's a great help.

Good luck
by PAB855
2 Jul 2022, 5:06pm
Forum: Electrically assisted pedal cycles
Topic: Lightweight or Swytch?
Replies: 8
Views: 774

Re: Lightweight or Swytch?

Another point worth considering is that as far as I know you can't fit a throttle to a Cytronex, but you can fit one to a Swytch.

Legally they should only give assistance for a short time just for easier starting off. My daughter has only recently added the throttle and finds it a huge help on hillstarts, particularly at an uphill give way junction she frequently uses as without it she would struggle to get going.

Good luck