Search found 5017 matches

by mattsccm
26 Sep 2019, 5:34pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: What determines what speed a crankset is?
Replies: 6
Views: 754

Re: What determines what speed a crankset is?

What determines it? The manufacturer surely. They slap the label on.
What's the difference?
Chain rings, tabs, chainline. Some or all of these.
Are they in anyway interchangeable? I suspect that this may be the root of the question. Answer, maybe and in some circumstances. Too many variables to be 100% sure that non-standard fitments will always work.
Theory over. In practice I have never has a chainset play up if there are less "speeds" than it is made for. The other way can play up if using some form of front indexing as the gap between them (the tab) is too big.
by mattsccm
22 Sep 2019, 8:23am
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Rear reflector for saddlebag?
Replies: 22
Views: 2225

Re: Rear reflector for saddlebag?

If you are after legal then get some lights.
if you are not then forget red, it is not as bright as other colours. Around our way there are millions of power line poles with bands of reflective yellow or white plastic on them. Some have 2 or 3. Many are in the woods! At least one band I know of was fixed last year to a pole that's been lying on the ground for years! Done for a laugh I guess. Search some out and liberate some. The colour will tell drivers that there is something there that doesn't need hitting. Way better than cycle reflectors and can be cut with good scissors. Those plastic road side markers are red. Plenty of them flattened by the side of the road.
The white/yellow stuff makes brilliant mudflaps as well.
by mattsccm
21 Sep 2019, 9:09pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Bike Safety Checklist When Replacing Parts or Building New Bike
Replies: 16
Views: 979

Re: Bike Safety Checklist When Replacing Parts or Building New Bike

Rear lever pointing forward under chain stay can't get caught. Pointing back can. 1st is easy to undo as it should not be forced shut. I have seen idiots kicking theirs shut rather than back it off a touch.
Quite possibly some of those nasty external can Qr's might not be fool proof but only an idiot would use them if worried about security.
And of course some people may not know any better. They'll learn.
by mattsccm
21 Sep 2019, 11:14am
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: The Disc Brake Naughty Corner Thread
Replies: 538
Views: 36676

Re: The Disc Brake Naughty Corner Thread

Also just like MTBs going to disc brakes. You know what? These bikes with both wheels the same size will never catch on. Fancy having all those rods and cables to work the brakes.
For goodness sake, stop arguing. Both types work fine for their fans.
by mattsccm
18 Sep 2019, 5:21pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: The worst place in the UK for cycling?
Replies: 88
Views: 5304

Re: The worst place in the UK for cycling?

Any town , full stop.
Natural features are all good so hills can't make a place bad. I would suggest that the greater the presence of humans the worst the place can be.
by mattsccm
17 Sep 2019, 5:26pm
Forum: Cycle Camping sub-forum
Topic: Wild camping, wild boar
Replies: 31
Views: 3571

Re: Wild camping, wild boar

Come and practice here in the Forest of Dean. Hundreds of the things about. Mums don't like you getting to close to the young and can have a go at dogs but other wise they are nice enough. Smelly buggers though.
by mattsccm
16 Sep 2019, 12:44pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Milano specialised mtb
Replies: 6
Views: 604

Re: Milano specialised mtb

My Giant had Exage kit in 1988 incl those U brakes
by mattsccm
14 Sep 2019, 9:02pm
Forum: On the road
Topic: People shouting 'left' 'right' etc on a cylce path whilst approaching from behind
Replies: 83
Views: 4183

Re: People shouting 'left' 'right' etc on a cylce path whilst approaching from behind

I can't help but to disagree with the Utility cyclist in one respect. Not to speak is plain rude. It gives no warning to those you are passing that you are there and being surprised isn't nice. Courtesy to the other person if nothing else.It's for their benefit as much as yours.
I don't disagree that the overtaker has responsibility for their actions but the world is full of idiots and they turn around when surprised. Often into you. Creeping up on them is not being clever, its missing a trick.
As to what to say, "left" gives nothing. "On your left" says everything.
Bells are bloody useless. So often am I told by some dozy so and so, (usually elderly ) that as I should ring my bell after I have. I quick example and an "I did" just gets a grunt. A nice polite " morning" is all it needs unless you are ignored. Then it's "excuse me please". Never needed anything else in 4 decades.
by mattsccm
14 Sep 2019, 7:29pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Lightest Steel Bike 5.5 Kilo's
Replies: 55
Views: 2271

Re: Lightest Steel Bike 5.5 Kilo's

Nowt special. My 52 cm steel frame weighs between 1300 and 1400 grams with the headset races in.
by mattsccm
14 Sep 2019, 6:44pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Bottom bracket removal
Replies: 12
Views: 1181

Re: Bottom bracket removal

I have had a grub screw holding the cable guides under the frame catch a BB before .Not sure if such a thing could cause your problem but it maybe worth a look.
by mattsccm
11 Sep 2019, 6:21am
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Front derailleur cage close to back tyre
Replies: 9
Views: 733

Re: Front derailleur cage close to back tyre

Assuming the wheel is built straight and is central then it could be that any spacers between chain set and frame are on the wrong side moving the chain set over a bit.
Or it could be design.
Can you have a look at another one ?
by mattsccm
11 Sep 2019, 6:17am
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Grade C Bike
Replies: 9
Views: 887

Re: Grade C Bike

Depends on so much.
Is there a warranty?
Have all worn bits been replaced as us often the case with ex hire bikes? I,d expect chain, cassette, tyres, brake blocks or pads and maybe cables.
What is the state of the bike?
What is the price?
What quality is the bike?
25% off retail isn't worth it unless it's a rarely discounted model with nothing more than the odd tiny more, that is the only thing you would consider.
I'd buy such a thing if the price was right but not if it wasn't a bargain.
by mattsccm
10 Sep 2019, 8:10pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Issue with rear hydraulic brake.
Replies: 6
Views: 434

Re: Issue with rear hydraulic brake.

You are doing the rights things regarding the squeal.Check all is tight as well. As for the bleeding, well every brake is different so I can't help there but it looks as if the rear still has a touch of air in it.
by mattsccm
7 Sep 2019, 7:59pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Cycle clips v rubber bands
Replies: 16
Views: 928

Re: Cycle clips v rubber bands

I have a near daily supply of bands. The postie drops them outside my gate!