Search found 319 matches

by Milfred Cubicle
24 May 2009, 3:11am
Forum: On the road
Topic: The Silliest Comment You've Had...
Replies: 76
Views: 4702

Re: The Silliest Comment You've Had...

I had a wierd confromtation with a stranger once. I was at the supermarket, with my son in the bike trailer..
Man/ape "Oi mate, what do the police say about that?'
Me "Never had any problems. I keep off the roads and use the bridleways. If I really have to use a pavement, they ignore it - better a minor law broken
than a child under a truck..."

at this point he became irate
"Well how come our kid got done by the coppers for carrying his mate an the back of his bike, but you get away with that?"

"It will be because this trailer has been designed and tested for the job. A normal bike is made for one, and not fit to carry the load of two."

"Well its a ####### disgrace if you get away with that!"

At this point, I lost it a bit

"Look, you dipstick. If a transit van has two seats, just because you can fit ten people in the back, does not mean to say you can or should! I'm not 'getting away' with anything. I'm out shopping with my kid, getting him a bit of fresh air and sunshine. You, on the other hand, are arguing with strangers and turning your fingers yellow with Benson and Hedges! Who's the idiot?"

"Well it's wrong, if you ask my opinion..."

I don't at any point recall asking for his opinion. Still, it did not take long for another stranger, as they invariably do, to smile and wave at my son, and say something lovely about him enjoying his ride.
by Milfred Cubicle
24 May 2009, 2:16am
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: DIY frame modification
Replies: 16
Views: 1378

Re: DIY frame modification

P-clips are a good solution, but a bit ugly. I'm going to make a couple a aluminium tabs, each with two M5 holes. The first hole is used to on the same bolt that mounts the rack. The second hole protrudes clear of the dropout, and takes the stays.
These would have a tendency to rotate I suppose, but given that the guards are fixed at two other points, this should not apply. I've also got room for a nyloc nut at the back, to keep it all in place.
by Milfred Cubicle
24 May 2009, 1:53am
Forum: Off-road Cycling.
Topic: Hard Tail or Full Sus - which would suit me?
Replies: 5
Views: 4388

Re: Hard Tail or Full Sus - which would suit me?

Good point about the forks. My do it all hardtail is multi purpose, and has two front ends. I've got a pair of rigid forks, with butterfly bars, for commuting/touring. Then there's a pair of suspension forks, fitted with the same crown race as the rigid. It takes about 45 mins to turn it from a slick tyred utility bike, back to a full on mountain bike. However, lately I've found myself not even bothering to swap forks, and simply a change of tyres does the job. It's a hoot to ride, and makes you feel like it's skill, not technology, that kept me upright!

To give you an idea, me and my mates were at Glentress a while back. We were all on very expensive full suss bike, dressed to the nines in body armour and full face helmets. I'd invited a friend from work. He turned up on a single speed jump bike, wearing cut off jeans and an old Iron Maiden T-shirt. Safety came from a skating helmet. His handlebar grips were tied on, this is true, with a bit of baling twine! The look earned him the nickname of Compo. My regular mates muttered something about not stopping and waiting around for him. Those words were very hastily eaten, as he proceded to rip up every hill, and then down the other side at ridiculous speed. I realised then that, if I spent the rest of my life's earnings on fancy kit, I'd never handle a bike as well as he did. It really does come down to fitness and skill. The bike only plays a minor role.
by Milfred Cubicle
24 May 2009, 1:43am
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Price of equipment
Replies: 17
Views: 2077

Re: Price of equipment

'Morally and environmentally the way to go...' Well said that man!

What I've always found in the bicycle is the sheer brilliance and efficiency, using the minimum amount of material/energy for maximum output. However you look at it, a bike is definitely a perfect example of less is more.
This attitude seems to have been eroded over recent decades, with the desire for more stuff somehow being equated to a better life. However, I get the impression that, if only in a small way, people are fighting back. 'Downsizing', farm shops, household wind turbines, allotments, U.K. holidays. However it's come about, I think these things are a two fingered salute to the greed culture and its promoters. Yes, for some, this is just another bandwagon to be bought into. I love the way every new car advert now boasts of the environmental benefit of their product. That's like trying to sell barbed wire on the strength of it's comfort properties!
I don't regard myself as a Luddite, or an old regressive. Nor do I advocate a return to the 'good old days', where children made perfectly serviceable chimney cleaners, and sewage was freely available in every street. I firmly believe that 'good' technology (this internet site, for example), has lifted the wool from the eyes of so many, and the lights have come on. As a species, we're a bit fat, stressed and depressed. I reckon the humble old bike can go a fair way towards fixing us...

Oh.. the stabilisers I fitted to the soapbox have worked, but now my foot's gone throught the lid...
by Milfred Cubicle
23 May 2009, 3:12am
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: What Stove
Replies: 27
Views: 1970

Re: What Stove

I've found that the key to using hexi stoves is to break the tablets, and stand them on their 'narrowest' face. Don't ask me how, but it seem to cut down on the fumes, well, a bit anyway. I'm odd, and like the smell, because it takes me back to childhood and fiddling with Mamod engines...
The M.S.R. whisperlight is super powerful, and will boil anything, including the pan if you let it! A bit heavy though, and still sooty.
I've no experience of them, but what about those eco-heat things? Like a sort of gel in a pot. I believe they burn for 90 mins each.
by Milfred Cubicle
23 May 2009, 2:51am
Forum: Off-road Cycling.
Topic: Hard Tail or Full Sus - which would suit me?
Replies: 5
Views: 4388

Re: Hard Tail or Full Sus - which would suit me?

I converted back to hardtails after a few years on full suspension. It all depends on the range of riding you plan. A good, light full suss is great for 'enduro'type riding, saving your body from a pounding, and giving great traction when climbing. Similarly, a more burly 'all mountain/freeride' machine is great for flinging off stuff and having a laugh on. ( Itook a Kona Stinky off some stupid heights- I broke before it did!).
However, I think a good hardtail is hard to beat for versatility. You can ride nearly everything on one, even some decent sized drops. I've yet to ride a suspended bike that is not a horrible affair on road sections. I've found that for fast, technical riding, the hardtail wins hands down. They just seem to 'point and shoot', and pick up speed easier. They are also considerably cheaper, both to buy and maintain.
I would really recommend not listening too much to the sales hype of full suspension. Don't get me wrong, there are some cracking bikes, but none have managed to make the hardtail obsolete.

As far as the Boardman is concerned, I bought one of their road bikes, and it's great. A friend has a mountain bike, and is very happy with it. Again, I wouldn't be put off by sales hype or bike snobbery, perhaps just be prepared for Halfords' 'sporadic' service. I've had great service, but have heard others have not.
by Milfred Cubicle
23 May 2009, 2:34am
Forum: Cycling Goods & Services - Your Reviews
Topic: Chain Reaction Cycles
Replies: 135
Views: 200980

Chain Reaction Cycles

I've been having trouble getting hold of a piston for an old Hope brake. Hope won't machine anymore, unless there's demand. C.R.C. were advertising them at £7:99. I figured they were probably the wrong type, seeing as they were quite rare. Ordered at noon on Tuesday, arrived Thursday morning - perfect.
Well done folks, great service!
by Milfred Cubicle
23 May 2009, 2:27am
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: DIY frame modification
Replies: 16
Views: 1378

Re: DIY frame modification

I'm an idiot! Ive just thought of the most simple, elegant solution, which saves all the hassle. If it works, I'll post some photos.
by Milfred Cubicle
23 May 2009, 2:25am
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: DIY frame modification
Replies: 16
Views: 1378

Re: DIY frame modification

Thanks for the suggestions folks. I think silver solder is the way forward, especially as it can be done with a simple torch. I loved the rack idea though - genius. However, the only good aluminium welder I know builds tipper truck bodies. His gear is so industrial, I suspect my rack will be reduced to a smoking puddle..
by Milfred Cubicle
23 May 2009, 2:19am
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Super climbs
Replies: 71
Views: 2436

Re: Super climbs

Ah, 'The Struggle'..I forgot about that. I had a break from riding a few years back. When I was ready to get back into it, I bought myself a Cannondale, my first full suspension bike. I then took myself off to Ambleside for a weekend riding. Halfway up 'the struggle', in absolute bottom gear, breathing through my ears and sweating like a dad on a dancefloor, I realised
a. Time off the bike murders any fitness you might ever have had.
b. Perhaps I should not have set out with a loaded daysack on my back
c. Super spangly as my new bike was, at that moment, I longed for a light and zippy road bike!

Strangely enough, I still enjoyed it.
by Milfred Cubicle
22 May 2009, 12:57am
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Price of equipment
Replies: 17
Views: 2077

Re: Price of equipment

I think the rise in single speed, fixed gear and 'old school' frames is a reflection of this ever increasing fleecing of customers. I'm sick of modern 'disposable' kit that does not seem to last five minutes! I agree, there's always someone willing to pay a premium price for 'the best'. That's fine, carry on. I just wish the whole industry would stop trying to convince the rest of us that 'the best' equates to lightest, shiniest, most feature packed. The best for me is what works everyday, can resist a bit of road salt, and lasts more than a month.
Motorcycling has gone the same way. Where bikes used to be a working class transport, and means of escape at weekends, they are now middle class weekend toys. I fear cycling is heading the same way. The humble, brilliant, egalitarian bicycle is being reduced to a requisite component of a 'lifestyle' culture. I'm renovating my 1993 frame, going back to canti's, internal bottom brackets, and all that 'obsolete' technology that even as a schoolkid, I could afford. It's only a small resistance, but it's a start.

I'm getting down now, my soapbox has become rather unsteady...
by Milfred Cubicle
22 May 2009, 12:35am
Forum: Cycling Goods & Services - Your Reviews
Topic: Hope
Replies: 7
Views: 1058

Re: Hope

I'm in the same boat with some pistons for an old C2 caliper. This is a fantanstic all round brake, nearly as powerful as the M4 mono's I have, but with the abilty to back the pads off for drag free road riding.
My local shop has contacted them, and they will only machine if there's enough demand. Greybeard, if you can help, I'd appreciate it. You may have yourself a little sideline here...
Interestingly, I've had a similar experience regarding tandem hubs. I'd love a bombproof, sealed bearing hub on the tandem. I contacted them - not interested. I spoke to J.D. Cycles, perhaps one of the U.K.'s leading tandem suppliers, and even they had no joy in convincing Hope to manufacture a 145mm hub.
I've ordered a replacement from Chain Reaction, but suspect it will be the wrong type, despite the sales pitch - we'll wait and see.

I guess it really does all come down to money.
by Milfred Cubicle
22 May 2009, 12:13am
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: DIY frame modification
Replies: 16
Views: 1378

DIY frame modification

I'm in the process of renovating an old steel frame for commuting. Seeing as the frame is stripped, I fancied having extra eyelets fitted on the rear stays, purely to fit mudguard stays. Trying to fit a rack and guards to one eyelet always seems to look ugly.
Given that they are not going to be 'load bearing' as such, I fancied giving it a go myself. I'd love to braze them on, but don't want to expose the old joints to prolonged heat, so I reckon TIG/ARC is looking best. Any welders out there willing to give some advice? I appreciate that frame builders are highly skilled, but can't justify their price for a hack bike.
by Milfred Cubicle
22 May 2009, 12:02am
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Super climbs
Replies: 71
Views: 2436

Re: Super climbs

Yep, I agree with the Hardnott/Wrynose suggestion. The Stang climb is a regular of mine, but catches out the unsuspecting. Another I'd recommend is the hellish little pull up to Booze hamlet (brilliant name!). It starts in Langthwaite, Arkengarthdale. Sadly, the last time I rode it, the surface was getting bad.
Has anyone else ridden the Dun Fell road? It leads nowhere, other than a radar station, or onto an off road link. I think it's about four miles long, but has that rare combination of steep sections, interspersed with long drags!
Is it me, or is there a masochistic pleasure in climbing? Whenever I lead a ride, there's usually a backgound murmur. Most recent was "Does that ###### not know any flat roads?"
Oh, just remembered. Either Unthank bank, or Crawleyside bank, either side of Stanhope, Weardale. Lovely...
by Milfred Cubicle
21 May 2009, 3:33am
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Super climbs
Replies: 71
Views: 2436

Super climbs

Does anyone know of any mega climbs here in the U.K.? Anything that could be regarded as a challenge. I've just taken a mate of mine on the road leading up Great Dun Fell, (near Appleby, Cumbria). He never believed such roads existed in U.K.
I'm planning a trip to Applecross for the Belach Na Ba?, and wondered if anyone else has a personal favourite?