Search found 1316 matches

by hexhome
24 Jan 2014, 10:50am
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Cycling Sat nav systems
Replies: 60
Views: 13552

Re: Cycling Sat nav systems

Having tested a few options; Smartphone, TomTom, Edge 800, Bryton and some earlier models, I judge the Etrex 20 installed with OSM maps that suit your purpose to be the current best buy.
by hexhome
13 Jan 2014, 10:52am
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: NiMH rechargeables, mixing capacities - Answered, thanks.
Replies: 4
Views: 8875

Re: NiMH rechargeables, mixing capacities.

Charging, individual cell sensing (the only safe solution for LiPo), is the ideal answer. What you are doing is probably best available practice. Under discharge, only voltage sensing will matter. NiMh batteries have such a steep voltage drop off that I consider that harm unlikely. In any case, they are now so cheap that ...!

Can also very highly recommend http://www.vapextech.co.uk/
by hexhome
9 Jan 2014, 9:53am
Forum: On the road
Topic: Vehicle drivers acknowledging our courtesy
Replies: 31
Views: 19023

Re: Vehicle drivers acknowledging our courtesy

Another broad agreement here. Professional drivers have long valued cooperation and courtesy and I find that I am often signalling thanks to such drivers but also 'private' drivers.

One note of dissent. It is becoming more common when driving, particularly in a large HGV, to be 'signalled' when to overtake by a group of cyclists. I am aware that it is irritating to be followed by an HGV but it will mean that the driver is waiting for a safe opportunity to pass. If he/she ignores your signals, it will be because only he/she knows the requirements for a safe overtake and will wait until then.

Do not confuse an invite to overtake with being courteous! By all means raise you right hand in thanks for a safe overtake, but please don't try and dictate, it could be dangerous. It is the legal responsibility of the overtaking driver not yours.
by hexhome
8 Jan 2014, 10:17am
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Bromptons - Not Impressed
Replies: 120
Views: 25573

Re: Bromptons - Not Impressed

mr_mark_sid wrote:My 50 pence - try another of the many configurations of handlebar, suspension block, tyres and keep an open mind until you are convinced you are used to the different feel of a brompton.


Most sensible comment in thread!
by hexhome
8 Jan 2014, 9:56am
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Bromptons - Not Impressed
Replies: 120
Views: 25573

Re: Bromptons - Not Impressed

From http://cyclingfortransport.com/reviews/ ... and-dahon/
"However I then tried a Brompton S type (the £900 two speed Brompton). That was worse. Twitchy steering. Really difficult to actually keep it going in a straight line."

This is everything written about a Brompton Test Ride!

I would like to question this statement. First of all, in 2007, a 2 speed Brompton was no where near £900 unless it was Ti. Secondly, whilst the steering is inevitably quicker than a road bike, they are very easy to keep in a straight line. Bromptons are often purchased by riders with little experience. If they were difficult to ride, they would not be the best seller which they are. I regularly come down a hill at 40 plus with no stability issues. I do however have the M bars which make a difference. If I was writing that review, I would mention that!

Why have I become all 'Brompton evangelical'? I was annoyed by reading a folder review on a site headed 'Cycling For Transport, Everything You Wanted to Know About Cycling' where the writer had merely ridden around the block on 3 folders and written nothing useful. The requirements were a folder to take on a tram! Surely, speed and ease of folding is a major issue for this task?

The whole point, is that it is a folder, it will feel different to other types, just as an MTB feels different to a road bike. It's horses for courses. No one bike will suit all people or all purposes, that's why many of us own several.
by hexhome
7 Jan 2014, 6:53pm
Forum: The Tea Shop
Topic: Cycle provision at Warkworth Castle
Replies: 17
Views: 12811

Re: Cycle provision at Warkworth Castle

thirdcrank wrote: After a pub lunch art the Ship, Low Newton,
:D
by hexhome
7 Jan 2014, 9:30am
Forum: Campaigning & Public Policy
Topic: Appaling London lorry statistics
Replies: 14
Views: 24934

Re: Appaling London lorry statistics

It is also worth mentioning that a large proportion of these vehicles are not from the haulage industry but from the construction industry. As such, they will live much harsher lives driving off road. It is certainly not excusable, but I would like more detail to be totally happy to judge what is going on. There is also an issue where a ticket could be issued by a Police Officer, for say side guard offences, which are not correct. This area of law requires specialist knowledge beyond most Police officers training and experience.

Sadly, the Government agency responsible, VOSA, has been a victim of the cuts and will be no more. They use OCRS https://www.gov.uk/operator-compliance-risk-score to target poor operators. What did you want, deficit cuts or better health and safety? It is now a political issue. Hauliers are very unhappy, without protection from rogue operators, they will either go out of business or cut corners! That is the real story the Times should be running!
by hexhome
6 Jan 2014, 11:51pm
Forum: On the road
Topic: Is all video footage equal?
Replies: 11
Views: 13435

Re: Is all video footage equal?

meic wrote:I am normally in the "hang 'em high" camp and calling for tougher penalties. However I dont feel any safer knowing he has been taken off the road, nor wish him to be severely punished for his actions.

There is no defence the driver clearly is not in proper control of the vehicle.


Funny how this is an accepted fact despite the vehicle doing exactly what it should be doing, nobody hurt, nothing damaged. Yet when something is damaged, the car goes where it shouldnt or somebody is killed the lack of control clearly proven by events, is not an accepted fact by the courts.

There are two elements to controlling a car, one is physical the other is mental.

Have a look at the picture, are there any other cars around? How fast is he going?
I dont see that guy as threat to my safety. Three points would fit, his hands may not be on the wheel but whether his eyes are on the road and how he acts around other people is what counts.
I experience far more of a threat than that by motorists as the norm when out and about.


Possibly, but my point was about evidence rather than severity. It may well be that some drivers with their hands firmly on the wheel are more dangerous but what of?
by hexhome
6 Jan 2014, 11:46pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Bromptons - Not Impressed
Replies: 120
Views: 25573

Re: Bromptons - Not Impressed

It seems to me to be a bit nonsensical to start saying 'x is better than y'! We would all be riding the same bicycle otherwise. But just for the record, I bought a Brompton after my Dahon snapped in half depositing me on the tarmac spitting teeth. I did try a Mezzo but couldn't get on with the fold or looks. Part of the attraction is the 'bespoke' aspect which allowed me to buy a bicycle of the exact spec I wanted. I have never regretted spending nearly double what I was refunded for the Dahon. It is possibly quite hard to find an unhappy Brompton owner as they would have sold their B for a very small loss.
by hexhome
6 Jan 2014, 5:13pm
Forum: On the road
Topic: Is all video footage equal?
Replies: 11
Views: 13435

Re: Is all video footage equal?

The factor here is that the evidence is absolute. There is no defence the driver clearly is not in proper control of the vehicle. Much helmet cam footage is based on assertion such as too close, too fast, etc. The footage may show this but is not indisputable.
by hexhome
6 Jan 2014, 5:07pm
Forum: Campaigning & Public Policy
Topic: Appaling London lorry statistics
Replies: 14
Views: 24934

Re: Even handed Justice

Indeed, VOSA who police HGVs are no more! A new merged agency called DVSA has been created. Suspicions that this would lead to an even further reduced active policing role seem justified!
by hexhome
5 Jan 2014, 10:56pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Bromptons - Not Impressed
Replies: 120
Views: 25573

Re: Bromptons - Not Impressed

Well, I have a 6 speed Brompton as well as a road bike and an MTB. It is not as fast as the road bike, but faster than the MTB. It's surprisingly capable off road but not as good as the MTB is. It is stable at high speed, and great at carrying things. It is comfortable, easily capable of long distances but above all else can be carried just about anywhere and is ready to ride in seconds. Bromptons just work! It's as simple as that. It gets used an awful lot, even when folding is not absolutely necessary. The best bit is that I can go to shops, gym, doctors, hotel, restaurant etc. etc. and take it in with me.

Friends and colleagues with other folders, don't get the same amount of use out of them, as they either less able to carry, more awkward to fold or just cumbersome to use. In its field of purpose, it is superb.
by hexhome
24 Dec 2013, 2:43pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Does anyone own a Garmin edge touring?
Replies: 40
Views: 7884

Re: Does anyone own a Garmin edge touring?

andymiller wrote:As TomTom Rider is a gps designed for motorbikes it's not really a sensible comparison to make. If you don't like the way Garmin's avoidances work then switch them off.


Yeah but it has a pretty good Cycle mode, and is much easier to use as a sat nav.
by hexhome
24 Dec 2013, 12:19am
Forum: On the road
Topic: Mobile phones and insurance
Replies: 5
Views: 16007

Re: Mobile phones and insurance

661-Pete wrote:Isn't it based on the number of penalty points you have, irrespective of how the points were acquired?


No, the type of offence is considered as well.