Search found 191 matches

by daddig
3 Sep 2013, 9:50am
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Sti Brakes
Replies: 36
Views: 3951

Re: Sti Brakes

It's not the feel of the drops, she likes the drops. Rather its the mechanical leverage she is able to produce braking from the drops. We have tried using Dia Comp levers and down tube shifters which from a braking point of view seemed to work, she couldn't/ didn't feel safe changing gear.
The brake calipers are as fitted by Thorn on their Audax model, I've changed the pads to Koolstop. Rims are Mavic approx 1500 miles ridden , cables are Shimano and are new,carefully cut and squared off and clear of cable.
I was hoping for some form of mechanical intensifier!
by daddig
2 Sep 2013, 10:27pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Sti Brakes
Replies: 36
Views: 3951

Re: Sti Brakes

No Brucey, Thorn changed the bars to straight , as ladies do she has now changed her mind and I've fitted drops and STI's for her. The result a comfortable ride with the draw back of being unhappy with her braking on the hoods. The brake pads are Koolstop, not sure of colour, though described by Spa as suitable for her Mavic Rims.
by daddig
2 Sep 2013, 3:54pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Sti Brakes
Replies: 36
Views: 3951

Re: Sti Brakes

Will try that Tatenab, thanks.
by daddig
2 Sep 2013, 3:28pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Sti Brakes
Replies: 36
Views: 3951

Re: Sti Brakes

Travel agents appear to be aimed/ designed for canti or VBrakes, not Dual Pivot.
I've tried her with down tube shifters and bar end shifters (bar end shifters catching her knees getting off/stopping).
Both types of changers required junior brake levers which didn't really provide her with the braking she wants from the hoods. The bike is a Thorn Audax, which originally had STI's and drops, which were changed to straight bars by Thorn.
by daddig
2 Sep 2013, 3:14pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Sti Brakes
Replies: 36
Views: 3951

Re: Sti Brakes

Thanks everyone, brakes are Shimano Calipers as are STI's. Whilst she can go onto drops, she isn't really comfortable there. Hence her desire for more braking on the hoods.
by daddig
1 Sep 2013, 7:59pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Sti Brakes
Replies: 36
Views: 3951

Sti Brakes

Is it possible to increase the braking power of STI brake levers. My partner has small hands and a weak grip, she consequently finds braking especially on the hoods problematic.
by daddig
29 Aug 2013, 7:29pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Mechanical Breakdowns on Tour - Some or None?
Replies: 32
Views: 5283

Re: Mechanical Breakdowns on Tour - Some or None?

Not sure I want to tempt providence , however I've been touring for the last ten years or so and have never had a major breakdown of any kind. Punctures yes, worn brake blocks to a degree, nothing of any significance though. Like Simon I travel light. Over the years refining what I carry. Currently everything I need being carried in a Carradice Nelson Longflap and a Carradice Bar Bag. Though that is due to change as the Bar Bag goes and a front carrier is fitted to carry my sleeping bag a mat. The Carradice is mounted to a SQR and supported by Nimrod front rack.

,
by daddig
26 Jul 2013, 8:06am
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: 2 or 4 panniers?
Replies: 18
Views: 1762

Re: 2 or 4 panniers?

Dump the panniers and put your stuff in a Nelson Longflap!
by daddig
3 Jul 2013, 6:03pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Lakeland Mini tour
Replies: 8
Views: 750

Re: Lakeland Mini tour

For me head to the Duddon Valley and explore, plenty of places to wild camp, you could go over Walna Scar Road tough ans very rough but doable with care. Camp on the way up fantastic views of the valley, or continue over to Coniston and camp on the way down, views down to Coniston Water. Envious, sadly cann't get to the Lakes for another month or so. But you've given me an idea!
by daddig
25 Jun 2013, 4:56pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Bagman 2 Exped or Bagman 2 Exped QR?
Replies: 2
Views: 317

Re: Bagman 2 Exped or Bagman 2 Exped QR?

Getting bag off easily is handy if you need to use the train, or want to take your bag with on the ferry!
by daddig
17 Jun 2013, 3:49pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Wheelbuilders Help
Replies: 1
Views: 401

Wheelbuilders Help

Does anyone know of good wheel builder in the Bournemouth Area. I need two wheels built around large flange hubs, rear to accomodate a six speed freewheel. 700 rims preferably.
Thanks in advance.
by daddig
14 Jun 2013, 2:27pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Worries onAlpine tour
Replies: 5
Views: 540

Re: Worries onAlpine tour

Why worry, carry a bivvy bag and light sleeping bag. If you cannot reach your prebooked hotel and cannot find an alternative, find a piece of dry flat ground out of sight of the road, bivvy and sleeping bag out. Lock your bike and bobs your uncle, a bed for the night. Yes you might get a bit wet, it certainly won't be as warm and dry as a hotel. However you get some rest, you could add a sleeping mat for more warmth and comfort. As for your age, I'm 65 and have met people camping in their 70's. So why worry!
by daddig
12 Jun 2013, 8:26pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Bike shops Lake District, Westmorland, Yorkshire Dales?
Replies: 8
Views: 871

Re: Bike shops Lake District, Westmorland, Yorkshire Dales?

Thanks for the correction re Hest Bank / Bolton le Sands
by daddig
12 Jun 2013, 1:03pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Changing trains in UK, do i have to reserve bicycle twice?
Replies: 5
Views: 710

Re: Changing trains in UK, do i have to reserve bicycle twic

Go on East Coast Rail, book your tickets, reserve a seat and book your bike space, follow the instruction and pay. Both legs of your journey require bike booking, East Coast are the only ones I'm aware that allow the booking .