Search found 357 matches

by Kevin K
30 Aug 2008, 6:49pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Rhode Gear baby carrier - instruction manual or help?
Replies: 11
Views: 2282

I assume you have the Blackburn EX1 rack that goes with the seat?
If you have, the seat simply slides onto the rack and clips on.
Kevin
by Kevin K
29 Aug 2008, 5:37pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Close ratio low touring gears
Replies: 18
Views: 2166

Thanks for all the comments and apologies if I've not explained myself as clearly as I might have done :oops:
44T is already a lot smaller than the 50T or so that Tiagra is designed to fit over. You're lucky if it works without the chain sometimes overshifting through the gap at the back, between the flattish curve of the cage and more sharply curved outer ring.
I'll check the outer chainring - it might be 46 rather than 44, which would go some way to explaining why it works so well.

Thinking about my new bike:

The key things with regard to the front mech seem to be the size of the largest chainring and difference between middle and outer rings.
Is there a front mech that will work with a 24-32-42 chainset (not worried about STI or Ergo as I plan to use bar end shifters)?
Can I simply change the rings on a standard Shimano MTB chainset to suit?
Alternatively, can someone suggest a suitable chainset?

Thanks once again, Kevin
by Kevin K
29 Aug 2008, 3:17pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Close ratio low touring gears
Replies: 18
Views: 2166

Are you sure that this would provide 'a wider spread of closer-ratio mid-range gears' that you're looking for?
I didn't express this very well. What it will give me is 10 mid-range gears (40-70, roughly) instead of 8.
by Kevin K
29 Aug 2008, 3:15pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Close ratio low touring gears
Replies: 18
Views: 2166

Thanks for your comments.

I'm a little puzzled by your comments on gear inches and wheel size.

I'm trying to understand if identical gearing will feel the same on 26" bike as on a 700c bike.
by Kevin K
29 Aug 2008, 1:37pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Close ratio low touring gears
Replies: 18
Views: 2166

Close ratio low touring gears

Could the technical experts here comment please?

I have 26" touring machine with an 11-32 cassette and 22-32-44 chainset. The bike has an XT derailleur and chainset, with a Tiagra front mech and STI levers. I hardly ever use the top or bottom two gears, and I find the jump between middle and inner rings too large for comfort.

Using Sheldon Brown's online gear calculator, I've worked out that a 24-32-42 chainset with an 12-34 Shimano cassette would eliminate the gears I don't use; provide a wider spread of closer-ratio mid-range gears, and make the jump from middle to inner smaller. It seems like a perfect setup.

Have I missed anything obvious and if not, how do I achieve this without changing the entire transmission.

I'm also in the process of specifying a new 700c tourer (probably with barcons rather than STI) and would like to use this gearing. Although the gear inch results will be different, am I right in assuming the gear ratios (and therefore the effort I have to put in) will be identical?

Thanks, Kevin
by Kevin K
26 Aug 2008, 2:50pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Shimano M545/M647 Pedals
Replies: 3
Views: 1404

Thanks Richard.
Theyre ok for short journeys in non spd shoes but I wouldn't want to go too far too often.
So a short trip to the shops in a pair of trainers or walking shoes (which I often wear when camping with the kids) would be okay?
I don't like M324 type pedals because they always seem to come up the wrong way round.
My problem exactly!
by Kevin K
25 Aug 2008, 10:58am
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Shimano M545/M647 Pedals
Replies: 3
Views: 1404

Shimano M545/M647 Pedals

I'm looking for a new set of pedals to replace my single sided Shimano M324.

I always commute in SPD shoes, but I often nip to the shops in ordinary shoes, so need a platform as well. The M324 has served me well, but a double sided pedal would make my commute easier.

I've read various reviews of the double-sided Shimano M545/M647 pedals, some of which say the binding pushes flat when used with non-SPD shoes and some say they don't! If you have have experience with either of these pedals I'd very much welcome your comments.

I'm not aware of any other double-sided (SPD or otherwise) platform pedals, but I'm open to other suggestions.

Thanks,

Kevin
by Kevin K
21 Aug 2008, 8:43am
Forum: Cycling Goods & Services - Your Reviews
Topic: Pricematch? Yes we will, oh no we won't!
Replies: 4
Views: 1171

£2 or not, I'd call ask for my money. an agreement is just that!
Kevin
by Kevin K
14 Aug 2008, 4:28pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Schwalbe Marathon Supreme
Replies: 20
Views: 16457

Cranky, Schwalbe are notorious for inaccurate type measurement. Can you tell us how wide your tyres actually are please? How about some pictures too - I'm thinking of fitting these to my new bike. Thanks, Kevin
by Kevin K
10 Aug 2008, 10:16am
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Rough Stuff or Nomad?
Replies: 11
Views: 4995

I've always found Thorn exceedingly helpful and very patient in answering all my questions. I've had three Thorn bikes, one new (Rohloff eXXp, now sold) and two used (Sherpa and childback triplet), and have bought kit from their website (when it's the cheapest). I can't fault their customer service.

On the other hand, I was also measured up for a Roberts Roughstuff. They were professional in their attitude, but there was something slightly off-hand; "take it or leave it" in their attitude.

Dave Yates is well worth considering. I had a very helpful exchange of emails with him a couple of years back (same time as I was measured for the Roberts). Unfortunately Lincolnshire was just too far from Glasgow to visit, but if I was looking again for a custom bike again that's where I'd start.

As with all small companies, they tend to adopt the attitude of their owners, which one either likes not, as the case may be!
by Kevin K
8 Jun 2008, 1:32pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Commuting bike for an 11 year old?
Replies: 4
Views: 793

Another recommendation for Islabikes. We've had three so far and have delighted with all of them. They are an investment, but keep their value really well. We just sold my daughter's two year old Beinn 24 for £170.
Kevin
by Kevin K
8 May 2008, 5:22pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Hewitt Cheviot / Cheviot SE
Replies: 9
Views: 2172

Anyone know the largest tyre a 26" Hewitt will take - Marathon XR 559-50?
Thanks, Kevin