Search found 11 matches

by spider
11 Jun 2012 16:30
Forum: Technical Talk
Topic: Saddle recommendations
Replies: 5
Views: 3837

I find that as I get older and bonier around the back end, the Rolls, as suggested by Andy, does very well. I planted my rear on a well Neatsfoot oiled and copper rivetted Brookes for many years, but when that died of old age the Rolls replaced it and we remain very happy together. And they don't co...
by spider
22 Nov 2011 10:25
Forum: Technical Talk
Topic: RIP to an old friend: The longevity of aluminium frames
Replies: 23
Views: 10467

I know Mike Kowel well and, although he used to build frames, these days he is a importer of carbon frames and a range of componants. He also does a very nice respray. As Chris says his business is based in a barn between Four Oaks and Brownhills and he trades as 'Autostrada'
by spider
21 Nov 2011 19:26
Forum: Technical Talk
Topic: RIP to an old friend: The longevity of aluminium frames
Replies: 23
Views: 10467

Early aluminium frames did have a bit of a habit of cracking near the welds as it is a material that is tricky to weld and the process can reduce the area close to the joint to pure aluminium, which is an excellent conductor but has a tensile strength similar to that of marzipan. The problem was sol...
by spider
24 May 2010 15:18
Forum: Technical Talk
Topic: Blackburn AT4 track pump - daft question
Replies: 5
Views: 3481

Just look at the seal, move the lever and see when the seal expands and contracts. Works every time. Amazing!
by spider
24 May 2010 15:11
Forum: Technical Talk
Topic: squealing bottom bracket
Replies: 8
Views: 5130

As others have observed, quite often sounds are transmitted around the bike and are generated at some remote point to that which you may be convinced is the source. Try using a different chamois cream. Or, if the hub is of the type that has an external seal, it may have been assembled a bit dry. Jus...
by spider
30 Mar 2010 14:01
Forum: Technical Talk
Topic: New Cassette or Not
Replies: 15
Views: 7332

If it's a Shimano it's a bit of bun to change the freehub, (just a new freehub at about £20 quid and a big allen key. Removal of the duff freehub requires just a smart tap with a big hammer on the allen key.)

However, if it's a Campag, cross youself and ring Mercian Cycles for a quote.
by spider
08 Feb 2010 23:36
Forum: Cafe Stop
Topic: A great read
Replies: 153
Views: 2983648

I really like the writing on the label of a tin of Pedigree Chum,

Floss.
by spider
06 Feb 2010 18:05
Forum: Cafe Stop
Topic: A great read
Replies: 153
Views: 2983648

Don't try to look up the language in A Clockwork Orange; it was invented just for the book. I would reccomend everything ever written by Steinbeck, but especially Cannery Row and the Grapes of Wrath; Hemingway,( If you really want an informed opinion about bullfighting, Death in the Afternoon is ess...
by spider
05 Feb 2010 23:10
Forum: Cafe Stop
Topic: A great read
Replies: 153
Views: 2983648

Time you were tucked up in bed with a good book Mrs Cole.
by spider
27 Dec 2009 18:19
Forum: Technical Talk
Topic: Look Classic Pedals
Replies: 12
Views: 6477

Look pedals

Neil's problem is not uncommon and can be squarely blamed on poor quality manufacture. However the missing pin is a standard roll pin and can probably be obtained from any good engineers merchant. Birmingham used to be full of such places, but Mrs Thatcher put paid to that. John Hitchcock probably k...
by spider
24 Nov 2009 14:03
Forum: Technical Talk
Topic: Cable problems...
Replies: 9
Views: 6093

The really, really, important point is to never attempt to take the shifter apart; this can only lead to a tearful trip to the bike shop (via the cash point). Enough poking and probing almost always, after a lot of muttering, results in the extraction of the frayed bit of cable. If it all ends in te...