The Beacon Message Board

Hi, I’ve tried the wanted thread with no success so I hope you don’t mind me trying this one which seems to be a little more popular. I know this is a long shot but a few years ago I disposed of most of my cycling equipment thinking that due to illness that it was very unlikely I’d ever ride again. ...

Could you ask him when you see him please ?

Hi, I know this is a long shot but a few years ago I disposed of most of my cycling equipment thinking that due to illness that it was very unlikely I’d ever ride again. However here I am now years later and healthy again, on the long hard road to some kind of fitness. I gave some things away to a c...

Just to add to the above Darren----
Why not go to a decent bike shop and get a quote/opinion about your bike ?
I've only lived in Brum for just over a year, so I don't really know anywhere, perhaps folks on here could recommend somewhere.

No prob Darren---you can email me on Ajmsdn@aol.com. What set-up do you have at the moment ---gear type, number of rear sprockets etc. ? The biggest problem is trying to get the STI levers working properly with an incompatible rear mech and sprocket system. Sorry to complicate matters. Andy...

Hi Darren Upgrading your bike to STI/ Ergopower levers can be slightly complicated due to the vast choice of components available and also it depends on what your existing set-up comprises. For example if you wish to upgrade to Shimano 105 STI levers, you also need a compatible rear gear, suitable c...

I've never had this problem , it may be just good luck or may be down to the fact that I always grease inner brake and gear cables before installing them.

It's not very often you have to change jockey wheels---a lot of gear changing probs come from stiff links in the chain--this can cause the rear gear cage to jump. I suggest give everything a good cleaning and lubricating. I've seen some jockey wheels worn really badly but still working fine. If the ...

I used to TT a lot using a low profile bike and in my experience sore knees have always been a result of incorrect saddle position. Below knee pain for me always meant it was too low, above the knee meant it was too high. Fore and aft saddle position can be critical. The steep seat angle on some low...

I know what you're saying about the pro teams---they ride what they're contracted for--but I'm just giving my opinion based on my experience--some Vittoria Open Corsa tyres I've had have actually worn down to the canvas and still been rideable. Haha you ask for advice on here and get even more confu...

Have a look at a good mail order site such as Ribble Cycles and you can compare all the specifications and prices. Personally I love Vittoria Open Corsa--They're dearer than Rubinos but the rolling resistance, ease of fitting, good centering on the rim and the fact that loads of pro teams still use ...

Just a thought--I used to have to slip the chain off the chainwheel to get it slack enough to get my back wheel in a rear facing drop out TT bike I used to have--any chance of providing us with a pic ? Have you changed the chain or is it shorter ?

If in doubt and you've got long rides coming up why not change it anyway ?
I got my last chain from Dotbike.com--it was much cheaper than the nearest bike shop and it came within one day.
I've only just changed mine, and even though my cassette is old the gears work fine.