Search found 92 matches

by Clive
28 Jan 2015 21:50
Forum: Technical Talk
Topic: Wheel building at Birmingham Bike Foundry
Replies: 15
Views: 8530

OFF TOPIC - nice to see again, Clive. I was only thinking yesterday that we have not heard /seen you much recently. Thank you. I've been out of the saddle for a while for numerous reasons, but getting back into it now and getting fitness back I hope. Last 200km audax was the Cheltenham flyer last M...
by Clive
28 Jan 2015 12:28
Forum: Technical Talk
Topic: Wheel building at Birmingham Bike Foundry
Replies: 15
Views: 8530

I did this course Autumn 2013, and I also had one to one tuition for most of the day. I took in all the components and built a pair of good solid wheels for my old hybrid; Tiagra hubs, Rigida Sputnik rims and sapim spokes. They are as true now as the day I built them. it was well worth the money and...
by Clive
13 Mar 2014 18:37
Forum: Technical Talk
Topic: Brake pad length
Replies: 13
Views: 7021

Re: Brake pad length

Pads for cantilever brakes are usually 55mm. But pads for V-brakes are usually 70mm. The fixings are usually identical. What's the reason for using shorter blocks with cantilevers? Is there any reason why I shouldn't fit V-brake pads & shoes to the cantilevers on my touring bike? Wouldn't the incre...
by Clive
27 Nov 2013 21:20
Forum: Cafe Stop
Topic: Accident help
Replies: 21
Views: 13968

Thanks for the update, Clive. As the victim, are you satisfied with the result? Yes and no, not an easy question to answer. The punishment, which is on a par with a fixed penalty notice for low level speeding or parking on double yellow lines, is not enough in my view and does not reflect the sever...
by Clive
27 Nov 2013 09:14
Forum: Cafe Stop
Topic: Accident help
Replies: 21
Views: 13968

Update: The police finally interviewed the driver under caution on 29th October, almost 12 weeks after the accident. They have decided she is entirely to blame and she is to be given the choice of attending a driver awareness course and paying a fee, or face prosecution. If she attends the course, a...
by Clive
31 Oct 2013 12:06
Forum: Technical Talk
Topic: commuting tyres
Replies: 7
Views: 5617

I would personally stick with Continentals, I've used them for years and I am more than happy with them. Gator skins and Gator hardshells are great, hardly ever get a **flat** with them and they are very hard wearing as well as giving good handling. (A gator hardshell was on my front wheel when the ...
by Clive
31 Oct 2013 11:45
Forum: Cafe Stop
Topic: 20mph limit? quick survey
Replies: 25
Views: 11869

I'm not convinced an arbitrary 20mph speed limit will make much if any difference without effective enforcement. Irresponsible drivers will ignore it as they do already, and careful drivers already drive according to the prevailing conditions. A point often overlooked is that any speed limit is a ma...
by Clive
25 Oct 2013 09:31
Forum: Cafe Stop
Topic: A close shave
Replies: 10
Views: 6304

I tend to cycle just to the left of centre of the lane I am supposed to be in, as I find if too near the curb drivers will race past without pulling out and overtaking properly. It is much safer if they are forced to slow down, then have to signal and overtake as they should. I've no wish to provoke...
by Clive
22 Oct 2013 13:01
Forum: Technical Talk
Topic: Mavic freehub issues.
Replies: 3
Views: 3157

Maybe contact your supplier or Mavic for advice and possible warranty replacement.

I had a problem with a Hope freehub earlier in the year, and contacted Hope just for technical advice. Even though it was 2 1/2 years old and covered about 15000Km, they offered to replaced it free of charge.
by Clive
21 Oct 2013 11:50
Forum: Cafe Stop
Topic: sealskinz
Replies: 5
Views: 4214

sealskinz

Does anyone have experience of Sealskinz products?

I'm looking for a good pair of winter gloves and overshoes, and wondered if anyone has used these and if they are up to the job? There seems to be mixed reviews.
by Clive
15 Oct 2013 20:46
Forum: Technical Talk
Topic: Winter tyres
Replies: 12
Views: 8955

Ordered Conti GP 4 seasons in the end from probikekit for £30 each inc P&P. Pleased with so far, easy enough to fit, light, and seem to grip well in the wet. The info sheet describes fitting paying attention to the direction of rotation arrow. I couldn't find one on either tyre, and after emailing C...
by Clive
12 Oct 2013 16:48
Forum: Technical Talk
Topic: Winter tyres
Replies: 12
Views: 8955

Thanks for all your thoughts. I like the look of the GP 4 seasons, same mass as the 4000s and about £2-3 dearer. An option for 700 x 28's too. http://www.conti-tyres.co.uk/conticycle/ti%20grand%20prix%204%20season.shtml During my accident back in August the front wheel rim was broken into 2 separate...
by Clive
12 Oct 2013 12:34
Forum: Technical Talk
Topic: Winter tyres
Replies: 12
Views: 8955

Just found the Conti GP 4000's. look good but seem hellish expensive. Very tempted as half the mass of a 700 x 28 tough touring tyre. How do they compare to Gator Hardshells? Just been looking at Conti Contact winter 2's for my hybrid, but they're £50 each! As an aside; does anyone fit specific wint...
by Clive
12 Oct 2013 12:26
Forum: Cafe Stop
Topic: Accident help
Replies: 21
Views: 13968

No, I was going to ride the Horseshoe pass from Congleton tomorrow, but have developed a nasty cold over the week, so will bail, unless I'm VMB in the next 24 hours. The police seem really, really slow. They say they are keen to interview the driver under caution, and have so far seemed to take it s...
by Clive
12 Oct 2013 11:20
Forum: Technical Talk
Topic: Winter tyres
Replies: 12
Views: 8955

Winter tyres

What are folks' preferred tyres for winter road use? weight is not the main concern, and would prefer a good durable tyre that is not prone to **flat** and grips well on wet or occasionally icy roads. I'm not sure whether to stick with the Continental Gator hardshells that I'm very happy with, or to...
by Clive
12 Oct 2013 11:07
Forum: Cafe Stop
Topic: Accident help
Replies: 21
Views: 13968

many thanks for all your posts and kind words. Update: cuts and bruises have all healed, but I am left with a painful left elbow and shoulder. Provisional diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) for which I am going to need physiotherapy and possibly surgery (hope not) It was good advice ...
by Clive
08 Oct 2013 07:30
Forum: Audaxes & Cyclosportives
Topic: Falling Leaves Audax - 100km - 6th October
Replies: 15
Views: 7457

Yes, it was a tough but great day with fantastic scenery and autumn colours, plus superb weather. Couldn't be better really. I'm convinced the climbs have become longer and steeper since last year, maybe something to do with tectonic plate movement :) I started the day at Wythall and rode it as a 20...
by Clive
29 Sep 2013 10:05
Forum: Technical Talk
Topic: Winter/Audax/light touring bike
Replies: 8
Views: 5376

The Yukon comes with an option for either carbon or alloy forks. The polished alloy audax one is 70g heavier and 41 Euros cheaper. The Amazon has carbon forks, and as far as I can tell from the VN website no option for alloy. I like the look of both, but would be more inclined towards the Amazon I t...
by Clive
24 Sep 2013 15:48
Forum: Cafe Stop
Topic: 20mph around 90% of Birmingham
Replies: 2
Views: 2582

I think better enforcement of existing rules would be a more prudent step than just a lower speed limit. I have been commuting between Sutton Coldfield and Wythall for the last 2 weeks, and if you want to drive at 20mph look no further than the M42. I averaged just 18mph one morning, despite a traff...
by Clive
20 Sep 2013 07:31
Forum: Technical Talk
Topic: Winter/Audax/light touring bike
Replies: 8
Views: 5376

No worries 8) I like the look of the VN bikes, and particularly the Amazon and the Yukon. Unfortunately, neither ticks every box. I would like the option of disc brakes (Amazon only) and also an alloy fork instead of a carbon one (Yukon only) Maybe I could be persuaded that a carbon fork is ok for a...
by Clive
19 Sep 2013 14:42
Forum: Technical Talk
Topic: Winter/Audax/light touring bike
Replies: 8
Views: 5376

I'm still looking forward to my next bike and have compared both the VN Amazon and the Yukon. It is possible to have fitted from new 28 tyres and full mudguards on the Yukon. The amazon, the next model up, weights about 1.3kg more and has a greater wheel clearance so will take> 28 tyres and also has...
by Clive
09 Aug 2013 15:29
Forum: Cafe Stop
Topic: Accident help
Replies: 21
Views: 13968

Accident help

I have been hit by a car today, in Wythall at the junction of Station Road, Norton Lane and Lea Green Lane. The car was coming up the hill by the station to turn right into Lea Green Lane, cutting the corner, hitting me head on whilst I was about to turn right. I was thrown across the bonnet and lan...
by Clive
08 Aug 2013 13:46
Forum: Technical Talk
Topic: Hope freehubs
Replies: 6
Views: 5159

Good news.

Those good folk at Hope have replaced the freehub with a steel one at no charge. Even dispatched next day FedEx delivery at no charge.

Has to be a 10 out of 10 for customer service
by Clive
31 Jul 2013 18:26
Forum: Technical Talk
Topic: Best wheel rims
Replies: 10
Views: 6463

I would Hope (pardon the pun) that the Hope hub lasts for a lot, lot longer than this. At 15000 it is as new except for the freehub. I am beginning to wonder if the extra expense for something like a Hope hub with sealed cartridge bearings is worth it? Financially no, functionally I'm not sure but i...
by Clive
31 Jul 2013 09:39
Forum: Technical Talk
Topic: Best wheel rims
Replies: 10
Views: 6463

I've thought about that. 6 of one, half a dozen of the other situation. A new hand built wheel the same (Hope3 hub with Mavic open pro rim) is about £200. I've ordered a new open pro rim for £39, will use new nipples of course for £3-£4, and a new rim tape £3. Will reuse the spokes as they are good ...
by Clive
31 Jul 2013 08:58
Forum: Technical Talk
Topic: Best wheel rims
Replies: 10
Views: 6463

I've fitted a half worn Continental sport with a bit of a struggle, but not taken it off yet.

Good point though, it will be a tricky one to mend on the roadside. I'd better get some good levers in.
by Clive
30 Jul 2013 18:57
Forum: Technical Talk
Topic: Best wheel rims
Replies: 10
Views: 6463

:shock: 13000 out of open pros? Jeez I thought I'd been pushing my luck at 9000 for a front used mainly in good weather with rim friendly blocks when I finally realised that not checking the front because the rear was OK wasn't really valid having put a new wheel on the back a few thousand miles ag...
by Clive
30 Jul 2013 18:40
Forum: Technical Talk
Topic: Hope freehubs
Replies: 6
Views: 5159

It was a bit of a so and so getting the cassette off, but easy enough to tidy the damaged splines with a file, it really is as soft as butter that thing. I've also found what appear to be hairline cracks around 2 of the pawls, so will replace with a steel one. Inferior part of an otherwise great hub.
by Clive
29 Jul 2013 16:37
Forum: Technical Talk
Topic: Hope freehubs
Replies: 6
Views: 5159

It's a shame as it spoils an otherwise excellent piece of kit. It's only about 2 years 3 months and 14000 miles old. The bearings and seals are as new with no noticeable wear and there has been no ingress of water or crud despite round the year all weather use. Only ever been used with Shimano 105 c...
by Clive
29 Jul 2013 14:46
Forum: Technical Talk
Topic: Best wheel rims
Replies: 10
Views: 6463

Best wheel rims

The time has come to replace my wheel rims, both are worn thin now and the rear one has suffered recent pot hole damage. The current rims are Mavic open pros, that have given good service of about 13000 miles. Are there better rims available?, would like to know what others think. I need a bombproof...
by Clive
29 Jul 2013 14:42
Forum: Technical Talk
Topic: Hope freehubs
Replies: 6
Views: 5159

Hope freehubs

I've just stripped down my cassette and discovered that my Hope alloy freehub is quite badly worn where the cassette has gouged into the softer alloy splines. A replacement in either alloy (80g) or steel (148g) is about £60. I'm a little disappointed because it is an expensive piece of kit, and I've...
by Clive
27 Jun 2013 19:51
Forum: Audaxes & Cyclosportives
Topic: Midlander 100km - Sunday 14th July 2013
Replies: 3
Views: 2957

+1, booked it. I'm riding Gavin Greenhow's Clee and Herefordshire hills the day before, so will be a DNS if suffering too much
by Clive
17 Jun 2013 09:38
Forum: Technical Talk
Topic: Water Proof Jacket Advice Required
Replies: 16
Views: 8794

I have yet to find a waterproof shell that is actually 100% waterproof. I have been buying waterproofs for mountaineering for 25+ years and all have been very disappointing; they are not as waterproof or as breathable as claimed by the manufacturers in their marketing BS, and none to date have done ...
by Clive
31 May 2013 20:54
Forum: Club News & Events
Topic: To Weston and Back: "The Weston Run"
Replies: 196
Views: 306736

Very best of luck to all taking part, it seems you will have the weather on your side for a nice change. Wish I was taking part (Really), but I had to bail out a few days ago as I've been laid up with a chest infection and sinusitis. I did 15 miles today, and though I was going to collapse. On the m...
by Clive
24 May 2013 13:15
Forum: Audaxes & Cyclosportives
Topic: Audax Digest
Replies: 105
Views: 890191

Isle of Man audaxes. I've just completed 2 great 100 Km audaxes on the Isle of Man. Really good cycling; roads are much quieter and surfaces better than ours, and car drivers are far more tolerant and less aggressive. The northerly quarter of the Island is fairly flat, similar to Norfolk and the Fe...
by Clive
01 May 2013 18:26
Forum: Technical Talk
Topic: Zipp wheels and good bike shop
Replies: 2
Views: 2395

The only dealer/distributor I could find on Zipp's website was Fisher outdoor in St Albans.

Good bike mechanic = Ben at Venture Bikes in Stirchley, really good with wheels too.


http://www.fisheroutdoor.co.uk/default.asp

http://www.venturebikes.com
by Clive
10 Apr 2013 08:33
Forum: Technical Talk
Topic: Helmet Longevity
Replies: 22
Views: 13772

The advice seems very inconsistent and varies widely. Polycarbonate, the material used to make the hard shell in most cases, degrades with exposure to UV light. Some manufactures use UV inhibitors, but over time will need replacing. Mountaineering helmets, similar cost, design and materials all seem...
by Clive
09 Apr 2013 10:01
Forum: Technical Talk
Topic: Helmet Longevity
Replies: 22
Views: 13772

The Giro website recommends replacing a helmet after 3 years or after a fall or impact. Whether that is based on sound scientific evidence or is to sell more helmets, I couldn't possibly comment. http://www.giro.com/eu_en/customer-service/cycling-helmet-faqs Climbing helmets and plastic mountaineeri...
by Clive
28 Mar 2013 14:11
Forum: Technical Talk
Topic: Drivetrain advice
Replies: 14
Views: 9543

Are the KMC links reusable? Yes, but it is recommended that you only use them for the life of the chain that it is fitted to. No I wouldn't of course, I would always fit a new one. It would be more practical than the one use only SRAM link for taking off the chain for proper cleaning. I'm seriously...
by Clive
27 Mar 2013 19:44
Forum: Technical Talk
Topic: Drivetrain advice
Replies: 14
Views: 9543

I use SRAM with 10 speed and the power link is not reusable, but I've never needed to separate a chain other than at the end of its life. I carry a spare power link, but I've never used one though. Are the KMC links reusable? Not sure if it is my imagination, but chains seemed to wear out quicker la...
by Clive
27 Mar 2013 07:54
Forum: Technical Talk
Topic: Drivetrain advice
Replies: 14
Views: 9543

I'm running a 105 cassette, Tiagra crank and chainrings, and a SRAM chain at the moment. all works fine. I've used Tiagra 10sp cassettes too, and can't say I notice any difference in quality or length of service from the 105. My bike chewed up and spat out one FSA and two 105 BB's in the first 18 mo...
by Clive
25 Mar 2013 14:37
Forum: Other Rides & Touring
Topic: Cycling in Morocco
Replies: 7
Views: 5359

I know someone who has been to morocco with KE adventures recently and really rated it. I also know some folks who did the Pyrenees raid with KE last September and thought they were very good. Personally I really like morocco and would love to cycle there (or to there!) at some stage. I can vouch f...
by Clive
24 Mar 2013 13:03
Forum: Other Rides & Touring
Topic: Cycling in Morocco
Replies: 7
Views: 5359

Cycling in Morocco

The spring equinox has been and gone, clocks advance to BST next weekend, and here I am in Wythall looking out at 6 inches of snow and remembering 2012 as a terrible year for nice weather cycling, while at the same time finding pointless things to do to delay that 1 hour turbo trainer bash. Therefor...
by Clive
21 Mar 2013 13:38
Forum: Technical Talk
Topic: New bike advice
Replies: 51
Views: 51298

My Charge Filter I am riding at the moment is driving me mad due to the front derailleur being utter rubbish - H screw has fallen out twice now of its own accord and have had trouble shifting the front cogs on and off since buying the thing. Having got it from Wiggle at a huge discount, their Ts & ...
by Clive
21 Mar 2013 13:20
Forum: Technical Talk
Topic: New bike advice
Replies: 51
Views: 51298

£2600 seems very reasonable for a custom made bike of that spec with good quality components. My "off the peg" Dawes 2008 audax with Shimano 105 gearing was £900, but once I had fitted a proper saddle, pedals, stem, seat post, BB, hand built wheel set, better tyres and tubes it was around £1600. I'm...
by Clive
19 Mar 2013 17:46
Forum: Club News & Events
Topic: To Weston and Back: "The Weston Run"
Replies: 196
Views: 306736

on 1st june sunrise = 0449 and sunset =2108. anyone up for a 4 am start?
by Clive
19 Mar 2013 08:47
Forum: Technical Talk
Topic: New fangled technology.
Replies: 2
Views: 2541

New fangled technology.

I bashed over to Leamington Spa last week to have a quick look at and get a catalogue for Van Nicholas bikes.

Does anyone own, have experience with or an opinion of?

1) Rohloff gear hubs

2) Shimano electronic shifting

3) Belt drive transmission.
by Clive
19 Mar 2013 08:40
Forum: Club News & Events
Topic: To Weston and Back: "The Weston Run"
Replies: 196
Views: 306736

I would like to join, but cannot commit at the moment as I don't what my work schedule will be. I would do it as a 300km DIY audax, possibly starting from Wythall and joining up in Bromsgove, Droitwich or Tewkesbury. Also, it coincides with Mark Rigbys popular The Silk Run 100km audax. not sure if f...
by Clive
18 Mar 2013 13:56
Forum: Audaxes & Cyclosportives
Topic: Riding into the Oblivion: A new audax?
Replies: 3
Views: 2923

Dreadful weather, the rain was just starting to turn to sleet and the temperature dropped to about 2.0c as I bashed back along the whiteway in fading light towards the end. I had a **flat** at Perrotts Brook and got cold, but burning it from there on warmed me up a little. I was thankful for the sec...
by Clive
11 Mar 2013 11:52
Forum: Technical Talk
Topic: Cloudy vision
Replies: 9
Views: 5489

It is also possible to get preservative free Hypromellose. I think it is the addition of the preservative, which can discolour some contact lenses, that is the contra indication.