Stupid New Years Resolution!
Discussion
Liquid Knight said:
I have been reconsidering the joys of using a road bike 30=mph would be a lot less effort but I would prefer to borrow one for a few days to see if my back can take it. If not build a 700C rear wheeled recumbent and have aerodynamic advantage as well as gearing. 
Or as we are heading into winter again, perhaps a CX? Most of the benefits of a road bike, disc brakes, more relaxed geometry, slightly larger tyres.....Looks like a perfect s
tty season commuter spec?
My new tyres arrived today and I'm a little concerned...
...they might be a little subtle.
Both the red and white tyres were round...
...and allowed me to feel the need to stick my knee out when taking roundabouts aggressively.
The new tyres have a wider profile, directional tread and lip around the edge...
...this is great news for wet riding as the directional tread will throw water away form the tyre and the lip will help keep the rims dry. Very important if you don't have disc brakes. But...
...could this lip effect the lean angle in the dry?
It looks to be nice and progressive and a wider contact patch than the rounder tyres. I'll let you know after a couple of hundred miles. Another observation, even though the profile is wider and the tyre certainly feels thicker there is little to no difference in the weight. This could well be another superb tyre and from my first impression another bargain buy.
Also the Solar powered rear light arrived today from China. It's on the window sill charging and I'll give it a try next time I'm out and about.
...they might be a little subtle.
Both the red and white tyres were round...
...and allowed me to feel the need to stick my knee out when taking roundabouts aggressively.
The new tyres have a wider profile, directional tread and lip around the edge...
...this is great news for wet riding as the directional tread will throw water away form the tyre and the lip will help keep the rims dry. Very important if you don't have disc brakes. But...
...could this lip effect the lean angle in the dry?
It looks to be nice and progressive and a wider contact patch than the rounder tyres. I'll let you know after a couple of hundred miles. Another observation, even though the profile is wider and the tyre certainly feels thicker there is little to no difference in the weight. This could well be another superb tyre and from my first impression another bargain buy.
Also the Solar powered rear light arrived today from China. It's on the window sill charging and I'll give it a try next time I'm out and about.
1986 miles
What a difference a day makes.
Yesterday I was stopped by a local Police officer for doing 35.7mph.
This morning with an air of smugness...
"Only 28 today!"
...I replied...
"Yeah; it's a headwind".
I'm going to feel guilty about how cacked up that shiny cog set it going to get.
What a difference a day makes.
Yesterday I was stopped by a local Police officer for doing 35.7mph.
This morning with an air of smugness...
"Only 28 today!"
...I replied...
"Yeah; it's a headwind".
I'm going to feel guilty about how cacked up that shiny cog set it going to get.
2011 miles.
Hmmmm. I was a little concerned how tired I was this morning after a forty minute run. My front tyre was 20psi and my rear 32psi.
Someone looking for the end of their bell had let my tyres down!!!!
As my tyres are new and I'm not used to them yet I thought I was coming down with a cold or the wind was heavier than I thought it was.
Time to fill my dust caps with milk I think.
Hmmmm. I was a little concerned how tired I was this morning after a forty minute run. My front tyre was 20psi and my rear 32psi.
Someone looking for the end of their bell had let my tyres down!!!!
As my tyres are new and I'm not used to them yet I thought I was coming down with a cold or the wind was heavier than I thought it was.
Time to fill my dust caps with milk I think.
2037 miles
Sram hollow pin chains are less than half price at Halfords....
....because they are absolute crap!
126 miles of normal road use and the normally £60 chain is ! Between half and a millimeter of play in every single link.
I'll get the cheaper, heavier, nastier one tomorrow at least they last a bit longer.
Sram hollow pin chains are less than half price at Halfords....
....because they are absolute crap!
126 miles of normal road use and the normally £60 chain is
! Between half and a millimeter of play in every single link. I'll get the cheaper, heavier, nastier one tomorrow at least they last a bit longer.
No Shimano chains in stock and as I want to go more than a hundred miles this time I didn't get a Sram.
I got the cheapest nine speed chain Halfords had. Clarkes C9 is an old YBN design, thick enough to have writing stamped on every link yet as smooth as the Sram was when first fitted. Let's see how the next hundred miles or so go.
I got the cheapest nine speed chain Halfords had. Clarkes C9 is an old YBN design, thick enough to have writing stamped on every link yet as smooth as the Sram was when first fitted. Let's see how the next hundred miles or so go.
2087 miles and the smoothest ride to work in ages.
Thirty six minutes and I spent most of it in the top three gears. I had to brake for the roundabout so I haven't pushed the new tyres yet.
This morning's typical Sunday drivers. Condensation cleared on the front screens only, passing within inches of my handle bar; just as well there were only seven vehicles that passed me. The one thing I like about Saturday night shift is I'm the only one daft enough to be on the road at silly AM Sunday morning. I was lovely and fresh out as well. I should have taken a pair of thin gloves. The air temperature was about 7'C but the humidity and wind chill (at 20-ish mph) was enough for my hands to go that blue/purple/red you normally get in December.
I'm thinking of getting a seat post mounted rack for my bag instead of a small trailer. I can then mount a 1.5m pole on the back of my bike covered with reflective tape and with a light on the outer edge. Maybe then alleged drivers will overtake at an appropriate distance.
Thirty six minutes and I spent most of it in the top three gears. I had to brake for the roundabout so I haven't pushed the new tyres yet.
This morning's typical Sunday drivers. Condensation cleared on the front screens only, passing within inches of my handle bar; just as well there were only seven vehicles that passed me. The one thing I like about Saturday night shift is I'm the only one daft enough to be on the road at silly AM Sunday morning. I was lovely and fresh out as well. I should have taken a pair of thin gloves. The air temperature was about 7'C but the humidity and wind chill (at 20-ish mph) was enough for my hands to go that blue/purple/red you normally get in December.
I'm thinking of getting a seat post mounted rack for my bag instead of a small trailer. I can then mount a 1.5m pole on the back of my bike covered with reflective tape and with a light on the outer edge. Maybe then alleged drivers will overtake at an appropriate distance.
2137 miles
Grrrr!
ATTENTION ALL DRIVERS!!!
If you do not clear the condensation from your side windows you can not see what's around you.
If you can not see what's around you and I'm there I will smash your window so you can see me!
Five near misses in two days. I'm wearing my carbon knuckle duster bike gloves tonight.
Grrrr!
ATTENTION ALL DRIVERS!!!
If you do not clear the condensation from your side windows you can not see what's around you.
If you can not see what's around you and I'm there I will smash your window so you can see me!
Five near misses in two days. I'm wearing my carbon knuckle duster bike gloves tonight.
Liquid Knight said:
2037 miles
Sram hollow pin chains are less than half price at Halfords....
....because they are absolute crap!
126 miles of normal road use and the normally 60 chain is ! Between half and a millimeter of play in every single link.
I'll get the cheaper, heavier, nastier one tomorrow at least they last a bit longer.
I'm lost I dont get how a chain can die so quick? On my 15 year old MTB commuter I stuck a cheap single speed chain o on (with a 7 spd cassette) and never really cleaned it and it was solid after 2000+ miles. My standard fit campag chain was only half worn after 3K comuteing milesSram hollow pin chains are less than half price at Halfords....
....because they are absolute crap!
126 miles of normal road use and the normally 60 chain is
! Between half and a millimeter of play in every single link. I'll get the cheaper, heavier, nastier one tomorrow at least they last a bit longer.
TwistingMyMelon said:
Liquid Knight said:
2037 miles
Sram hollow pin chains are less than half price at Halfords....
....because they are absolute crap!
126 miles of normal road use and the normally 60 chain is ! Between half and a millimeter of play in every single link.
I'll get the cheaper, heavier, nastier one tomorrow at least they last a bit longer.
I'm lost I dont get how a chain can die so quick? On my 15 year old MTB commuter I stuck a cheap single speed chain o on (with a 7 spd cassette) and never really cleaned it and it was solid after 2000+ miles. My standard fit campag chain was only half worn after 3K comuteing milesSram hollow pin chains are less than half price at Halfords....
....because they are absolute crap!
126 miles of normal road use and the normally 60 chain is
! Between half and a millimeter of play in every single link. I'll get the cheaper, heavier, nastier one tomorrow at least they last a bit longer.
Either that or it's my tree trunk He-Man legs.
Liquid Knight said:
1986 miles
What a difference a day makes.
Yesterday I was stopped by a local Police officer for doing 35.7mph.
This morning with an air of smugness...
"Only 28 today!"
...I replied...
"Yeah; it's a headwind".
I'm going to feel guilty about how cacked up that shiny cog set it going to get.
Im curious as to what they said? :-) What a difference a day makes.
Yesterday I was stopped by a local Police officer for doing 35.7mph.
This morning with an air of smugness...
"Only 28 today!"
...I replied...
"Yeah; it's a headwind".
I'm going to feel guilty about how cacked up that shiny cog set it going to get.
2187 miles.
Pretty uneventful ride home this morning and I finally get a day off (I only had three days off at the start of September). So I'll be under my brothers BMW swearing at the ABS sensors shortly but...
Good morning sir.
Good morning.
Do you have any idea why I asked you to stop?
No.
Do you know how fast you were going?
Not at all; I don't have a speedometer and there's no other traffic to use as a guide.
35.7mph
Really? (the tinnitus of a car headed towards us)
Maybe you should look into getting a computer for your bike.
Not unless they make it compulsory. Have a nice day.
I can see where he was coming from. Drivers don't expect cyclist to be going anywhere near the speed limit and have a nasty habit of pulling out of junctions, roundabouts, driveways and so on because they may look but hardly ever see. Especially at silly o'clock in the morning.
Pretty uneventful ride home this morning and I finally get a day off (I only had three days off at the start of September). So I'll be under my brothers BMW swearing at the ABS sensors shortly but...
TheLemming said:
Im curious as to what they said?
...it went a little like this...Good morning sir.
Good morning.
Do you have any idea why I asked you to stop?
No.
Do you know how fast you were going?
Not at all; I don't have a speedometer and there's no other traffic to use as a guide.
35.7mph
Really? (the tinnitus of a car headed towards us)
Maybe you should look into getting a computer for your bike.
Not unless they make it compulsory. Have a nice day.
I can see where he was coming from. Drivers don't expect cyclist to be going anywhere near the speed limit and have a nasty habit of pulling out of junctions, roundabouts, driveways and so on because they may look but hardly ever see. Especially at silly o'clock in the morning.
I get a sweaty back.
Bleaugh!
'cos when I ride I wear a ruck sack.
Bleaugh!
So I'm trying to decide between a trailer or rack.
Bleaugh!
To make my commute a little less whack!
Look out for the Walrus!
So my ruck sack is getting old and tired. They are still available and superb but...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hi-Vis-bag-Rucksack-2-Co...
...any bag of this type will trap moisture and not allow air flow.
Due to the design of my bike I need to either have a seat post mounted rack...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Avenir-Pioneer-Urban-Eli...
...and pannier bag big enough for a change of clothes, laptop, food, drink and stuff...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bicycle-Cycle-Bike-Rear-...
...or a trailer with bag instead.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Cargo-Bicycle-Bike-Trail...
The rack and panniers will effect the geometry of the bike and I'm sure it will be weird for a while but I should get used to it pretty quick. The trailer is an extra tyre to take care of, compromise the handling of the bike (no more knee scraping roundabouts) and could the limited suspension of both options damage my laptop?
Any ideas guy?
Trailer would be great fun at first, esp when overtaking others!! But I think it would be overkill and something else to go wrong, esp with punctures if using everyday, esp if it was for "small loads" . I am always tempted by a Kona Ute for my commute, but I only ever need a small rucksack! I think the gear ratios would drive me nuts after a couple of rides as they are there to cope with serious loads. I think you would need some weight in the trailer otherwise whilst fun at first it could be lethal on some off camber corners, or swerving.
I use just a cheap fabric rucksack I got free with a cheapo camping rucksack from Tesco about 6 years ago, Ive used it so much it feels part of me!!
I would get panniers, or just use less layers so you stay cooler
I use just a cheap fabric rucksack I got free with a cheapo camping rucksack from Tesco about 6 years ago, Ive used it so much it feels part of me!!
I would get panniers, or just use less layers so you stay cooler
That was just a t'shirt's and a spirted commute. If I hurry it's worse. I must go to Aldi and get another one of their jackets at some point. They are superb. Also how about a sidecar? 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAn-mdS-otE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAn-mdS-otE
You would be looking for something like this. The bag is 100 solid, the mesh is a separate panel to keep the bag off your back
This is a badlands Diablo I use for archery and hunting, its also a water bladder carrier, just not cheap.
edit: changed the pic to a better on showing the mesh and pack separates.
This is a badlands Diablo I use for archery and hunting, its also a water bladder carrier, just not cheap.
edit: changed the pic to a better on showing the mesh and pack separates.
Edited by Celtic Dragon on Thursday 10th October 15:25
I'd get one for when I go hare causer and lamper hunting.
2195 miles.
Just been to the shop and back. There's never a Police officer around when you need one. Completely flat out in the tail wind section. For the first time this year I could still feel the wind behind me as I was gunning it. I've previously calculated the top speed for the bike is 38 mph and this was it. Sadly this only lasted an eights of a mile so twenty five-ish seconds later I turned left ninety degrees and had to lean the bike between five and ten degrees to go in a straight line. Three quarter tail winds the back of the bike felt as if it wanted to lift, three quarter headwinds and the bike felt heavy. Headwind! Even with my elbows on the handle bars 10-12 mph was good going.
Tomorrow's commute will be fun.
2195 miles.
Just been to the shop and back. There's never a Police officer around when you need one. Completely flat out in the tail wind section. For the first time this year I could still feel the wind behind me as I was gunning it. I've previously calculated the top speed for the bike is 38 mph and this was it. Sadly this only lasted an eights of a mile so twenty five-ish seconds later I turned left ninety degrees and had to lean the bike between five and ten degrees to go in a straight line. Three quarter tail winds the back of the bike felt as if it wanted to lift, three quarter headwinds and the bike felt heavy. Headwind! Even with my elbows on the handle bars 10-12 mph was good going.
Tomorrow's commute will be fun.
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