http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: Typical bad advice needed en Fri, 17 Apr 2026 01:28:38 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15370&page=3#post-261028 Tue, 19 Sep 2017 10:49:29 +0000 steveo 261028@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Nearly two years on and a disappointingly little mileage (that’s me not the bike) I’m starting to notice some bits needing attention. The seals blew on the front hub months ago, I’ve just spotted a broken drive side spoke on the rear, the adjustment turny bits on the front brake have seized and a few other niggly bits. I’d like a lower gear but not sure the base spec 9spd gear can handle that so I’d need to upgrade the entire drive train.</p> <p>So new wheel set (I don’t trust that rear wheel won’t start shedding more spokes), new drive train including shifters and at least new cables including outers and turny bit for the brakes. I’m probably into new bike territory. Don’t get me wrong I still love the bike but I’m wondering if economically I’d be better selling it in its current condition and getting something else, potentially on cycle scheme depending on my employment situation over the next few weeks. </p> <p>Thoughts? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15370&page=3#post-206069 Fri, 04 Dec 2015 17:27:27 +0000 twinspark 206069@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>You can buy A4 sheets of Pace(?) Carbon Armour, which you can cut to size and then heat in oven before applying to a clean frame (warmed too preferably). Have used it in the past and it's very effective. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15370&page=3#post-206067 Fri, 04 Dec 2015 17:16:33 +0000 steveo 206067@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I was looking for the thick protective tape mountain bikers apply to vulnerable areas of their frame to stop them getting chipped or scratched. </p> <p>The seat stays of my racer are scratched to all heck from Sheffield stands and I thought I'd pre-empt that on my new bike and prevent it rusting away. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15370&page=3#post-206052 Fri, 04 Dec 2015 16:16:27 +0000 kaputnik 206052@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>What are you trying to stick, and to what? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15370&page=3#post-206027 Fri, 04 Dec 2015 14:47:15 +0000 steveo 206027@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Any one know where I can acquire an adhesive that was almost, but not quite, entirely unlike helicopter tape locally? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15370&page=3#post-205871 Thu, 03 Dec 2015 12:18:12 +0000 steveo 205871@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Yeah going to get it on Saturday. I'm not sure what guards I spec'd but I got them to fit them and a rack prior to me collecting it. I'd never get round to it otherwise! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15370&page=3#post-205869 Thu, 03 Dec 2015 12:02:15 +0000 Stickman 205869@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Smashing. CDF soon then? I'm loving mine so far, but still need to get out for a decent long ride. FYI: I got SKS Longboard mudguards, fitted easily with no problems at all (I got Hart's to do it for me....) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15370&page=3#post-205867 Thu, 03 Dec 2015 11:43:04 +0000 steveo 205867@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Vouchers arrived :D </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15370&page=3#post-205259 Tue, 24 Nov 2015 02:04:51 +0000 crowriver 205259@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Ha! Coinkidinky. </p> <p>My mistake about the forks. Still a nice bike and a very good price too. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15370&page=3#post-205253 Tue, 24 Nov 2015 00:22:17 +0000 Stickman 205253@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@crowriver:</p> <p>Yep, total bargain and I can vouch for the condition of it: it's me that's selling it! (It's not the carbon fork model though) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15370&page=3#post-205252 Mon, 23 Nov 2015 23:38:40 +0000 crowriver 205252@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Triban 3 road bike, 60cm frame, carbon forks, upgraded wheels, race blade mudguards, rear rack, spare stem and extra tyres all thrown in for £165. </p> <p>Total bargain. Corstorphine.</p> <p><a href="https://www.gumtree.com/p/bicycles/btwin-triban-3-60cm-frame-/1143385045" rel="nofollow">https://www.gumtree.com/p/bicycles/btwin-triban-3-60cm-frame-/1143385045</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15370&page=3#post-205251 Mon, 23 Nov 2015 23:36:40 +0000 chdot 205251@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>That's just handlebar envy. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15370&page=3#post-205249 Mon, 23 Nov 2015 23:23:47 +0000 gembo 205249@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@chdot, according to that article yo have posted - the size of one's handlebars correlated with the size of one's Johnson. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15370&page=3#post-205245 Mon, 23 Nov 2015 22:57:00 +0000 Stickman 205245@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>What size are you after? Soul Cycles have a 54cm Kaffenback at the moment. </p> <p><a href="http://www.soulcycles.co.uk/#" rel="nofollow">http://www.soulcycles.co.uk/#</a>!Planet%20X%20kaffenback%20-%2054cm%20-%20£375/zoom/c1w20/dataItem-ih7qmd1j </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15370&page=3#post-205172 Sun, 22 Nov 2015 22:48:42 +0000 crowriver 205172@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Hmm. Price drop of 50 notes on that Dawes Century SE, which has been re-listed. That is a good price, paint flaw on top tube regardless:<br /> <a href="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DAWES-CENTURY-SE-AUDAX-RACING-TOURING-BIKE-NEW-/371492337153?" rel="nofollow">http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DAWES-CENTURY-SE-AUDAX-RACING-TOURING-BIKE-NEW-/371492337153?</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15370&page=3#post-205166 Sun, 22 Nov 2015 20:35:08 +0000 I were right about that saddle 205166@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@Greenroofer<br /> <a href="http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Cycleaware-Roadie-Mirror_58130.htm?sku=165440"><br /> Oh yes.</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15370&page=3#post-205164 Sun, 22 Nov 2015 20:23:22 +0000 Greenroofer 205164@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I'm thinking of drops in this case because it will give me 'options'. I've ridden 60 miles on a flat barred bike with no problems at all, but I was taking it more leisurely than I would want to if I was trying to do 100+ in one go. One option would be to put bar-end risers on, but I have a mirror on the end of my handlebars on the current bike, so can't fit them easily.</p> <p>...that's a thought. I'm an enthusiastic mirror user. Can you fit them to drop-barred bikes? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15370&page=3#post-205163 Sun, 22 Nov 2015 20:23:10 +0000 chdot 205163@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Clearly you need shorter handlebars -</p> <p><a href="http://eugenebicyclist.com/2010/06/28/my-handlebars-are-shorter-than-your-handlebars/" rel="nofollow">http://eugenebicyclist.com/2010/06/28/my-handlebars-are-shorter-than-your-handlebars/</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15370&page=3#post-205160 Sun, 22 Nov 2015 19:55:01 +0000 gembo 205160@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@iwrats, what our leader says is true. Also on a descent you can stop pedalling entirely and tuck in with your backside over the saddle at the back and your belly on the top tube. You can then fairly wheech along in a downward direction. Various upright people who are faster than me on my daily commute get passed that way on the kingsknowe downhill. Obviously, if it makes you puke I would avoid it. I am also ridiculed by the peloton for spending too much time in the drops. Though as chDot has suggested I do try to hug the hoods more often these days but cannot do the cycling along with my hands close together on the handle bars either side of the stem. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15370&page=3#post-205158 Sun, 22 Nov 2015 19:52:21 +0000 Darkerside 205158@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>i use the drops on these all the time:</p> <p><a href="http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/HBOOMI/on-one-midge-handlebar" rel="nofollow">http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/HBOOMI/on-one-midge-handlebar</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15370&page=2#post-205157 Sun, 22 Nov 2015 19:43:35 +0000 chdot 205157@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"Do people really cycle using the dropped bits of drops?"</p> <p>Yes, but. </p> <p>Drops are to give you the chance to get a lower, more aerodynamic, position. This can be advantageous when racing or when you there's a particularly strong headwind. </p> <p>The main advantage of drops is that there are more positions for your hands to allow you to change - which is an advantage for long distances. </p> <p>Since the adven of better brakes (particularly dual pivot) it's easy to ride 'on the hoods' and have good braking power without needing to go to the drops position for extra leverage. </p> <p>Hands can also hold the bars in various places between the brake levers and the stem. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15370&page=2#post-205155 Sun, 22 Nov 2015 19:16:27 +0000 I were right about that saddle 205155@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"I think you can do a hundred miler on a flat bar"</p> <p>Do people really cycle using the dropped bits of drops? Really? I want to puke after about five minutes when I try them and I can never see where I'm going. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15370&page=2#post-205152 Sun, 22 Nov 2015 18:08:06 +0000 Greenroofer 205152@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@crowriver - that's a good point too. It's easy to default to buying new, when in fact there are great secondhand options. eBay is a mystery to me, but I might take a wander down to Soul Cycles/Bike Station to see what's there... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15370&page=2#post-205144 Sun, 22 Nov 2015 14:46:12 +0000 crowriver 205144@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>A budget adventure road bike may be an option, but you'll still need mudguards, dynamo wheel, and might want different tyres, saddle if you don't like the stock options. </p> <p>Have you considered buying second hand or "ex-demo"? Quite a few "audax" bikes of varying vintages and conditions for sale on fleaBay. Recently spotted a beautiful, mint condition Thorn Audax Mk3 in Glasgow with full 105 group set which went for about £750. A steal. </p> <p>If you're quick this new Dawes Century SE (57cm frame) ends in less than hour, is £599+£28 courier. Pretty good price for a bike that costs nearly a grand normally. <a href="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DAWES-CENTURY-SE-AUDAX-RACING-TOURING-BIKE-NEW-/371488688915" rel="nofollow">http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DAWES-CENTURY-SE-AUDAX-RACING-TOURING-BIKE-NEW-/371488688915</a></p> <p>There's also a rather nice used Surly Cross Check (58cm nominal) being auctioned off by SJS Cycles. Just serviced by them. Mavic Krysium wheels. Currently at £310 with five hours to go.. <a href="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Surly-Cross-Check-Cyclocross-Bike-Ultegra-Light-Touring-Mavic-Ksyrium-Cycle-58cm/161885739051?" rel="nofollow">http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Surly-Cross-Check-Cyclocross-Bike-Ultegra-Light-Touring-Mavic-Ksyrium-Cycle-58cm/161885739051?</a></p> <p>Less ostentatious steeds are available: a fair few Ribble audax bikes going, and a number of steel-framed Dawes Audax bikes too. Most can be had for between £200-£400, most already fitted with mudguards, etc. but also the various provisos of used bikes.</p> <p>So if say you manage to get a half decent bike for maybe £350 or less; add in a dynamo wheel for £80; front light another £30-£40; new tyres £40 if you shop around; maybe some new brake blocks £20; add whatever saddle, bar tape, luggage carrying options you fancy and can afford... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15370&page=2#post-205135 Sat, 21 Nov 2015 23:58:45 +0000 gembo 205135@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Plus one for darkerside's n+1 suggestion . I think you can do a hundred miler on a flat bar, watched a guy do it on a Brompton. But let's face it, you are buying a drop handle bar audax baby </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15370&page=2#post-205133 Sat, 21 Nov 2015 23:09:30 +0000 Greenroofer 205133@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@Uberuce - interesting idea, but I kind of like the current one the way it is: maintenance consists of a new chain (£4.99) every 800 miles or so, and once a year new brake pads and a hub service. I clean the chain about once a month and erm that's about it.</p> <p>I'm 99.9% sure I'm in n+1 territory here, rather than take an existing n and do something substantial to it. This n+1 might be cossetted, primped and pampered rather than abused like my current day-to-day steed.</p> <p>Of course one answer is just to say "stop fussing and ride the bike you've got", which is perfectly possible, but probably harder work (and therefore slower) than would be ideal for a long ride.</p> <p>@Darkerside. That's a very tempting suggestion. Interesting pointer about using the dynamo I have (which indeed does have a disc on it). </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15370&page=2#post-205132 Sat, 21 Nov 2015 22:43:44 +0000 Uberuce 205132@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Greenroofer, if the relevant shoe-swapping event were to occur, I would look into converting your daily steed to a distance animal. By which I mean a Brooks saddle'n'Carradice, skinnier tyres and a step down to cable disc brakes to enable drop bars and their Alfine shifter. </p> <p>I expect that to weigh in comfortably under five hundred notes. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15370&page=2#post-205124 Sat, 21 Nov 2015 19:55:29 +0000 Darkerside 205124@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>What size/braking method is your dynamo wheel?</p> <p>Something like this, but swap your wheel in to the front:</p> <p><a href="http://www.evanscycles.com/products/fuji/tread-13-2015-adventure-road-bike-ec069180#features" rel="nofollow">http://www.evanscycles.com/products/fuji/tread-13-2015-adventure-road-bike-ec069180#features</a></p> <p>Maybe... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15370&page=2#post-205121 Sat, 21 Nov 2015 18:34:26 +0000 gembo 205121@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>The EBC had a biggish framed country traveller which was the answer I gave to a big Dutch pal ( to a slightly different question he was asking)but he bought it So probably not there now. Check EBC special offers they have been shedding stock. Just checked the Whyte and the east way that I liked both gone now - they were six hundred. </p> <p>There is their own brand continental but only in a 52cm that is too small for you alas. It takes mudguards and rack. Good price at £299 though the drive train is a bit low spec. Claris 2x8 </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15370&page=2#post-205119 Sat, 21 Nov 2015 18:24:43 +0000 Greenroofer 205119@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>So, if I <em>were</em> interested in doing <a href="http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14117#post-205014">a long ride</a> in the middle of next year and if I currently have (a) a Brompton and (b) a heavy commuter bike with racks, dynamo, flat bars, hub gears and 35mm tyres what n+1 do I need for it?</p> <p>This is not an excuse for you to wander off into carbon-fuelled flights of fancy: I need something that I can get past the Greenroofer Towers Finance Committee. I'm thinking it would still have mudguards, puncture-resistant tyres and a dynamo, but after that I'm open to suggestions.</p> <p>Maybe my question is best phrased as 'can you recommend any good value audax-style bikes for less than (say) £500'? </p>