http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: Chain advice en Wed, 13 May 2026 03:10:24 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18332&page=3#post-327469 Sun, 12 Apr 2020 09:50:47 +0000 Greenroofer 327469@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>The chain tensioner on my EB has been zip-tied to the chainstay for ages, with no issues so far. It does mean that the bike is really quiet to ride. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18332&page=3#post-327465 Sat, 11 Apr 2020 23:21:18 +0000 Arellcat 327465@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Speaking of chain advice, and as a counterpart to today's (earlier) episode of <a href="http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19434&amp;page=3#post-327464">highly unsatisfactory and rubbish bicycle maintenance</a>, today I took apart the chain tensioner from Matilda the Elephant Bike. Readers of a certain photo gallery will know I'm currently restoring a woodworking machine, a task which has generated great quantities of stour, and I am now an expert with my drill-mounted wire brush. The tensioner was very rusty outside and in, and its pivot bolt and spring somewhat seized, but it's all shiny again now and regreased (although the idler wheel is still incredibly wobbly).</p> <p>Whether I need to <em>reinstall</em> the tensioner remains to be seen, because I decided to experiment again with my half-link. I did a lot of sort-of-measuring, chopped out a full link and added the half, and what do you know, but my 44:24 setup might even be approaching a magic ratio. I have to go shopping tomorrow, so just to be on the safe side I will perhaps reinstall the tensioner but tie it out of the way.</p> <p>It does make for a marvellously quiet bike though. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18332&page=3#post-327432 Sat, 11 Apr 2020 13:48:03 +0000 Greenroofer 327432@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Prompted by @Arellcat resurrecting this thread, I can confirm that the <a href="http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18332&amp;page=2#post-272155">mahoosive panniers that I bought for the EB</a> are now mounted very happily on the back of the Tern HSD (still using blocks of wood). They do overhang the back a little, but I don't think they obstruct the rear view of the light. The HSD now has a Transporteur Rack with Eurocrate on the front too.</p> <p>This means that the HSD can now take a full (small-size) trolley of shopping in one go, with nothing getting squashed. I have recently brought back a basketful of shopping and two 40 litre bags of compost from Tesco in it. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18332&page=3#post-327416 Sat, 11 Apr 2020 11:32:15 +0000 Arellcat 327416@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>Sturmey X-RD8 with drum brake, but the gearing for a cargo bike becomes faintly ridiculous.</em></p> <p>I am still having thought experiment-type thoughts about the gearing on my EB. Currently having way too much fun* with this bicycle gear comparison website:</p> <p><a href="https://ritzelrechner.de/?GR=SAAW&amp;KB=44&amp;RZ=24&amp;UF=2075&amp;TF=90&amp;SL=2.6&amp;UN=MPH&amp;DV=gearInches&amp;GR2=SAX8&amp;KB2=25&amp;RZ2=24&amp;UF2=2075" rel="nofollow">https://ritzelrechner.de/?GR=SAAW&amp;KB=44&amp;RZ=24&amp;UF=2075&amp;TF=90&amp;SL=2.6&amp;UN=MPH&amp;DV=gearInches&amp;GR2=SAX8&amp;KB2=25&amp;RZ2=24&amp;UF2=2075</a></p> <p>* or "fun" if you prefer </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18332&page=3#post-312427 Mon, 12 Aug 2019 10:54:36 +0000 Arellcat 312427@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Ex-Royal Mail panniers klaxon!</p> <p><a href="https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Royal-Mail-Throw-Over-Panniers/254312194472" rel="nofollow">https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Royal-Mail-Throw-Over-Panniers/254312194472</a></p> <p>Asking price is a bit high, but there are two pairs, so if split between two people... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18332&page=3#post-312266 Thu, 08 Aug 2019 12:41:04 +0000 crowriver 312266@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@Greenroofer, thanks for the update!</p> <p>It's still a dilemma for me. On the one hand I'm reasonably content with my 20 quid bisonyl 46 litre panniers. They keep the weather out, they're sturdy, and they were cheap. OTOH I often find them not quite sufficient when shopping, carrying large items or bringing produce from the allotment. These tasks are pretty much what I use the Pronto for: I don't commute by bike so that's not an issue. One thing my current panniers have going for them is the fasten with buckles, and they have side flaps fastened with velcro that keep the rain out (mostly). None of the Dutch designs seem to have this feature, except for so-called "box" designs. Also my current pannier don't foul the trailer hitch. </p> <p>Hmmm. Think I'll need to ponder this some more before coming to a decision. If only the original TNT Post (or whistl ones) were available second hand: they were designed for the bike and look the business! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18332&page=3#post-312220 Wed, 07 Aug 2019 21:27:09 +0000 Greenroofer 312220@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@crowriver: I took them off the Elephant Bike in the end, mainly because I wasn't using them to their full capacity, and I found they weren't that practical for commuting as they didn't keep any weather out (so I put another pannier inside them...). They were heavy enough that I didn't want to pedal round with them all the time. For what I normally use the EB for, the front box is usually enough.</p> <p>If you're regularly carrying lots of stuff, they are very good and capacious. They are absolutely not weather proof: the lid doesn't keep the rain off and can blow open in the wind. I got some super-strength self-adhesive Velcro and put that in a grid pattern across the lid and body so I could close the lid in different positions. They do need a stiffener inside to keep them from sagging. If you have a trailer hitch on your back axle you'll also need to lift the panniers above the rack (I used a block wood, which added to the weight).</p> <p>I don't regret them. They suit the bike very well, and fit it nicely. Ordinary panniers look a bit silly on the long rack. I will use them in future, just not all the time.</p> <p>I've since found that <strong>two </strong>Ortlieb City Rollers will fit on each side with only a minimal amount of heel strike, so that's another option. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18332&page=3#post-312198 Wed, 07 Aug 2019 16:14:09 +0000 crowriver 312198@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@Greenroofer, I'm wondering how you are getting on with your mahoosive panniers? </p> <p>I'm looking at getting bigger ones than my current 46 litre jobs, and wondering whether to go for the full 80 litre enchilada or settle halfway on some 65 litre numbers... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18332&page=3#post-303294 Mon, 18 Mar 2019 13:35:59 +0000 wingpig 303294@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@jdanielp Apropos of a post I haven't written yet on the rubbish maintenance thread, does that offer still stand, if you mean singlespeed/BMX-size chain? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18332&page=3#post-277658 Sat, 17 Mar 2018 01:18:59 +0000 Arellcat 277658@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I came across another supply of ex-Royal Mail panniers, constructed as motorbike throwovers. Forces Uniform and Kit have two pairs left in stock:</p> <p><a href="https://forcesuniformandkit.co.uk/products/ex-royal-mail-bike-pannier-bag-set-18" rel="nofollow">https://forcesuniformandkit.co.uk/products/ex-royal-mail-bike-pannier-bag-set-18</a></p> <p>Some nice wool lined leather gloves on there too. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18332&page=3#post-272422 Sun, 14 Jan 2018 19:10:22 +0000 jdanielp 272422@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>The Bicycle Works ended up not only freeing up the old screws, but fitting my new rear mudguard and tensioning my chain for good measure. All for a mere £6! I had the rear brake bled as well since the lever had mysteriously become ineffective after my bike was upside down while I worked on it earlier. That cost a less bargainous £18... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18332&page=3#post-272416 Sun, 14 Jan 2018 17:19:58 +0000 jdanielp 272416@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>If anybody wants a length of half-link chain let me know. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18332&page=3#post-272410 Sun, 14 Jan 2018 15:26:00 +0000 jdanielp 272410@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I have so far failed to install my new SKS mudguard due to not being able to loosen the screws holding the old bit in place. Hopefully The Bike Works can help me with that this afternoon. However, I did successfully replace the sprocket on the hub, although switching from 18 to 20 teeth meant that the worn chain was then not long enough. I successfully managed to add a half-link to lengthen the chain so that it fit (thanks Greenroofer), but it is now a bit on the slack side once again! It'll be interesting to see how it feels. I had a go at freeing the eccentric bottom bracket, but that was as unyielding as the screws. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18332&page=3#post-272381 Sun, 14 Jan 2018 01:45:42 +0000 crowriver 272381@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Seems I have used up my 3rd party hosting quota, or something. Annoying.</p> <p>Image is <a href="http://s101.photobucket.com/user/crowrivernet/media/DSC03345%20copy_zpsk15ipvwb.jpg.html">here</a>.</p> <p>Sounds like you're pleased with the panniers, so all's well. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18332&page=3#post-272337 Sat, 13 Jan 2018 17:00:27 +0000 Greenroofer 272337@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Photobucket is denying me access to your picture. </p> <p>I have spent a satisfying hour doing carpentry to install some bits of scrap 2x2" timber on top of the rack screwed to the horizontal ply of the panniers. They now fit rather nicely. Definitely no heel strike (even when I'm wearing wellies) or contact with the ground, or any noticeable rattling. I loaded them with empty Wiggle boxes (of which there were several in the garage...) and need to try with something heavier next. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18332&page=2#post-272239 Fri, 12 Jan 2018 14:21:13 +0000 crowriver 272239@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>This is how my beastie looks. The panniers are not always as well behaved as this: despite stiffening material lining base and ends, fully loaded they can sag on the outside a bit. You can see there's probaly space on the rear rack for longer panniers like the ones Greenroofer recently acquired. I'm holding out with these for the time being though.</p> <p><a href="http://s101.photobucket.com/user/crowrivernet/media/DSC03345%20copy_zpsk15ipvwb.jpg.html"><img src="http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m55/crowrivernet/DSC03345%20copy_zpsk15ipvwb.jpg"></a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18332&page=2#post-272238 Fri, 12 Jan 2018 14:08:45 +0000 crowriver 272238@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@Arelicat, yeah this looks a useful mod:</p> <p><a href="https://electricbikereview.com/forum/attachments/img_2816-jpg.16408/"><img src="https://electricbikereview.com/forum/attachments/img_2816-jpg.16408/"></a></p> <p>Also this:</p> <p>"Sealed the plywood backing boards with truck bed liner.<br /> Added straps and buckles to keep the flaps down, or folded flat when not in use."</p> <p><a href="https://electricbikereview.com/forum/attachments/img_2823-jpg.16407/"><img src="https://electricbikereview.com/forum/attachments/img_2823-jpg.16407/"></a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18332&page=2#post-272190 Fri, 12 Jan 2018 10:00:01 +0000 wingpig 272190@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><blockquote><em>"...all the time until I can work out a way to secure it..."</em></blockquote></p> <p><a href="https://www.vaude.com/en-GB/Products/Activity/Biking/QMR-Rail-Hook-2.0" rel="nofollow">https://www.vaude.com/en-GB/Products/Activity/Biking/QMR-Rail-Hook-2.0</a><br /> Can sometimes be found in stock in EBC. I fitted a pair to the insides of my drape-over-the-top panniers to stop the sides flapping - they work reasonably well, but escape sometimes because the inner sides are flexible. I also added a single latching hook (<a href="https://www.evanscycles.com/altura-lower-pannier-rail-hook-00103618" rel="nofollow">https://www.evanscycles.com/altura-lower-pannier-rail-hook-00103618</a>) to the underside of the top bit in the middle at the front to stop the whole thing sliding backwards, as my racks are sometimes tilted slightly back to keep panniers away from my heels and children's feet away from my brakes. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18332&page=2#post-272187 Fri, 12 Jan 2018 09:38:04 +0000 unhurt 272187@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@Arellcat, that sounds like a good trip. Are there pictures / posts about it online anywhere? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18332&page=2#post-272184 Fri, 12 Jan 2018 03:02:00 +0000 crowriver 272184@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"However a sack of potatoes will probably end up bulging out the bag and it all sagging down a bit."</p> <p>If I'm getting a sack of spuds I usually put it on the front rack or drape it transverse across the top of the rear rack. A couple of strong bungees holds it in place.</p> <p>To stop the panniers sagging too much you can use some rigid sheeting to line the bottom of the bags - discarded house For Sale signs are ideal, cut to size they are light and sufficiently stiff under load. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18332&page=2#post-272183 Fri, 12 Jan 2018 01:03:34 +0000 Arellcat 272183@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>They're Arkel RT40 recumbent panniers, not sold in the UK. I bought them in late 2009 after destroying my conventional EBC panniers on my Albany-Toronto-Niagara tour. I had the EBC bags on an underseat rack and they were just a bit too tall when cornering. My Park Tool spanner was in the bottom of one, and still bears witness to its interaction with the tarmac! The Arkels are longer and wider but less tall. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18332&page=2#post-272179 Fri, 12 Jan 2018 00:33:38 +0000 unhurt 272179@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>What Arkels are those? I thought my Dolphin 48s were big but those look.... wider! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18332&page=2#post-272169 Thu, 11 Jan 2018 22:50:24 +0000 Arellcat 272169@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>On the thread linked to up-thread, the user Windmill said they <a href="https://electricbikereview.com/forum/threads/radwagon-fixes-upgrades-modifications.13236/#post-105415">made some modifications</a> to their panniers, adding some straps here and there, removing the plywood deck, etc.</p> <p>I'm still laughing a little at just how enormous those bags are. I've been using my 40 litre Arkel panniers recently and they look a little bit lost on the rear rack.</p> <p><a href="https://flic.kr/p/JrSqic"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4650/27859733989_75e7660918.jpg"></a><br /> <a href="https://flic.kr/p/JrSqic">Cycle recycling with a vengence</a></p> <p>You could easily attach bungee cord to the backs of the panniers, with a hook around the front edges and another around the back edges. Hooks attaching to the bottom of the pannier frame works fine for single panniers like my Arkels but is a faff for throwovers. My Siam Cement bags have no retention either; I just loop a bungee across the top to hold them down. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18332&page=2#post-272163 Thu, 11 Jan 2018 22:02:06 +0000 Greenroofer 272163@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Yes - I think sagging may be a feature of these. They are big and bisonyl. There is plywood on the back of each bag and plywood on the horizontal part that sits on the rack, so any sagging will be working against that. However a sack of potatoes will probably end up bulging out the bag and it all sagging down a bit. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18332&page=2#post-272158 Thu, 11 Jan 2018 21:43:07 +0000 crowriver 272158@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Aha! Yeah I was momentarily tempted to order some, but decided against (for now at least). You get to be the pannier tester! :-)</p> <p>"there's nothing to secure the bags to the rack"</p> <p>Plywood can be screwed into, bolted through, etc. so I imagine there are all kinds of DIY options possible there.</p> <p>"The flaps the cover the panniers are longer, and probably about six inches off the ground on each side."</p> <p>Whoah. Even with a 2" chunk of wood raising them up, that's close to the ground. No leaning into corners with those babies on the bike! </p> <p>I'm wondering what they're like fully loaded? Do they sag in the middle a bit? When loaded my Bisonyl ones sag lower on the outside, even when I tighten the straps up: I think it's a "feature" of Dutch/continental style double panniers. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18332&page=2#post-272155 Thu, 11 Jan 2018 21:26:18 +0000 Greenroofer 272155@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Well I may have accidentally ordered and just taken delivery of the Newspaper pannier bags from Practical Cycles. I've put them on the EB but not actually ridden it with them on yet. I don't think heel strike is going to be a problem, as they are the same length as the horizontal section of the rear rack (48cm) and some way back from my heel.</p> <p>They are relatively crude (they were £60, after all), with a few rough edges and very simply made. They look pretty robust though.</p> <p>I would guess they are designed for a 700C wheel rather than the 26" wheel on the EB, as the bag itself reaches down to the axle and touches the trailer hitch on one side and the protective bar round the SA hub shifting chain on the other. This could be fixed with a 2" piece of wood on the rear rack to lift them up slightly. The flaps the cover the panniers are longer, and probably about six inches off the ground on each side.</p> <p>The sides of the bag nearest the wheel are <em>plywood</em> (which is why the pannier set weighs 3kg). The only slightly disappointing thing with them is that there's nothing to secure the bags to the rack (just some tapes at the top) so this plywood is going to bang and rattle, and the bags swing annoyingly, all the time until I can work out a way to secure it.</p> <p>The bags are utterly enormous. I mean huge. I could put both my Ortlieb City Rollers into one side. If it's fully loaded, you won't be able to pass me on the aqueduct.</p> <p>I now have the luggage to load the EB up to its maximum capacity of 20kg on front and rear. This means that the total weight of the bike + luggage - rider could be 70kg. Maybe I do need that 24 tooth sprocket after all. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18332&page=2#post-270710 Sun, 24 Dec 2017 17:41:32 +0000 crowriver 270710@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I reckon the ones that Practical Cycles stock should fit and give clearance for a trailer hitch. I think other suppliers are maybe quoting dimensions for a different model? I hear tell there are 90L capacity behemoths and larger...</p> <p>Again though, heel clearance is the key consideration I should think. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18332&page=2#post-270709 Sun, 24 Dec 2017 17:33:24 +0000 Greenroofer 270709@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I love that orange. However my favourite colour is imperial purple: should the time ever come where the EB needs a respray, it's going to end up purple.</p> <p>I am very tempted by the enormous newspaper bags: surely a Pronto rear rack is long enough? I hadn't considered the height of them: I too have a trailer hitch to take account of.</p> <p>Ultimately, this is the reason for repeated visits to that site: I look, ogle the panniers and then realise that I need to go and measure things before making any decisions. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18332&page=2#post-270701 Sun, 24 Dec 2017 14:48:54 +0000 crowriver 270701@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Some nice pics here of Pashley Prontos (AKA Mailstars) being built in the factory. Scan through the photostream for more and to see Moultons, Princesses and trikes also being built.</p> <p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/houndstoothroad/8671000956/in/photostream/" rel="nofollow">https://www.flickr.com/photos/houndstoothroad/8671000956/in/photostream/</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18332&page=2#post-270681 Sun, 24 Dec 2017 00:29:47 +0000 Arellcat 270681@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I think the ones Greenroofer has in mind are indeed 48x30x28cm, for 40 litres each side. De Poort calls them "XXXL" bags. </p>