The Cycling Chat Thread

[Bahnhof Strasse]

Last time it then poured down on the first ride I did afterwards, covering it in filth

Every mountain biker

 

[nick]

Every mountain biker

disagree

I find that shite from nature washes off easily with a (gentle hosing + muc-off)

City grime from a post rain ride through puddles comprising liquified petrol, diesel, dog shit and KFC bones is mach harder to shift

 

[Leafster]

Every mountain biker

After yesterday's short ride...

 

[Bahnhof Strasse]

Yeah, it's proper mucky out there right now, a wash required after each ride

 

[TopCat]

Got some Flinger mudguards today. They seem substantial which is what I wanted.

 

[TopCat]

Before mine has its annual service I give it a bit of a clean, so it’s nicer for the chap to work on. He then strips it to the bare frame and uses a plethora of cleaning products that mean it comes back looking factory fresh*

Last time it then poured down on the first ride I did afterwards, covering it in filth



*Pro tip - never get a bike with a matte paint frame. Mine looks cool as fuck for the 5 and a half minutes after any cleaning, then clearly shows every minuscule fingerprint and mark and bit of grime going

How much do you pay for that sort of service?

 

[Bahnhof Strasse]

disagree

I find that shite from nature washes off easily with a (gentle hosing + muc-off)

City grime from a post rain ride through puddles comprising liquified petrol, diesel, dog shit and KFC bones is mach harder to shift

Do you get KFC bones stuck in your derailleur or something?

 

[nick]

I have actually (though normally it is cheap plastic bags) - but TBH it was a touch of hyperbole for comic effect (failed) .

But I honestly find city muck much worse

 

[Leafster]

Yeah, it's proper mucky out there right now, a wash required after each ride

I know I've only been riding again for just over a year so haven't got much to compare it with but I'm surprised just how muddy it still is this summer.

 

[beesonthewhatnow]

How much do you pay for that sort of service?

It’s done by a member of my club, so usually a pack of beer and me supplying a small PA for the clubs AGM in return

 

[TopCat]

It’s done by a member of my club, so usually a pack of beer and me supplying a small PA for the clubs AGM in return

Nice

 

[nick]

How much do you pay for that sort of service?

Quick google indicates prices have risen

Good old Brixton Cycles do 145 for a "senior service" - we like them
Mrs Nick has her hybrid booked in to Bikefix for £150 (it has never had a service in the 5 years she has owned it) - although she just had to pay a shed load for brakes to be replaced and I lubricate it for her when I am being nice
I am about to pay 190 to bespoke Cycling for mine - because a) they built it b) they seem to do an extra good job, c) I need the Di2 fixing as it is jammed .d) It is my beloved mid-life crisis and I like to treat it nice

Less robust services are ~ 60 - 80 IIRC

 

[Orang Utan]

I get a Gold Service or summat like that. £70 and they clean it too.

 

[Artaxerxes]

Not sure I trust anyone who isn't at least a little willing to poke a dodgy gear to see if they can fix it. I am far far from an expert but its quite rewarding to give things a scrub and degrease now and again, bike rides noticeably better afterwards.

Basic cleaning also minimizes your bills because a cared for component is one that breaks less and needs servicing less.

 

[Orang Utan]

Not sure I trust anyone who isn't at least a little willing to poke a dodgy gear to see if they can fix it. I am far far from an expert but its quite rewarding to give things a scrub and degrease now and again, bike rides noticeably better afterwards.

what’s trust got to do with it? not everyone has a head for this kind of thing. i am helping an independent business stay afloat by outsourcing my maintenance

 

[MBV]

What are the recommended low profile mud guards for a road bike? Not after the full on covers a quarter of the wheel type. Ta.

 

[beesonthewhatnow]

What are the recommended low profile mud guards for a road bike? Not after the full on covers a quarter of the wheel type. Ta.

Has your bike got mounting points for them? Or do you need the clip on type?

 

[nick]

SKS raceblade pros are ok. Once initially adjusted they are easy to put on and take off (rubber straps hold them in place) depending whether or not it is wet / muddy

 

[Orang Utan]

Yay, bike and a shitload of accessories successfully bought. first world problem - how to get it all home! gonna have to take the front wheel off to get it in a taxi to the station. why didn’t i think of that before?

 

[nick]

.........- how to get it all home! gonna have to take the front wheel off to get it in a taxi to the station. ...............

That statement is going to be grist to the mill if it cross-infects the car v bikes threads

 

[beesonthewhatnow]

Yay, bike and a shitload of accessories successfully bought. first world problem - how to get it all home! gonna have to take the front wheel off to get it in a taxi to the station. why didn’t i think of that before?

If only here was some way you could propel the bike along a road, perhaps using your limbs

 

[Orang Utan]

If only here was some way you could propel the bike along a road, perhaps using your limbs

not with two backpacks, a carrier bag with a track pump and a mudguard set in it, and a pannier bag that I can’t attach yet cos the rack is arriving by mail order.

 

[beesonthewhatnow]

not with two backpacks, a carrier bag with a track pump and a mudguard set in it, and a pannier bag that I can’t attach yet cos the rack is arriving by mail order.

Bungee cords and gaffa tape.

No problems, only solutions.

 

[Orang Utan]

Bungee cords and gaffa tape.

No problems, only solutions.

i’ve taken a track pump on my bike before - it is doable but not recommended

 

[MBV]

Has your bike got mounting points for them? Or do you need the clip on type?

Yeah it has. Are mounting using those preferable to the clip onto the seat post and downtube?

 

[Orang Utan]

so i now have a Topeak pannier which is a bag that fits centrally on the rack but has two bags that unzip from the sides and become side panniers. also got some mudguards, some snazzy bright lights, a new helmet, new shorts, new gloves and a new backpack. and the cream on top is a go pro to mount on my helmet, will enjoy working out how to use and install that one.
I still had top it up to the full value of the token so i got a few bits and bobs. still wasn’t enough as you have to spend the exact amount so they sold me some space food gel and discounted it to 15p!

 

[beesonthewhatnow]

Yeah it has. Are mounting using those preferable to the clip onto the seat post and downtube?

If you’re not wanting to take them on and off all the time, yeah.

 

[TopCat]

If you’re not wanting to take them on and off all the time, yeah.

I bought Flinger mudguards. Really nice. They don’t fit. But they say they do. But, they don’t; not enough clearance and can’t accommodate the fatish hybrid tyres.

Annoying

 

[rutabowa]

Another bike gone. I am looking for a 2nd hand hybrid/mountain bike now... is Apollo just to totally avoid? There is a ok condition one for 60 or so, or a nice upgraded ridgeback for 150 or a similar trek one for 150 too. I figure the Apollo would prob need a 100 odd pound repair fairly soon anyway as they seem to fall apart right?

 

[weepiper]

Another bike gone. I am looking for a 2nd hand hybrid/mountain bike now... is Apollo just to totally avoid? There is a ok condition one for 60 or so, or a nice upgraded ridgeback for 150 or a similar trek one for 150 too. I figure the Apollo would prob need a 100 odd pound repair fairly soon anyway as they seem to fall apart right?

Avoid Apollo (or Appalling, as they are known at work). Heavy, too upright/cramped and the brakes are always shit.