Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Islabike Luath 700 small - hold their price well

Ebay doesn't seem to be the place for a margin when it comes to Islabike, 700 small. I'm new to Ebay, so maybe it's hard to get bargain anyway. But I bid for one, with my limit at around £300. It was a 5 year old bike, a bit scruffy.
It sold for nearly £400.
A new bike today will cost £499.
3 years ago the bike would have cost around £399!
5 years ago probably cost even less.


Thursday, November 3, 2011

Gears suddenly not changing correctly any more.

The rear derailleur started to be sluggish in changing. It would click, click click then eventually go to the cog. I had checked the chain condition a few weeks back and it was ok but I checked it again and sure enough it was stretched a bit too much so I changed it. As I have had three chains on the cassette I changed the cassette too.
But with the new chain and cassette, gear changing was way out. I adjusted it with the screw adjuster on the cable but that was no good.

When this happens, or when the gear changes are good in the outside cogs but not in the middle cogs, check the cable.

Undo the cable on the derailleur and slacken it all the way up to the brake shifter. Click the shifters into the position that would bring it into the small cog on the cassette and push the cable inner wire through the  shifter. You may well see that the abrasion on the wire has caused it to fray breaking some of the strands. This will result in the remaining strands to stretch, thus giving the inaccurate and intermittent gear shifting.

This was a bit of a pain really.
I had taken a couple of days off of the bike for one reason or another, and so now I couldn't use it. It would be quite painful getting stuck in the hard gear and getting home. So I improvised a turbo session in only the manly gear.

You've got to be careful using this gearing for a turbo session if you have suspect knees. It puts a lot of stress on them. So I warmed up easily for 5 to 10 mins, and then did a moderate session. If you push at a slow cadence with moderate pressure, the muscles will soon get a good workout even if the heart rate stays lower than usual.
Dancing out of the saddle was good too, for 5 or 10 mins. Again the HR seemed lower than a full out session but the muscles were enjoying it.

The cable should come tomorrow so I'll be on the road. Thank goodness.


Tuesday, October 25, 2011

How to change the rear indicator on a Peugeot 308 SW

This is not as explained in the manual.
You can visit and read the link below  but its explanation might not be clear. If the assembly is stiff to come off you may doubt your advice.

So, read the link first http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_do_you_change_the_rear_indicator_bulb_on_a_Peugeot_308_SW

and then read this.

You DON'T TWIST THE ASSEMBLY. Pull it out straight from the rear of the car. Wiggle it about and pull it backwards in the direction of the screws that were extracted.
You can use a screwdriver, though I didn't.
Pull from the large black area of the assembly. Don't fiddle with the red portion that is shown in this photograph.

This photo shows how the thin part of the assembly it secured to the car. It is not in tight. It comes out very easily when you pull the assemble away from the car.


Carbon frame repair - UK


When the Carbon frame gives up or suffers it's time to despair. But help is at hand.

By all accounts the repair can be stronger than the original frame. Maybe a gram or so heavier. And they can do great work with the decals.

There are some images on the web from USA sites that show an excellent quality finish.


http://www.carboncyclerepairs.co.uk/index.html

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Review CC-UK 'Aerate' 'Noir' Long Sleeve Cycle Jersey (BLACK)


http://www.cycle-clothing.co.uk/Products/198/ccuk-aerate-noir-long-sleeve-cycle-jersey-black.aspx




Cheap at £19.84.
A loose fit.
Quite thin. So needs to be used as a layer in spring or autumn.
Quality is ok. Fit's the price.
The collar looks a bit ill-fitting or wrong or cheap somehow.


Description:

  • 100% CoolDry® fabric.
  • CoolDry® integrates the comfort of cotton and quick-dry performance of polyester. It maximizes the transmission of moisture from the skin to the outer surface of the fabric. Such is its performance CoolDry® fabric has even been used in Olympic team sportswear.
  • Three large rear cargo pockets for carrying mid ride essentials.
  • There is a fourth pocket on the outer of the middle rear pocket that is zipped for storing your valuables.
  • Mesh underarms and side panels for essential ventilation.
  • Full length high quality SBS front zip.
  • Deep rear scoop for extra lower back protection.
  • Suitable for year round riding.
  • Monday, September 26, 2011