De-lurk.....

In message <[email hidden]>

krys said:

Thanks everyone!

Blimey - if I bought everything - this could be the most expensive charity
ride ever! *grin* Lots of good advice though - especially about the
drinks/food etc.

One thing that has been forgotten (and I have before) is money. Take a few
pounds in coins (a few pounds, some twenty pences), a couple of notes,
and a credit/debit card. This is for drinks, and emergances.

Quoted message said:

- because I'm clueless about such things and don't want to
burn out just because I've dehydrated or under-fueled. I'll take away all
your advice and see which bits I can't afford to do without, so have to
afford, if you see what I mean. Where's the best place to pick up cycling
shorts - anywhere going to beat wiggle?

Most of what has been recommended are one off purchases that will be usefull
for years. (e.g. tools, spare tubes

As for food and drink, I normally use 50-50 fruit juice/water, this is not
as good as expensive drink, but usefull for shorter rides. Bananas are good,
they are a good source of energy and potasiam. If it is a hot day, you
will sweat *a lot*, so may need to keep an eye on your salt levels as well.

Quoted message said:

And for those that wondered - we're getting to Bude by van & minibus, and
cycling from there to Padstow - taking a day over the cycling. Fingers
crossed the weather is ok.......I'm not keen on the whole "wet cold &
miserable" thing! 🙂

IMHO the worst bit of wet and cold, is wet and cold hands. A decent set
of gloves is usefull.

If it is all on road, and your bike does not have mud gards then a set of
them.

And if it really is cold and wet, you will learn what the seat really is for.

Martin.

--
According to the human genome project, humans are 50-60% bananas.
When emailing me, please include the word Banana in the subject line.

krys said:

Any help or advice would be gratefully appreciated. I'm planning on
carrying on with the cycling even after the event, since I've been enjoying
it so much.

Good for you!
The most important thing is to enjoy it - so you will keep up the
cycling! You will have a great sense of achievement when you finish.

Make sure your tyres are blown up hard.
Don't use an air line at a garage. Borrow a foot pump, or better still ask
any cyclist you know if they have a track pump.
You could invest 3 pounds on one of the Lidl pumps discussed on the group.
I will leave others to advise on the pressure you need.
Maybe 40 or 50psi if it feels reasonable - don't strain too hard to
blow the tyres up, you don't want them TOO hard.
When tyres are hard, it takes less effort to pedal and are more resistant
to punctures.

Simon Brooke said:

A small multi-tool is a very good thing to have. Basic allen keys and
screwdriver is good, one with a chain tool is better. If your p*nct*re
repair kit does not include three tyre levers, tyre levers are vital.
It's no good having a p*nct*re repair kit if you can't get the tyre
off! Also, I'd recommend carrying a spare inner tube - then you don't
have to faff about at the roadside trying to fix the p*nct*re (at
least, not the first one).

In this case, a bit of conflicting advice if I may.

Forget the puncture repair outfit.
Go into a proper bike shop and ask for a box of instant patches.
Park Tools make good ones. They will give you a tiny square pill box,
and charge a pound or two. These instant patches will do fine for mountain
bikes. The box will fit in with your mobile phone.
When you're there, ask for a set of Park Tools or other decent brand hard
plastic tyre levers. M

Simon Brooke said:

A small multi-tool is a very good thing to have. Basic allen keys and
screwdriver is good, one with a chain tool is better. If your p*nct*re
repair kit does not include three tyre levers, tyre levers are vital.
It's no good having a p*nct*re repair kit if you can't get the tyre
off! Also, I'd recommend carrying a spare inner tube - then you don't
have to faff about at the roadside trying to fix the p*nct*re (at
least, not the first one).

The spare inner tube is a very good idea.

I will give some other advice re. the puncture outfit/tyre levers.
To beginners, this often spells an outdated image of tins, rubber solution
and heavy metal tyre levers. Indeed, that is what you see on sale in
pound shops.

For this trip, go into a local bike shop, or Halfords etc.
Ask for a box of instant patches. Park Tools and Leeches are two brands.
They will give you a tiny plastic box of patches which work like sticking
plasters. Cost a couple of pounds.
Also ask for a set of good quality plastic tyre levers - blue Park Tools
again if they have them.
So you have a featherweight alternative which can live in your bag for
ages.

Later in your cycling career you will probably get a puncture outfit.
Rema Tip-Top brand is rated well by many people.

in message <[email hidden]>, Martin Bulmer

(') said:

Tony B said:

spare brake/gear inner cables (never needed)

In the last 5 years I've needed the gear cables twice, and observed
people needing the brake cable 3 times.

Hum. I agree that inner cables do not weigh a lot, but in the event of a
gear cable breaking it's no big deal to adjust the stop screws to set
the deraileur onto a medium-ish cog and carry on, at least to the next
LBS. Same with brake cables, really - you have two for redundancy. If
the front went I might swap the rear cable onto the front (pretty much
guaranteed to be long enough). Yes, you _can_ carry a spare top-tube
and the brazing equipment necessary to replace it if it breaks, but
there comes a point where it simply doesn't make sense.

--
[email hidden] (Simon Brooke) http://www.jasmine.org.uk/~simon/
Das Internet is nicht fuer gefingerclicken und giffengrabben... Ist
nicht fuer gewerken bei das dumpkopfen. Das mausklicken sichtseeren
keepen das bandwit-spewin hans in das pockets muss; relaxen und
watchen das cursorblinken. -- quoted from the jargon file

"Simon Brooke" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

in message <[email hidden]>, Martin Bulmer

(') said:

Tony B said:

spare brake/gear inner cables (never needed)

In the last 5 years I've needed the gear cables twice, and observed
people needing the brake cable 3 times.

Hum. I agree that inner cables do not weigh a lot, but in the event of a
gear cable breaking it's no big deal to adjust the stop screws to set
the deraileur onto a medium-ish cog and carry on, at least to the next
LBS. Same with brake cables, really - you have two for redundancy. If
the front went I might swap the rear cable onto the front (pretty much
guaranteed to be long enough). Yes, you _can_ carry a spare top-tube
and the brazing equipment necessary to replace it if it breaks, but
there comes a point where it simply doesn't make sense.

That'd be my 2 cents too. I'd have to carry all kinds of hydraulic brake
stuff for my bike.

On 19/5/05 8:22 am, in article [email hidden],

John Hearns said:

Simon Brooke said:

A small multi-tool is a very good thing to have. Basic allen keys and
screwdriver is good, one with a chain tool is better.

There are some cheap multitools in Tesco at the moment..

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

If your p*nct*re
repair kit does not include three tyre levers, tyre levers are vital.
It's no good having a p*nct*re repair kit if you can't get the tyre
off! Also, I'd recommend carrying a spare inner tube - then you don't
have to faff about at the roadside trying to fix the p*nct*re (at
least, not the first one).

The spare inner tube is a very good idea.

I will give some other advice re. the puncture outfit/tyre levers.
To beginners, this often spells an outdated image of tins, rubber solution
and heavy metal tyre levers. Indeed, that is what you see on sale in
pound shops.

For this trip, go into a local bike shop, or Halfords etc.
Ask for a box of instant patches. Park Tools and Leeches are two brands.
They will give you a tiny plastic box of patches which work like sticking
plasters. Cost a couple of pounds.
Also ask for a set of good quality plastic tyre levers - blue Park Tools
again if they have them.
So you have a featherweight alternative which can live in your bag for
ages.

Later in your cycling career you will probably get a puncture outfit.
Rema Tip-Top brand is rated well by many people.

So your minimum list should be:

1. spare inner tube and tyre levers and pump.
2. Mobile phone for anything worse than a puncture.
3. Multitool for odd adjustments.

That is quite compact.

As far as clothing goes:

1. pair of gloves. Padded cycling ones are excellent, they'll take some of
the ache out of your hands.
2. Pair of padded cycle shorts.
3. Sunblock ;-)
4. Appropriate headwear. A cotton cap/bandana is good for keeping the sun
off your head. Or a helmet if you want.
5. If a dodgy forecast, rainjacket.

and whatever is comfortable. Bear in mind that you may want a
jumper/leggings to put on after you stop.

Food and drink.

Rule 1. Never pass a cafe when cycling without sampling the wares.
2. drink lots. And then some more.
3. Eat lots. Don't just eat 'high energy' stuff - some is worse than real
food as you can get a sugar crash. Geobars are good. And it is always
worthwhile having an emergency Mars bar for sugar crashes (that is where
your legs feel like they have run into the wall and your energy drains, you
feel ratty, and wonder why you ever did this. This is not the same as the
first ten minutes 'why am I doing this?' feeling).
4. Best not to overindulge in alcohol the night before or during. Save it
till the end, and then enjoy.

...d

PS. We do expect a ride report when you have done it.. ;-)

LSMike said:

"Simon Brooke" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Hum. I agree that inner cables do not weigh a lot, but in the event of a
gear cable breaking it's no big deal to adjust the stop screws to set
the deraileur onto a medium-ish cog and carry on, at least to the next
LBS. Same with brake cables, really - you have two for redundancy. If
the front went I might swap the rear cable onto the front (pretty much
guaranteed to be long enough). Yes, you _can_ carry a spare top-tube
and the brazing equipment necessary to replace it if it breaks, but
there comes a point where it simply doesn't make sense.

That'd be my 2 cents too. I'd have to carry all kinds of hydraulic brake
stuff for my bike.

I've never used a spare cable inner, in over ten years of daily
commute and recreational riding. I do replace the inners
periodically, but the period is sometimes 2 years or more.

The one time I thought the rear changer cable had broken, it actually
turned out one of the pivots had dropped out of the derailleur
mechanism so the cage stuck out at a very peculiar angle. I'd not
recommend carrying a spare rear mech, however.

regards, Ian SMith
--
|\ /| no .sig
|o o|
|/ \|

Simon Brooke said:

in message <[email hidden]>, krys

(') said:

afford, if you see what I mean. Where's the best place to pick up
cycling shorts - anywhere going to beat wiggle?

The Aldi and Lidl supermarket chains do cycling promotions from time to
time, and their shorts are significantly cheaper than elsewhere. Mind
you, I've never tried them.

I have a pair of Aldi shorts. They might not be quite as comfortable as
Wiggle's and I suspect they won't last as long, but they are certainly
more comfortable than jeans or other non-cycling trousers.

(I also have a pair of http://www.wiggle.co.uk/?ProductID=5360009178
which were (I think) Wiggle's cheapest at the time I bought them.
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/Default.aspx?ProdID=5360014137 seems to be
their cheapest at the moment.)

Simon Brooke said:

Hum. I agree that inner cables do not weigh a lot, but in the event of a
gear cable breaking it's no big deal to adjust the stop screws to set
the deraileur onto a medium-ish cog and carry on, at least to the next
LBS. Same with brake cables, really - you have two for redundancy. If
the front went I might swap the rear cable onto the front (pretty much
guaranteed to be long enough). Yes, you _can_ carry a spare top-tube
and the brazing equipment necessary to replace it if it breaks, but
there comes a point where it simply doesn't make sense.

Quite right. Carrying spares can get silly. The careful, experienced,
touring cyclist simply carries a second bicycle.

--
Joe * If I cannot be free I'll be cheap

JLB said:

Quite right. Carrying spares can get silly. The careful, experienced,
touring cyclist simply carries a second bicycle.

Excessive. You can fabricate most necesary items by the road-side
with a small bench lathe. Make sure you get one with a hollwo
tail-stock - saves a bit of weight.

regards, Ian SMith

"JLB" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Quite right. Carrying spares can get silly. The careful, experienced,
touring cyclist simply carries a second bicycle.

Errr...
<sheepish look>
It has been known...
</sheepish look>

Cheers, helen s

Ian Smith said:

JLB said:

Quite right. Carrying spares can get silly. The careful, experienced,
touring cyclist simply carries a second bicycle.

Excessive. You can fabricate most necesary items by the road-side
with a small bench lathe. Make sure you get one with a hollwo
tail-stock - saves a bit of weight.

Yebbut make sure you don't get help working the bellows when you come
to braze it together, or you'll get disqualified.

Tim

krys said:

Any help or advice would be gratefully appreciated.

One last bit of advice. Forget all the advice in this thread.
Go out, ride your nice bike, enjoy it.

On Thu, 19 May 2005 20:09:16 +0100, Ian Smith <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

JLB said:

Quite right. Carrying spares can get silly. The careful, experienced,
touring cyclist simply carries a second bicycle.

Excessive. You can fabricate most necesary items by the road-side
with a small bench lathe. Make sure you get one with a hollwo
tail-stock - saves a bit of weight.

Yup. You might want to practice mining bauxite and refining your
own aluminium at home first, though, so you'll have the confidence
to do it at the roadside.

--
jc

Ian Smith said:

Excessive. You can fabricate most necesary items by the road-side
with a small bench lathe. Make sure you get one with a hollwo
tail-stock - saves a bit of weight.

Dark-siders should ensure that in addition to the above they are carrying
the BHPC Standard Ballast, viz.

o one socket set
o one bench vice
o Richard Ballantine

--
Dave Larrington - <http://www.legslarry.beerdrinkers.co.uk/>
And then there was light and He thought it was good, so He threw the
receipt away.

Hi all,.....again

Thanks again for all your help - and here's where I'm up to so
far......comments and feedback welcome as ever 🙂

Well, I went out for a couple of hours this morning - minus my usual
practice posse. Tacked a bit on to the previous distance, and still did the
whole lot in less time.....which must mean that the pace I set myself is
fairly reasonable. It's proving a good way of testing things out.....

Today's test items - my new sunglasses and saddle bag - both arrived from
wiggle yesterday - and both worked out just fine. I'm surprised how much
better it was without my back bag, which I had always found very
comfortable. Still, without it seems to be better - so I was proved wrong
there. The new saddle bag fitted my waterproof jacket, pump, puncture
repair kit (Innovations Tyre Repair Cartridge), alun keys, mobile phone,
lipsalve, tissues, keys and some money - and that was without expanding it -
so I was fairly impressed by that. I also tried out one of the Lucozade
hydroactive waters. I can't stand the usual lucozade - way too sweet for my
tastes - but this seemed ok, though whether or not that are any benefits to
it I don't know. I also stopped off, purchased, and ate a banana at 1/2
time, which I already know keeps me going. I'm going to look into dried
bananas, cereal bars, that kind of thing. I'm a bit of a healthy eating
freak, and so many of such things are packed with fat or sugar - so if you
can recommend specific better ones, I'd be grateful, it'll save me hours of
label checking!

One thing I'm now aware of though - I think proper cycle shorts are called
for. Is it worth getting proper ladies ones? Shorts or 3/4 or longs? They
seem to be about twice the price of entry level normal ones, which is a tad
unfair, but if I have to....

More specific to your replies - I do have mudguards. Hubby pumped the tyres
up some last night, as well as raising the saddle for me, both of which felt
better today, though the road felt bumpier as a result. I've got gloves -
which made are fab. I'm a bandana girl personally - gotta keep that hair
out of my eyes. And I usually apply sunblock before I go out to save
carrying it with me.

Anyway it was a happy couple of hours. The rain held off until I got back,
it was neither too bright nor too hot/cold....though the wind was a nuisance
on the Levels. A few more practice runs, and that pair of shorts, and I
think I'll be set.......no small thanks to you guys 🙂

krys

in message <[email hidden]>, krys

(') said:

I'm a bit of a healthy eating
freak, and so many of such things are packed with fat or sugar - so if
you can recommend specific better ones, I'd be grateful, it'll save me
hours of label checking!

I use Geo-Bars, largely because I'm a sucker for the Fair Trade
branding, but also because I find them pleasant to eat. They're a
little over sweet, but not sickly. They certainly work as a blood-sugar
boost when you're knackered. Malt loaf is also very good.

Quoted message said:

One thing I'm now aware of though - I think proper cycle shorts are
called for.  Is it worth getting proper ladies ones?  Shorts or 3/4 or
longs?  They seem to be about twice the price of entry level normal
ones, which is a tad unfair, but if I have to....

Cycle shorts can make a _huge_ difference to your comfort.

--
[email hidden] (Simon Brooke) http://www.jasmine.org.uk/~simon/

;; when in the [censored], the wise man plants courgettes

"krys" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Hi all,.....again

Thanks again for all your help - and here's where I'm up to so
far......comments and feedback welcome as ever 🙂

Well, I went out for a couple of hours this morning - minus my usual
practice posse. Tacked a bit on to the previous distance, and still did
the
whole lot in less time.....which must mean that the pace I set myself is
fairly reasonable. It's proving a good way of testing things out.....

Today's test items - my new sunglasses and saddle bag - both arrived from
wiggle yesterday - and both worked out just fine. I'm surprised how much
better it was without my back bag, which I had always found very
comfortable. Still, without it seems to be better - so I was proved wrong
there. The new saddle bag fitted my waterproof jacket, pump, puncture
repair kit (Innovations Tyre Repair Cartridge), alun keys, mobile phone,
lipsalve, tissues, keys and some money - and that was without expanding
it -
so I was fairly impressed by that. I also tried out one of the Lucozade
hydroactive waters. I can't stand the usual lucozade - way too sweet for
my
tastes - but this seemed ok, though whether or not that are any benefits
to
it I don't know. I also stopped off, purchased, and ate a banana at 1/2
time, which I already know keeps me going. I'm going to look into dried
bananas, cereal bars, that kind of thing. I'm a bit of a healthy eating
freak, and so many of such things are packed with fat or sugar - so if you
can recommend specific better ones, I'd be grateful, it'll save me hours
of
label checking!

One thing I'm now aware of though - I think proper cycle shorts are called
for. Is it worth getting proper ladies ones? Shorts or 3/4 or longs?
They
seem to be about twice the price of entry level normal ones, which is a
tad
unfair, but if I have to....

More specific to your replies - I do have mudguards. Hubby pumped the
tyres
up some last night, as well as raising the saddle for me, both of which
felt
better today, though the road felt bumpier as a result. I've got gloves -
which made are fab. I'm a bandana girl personally - gotta keep that hair
out of my eyes. And I usually apply sunblock before I go out to save
carrying it with me.

Anyway it was a happy couple of hours. The rain held off until I got
back,
it was neither too bright nor too hot/cold....though the wind was a
nuisance
on the Levels. A few more practice runs, and that pair of shorts, and I
think I'll be set.......no small thanks to you guys 🙂

krys

hmm shorts.... well I think which shorts you need dependsd on your body
shape. If you are of slim build with narrow hips you can use bloke's shorts.
I did for many years especially as when I started cycling I don't think
womens specific stuff existed. If you live near a Decathlon they do very
reasonable ladies kit. Otherwise I suggest the De Marchi Aero shorts which
come in around the £20 mark and do a reasonable job. Beware of sizing here -
if like me you are a 12/14 depending on the time of year you will need large
NOT medium.

HTH
Julia

"krys" <[email hidden]>typed

Quoted message said:

One thing I'm now aware of though - I think proper cycle shorts are called
for. Is it worth getting proper ladies ones? Shorts or 3/4 or longs? They
seem to be about twice the price of entry level normal ones, which is a tad
unfair, but if I have to....

It depends on your shape. Your shorts should fit well. If your waist is
much smaller than your hips, you'll need a feminine fit. Otherwise you
may be OK...

--
Helen D. Vecht: [email hidden]
Edgware.