Phew what a lovely day for riding

[morphix]

Just got back from an hour long ride in the countryside exploring new places.. the more I ride my bike the more I love it, I just don't want to get off it! I discovered an old pub tucked away in the countryside and would of loved to stop there for lunch but I hadn't got my bike lock. Passed a group of lycra's and got a friendly wave as I wooshed past.

I totally agree with what people were saying the other day about the warmer weather making a big difference to battery...mine seemed even more perky than usual today I was doing 18mph on the flat without hardly any pedalling effort.

As I was cruising along the country lanes I got to thinking about riding posture and tried sitting upright and further back on the saddle and found it very comfortable way to ride..normally I lean forwards.

After 40-50 miles my bike has developed quite a bit of creaking which I will need to look at..seems to be coming mainly from the crank but also the front of the bike, probably handlebar stem/headset. Everything is tight as I checked it over, the handlebar had come loose but I tightened that too.

I just ordered a new floor pump from Wiggles for £18 and a rear rack for £13 and I'm also working still on adapting my handlebar bag for easy removal, waiting on a few bits and pieces for that.

Hope everyone is enjoying the lovely sunny weather and getting out a bit on their bikes.

Saw these curious looking animals in a farm field, anyone know what they are?

And some suitable light refreshment..

 

[NRG]

Yep, went shopping on the Alien today, picked up a few things plus lunch, beautiful day.

Recently fitted a 4" stem riser and its made a world of difference to the comfort of the bike....should have done it ages ago!

 

[jerrysimon]

At work

But looking forward to my ride home

Lamas

Stem risers are the biz

Regards

Jerry

 

[10mph]

Here, here.

I did 11 miles on my new bike. I am running on the lowest level of power assist at present in order to test the range of my new bike. When I left the bank, I thought I was feeling a little tired, and an old lady on a bike passed me. I then discovered that I had ridden the half mile from the bank without switching my power back on. The bike does indeed ride well without power, but once I put on low power assist that 50% extra zoomed me past the old lady.

I admit to being tempted to lay in wait for the Lycra enthusiasts at the foot of a nearby hill and then burning them up on max power assist.

But in a somewhat more public spirited action, I have given 3 people very short try outs on the bike and been rewarded with enthusiastic smiles in every case. The last one was yesterday after a ride through the Forest of Dean with an acquaintance. He had to walk up hills, whereas I had done the whole 16 mile ride on low power. On a grass field I offered him the Agattu switched into the max power mode and he rode around on the grass. I then switched the power off, and he realised the strength of the assistance. At the end of the day he was telling his wife if his new business makes money he will buy one!

 

[Scottyf]

Lucky, I only every get chance to ride to and from work and thats it :-(
Although I did see about 25 people cycling this morning on the way to work.

Even managed to beat 2 lycra monkeys. One actuall cuaght me up on the straight and proceeded to ask if I do any professional cycling.
He hadn't even noticed that my bike was electric...

I did have to confess to him about it though to put him out his misery but its nice to know not even other cyclists notice the bikes electric.

Still fun though and it really helps overtaking / on hills and starting which is where I get away from everyone. Loose it as soon as your up to 15mph though...

Glad you've enjoyed yourself. Beats riding in the busy streets of dirty birmingham through some very deprived area's.

 

[lessped]

riser

Yep, went shopping on the Alien today, picked up a few things plus lunch, beautiful day.

Recently fitted a 4" stem riser and its made a world of difference to the comfort of the bike....should have done it ages ago!

Hi nrg i also have an Alien gents i feel that a higher riser would help me to could you please advise me on the product you purchased ...thanks

 

[NRG]

It was a Satori stem riser purchased off Amazon. You'll need to extend the front brake cable outer sleeve by a couple of inches, the rear was Ok on my bike. I also replaced the front and rear gear cables as they where damaged by the pinch bolts otherwise I would have reused them as there was enough free cable to accommodate the rise in height.

Edit, just remembered the outer cables for both gear shifters need to be extended as well from the handlebars to the frame again by a couple of inches.



-------------------------------------------------------
Posting from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[PennyFarthing]

Here, here.

I admit to being tempted to lay in wait for the Lycra enthusiasts at the foot of a nearby hill and then burning them up on max power assist.

!

LOL!

 

[PennyFarthing]

Even managed to beat 2 lycra monkeys. One actuall cuaght me up on the straight and proceeded to ask if I do any professional cycling.
He hadn't even noticed that my bike was electric...

I did have to confess to him about it though to put him out his misery but its nice to know not even other cyclists notice the bikes electric.

.

ROFLMAO!!!!!!!

 

[funkylyn]

Just got back from an hour long ride in the countryside exploring new places.. the more I ride my bike the more I love it, I just don't want to get off it! I discovered an old pub tucked away in the countryside and would of loved to stop there for lunch but I hadn't got my bike lock. Passed a group of lycra's and got a friendly wave as I wooshed past.

I totally agree with what people were saying the other day about the warmer weather making a big difference to battery...mine seemed even more perky than usual today I was doing 18mph on the flat without hardly any pedalling effort.

As I was cruising along the country lanes I got to thinking about riding posture and tried sitting upright and further back on the saddle and found it very comfortable way to ride..normally I lean forwards.

After 40-50 miles my bike has developed quite a bit of creaking which I will need to look at..seems to be coming mainly from the crank but also the front of the bike, probably handlebar stem/headset. Everything is tight as I checked it over, the handlebar had come loose but I tightened that too.

I just ordered a new floor pump from Wiggles for £18 and a rear rack for £13 and I'm also working still on adapting my handlebar bag for easy removal, waiting on a few bits and pieces for that.

Hope everyone is enjoying the lovely sunny weather and getting out a bit on their bikes.



Could be Alpacas

I sneaked a 90min ride on the Stop Line cycle way between Ilminster and Chard,(somerset) with a little bit of wandering off track.......what a wonderful day for a ride ( was supposed to be packing for a fibre fair )
Bike went well......still confused over my up coming Kalkhoff/Raleigh Dover/Wisper alpino decision......but that will have to wait till I get back from WonderWool exhibition at Builth Wells this weekend.
Hope this weather continues

 

[lessped]

Hi nrg i also have an Alien gents i feel that a higher riser would help me to could you please advise me on the product you purchased ...thanks

Ok thanks for that nrg much obliged i will certainly have a look into that by the way i think the Alien is pretty good

 

[kitchenman]

Yes. Its great weather. I'm really starting to enjoy my riding! Until now its been all about the commute. I can see that there can be much more to this cycling lark.... the Banbury to Warwick (stop at every pub) ride for instance!

 

[Deleted member 4366]

After 40-50 miles my bike has developed quite a bit of creaking which I will need to look at..seems to be coming mainly from the crank but also the front of the bike, probably handlebar stem/headset

My bike has been creaking from the crank/pedal area for the last 1500 miles. It's almost like two clicks/creaks for each rotation of the crank. Unfortunately, it only does it under load, so I can't find it when checking. I was wondering if it's the cartridge bearing assembly moving in the bottom bracket. It hasn't got any worse, so I just ignore it now.

 

[Mussels]

My bike has been creaking from the crank/pedal area for the last 1500 miles. It's almost like two clicks/creaks for each rotation of the crank. Unfortunately, it only does it under load, so I can't find it when checking. I was wondering if it's the cartridge bearing assembly moving in the bottom bracket. It hasn't got any worse, so I just ignore it now.

That sounds like the crank is coming loose on the spindle, to start with it's not obvious when you try it by hand. The crank will become damaged but it might not be too late yet if you get the tool to tighten it up, if it's a standard square taper then the tool (thin walled 6 point socket) is cheap and easy to get from most bike shops or Halfords. Your normal socket set may fit but is probably too thick.
Mine has started doing it this week and I recognise it from when it happened on my last bike, I must remember to sort it out before the crank is knackered.

 

[bode]

Saw these curious looking animals in a farm field, anyone know what they are?

Could be Alpacas

They look big enough to be llamas.

 

[morphix]

LLamas

Thanks for all the replies guys on the unusual animals, they are indeed Llamas it seems.. I have no idea what this herd of South American animals is doing in a farm in Worcestershire. Most likely they are being kept for their wool, or perhaps someone just likes them! They look a bit like camels and apparently they behave a bit like camels too with spitting.

 

[flecc]

Quite a few Llamas and the similar camel related South American Alpacas and even Vicunas are kept on British farms now, all part of diversification in the attempt to get some earning from the land. The wool of course, and the Vicuna wool is the finest and softest of any animal.

An interesting sideline use for a Llama or two is protection of sheep flocks since they co-exist happily, not stressing the sheep as a dog does. Llamas are fearless and drive off a fox or foxes at first sight, protecting new born lambs from being taken. Of course they can stay out in all weathers and overnight as well.

There are lots of breeders of these animals in Britain and societies for their advancement and protection.
.

 

[morphix]

Quite a few Llamas and the similar camel related South American Alpacas and even Vicunas are kept on British farms now, all part of diversification in the attempt to get some earning from the land. The wool of course, and the Vicuna wool is the finest and softest of any animal.

An interesting sideline use for a Llama or two is protection of sheep flocks since they co-exist happily, not stressing the sheep as a dog does. Llamas are fearless and drive off a fox or foxes at first sight, protecting new born lambs from being taken. Of course they can stay out in all weathers and overnight as well.
.

I was just reading about that, the use of Llamas as guards for other herd animals..very interesting.

 

[thunderblue]

They look big enough to be llamas.

Think they are llamas - although they could be girafeeps or she-raffs!

 

[lessped]

Hi again nrg just one more question if you wouldn't mind may i ask what size fitting was your new riser ?