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Not been on a bike regularly for years and live at the top of a hill. Being 55 coming on 56 and being rather too fond of the pies it would be near impossible (totally exhausting) for me to ride back up the hill where i stay. This morning i thought i would have a quick go on my Giant full E+1(mu2017). Well i crunched a few gears and wobbled a fair bit but despite that i managed two laps round the block. On the second i went even further down hill. I did have to put some effort in (that was always part of the plan) but i managed it without exhausting myself. Looking forward to some longer days in the saddle once the better weather arrives. Thinking i could start each day with an early morning cycle just build up some fitness. All in all well chuffed (with the bike and myself) :-)

It is being reported that Labour are about to become the party of remain putting clear daylight between Labour and the Tories. It appears that only 9% of Labour voters would now vote Leave and these votes are not in critical seats to win the next election. After Boris and TM terrible recent speeches May must be on a lot of pressure to ignore the 35 Tory bastards and start to do another U-turn,she has history at those. Continuing with a hard Brexit is a death sentence for the Tories. Labour will introduce a number of amendments over the next few weeks in the withdrawal bill and the Lords will smell blood,TM May have so many bill obstacles that she will find it difficult to proceed. Just don’t know what her options are??? KudosDave

Managed a full week commuting last week total of 60 mile covered in all weather conditions. My 20 tooth front sprocket has now been fitted helping to raise my average speed . It does make the front sprocket run very close to the motor casing so doubt I could fit anything bigger ? The front sprocket locking ring is rather soft & you have to bare in mind it’s a left hand thread so knock the ring clockwise to remove it . Had to use a ground down screwdriver to knock the castellated collar loose . My C spanner wouldn’t engage enough and wasn’t sure which 8 pin tool was required . The bonus is my quickest commute to work is now down to 19 mins 30 secs although it was hard work for a relatively small gain in time saved .

I'm even older Dario, and have built up to 30-40 miles through the hills. Keep at it, it gets easier and MORE fun.... enjoy.

You can't really put a price on peace of mind and I'm so glad you shared that with us 'flecc'! Tom

And those stupid French spies saying there was no such thing, luckily you believed the right people...

TM and co. aren't worried Tom, the CIA have Europe saturated with spies as ever and they share their intelligence with us. And very good it is too, we'd never have known Sadam's Iraq had WMDs without them telling us. .

And by coming on this forum the Boys and Girls at Menwith Hill will have your name and number too! ps: Felicitations to you all up there. how's the weather lately?

Best-laid plans. I’m currently completing a very short review of a Giant Full-E Plus 1 SX Pro, (more to follow on Monday) and last night was to be a ‘real world’ off road riding battery test, Yamaha PW-X against the Bosch CX. The idea was to complete a pre-planned 19 mile off road ride across very varied terrain, using Turbo mode on the Bosch CX and Sport mode on the Yamaha, as both supply a quoted 300% assist level. Conditions were probably the worst that we had ridden for quite some time, and just 7 miles into the ride, both bikes were down to an indicated 50% battery capacity left!!! A shockingly poor range from both manufacturers. The Giant was also suffering very badly from chain suck, with the bike coming to an abrupt stop seemingly as soon as it got moving. It really didn’t like the high-power setting in such adverse conditions, and yes the clutch was engaged on the rear mech.The test was looking doomed already, and we still had 12 miles to go! We sadly decided at this point that a high power setting battery test, just wasn’t going to work in such poor riding conditions, or at least if we wanted to complete the ride without having to walk. The decision was made to ride in the Eco setting on the Yamaha drive unit, and Tour on the Bosch drive unit. The Yamaha giving 100% assist and the Bosch 120%. Thankfully, the drop in power setting eliminated almost all of the chain suck issue that the Giant had been suffering, but problems were far from over, when I fell from the KTM and bent the rear mech hanger. The ride consisted of some very short sharp climbs, that required a low gear ratio, especially now that the power settings were reduced, but it was the low range that was causing an issue, and the bike was having none of it. For each of these climbs, I had to switch to tour or eMTB mode, and use a higher gear than the conditions and terrain required. The battery level on the Bosch powered bike, was suddenly looking very questionable. The ride continued with the bikes skidding and sliding everywhere, and sure enough at the 16.5 mile point, the Bosch battery died. Because of the nature of the test, I hadn’t wanted to take a chance, and so had a spare battery with me. The test was now well and truly over! The Giant finished the 19 mile ride with 13% battery remaining, but had the rear mech on the Bosch powered bike not been bent, we both concluded that there was more than likely no noticeable difference in the performance between the two. Noise was an interesting one though, as the Yamaha was definitely the louder of the two drive units. Although I suspect that it was more the tone or pitch that made it seem so. The Yamaha operated at a much lower deeper tone, which might well have made it seem louder than the high pitch tone of the Bosch drive unit. The oddest thing of all, was just how muddy that the Giant was when compared to the KTM. I really have no answer to that one, but the KTM certainly returned from the ride pretty mud free. Quite a failing in test terms, but still good to be out.

Maybe a new maxim: "U-turn means U-turn, This lady is for turning". .

Thanks for the replies, didn't realise a throttle was available, had thought they were no longer allowed ? I've been in contact with Oxygen bikes, they have been most helpful and have offered me the throttle which is apparently easy to fit, so i should soon be on me bike and hitting the hills. Now only got to source a 1000 mile battery and I'll be doing the JOGLE again - nothing wrong with having a dream is there. Again thanks for the help

I use a Tortec Transalp Disc rack with a Vaude Silkroad Rack Bag, works well for me https://www.singletrackbikes.co.uk/m11b203s491p13648/Tortec_Transalp_Rear_Disc_Pannier_Rack/RS_GB/32186?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI1v32r9av2QIVYbHtCh0UGAROEAQYBCABEgKHivD_BwE https://www.amazon.co.uk/VAUDE-Silkroad-Plus-Rack-riding/dp/B004XVP3AY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1518964232&sr=8-1&keywords=vaude+rack+bag&dpID=51EDOQBcOgL&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

I have a Uni Topeak Super Tourist DX coupled with the Topeak MTX Trunkbag. These have been on my last three bikes and have proven excellent. Two friends also have this set up and we have used various panniers. We also use the rack as support for the rear mudguard instead of stays. The Uni version is adjustable for 24 - 29 inch wheels. I have the non disk version which doesn't stick out as much as the disk version but still comes nowhere near my rotors or calipers.

faith restored - purchased and fitted the Suntour NCX. As it turned the height was about the same as the rigid seatpost. Thinking there was rain on the way this afternoon headed out quite early and completed 22 miles including Box Hill twice. No problems whatsoever...Bike comfort is transformed on a softer setting. On a different subject I was having a lot of trouble with the gear indexing. Threw out the Sram and fitted a Shimano 9 speed shifter. Now gear changes are like silk....

Sadly, I think that the photos can only be added as the ride takes place. I tend to use doarama more than relive, but here are two more climbs. https://www.relive.cc/view/1086419096 https://www.relive.cc/view/1080432551

My background includes having lived in Berlin, as a young child, with a father in the RAF, neighbours in Brixmis, visits to the Air Safety Centre, Gatow, etc. Although too young to understand, there was always some enhanced level of awareness and discussions with my mother. I came back to the UK about a year before the story broke. I claim no knowledge or useful experience - but it is something not to be ignored. (I guess, just because of my family connections, there is probably a Stasi file on me. :-) )

Beautiful. Now it belongs on a plinth in the lounge. .

Probably the same as in any subsequent reply in the thread. In the case of this forum I've checked and that's 10,000 words limit. .

You have to love a clean bike! Wheels removed, cassette removed and cleaned, bake discs and pads cleaned with isopropyl alcohol, chain removed, cleaned and re-lubed, dielectric grease applied to battery contacts, anti seize compound added to seat post and Fork Juice applied, forks and rear shock thoroughly cleaned and Fork Juice applied, everything else thoroughly cleaned and checked with ACF50 applied to exposed threads. I love bike maintenance and cleaning, as much as I do riding.

I use halfords regularly and find them to be helpful, often above and beyond but it depends on the staff and the training/experience they have. At my keighley branch the staff in the bike dept are very good and as d8veh has noted if they can help FOC they will! I wonder if it is company policy..

I like that ebay kit. I believe he's the only guy in the US with a low cost geared motor. I bought one from him three years ago and have 1300 miles on it. No troubles with the motor. I had the LED version with 3 level PAS, which is a bit crude but level 1 is perfect for me as it runs up to about 13 mph and shuts down. Allows me to ride at 12-14 mph. Throttle response is mild on 36V, but probably typical of a 500W motor with a 20A controller. About 20 mph top speed on throttle. Run on 48V, it will do 24 mph and feels pretty comparable to other 48V bikes I've ridden. That was the old kit. I just bought the current one that you're looking. LCD version. Rear wheel. $209 USD. Free shipping. Last November, I paid $144 USD just for a Q128H shipped. No electronics. No wheel. This is certainly less money. He was out of stock since October on ebay, which is why ordered a Q128. When I saw he had stock last month, I ordered one. Came in two days as he ships out of Chicago. The new kit with LCD has a 22A controller. Appears to be compatible with both 36V or 48V. 5 level PAS. I won't have it on a bike til April, but have run it on my bench and look forward to trying it out. I liked the LCD version, for more flexibility in battery voltage. Again, I haven't run it in real world conditions yet, but the previous motor was alright for me.

I don't know but I have a good one for you. ' I have recently started a new training fitness regime and it involves me having to put up with ogling women in the pursuit of fitness, the wife isn't over joyed but I have told her it is necessary for my bad knees and it also helps a lot more for when I'm out riding' :D.

I have actually a similar fork but in aluminium. Have had it for two years and about 12000km riding now (!). Front motor also. Very satisfied with my bike. It's the simplicity I like. Almost maintenance free. Have thought about mid drive instead but when I think of above I don't wanna change [emoji3] Sent from my eBike through Tapatalk

That makes no sense. On the bike or on your back, you still have to accelerate and brake its mass. On the bike, the frame,wheels and tires take the strain; on your back, you do. And having mass flopping around high up on your back goes against every rule of mechanical efficiency, safety and ergonomic design. I guess you're arguing the man rather than the logic; and would claim that shouldering your wheelbarrow saves on tyres.

What’s the best way to change from cable to hydraulic if the cables are internally routed through the frame? Can the hoses take the same route as it looks much tidier. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Hi AK. Yes, the Nevis is a bit out of the way but there's some great rides up there, big event once a year is the Pub to Pub MTB race from Garston Pub to Bannockburn pub. 80 kms of gutbusting riding, usually attracts several hundred competitors. Also love the tracks around the Manorburn Dam (where you would have gone skating) and of course the Central Otago Rail Trail passes close by. A pioneering project in NZ, this is where 150km of old rail track was lifted and a bike trail constructed - world renowned and passes over numerous bridges, viaducts and through tunnels, tens of thousands bike it each year and has given an economic boost to the region. Hope your son enjoyed his stay here and weather treated him ok - Queenstown seems to be very attractive to the younger ones! A couple of pics to show that not all of Central Otago is "dead mans gulch"!

Which is why German companies trade so successfully with the rest of the world as well as the EU. Their products are in every country worldwide. They manage it so why can't we? That's a rhetorical question, the truth is we don't because we are not good enough and we still won't be good enough after leaving the EU. The problem is not and never has been the EU, so leaving the EU solves nothing. The problem is us. That is the problem to solve. .

And the sort of solutions the Government will employ will result in social upheaval, and still fail. It is far beyond their capabilities to even comprehend, never mind solve.

Wise words indeed OG. We should all try and follow your wisdom on this ...both sides of the divide..( and I,m not being sarcastic) Feeling quite mellow at moment...I,m in Vietnam and having appointment for heart procedure on my return I promised consultant I,d take it easy...he,s going to be a bit " pissed off" ( as wife is) I,ve broken 2 ribs windsurfing...currently enjoying solpedol , beer and Dire Straits..They are very sore...( ribs that is...not Dire Straits) Ahwell. Love Vietnam...can get on with what I came for now. Hopefully.. I ain't commenting on Brexit anymore. You lot sort it out..Good luck. You,ll need it.

You are a mucky pup Eddie! Those conditions are what horses are for. For a change perhaps the larger chainwheel on the Giant's Yamaha wasn't so good in mud clogging conditions. .

I too watched the May interview and I felt both embarrassed and ashamed to be British. Her whole demeanour was risible and contemptuous of both the German Chancellor and the EU. May, like the clowns she appointed to negotiate our exit terms, is singularly unfit to represent this country in any forum and each time she interferes in matters requiring a grasp of diplomacy, she simply plunges the UK deeper into the mire she and her party have created by their attitude towards our mainland partners. We are now a laughing stock across not only across Europe but also in the wider world thanks to the representation by May, Davis, Johnson and Fox. They are a classic example of the expression attributed towards the British fighting forces and their leadership in the Crimean war and in WW1, 'Lions led by donkeys!' Tom

Everything that May does seems to be anti any form of compromise on Brexit....just a thought do you think she is carrying on with ‘a schorched earth policy’ right up to the brink,then bale out the week before March,2019.....leaving Boris and Gove with the mess. KudosDave

Yes to keep an eye on you .

They are really getting desperate in the Guardian with today's header " Exclusive Czech agent claims 15 Labour MPs met spies as Ken Livingstone and John McDonnell deny claims" Just how gullible can the papers be? This denunciation season is getting madder by the day.

that was from the telegraph, not the Guardian. If you want gullible, the Sun and the Express are harder to beat.

That's the key, the staff in each branch. I have three Halfords within reach, two I've previously found hopeless, the third very good simply because they had a very good man who knows his stuff in the bike department there. .

I have considered the NCX seat post but dismissed the idea on the basis that when the seat post compresses (as it must do continually on uneven surfaces?) it will alter the saddle height relative to the pedals and potentially give rise to knee problems. Or am I missing something?

Sorry but you have lost me there. Does the NCX seat post convert up and down movement to forwards and backwards movement? Either way the change in geometry can't be good for one's knees. Unless, that is, one stops pedalling when bouncing?

I suppose it makes a change from pointing at Russia meddling in our affairs. Just why are we supposed to entirely trust someone who admits (claims?) to have acted as an enemy of the country? Suddenly they are elevated to a position of authority. And just remember which stratum of society was involved most heavily in... The Cambridge Spy Ring was a ring of spies in the United Kingdom, who passed information to the Soviet Union during World War II and was active at least into the early 1950s. Four members of the ring were originally identified: Kim Philby (cryptonym: Stanley), Donald Duart Maclean (cryptonym: Homer), Guy Burgess (cryptonym: Hicks) and Anthony Blunt (cryptonyms: Tony, Johnson). Once jointly known as the Cambridge Four and later as the Cambridge Five, the number increased as more evidence came to light. Wasn't the good old working class labour-voting stratum.

Oyster, I don't know if you are old enough to remember that period or whether, perhaps, you have studied the history of that age but you are right to draw attention to the matter of British spies and espionage in general. I have said previously that one cannot escape politics in the UK - it interferes one way or another in every aspect of our daily life and is far more important than simple economics, for example. Many members of this forum are probably too young to remember the 'outing' of the Cambridge spy ring although they may have heard the names of some of the conspirators. Without researching the many books about that period of British history from pre-WW2 through the post-war period encompassing the cold war, the 'Wikipedia' information on Blunt alone is well worth reading. Some may have read the Peter Wright novel, 'Spycatcher' which made him an extremely rich man in his twilight years thanks to a deal struck with an Australian publisher. Whether Wright's book satisfied detailed scrutiny, however, is anyone's guess but in the world of secrets, I'd doubt that we, the British public, ever got to hear all of the story in regard to the Cambridge spy ring. The circles in which people exist in society is a fascinating study and when circles are connected, the inter-connections produce some incredibly interesting relationships. You can be sure that the leading members of the tory party are very closely connected, in some cases related, to the royal family, many of whom were and probably still are, fascists. Another thing you can be sure of is that the ordinary man in the street wasn't part of any major spy ring although certain news media magnates took the part of foreign powers in the 1930s and even today, the media, all of whose owners belong to the same circle as other powerful people in the UK, carry regular stories making wild accusations about reds under the beds within the Labour Party. That message is absorbed by millions, believing that posh tories and the great British monarchy are our protectors while Marxists, socialists and the Labour movement are all undermining British society on behalf of foreign powers - nothing could be further from the truth! The immense power of the British media has contributed hugely to the tory party's success in elections throughout most of the 20th century. It works because it is a powerful brainwashing tool. Tom

None of us is in a position to reveal the inner secrets of our security services and, like many others, I signed the Official Secrets Act many years ago. Fortunately, I am not privy to any worthwhile information today, having retired from service many, many years ago. As regards how matters such as espionage, the sharing of security information and the like might be impacted by 'Brexit', we should be guided by those who are privy to or have previous experience in international matters of crime fighting and diplomacy. This chap know more than most and he is on record as stating: Of course, maybe he was promoted far beyond his actual talents on account of who he is and his family standing in society; I don't know but it is not unreasonable to describe him as an expert in his field and he seems to be saying things that might cause some in the government to view him as a bit of a bloody nuisance to the PM and the nastiest section of the tory party. Tom