Time To Change The Chain And Sprocket

Bought the Kettler Spirit in July and not long after, a Park Tool Chain Checker. Have been regularly cleaning and oiling it and now and again checking it for stretch.Well, bit of a surprise, the smaller part of the Chain Checker went fully through, indicating I need a new chain. The larger part didn't, so I don't need a new chainwheel thankfully...

Chainwear, "stretch" and replacement frequency seems to come into the "how long is a piece of string"  category and you'll likely get a different answer from whomever you ask. I've decided to use the Chain Checker indicator to warn me when to change the chain and leave it at that. Keep things simple. Quite cheap and gives me a bit of practice in maintenance too. It's quite easy to forget when you only do these things occasionally.

You should also change the sprocket at the same time as the chain as an old sprocket can wear out a new chain fairly quickly. So I did. This entails removing the cassette joint first - the parts that connect the gear cable to the hub so you can change gear. Thought I would photo this for this post.

Incidentally, the bike was running fine - no skipping or anything, I just like to be proactive with bike maintenance to minimise nasty surprises and expense...I've learnt from experience...

I decided to follow the instructions from The Total Bike Maintenance Book, but there are more than a few Youtube videos as well as the Shimano Technical documents that you'll find elsewhere in this blog and the internet.

I must have done around 1200-1500 miles on it, riding it most days; I didn't use the computer for the first few months because the instructions looked complicated. Once I'd figured them out and got it working, I've since done 449.65 miles. So maybe it was to be expected that a new chain was due. I shall pay more attention to the mileage this time.

First you need one of these to split the chain...

My new circlip pliers from Robert Dyas - make short work of removing circlips that some hubgears (like the Nexus) come with; better than messing about with screwdrivers

first line up the yellow dots to remove the first part of the cassette joint...

...and then the red...

Lay the parts of the cassett joint out in the sequence you took them off like the book sez...

The Nexus sans cassette joint

The shiny new 19 tooth sprocket fitted - you can get ones with less or more if you want different gearing.

Cassette joint refitted...

Sorted...you're supposed to fit the new chain as well by the way, not just the new sprocket, otherwise you won't be able to ride the bike...

Attach gear cable to cassette joint...

The job went smoothly first time - and the bike's been fine touch my head, I mean wood...probably a first, I've had enough cans of worms when it comes to bike maintenance, you think it's going to be a simple job but...

With the wheel off, thought I'd clean inside the mudguard - was very easy and came up like new, think I'll do the front one next.

Shopping List...

I love buying stuff when I can afford it and when it's for me. Certainly used to be the case that men weren't supposed to enjoy shopping; well I'm one of the exceptions. Buying stuff for myself tends to make me feel good. I could spend all day in a city or town with lots of shops that have what I want...

Especially cycling related stuff in which case I might consider myself a shopaholic...

I have a wishlist of bikes and accessories, which might change by the time I can afford them, which I can't right now, although some I've always wanted like my Dutch was. On the wishlist at time of writing:

Must-have category:

Brompton - public transport bike - next on the list.

Velorbis - comfort and style - a real looker

Fast commuter: The model can vary because of the availability. For example, I did want a silver Charge Mixer 11, but they're discontinued I believe, although Evans told me they might be able to get hold of one.

German Trekking bike with Rohloff hub and Gates carbon drive (maybe), loaded with equipment. My long distance tourer.

Nice-to-have-just-cos-they-make-them category:

A shaft drive - probably a Biomega, although I would like a Viva Mille Miglia, I mean those looks...Trouble is, they don't make them anymore, although you can find them on the internet for sale, in a different country...then again, I quite like the Beixo...

A Pederson - a masterpiece copy of an 1893 bike with modern componentry. Charming, quaint, and surprisingly practical...put it this way: you don't see many of these around...

A Pashley - everyone should have a Pashley...

A Schwinn - classic American 50s style cruiser with a mock petrol tank like that of a motorbike...don't think it's made anymore.

Pilen - nice & stylish Swedish utility bike - nice to have, just because they make them

Retrovelo - like the Pilen but German (and half as much again expensive), another nice to have just because they make them

Something with a wooden frame - this one made for the car company Audi.

Something with a bamboo frame

Something with a titanium frame

Something with a stainless steel frame

A Schindlehauer

A Pinion geared - aha - you probably haven't heard of that one...5 grand the price...think I like the colour, brown in any shade is not usually my thing, but it's a nice match with the silver. Would prefer midnight blue though.

So that's another 16 to buy...Excessive? Some would say, but I recently met Bill who told me he has 26 in his garage and invited me over to view them, which I must get round to soon. I don't have a garage, but I do have some space in the back garden that I could build some kind of shed/store cum conservatory thingy...nice little project to practice my creativity and DIY skills come to think...

The Appeal Of Cycling - Part 2 - The Hardware

Whatever sport or hobby I've had, it was never solely about the activity; it was complemented by an interest in the actual hardware, and so it is with cycling.

I like good bicycles and accessories; this is one of the ingredients that make cycling enjoyable for me; I like to be riding a good quality bike - it simply wouldn't be the same riding junk...I have to say, I'm a little disappointed to see cheap bikes appearing in UK bikeshops styled like the more expensive quality items to cash in on a trend.

One of the great things about cycling for me at least, is that it's cheap enough to be able to afford the best stuff without being wealthy, in the same way as, cars or boats for example. OK, occasionally you get these £100,000 one offs with gold and diamonds on it, but by and large, anything practical is within reach of anyone with disposable income, either to save for or borrow with a small personal loan. Not only that, but currently in the UK there are government incentives eg the cycle to work scheme where you can save 20% sales tax and pay the remainder in instalments.

I don't think it's ever been a better time to  be a cyclist, and I plan to indulge as much as my finances will allow.

Some of these can be pretty expensive - are they worth the money? Well, being worth the price charged is a subjective thing. If I'm using something regularly with no problems, that's a good guide as to whether I'm getting my money's worth. With utility/town bikes, it's easy to get your money's worth by riding them regularly - you just get on them and ride, so there's less likely to be a feeling that it was an indulgent waste of money because you don't get the chance to use it or you cannot afford the running costs...

Contrast this with a boat, where the best times have been stated as the day you buy it, and the day you sell it...

Not only are manufacturers, particularly in Germany and Switzerland producing mouthwatering hardware, the internet makes these goods more accessible than they would have been in the past, when you would have had to rely on traditional retail methods. I keep getting pleasantly surprised by all the good quality stuff out there.

London Again - This Time Much Better...And A Park Pootle...

Last time I went, I wasn't too impressed by what I saw of the "superhighways" which were just a thin strip of road on the edge of the main one painted blue.

This time I saw "proper" segregated cyclepaths similar to those in my town on which I rode. This wasn't Kennington like last time, but Dulwich with some scarily posh looking houses nearby, and a private toll road. Was advised by the bike shop owner and an acquaintance in the shop to have a ride round Dulwich Park. It has a wide road running through it that's been closed to most traffic for some years. So I did a few circuits.

Took some photos. But they're not here because I accidently deleted them fiddling about with my camera on the train, trying to figure out how it worked...well, I've only had the camera 9 years or so, you expect me to actually know how to work the thing? So I downloaded some from the Wikimedia Commons site:

Dulwich Park; photo courtesy Paul Whittington, Wikimedia Commons

You could hire 3-wheeled recumbent type bikes from the stall - think they were meant for kids really:

Cycle Hire; picture courtesy Danny Robinson, Wikimedia Commons

The experience was pleasant and I have plans to explore other London parks too by bike; come to think a day riding around London visiting the parks on a Boris bike or Brompton at some time in the not-too-distant future sounds appealing.

Think I'll call them Park Pootles. Certain ring to that - rather like it...could apply it in other ways for example - is a bike a good Park Pootler?

Toer Populaire...Pootler Extraordinaire...

Anyway, also bought a Gazelle single kickstand for my Kettler Spirit. The one that came with this bike isn't its best feature and I've lost count of the number of times it's fallen over, each time resolving that it wouldn't happen again...

nice, big solid thing that gives peace of mind when you park the bike...

...except it's too small...

Impressed with the stability of the one on my Gazelle Toer Populaire, I thought it would be a good idea to buy one for the Kettler. Well, it would have been except it didn't fit...Ah, well, there are other options: I do like the double ones by Velo Orange which are of adjustable length. On my shopping list for purchase in the near future. Come to think, it probably won't be the only thing I buy from them as there's some interesting stuff. Thank goodness for the internet - so much in the way of useful accessories would be nearly unobtainable otherwise.

Old Inner Tubes & Zipties...

Just had an idea for this short post (3rd in 3 days!)

Had been meaning to adorn my bike with a big poppy for a week or so prior to Rememberance Sunday - today - just got round to it. Found out again how useful old inner tubes and zipties are...

Drive A Short Distance So You Can Run A Short Distance...

Every week (OK missed a few) over the past month and a bit, I've been running a 5km timed run, run (no pun intended) by Parkrun. Did one today.

The events take part in pleasant woodlands every Saturday across the UK. It's free, your timings are recorded and personal bests shown. When you've run 50 of them (12 months if you run every week), you get a t-shirt with "50" printed on the back and another when you've run 100, with "100" printed on the back of it.

I came across it one Saturday by accident when out on a morning ride to the War Memorial park. Nice little find. You feel you've done something constructive on a Saturday morning and it's good to be around the health and fitness oriented. All in, it takes less than 2 hours to get there, run, queue for your timings and get back.

So, what has this to do with cycling? Well, I've noticed how the number of people who drive to get there heavily outnumber the cyclists who cycle to get there, who can be counted on two hands at most out of over 300 runners...

The nearest car park is too small for all the cars and excess vehicles have to park on the grass. Today, there were no grass parkers because the organisers had asked people not to park on the grass as, there's been lots of rain and the grass would become a quagmire if everybody parked on it.

Something wrong there? Well, not necessarily; I mean, for all I know, the car drivers may have driven over 10 miles or so, therefore using the car is justified in my book, it's not a triathlon or iron man afterall. Then again, there might be nearer events to them as there are at least 6 of the same about 20 miles away. I just suspect that most of them will have driven in from around 5 miles away because most of the residential areas in my town are that distance at most away from where this event is held.

So, drive 7km or whatever 5 miles is, so that you can run 5 km...It has been fair weather, so even less of an excuse. All the drivers drove there probably out of habit...

Well, in fairness, over ten years ago, I might have been one of them. Of course, I only rediscovered cycling in 2008. Moreover, many are completely unaware of how cheap, fast, efficient and enjoyable cycling is for short distances in good weather. Just like I was. But the cycling lobby only seems to promote the benefits of cycling with regard to environmentalism and fitness. Which are perfectly valid, but don't seem to be winning over the public. The pushbike's forte of fast, efficient, cheap transport over short distances all too often seems to be overlooked or ignored...

If we want to reduce dependency on the car, this type of journey might be a good place to start - use the bike for distances and in weather conditions where the car offers no advantage.

Perhaps we could try more to promote it thus. I'm attempting to here. Also everyone I meet - hope I'm not becoming too dull/irritating/bee in my bonnet in the process...

Also save money and wear and tear on the car...;-)

The right hand side of the car park...full up...

The left hand side of the car park...full up...

Recognise that silver bike there? That's what they should all ride - not the same bike, but the same model ;-)

The Appeal Of Cycling - Part 1 - Transport

Cycling, or more specifically, town cycling, isn't the most important thing in my life, but it's right up there.

I've identified 4 areas as to why this is:

1) Transport/utility
2) Hardware
3) Doing it
4) Image/Lifestyle

Except for transport, these aren't in any order of importance. I suppose transport could be classed as more important than the others which could be considered as just nice to have for quality of life.

Anyway, using a pushbike for transport, I find I'm able to get about really quickly, efficiently, cheaply and comfortably for short journeys in fair weather. It's an extension of my legs. For most local journeys, it really is a case of just hopping on, pedaling for 20 minutes or less and you're there.

I think this is the pushbike's forte, and is reflected in the cycling cultures of Holland and Denmark.

In the past, when I haven't had my bike for whatever reason, I find out how expensive motor vehicles can be - either buses or especially by car (as I well remember when I commuted by car, no other way was feasible and our government seemed to be increasing the price of petrol every week). Each time petrol went up by a penny, I had £5 less disposable income...

And when I've had to walk, there's plenty of incentive to get back on the bike, I can assure you. Journeys which used to be quick and easy become slow and arduous, especially if you have to carry groceries, so I avoid it if I can.

Obviously a lot faster than walking, cycling may in many cases be faster than cars, because there's no such thing (yet!) as congestion or roadworks, holding you up and you can ride in areas closed to vehicular traffic. You also don't have to worry about where to park as well as maneuvering out of tight areas like parking spaces. And in my town, parking's pretty expensive too.

I think if more people had the same experience with cycling as transport as I do, its popularity would soar.

See what I could do to make it happen...I know, I could write a blog...

Cycling "Superhighways"

Recently I had to make the journey in London from Waterloo railway station to Chrystal Palace, I decided to cycle the way instead of taking my bike on public transport. According to TFL's (Transport For London) journey planner, the trip should have taken less time than if I'd used the train.

So, I did. It took a lot longer. But that isn't the point of this post. See, I had the dubious experience of using one of the "Cycling Superhighways" in the capital...

Not totally sure of what I was expecting, think it was a segregated stretch of shared footpath, about 3-4 metres wide, the same as in my hometown, only a lot longer, several miles, instead of several hundred yards at most. I find these really convenient to use and feel safe using them. I'd like to see more of them, and to it's credit, the local government is building more and more. All to the good. One thing that my town can boast of is its council, which seems to do what it's supposed to do efficiently and effectively.

Like this where I live (not too much to expect as there's lots of green parks and trees bits of London, it's not all concrete):

What I saw of the "superhighway" was simply a part of road which couldn't have been more than 1-1.25m wide, next to all the other traffic, painted blue, sometimes with a number painted on it (the number of the "superhighway" lane). And that was it. Sometimes it would merge with the bus lane. Not the best mix - one of the largest vehicles side by side with one of the smallest I would have thought...

See that blue box on the right? That means the far right metre wide part of the road is a cycling superhighway just for bikes well, except for the parts which merge with the bus lane...No, that's not me riding...
Photo courtesy of Felix O/Wikimedia Commons.

Hardly a cycling "superhighway" is it? And to officially label it such is to invite ridicule and criticism...

Having asked others, the "superhighways" in other parts of the capital are all pretty much the same.

Now, being the level headed, look-at-both-sides-of-the-argument-before-jumping-to-conclusions-chap that I am, for all I know (haven't bothered to research admittedly, may get round to it), the cycling "superhighway" that I saw may be temporary and subject to continuous improvement, and London may, in the not too distant future get the type of cycling friendly infrastructure similar to the first picture, that a modern city should have. These things take time. London is over a thousand years old with many narrow streets that were adequate for the time at which they were built. So quite a task as I'm sure you'll understand. I've worked in a couple of places that gave me an idea of the planning and consultation needed for civil engineering projects, so as long as what I saw wasn't the finalised version, I'll hold fire...

Time will tell...

Just happened to be coming back from the corner shop...

when a man I'd never seen before approached me and asked where I got the rear baskets on the Kettler from. I told him and we got talking about bikes, photography and Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) - where he's from.

What you might call a chance encounter I guess.

His name is Rob, he was impressed with my bike and has featured it in one of his blogs, together with a link to this one. He is a novelist and photographer.

After a hiatus of 8 years or so, he has taken up cycling again and has bought a second hand bike.

I hope he gets tips and advice from this blog (along with everyone else reading) and I shall try to get same from his. He rather likes the Kettler as do many. Come to think, I've had a few complements (understandably :)) in the 3 1/2 months I've had it.

Anyway, his blog is called Ralpapajan's - Fun with photos - Touch a button - Touch a heart! and the photos he took are in the Cycling and photography for fun post. Actually, he only took one photo and used photography software for the rest.

I'm thinking about asking him to have a big photoshoot for the Gazelle, an opportunity to display his talents, which I think will turn out far better than my own efforts.  Might be pretty popular given the New Bike post is the most popular by far to date.

Stay tuned.

Not Environmentalist, Not Athletic, Not Anti-Car - I Just Like Cycling...

All too often it seems, people assume cyclists  are all obsessed with saving the planet and keeping fit. They might also hate cars and certainly some hate Jeremy Clarkson. Well, I'm none of these, but there's plenty of them UK-side.

I just find pootling along either by myself or with company to be enjoyable. It also makes life easy and it's very cheap transport. It's also very useful - fast and efficient for short-shortish journeys in fair weather. Probably the pushbike's forte. For longer distances, it makes for a cheap day out.

Maybe if this type of cycling was promoted more forcefully (wrong word but can't think of something more suitable) instead of everyone getting all serious, more of the public would cycle, seeing it as something to enjoy instead of endure? I'm pretty sure it's not just lack of cycling friendly infrastructure that's a barrier to popularity, but the public perception of it - even image...

But what about the environment? All well and good but I'd probably still cycle if it wasn't environmentally friendly...

nuclear power - just as unpopular as cars with some cyclists...
photo courtesy of Stefan Kuhn from Wikimedia Commons.

Fitness? The type of cycling I do doesn't keep you fit - there isn't enough exertion and I don't want to (at the moment) - I run and go to the gym for that, or I try to...

A triathlete - if the cycling doesn't get you fit, the running and swimming will...
photo courtesy of Olivier Trudel-Languedoc from Wikimedia Commons

Cars? More than a few cyclists are on an anti-car crusade (despite many of these people being dependent on cars themselves...), but I like cars, am a Jeremy Clarkson fan, watch Top Gear on the TV on the treadmill at the gym, and would own one if I had a need for one. They're also the best option for some journeys. I don't think any one mode of transport is ideal for all journeys, which includes pushbikes. You can do your 30 - 60 mile round daily commute come rain or shine if you want, but I won't be joining you...as far as I'm concerned, this comes into the "making life difficult for no good reason" category. That type of distance is what planes, trains and automobiles are for...

for longer distances...once I've bought all the bikes I want first...
photo courtesy of Sovxx from Wikimedia Commons.

On a separate note, I shall be publishing once or twice a week as and when instead of every Thursday.

Sit up and beg/upright riding position - something I'd forgotten to mention...an' the computer works...

Coupla things this week:

Sit Up and beg position

Thus far I haven't mentioned that one of the essences of a town bike isn't just a bunch of equipment that makes it weigh a ton, but the way that you sit upright when riding in contrast to the hunched over the handlebars position used in cycling sport.

It's not conducive to speed, then again, it's not meant to be. I find it comfortable and convenient and it allows you to get a good view of your surroundings which adds to the pleasure of slow cycling - it's about the journey, not the destination.

The most upright riding position is also known as "sit up and beg" as it resembles the position a dog would in order to beg. Mainly applicable to Dutch bikes like my Gazelle: Upright riding position and quite high handlebars.

since got rid of most of those weeds on the patio...

And of course, typically rare in the UK, although it is getting more popular - slowly...you never know, bit like other things - eg hubgears which might start to regain popularity in the country in which they were invented in 1902...

New Computer - figured out how to set it up...

Seven quid...nifty or what...and I actually know how to set it up now so it's more than just decoration...

Some of you might remember the wireless computer I bought for £7 from Lidl's. All well and good, but I couldn't figure out at first how to set the thing up and put it off for about 3 months because I found the instructions difficult to follow. Meaning to get round to it, finally I did today (15/10) - and it clicked! See, it has an option of "advanced" or "easy" which I thought were some sort of exercise programme...What they actually are are the functions of the computer itself; the advanced option is comprehensive including things like the odometer and many others - 14 functions in all - whilst the easy mode is just 3 of them. Well, learn something new an' all that...

I blame the instructions for being messy and complicated...;)

convenience...control...all at my fingertips...

Hub Gears Revisited And The Shimano Nexus 8

Back in March I made no secret of my preference for hub gears to the exclusion of anything else - derailleur or single speed. I wouldn't like to see these other two disappear mind, but I don't plan to own either.

Nothing's changed; still obsessed with them, and whenever I see another bike, I look straight at the backwheel to see if there's a thick hub...

I've since bought another two as I've bought another two bikes, both with the Shimano Nexus 8 hub.

Both of them came needing adjustment which should have been done at the factory. Thankfully, this is generally easy enough on the Nexus - in 4th gear (direct drive) just turn the barrel adjuster on the shifter until the two light green tabs line up:

see this? Twiddle it back and forth 

to line 'em up thus. View from the top of the hub, but this will also be the view from the bottom - the tabs are conveniently replicated

 I suggest if you buy one, you might want to make checking the adjustment one of the first things you do; riding with one out of adjustment wears it out much quicker, because little bits of the internal parts are shaved off when the gears are changed, so I've read. Better still, get the bike shop to do it first as well, like they should be doing. If you haven't been checking the tabs and the gear is out of adjustment, chances are you'll know because it'll skip - usually in 3rd or 4th. Once done, keep an eye on it - takes a while for things to settle in.

Apart from that though, I'm really pleased with mine especially the smooth gear changes, and others have commented favourably too.

The Nexus has a mixed reputation in the UK. It is seen by some as on the delicate side reported to let water in easier than other hubs, which doesn't do it any good. There have been several upgrades and the one said to be the most durable is the "red band" version.

You are meant to have it overhauled (think that means taken apart, cleaned and re-oiled/greased then put together again - see one of the links below) periodically, although Shimano doesn't say how often. This is a specialist job using special tools and oils and many bike shops in the UK won't do it as they don't know how. I believe Shimano authorised dealers do, so check if your bike shop is one. A litre of the Shimano recommended lubricant for these is more expensive than Chanel No 5 so bear that in mind if you want to do it yourself...

Important to state that hub gears are not maintenance free as erroneously stated in some bike adverts; they just need a lot less than derailleurs.

Anyway, further bedtime reading is provided in the below links as well as the standard links on the right on the front page of this blog:

Shimano Tech Tips

Shimano Tech Docs

Sheldon Brown Nexus 8 Speed Service Manual - pretty good and comprehensive - Sheldon's site should be a staple if you want to keep up with bike maintenance IMHO.

My Bike Is My Servant...

Thought I'd play about with some poetry again...composed most of it Monday (30th September) waiting for a train...come to think, that almost rhymes...surprised it only took half an hour or so, typing it into the "memo" facility of my phone. Interesting how you sometimes get these ideas, play around with them and they quickly take shape. Can any of you relate to this - cycling or otherwise?

My bike is my servant

An extension of leg

The position most comfy

Is sit up and beg

My bike is my servant

Complete with its rack

Where cargo is carried

Not on my back

My bike is my servant

It's only too clear

Best option for townbikes

Internal hub gear

My bike is my servant

Chainguard/case as seen

Also add mudguards 

To keep my clothes clean

My bike is my servant

Fitted with light

Dynamo powered

No batteries in sight

My bike is my servant

As you can see

I get my bike working

Working for me.

Don't Throw Anything Away Part 2 - Old Inner Tubes And Even New Ones...

Stroke of genius!* Well, I thought so...:)

Look on the bright side: none of us like punctures do we? But, if we get one, you can use the tube for something else, part of our "biscuit tin" of spares which might include other strips of rubber that come in useful as spacers for accessories that we attach to our bike. Of course, you could repair the inner tube with a repair kit instead and reuse it as an inner tube. But the one and only time I tried this, the time and effort needed to find the puncture, stick the patch and rubber glue only to find that it didn't work and I still had a puncture made me decide that I would use a new tube given the choice. Of course, this could get expensive if it happens too often...

The rubber being very thin, can be used one layer or more at a time depending on the gaps to be filled, there's quite a bit of it so you can cut it to size/shape, build or fold it up in layers or just wrap it around the handlebars/frame. Keep in place with electric tape or friction if the attachment goes round it.

First of all, I cut the tube in half and clamped it in the jaws (? - think that's what they're called) of the workmate in an attempt to cut along the edge straight - didn't quite work out that straight, though not bad. Then turn it around and do the other edge.

So I've got two long thin strips

The other half I just cut one side so I've got a wider strip. 

You can even use new inner tubes especially if they're the cheap ones at the local general store if you haven't had any punctures. They start from just over 3 quid where I live.

So, to illustrate what I mean, I've used this rubber for the two baskets at the back of the Kettler Spirit.

You can fit the baskets just as they are and they're likely to stay put but they'll make a load of noise clattering about as you're riding which gets annoying after oooh, say, 2 minutes:

So at first, I found some attachments from my Kettler pannier kit and used some rubber spacer bits from my spares box to come up with a solution that worked, but looked a bit untidy and the spacers would sometimes fall off and get lost:

And then I thought of a good use for old inner tubes...like the ones in that spate of punctures earlier this year - use them for spacers to grip and protect. Attach with electrical tape - so I did:

this could appear on Blue Peter...

oh look - it's me!

Say so myself - I think they look pretty good!* :-)

Next, fit the baskets for a nice snug & quiet clatterfree fit and add some zipties at the side so someone cannot just help themselves and stick them on their bike:

And after all that, I've still got all this left to use for something else:

Pretty neat huh?*

*Only joking, well kinda being semi-serious/humourous ;-), just in case the humourless get indignant and start tut-tutting about big-headedness...:-)

My Cool Bike Book

Got this from the library. One of a series of books on cult things (couldn't think of a better word) and the people that own them - another is "My Cool Camper Van" about the Volkswagen vehicle and another is "My Cool Shed". (Haven't seen it, but probably about sheds).

Subtitled: "an inspirational guide to bikes and bike culture", it is a short book comprising short articles about different people, their bikes and associated culture, glossy pages with lots of colour photos. It's a very diverse collection of individuals and groups from around the world - private and businesses. They remind me of me - highly individualistic (or weird, depending on your POV; some minds are about as open as a closed bank vault - especially where I live...:-(), I would say a lot more so. They know what they like, why they like it and they stick to it regardless of trends or fashions. Their fascination and obsession doesn't seem to wane after many years. It may have started in childhood. Evident is their sentimental attachment to inanimate objects. Some of them will wear period clothing when riding, eg The Guvnors' Assembly, a collective of Pashley Guv'nor owners who ride in something a gamekeeper wears.

One example is DJ Norman Jay MBE who, fascinated when first seeing a Chopper bike in the early 1970s, bought one secondhand in the late 80s and now has 18 of them which are kept with family and friends all over London. I fully understand and agree - more than he needs but probably not as many as he wants...

Needless to say, this diverse range of people have a diverse range of bikes - there doesn't seem to be any particular pattern except, save for a few, they are either very old or styled old. The only one featured you'd find in a typical UK bike shop is a Brompton, one on my wishlist.

Personally, very little featured in this book appealed to me, which isn't the point. What the book shows is a collection of individuals doing their own thing outside the mainstream and indicates levels of creativity possible when customising the bicycle. Quite interesting to read and an idea generator to get me thinking.  Might get you thinking too. Inspirational. So the subtitle is accurate.

The Value Of Video

Or rather internet video. I've found the video sharing sites very valuable for in learning how to maintenance my bikes. I think they are an excellent resource in learning how to maintenance your bike, but shouldn't be the only one.

Whilst you can learn bike maintenance and repair on formal courses (something I hope to do in the near future) or someone you know can show you, the courses can be a bit hard to come by outside of major cities (UK-side) and if you don't know anyone, you are going to have to teach yourself through books, trial and error, websites, web forums and video. Of course, this is in addition to the instructions that came with the bike or accessory that you kept, didn't you? Because you never throw anything bikewise away do you...

So that's 6 ways in which you can learn bike maintenance by yourself. Of course, this can apply to just about most other things self teachable. One thing I've found is, it's best to use all these different types of media when learning. Oftentimes (thought I'd go American there), you might get stuck reading the instructions or book, and have to go to YouTube to clarify things. Oftentimes it might be the other way round.

This all ties in with multi-sensory learning some of us have heard about in our quest to be brilliant at everything in the shortest possible time; the recommended way of picking things up: when you see it, read it, hear it and do it, your learning is more effective, and faster.

Each learning method has its pros and cons - (in theory and reality through personal experience...). You are likely to have a preference for one method over the other.

Reading - you can misinterpret what is written so you do it wrong and it doesn't compensate if you need manual dexterity through repetitive practice. Then again, the written word can be referred back to time and time again. It can also give an overview, background and facilitates going into detail, better than a website.

Audio - if you hear it just the once, it's easy to forget - in one ear and out the other. You can also misinterpret what is said. You might then get accused of not listening...On the plus side, someone can say something that makes it all click, something missing from the website or reading material.

Seeing/Doing - very good for practical things like bike maintenance; the downside is that you can be very good at doing what you need to do when you need to do it, but you may never know why, so if you're faced with a different situation, you might struggle. It depends what it is. I knew at least two people who had attained supervisory and managerial roles as accountants at a mid-sized company but who didn't know the basics of bookkeeping...

Whatever methods used there needs to be a degree of repetition, so that it sinks in to build confidence, speed and expertise.

Videos allow you to learn through reading, hearing and seeing so should help you learn that much quicker. They can be entertaining too - always a help in learning something. Via internet, most of them are free to watch. Some are easier to follow than others. Some will be produced better than others eg by a business and some will make things "click" quicker depending on who's watching.

I've found Youtube to be an invaluable resource when it comes to bicycle maintenance. Seems you can find out just about anything, which is handy when it comes to hubgears for example, because in the UK, these can be a little esoteric - one of the best ways to learn is to buy secondhand off ebay and practise taking it apart and putting it back together.

So, when it comes to internet video, I've narrowed it down into two sections: everything and general. Come to think, maybe that should be YouTube and everything else...

Youtube - the best for  subject choice from mainstream to the obscure; they come from just about everywhere though - from professional productions by businesses as a form of marketing, to individuals who might have good intentions, but should have made a better effort on things like lighting, which might be poor. You would have thought that if you were going to submit something you wanted lots of people to see, you would have ensured it was easy for them to see...

General maintenance videos - all pretty professional but deal with standard subjects:

Videojug. This site covers a lot more than bike maintenance, but also cycling in general and a lot of non-cycling related subjects (how to do the moonwalk for example).

The official Bikeradar video site - Bikeradar is very sport oriented.

Evans Cycles - a chain of shops in the UK catering for the quality bike market.

Bicycletutor.com has good, professionally produced videos amongst other things, but it's a paid subscription service if you want to watch them.

Anyway, I shall share more as and when I come across them.

Thoughts On Lycra...

At the moment with attention given to and promotion of, cycling, it's common to criticise cycling specific clothing especially Lycra - at least UK-side.

Seems a lot of people have the wrong idea about lycra.

Never worn lycra. Have no problem with lycra. Lycra has its place. Like many other things, time and a place, eg skin tight rubber clothing if you're going diving...

The criticism seems to stem from the association of cycling with sport and athletics eg lots of serious effort, ergo lycra, which is a good idea when it comes to cycling and serious effort as it makes it more comfortable and therefore more enjoyable. I read that upwards of about 10 miles is the distance where lycra/cycling specific togs make the difference with regard to comfort. This corresponds with my own experience on occasional rides to a town 15 miles away. I recently decided to purchase some cycling shorts made from polyester and elastane (will have to look that one up) - not lycra, but they look the same. Probably helps you to put in a good performance in a race. It's also more durable so you won't ruin your everyday street clothes.

Of course, town bikes are supposed to facilitate riding in your everyday clothes and usually ridden for short distances with minimal effort - so no need for lycra. But given the dominance of sport oriented cycling in the UK, it is easy for so many to think cycling = lycra, as they haven't seen anything different.

2 other issues with lycra. Many judge form over function. For some time now, critics judge on what clothing looks like as opposed to what it's for...I suspect lycra is criticised because it's skin tight. You therefore get people judging lycra because in their opinion, the wrong people are wearing it, people who shouldn't wear skin tight clothing. One example is MAMIL acronym here in the UK - Middle Aged Men In Lycra.

And then you also have poseurs, dressing up to convey an image; this is easy to deride; dressing up just to impress others instead of for its original purpose.

I've always thought clothing ought to be function over form - and I don't think I have ever been fashion conscious. But if I like something, or need to wear something for a specific purpose, I'll wear it. So, with regard to lycra:

If the riding you do justifies it - wear it - your comfort is more important than what people might think. I would say you were being overly self conscious if you really think people are looking at you and sneering. Chances are you don't stand out as much as you think you do.

Your backside will be grateful and you won't ruin your business clothes...

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On the different note, I thought I would tell you that I'm reverting back to publishing once a week on a Thursday, after this post.

Don't Throw Anything Away...

Now, trying to be tidy (difficult for me), I try to consistently get rid of anything that I don't need - it might not be thrown away, it might be given away eg to a charity shop. When it comes to bike spares though, I've learnt through experience to keep just about everything no matter how small because it is likely to come in useful later on.

This becomes apparent particularly when I buy a new accessory; typically it doesn't fit the bike as it comes and needs something or other to fit it properly. This might be spacers, screws or zipties. These will have come from something else I've bought previously, where I've found that they weren't necessary.

One of the most useful things to keep are the little bits of rubber that come with accessories which I use as spacers to stop things slipping on the handlebars eg lights. They can be used to stop things slipping or metal on metal grating.

Anything small can be kept in the "biscuit tin" whilst larger items can be kept in the improvised spares cupboard:

Plenty of space for new bits 'n pieces and I've bought another "biscuit tin" for when there isn't

Not exactly super tidy but at least it's all in the same place...

Funnily enough, whilst I knew it was a good idea to keep spares, I would have drawn the line at the cardboard boxes in which I'd received my new bikes which I recently disposed of. Lo and behold, I found myself regretting it when I came to work on them; could have done with the cardboard to lay on...

Also, probably more importantly, best to keep any instructions that come with anything you've bought. Many, including myself have through experience, had to follow the rule that, if all else fails, read the instructions...

A lot of manufacturers' instruction manuals are downloadable on the internet, but in case they aren't, best to keep the ones that came with whatever you bought; they don't take up much space (usually). It's good to use them as a reference point as well as use other media.

My instruction collection: thought I'd play about with contrast, brightness etc on the Windows picture controls: not sure it was a good idea...