OV9

Can I just point out that I've cracked two aluminium frames in the past (one Giant, one Trek), and both were unrepairable due the the fact that the aluminium needed to be heat treated (a long process) after the weld as it changes the structure of the metal.

My current bike (Cotic Soul) is Reynolds steel and can be welded if it breaks. Personally, I can't tell the difference between an alu bike or steel. This 'zing' they talk about is marketing bullshit IMO. A good bike is a good bike, regardless of material.

I also have Charge Spoons on both bikes. Great saddle, but still hurt after a period of bike inactivity however. You just need to build good arse resistance.

Gwaredd wrote: ↑Wed Jun 16, 2021 9:41 am You just need to build good arse resistance.

In mountain biking and in life...

Cheers guys, one Charge Spoon Cromo saddle ordered.

Good to see cromo still wins somewhere

Jobbo wrote: ↑Wed Jun 16, 2021 10:28 am Good to see cromo still wins somewhere

Jobbo wrote: ↑Wed Jun 16, 2021 10:28 am Good to see cromo still wins somewhere

Well..... there is a titanium version that's another £20!

Rich B wrote: ↑Wed Jun 16, 2021 11:00 am

Jobbo wrote: ↑Wed Jun 16, 2021 10:28 am Good to see cromo still wins somewhere

Well..... there is a titanium version that's another £20!

I did see a CF one at £425,

Rich B wrote: ↑Wed Jun 16, 2021 9:14 am YTs come with horrific saddles that hurt after about 15 mins, I have Charge Spoons on all my bikes - comfortable, reasonably priced and strong without looking like massive gel filled monstrosities found in Halfords/Amazon.

Me too on the Spoon and also my brother and another mate who cover big miles.

Planet X/On One have their generic bike work stand on offer for £29.99.

My dad has had one for a decade.

Brain Trust Assemble:

Was scrolling FB and someone was asking about putting a carbon bike on their roof. I have a Thule Freeride 591? but apparently you need a holder with a torque setting?

I mostly use my towbar rack but when away with the caravan I may take two bikes so will likely buy a new roof one as well, anyone had experience of problems? Would putting something rubber round where the rack clamps on save problems?

No idea what a torque setting is but they recommend not using clamp type racks with carbon frames.

Rich B wrote: ↑Tue Jun 22, 2021 8:17 am No idea what a torque setting is but they recommend not using clamp type racks with carbon frames.

Cheers. No, I assume you set it so you cannot overtighten on newer racks but no idea. I see there are racks that hold the wheel but doubt they will be on eBay for 30 notes!

I use a Yakima Highroad for my carbon road bike, but have also had it in a Thule 598 and not worried; The Thule 598 (newer version of the 591) has a padded clamp, and a torque dial to stop you over clamping.

Neither will be £30 on ebay though, sorry.

I think the Thule 591 will also be OK, just make sure it's positioned correctly and don't overtighten it. It only really needs to be tight enough to grip the frame and hold it upright, the wheel straps are what will hold it down.

Still no replacement ebike but TBH I'm on no rush, luckily.

Last week we spent a few days in Henley so as usual I took my bike. The quiet lanes in the Chiltern hills and the Chiltern Way are really nice for a steady ride taking in the scenery, some good climbs though. I passed through Turville which is often used for filming, Vicar of Dibley, Midsomer Murders and quite a few others. Nice place

8Ball wrote: ↑Tue Jun 22, 2021 8:54 am I think the Thule 591 will also be OK, just make sure it's positioned correctly and don't overtighten it. It only really needs to be tight enough to grip the frame and hold it upright, the wheel straps are what will hold it down.

Reading a few threads on forums that got thrown up by my search, many folks seem to use the 591 carefully without problems, I might get the rubber frame thingy to spread the load but for the few times I am likely to use it (default to the buzzride one) it is probably not worth spending silly money.

Cheers

John wrote: ↑Tue Jun 22, 2021 9:15 am Still no replacement ebike but TBH I'm on no rush, luckily.

Last week we spent a few days in Henley so as usual I took my bike. The quiet lanes in the Chiltern hills and the Chiltern Way are really nice for a steady ride taking in the scenery, some good climbs though. I passed through Turville which is often used for filming, Vicar of Dibley, Midsomer Murders and quite a few others. Nice place

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang too - that's where Caracatus Potts' windmill is: https://goo.gl/maps/E83kYLQsx6k5HAHdA

I'm not sure if I need Specsavers but I'm almost certain the windmill wasn't fitted with sails last week.

But Streetview shows them so they must still be there!