Cycling - NLC

[simon]

Anyone uploading their GPX files to Strava ? superb for competitive segments on your route. Spotted Mr Arnott on there I am using the free Android app from Sports-Tracker.com to create the GPX.

http://www.strava.com/

I can't find you, follow me and I'll follow back.
I was using Endomondo and uploading the TCX/GPX files to Strava but now have a cadence sensor and HRM for my motoactv so using that instead.

[alicrozier]

I few pages ago I was asking about CX bikes, bought a Boardman CX Team in the end. I've been commuting regularly on it, just 10 miles each way but I'm getting a bit more 'cycle fit' in the usual commuter peleton.

Anyway, last weekend I took it offroad for the first time on some local mountain bike trails. What a hoot!
I cringed a bit over the jumps and really rough stuff at first but generally I didn't give it any leeway and it took everything my limited skills could throw at it. It was particularly awesome climbing the hills.
I got a few double takes from the 'full-sus' folks I'd caught up who let me past. Some nutter on a 'racer'...

The only thing I did was let the tyre pressures down a bit. Pumped them up afterwards and set about embarrassing the roadies again.

It really is an excellent compromise bike.

[Dominic]

I few pages ago I was asking about CX bikes, bought a Boardman CX Team in the end. I've been commuting regularly on it, just 10 miles each way but I'm getting a bit more 'cycle fit' in the usual commuter peleton.

Anyway, last weekend I took it offroad for the first time on some local mountain bike trails. What a hoot!
I cringed a bit over the jumps and really rough stuff at first but generally I didn't give it any leeway and it took everything my limited skills could throw at it. It was particularly awesome climbing the hills.
I got a few double takes from the 'full-sus' folks I'd caught up who let me past. Some nutter on a 'racer'...

The only thing I did was let the tyre pressures down a bit. Pumped them up afterwards and set about embarrassing the roadies again.

It really is an excellent compromise bike.

Glad you are getting good use out of it. I'm still enjoying mine.

Its getting to that difficult time of year when its difficult to know how many layers to wear... Been roasted a few times, and frozen others... Must pay more attention to the weather!

[Doc883]

I few pages ago I was asking about CX bikes, bought a Boardman CX Team in the end. I've been commuting regularly on it, just 10 miles each way but I'm getting a bit more 'cycle fit' in the usual commuter peleton.
Anyway, last weekend I took it offroad for the first time on some local mountain bike trails. What a hoot!
I cringed a bit over the jumps and really rough stuff at first but generally I didn't give it any leeway and it took everything my limited skills could throw at it. It was particularly awesome climbing the hills.
I got a few double takes from the 'full-sus' folks I'd caught up who let me past. Some nutter on a 'racer'...
The only thing I did was let the tyre pressures down a bit. Pumped them up afterwards and set about embarrassing the roadies again. It really is an excellent compromise bike.

I was considering getting a Giant TCX which comes in at £1 shy of the cycle to work scheme. It has 105 running gear, ALU frame and disc brakes so decent spec. The other option is a Planet X, same price but this time a Carbon frame.
http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/CBP ... cross_bike
In the end I decided to enter a Cyclocross race on my hardtail MTB to see if I like the sport so expect to see me at Knockburn Loch, Strachan (nr Banchory) on the 3rd Nov
Details on the Scottish Cyclocross series here: http://www.scottishcyclocross.org.uk/20 ... eries.html

[Gareth]

My MtB.
Can't get the SPD pedals off (and yes I'm turning the right way). Even asked the help of 3 different pals. Taken then cranks off, soaked in WD40, stuck them in a vice and still can't get them off.
Guessing thread locked.

[C7Steve]

New cranks to go with your new pedals now.

Steve.

[ClarkyBoy]

My MtB.
Can't get the SPD pedals off (and yes I'm turning the right way). Even asked the help of 3 different pals. Taken then cranks off, soaked in WD40, stuck them in a vice and still can't get them off.
Guessing thread locked.

I have a pretty new set of DX pedals if you need,

like these ( http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/shim ... tAod8Q4AUw )

if they are thread locked a bit of heat on the open end of the thread should do the job, however, dunno why they would be, the thread runs opposite to the rotation, so should never come off

PM me if you need those pedals

[Doc883]

My MtB. Can't get the SPD pedals off (and yes I'm turning the right way). Even asked the help of 3 different pals. Taken then cranks off, soaked in WD40, stuck them in a vice and still can't get them off.
Guessing thread locked.

Had a similar problem when my MTB went in for a service. They couldn't get the crank arm off on one side so had to send it off to a specialist engineering firm Ended up needing a new bottom bracket and arm.

[dlogan]

My MtB.
Can't get the SPD pedals off (and yes I'm turning the right way). Even asked the help of 3 different pals. Taken then cranks off, soaked in WD40, stuck them in a vice and still can't get them off.
Guessing thread locked.

Did you not fit them?

Allen key or the spanner? I gave up with allen key and bought the right spanner and got much more leverage, removed no bother,

[ClarkyBoy]

should be a 5/16" spanner job on the axle side?

[Gareth]

15mm spanner.
If you boys wanna have shot by all means let me know!
My neighbour snapped his allen key on a socket....

It's proper weird.

[dlogan]

15mm spanner.
If you boys wanna have shot by all means let me know!
My neighbour snapped his allen key on a socket....

It's proper weird.

Any excuse for a new bike

Why not just buy spd Cleats and leave the pedals on.

[jason]

15mm spanner.
If you boys wanna have shot by all means let me know!
My neighbour snapped his allen key on a socket....

It's proper weird.

Hmmm, originally assembled sans-grease on the threads I wonder...?

Threads on BBs and pedals are orientated such that seized bearings will not tighten/muller things when riding (they'll safely loosen, thus not knackering frame shell and cranks), so the pedals were either installed by a gorilla or sans-grease or both.

Just in case you're mistakenly tightening (and apols if this is sucking eggs stuff):

Right pedal - right-handed (normal) thread - loosen/remove anti-clockwise
Left pedal - left-handed thread - loosen/remove clockwise

[Dominic]

Here's a question for the experts... what is the life expectancy of a bike? I appreciate parts wear out, and get replaced, but I guess a frame and components get to a point where it is uneconomical to keep replacing. So what sort of mileage have peeps managed to get out of a bike?

[hendeg]

what is the life expectancy of a bike?

Until a new model comes out.