tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17889499816524298362024-03-08T11:33:32.748+00:00Cycle A 2 BMaking, breaking and riding bikes in ManchesterJimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13570415802364596822noreply@blogger.comBlogger137125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1788949981652429836.post-37527785567382316572012-03-18T22:30:00.000+00:002012-03-18T22:30:37.868+00:00A look back at Manchester's cycle infrastructure of 2011<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVDTlyPRrzi4k7g7k3QX88oNQoZAxIUZBdh_IwWfXYf5_wKxJs1X39YWO2TNyZQnlMSElDvAvTcuBXjTlXCJniUbJpjPhsJwyH0xIM7p9JYRw2_Y5qDUfk2SmvTYEAnfi13hQ_BTH7x9Bz/s1600/IMG_1556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVDTlyPRrzi4k7g7k3QX88oNQoZAxIUZBdh_IwWfXYf5_wKxJs1X39YWO2TNyZQnlMSElDvAvTcuBXjTlXCJniUbJpjPhsJwyH0xIM7p9JYRw2_Y5qDUfk2SmvTYEAnfi13hQ_BTH7x9Bz/s640/IMG_1556.JPG" width="640" /></a>...Yep. There it is. Manchester's finest achievement in cycle infrastructure of 2010/11. The invention of the cycle patch.<br />
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The basis for the cycle patch is that they could be installed at 8m intervals (in reality double that*) without having to apply for the TRO (Traffic Regulation Order) that would be required for a normal (shitty) cycle lane.<br />
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In other words - they are the lowest of the low.<br />
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A token piece of cheap shit that can be put there with the least bother to themselves.<br />
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Box ticked. Move along.<br />
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They even come in a dashing urban camouflage green. Which quickly chameleons itself into road dirt grey and thus vanishes from sight.<br />
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As if they were even particulary visible in the first place.<br />
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The saying goes 'Buy cheap, buy twice'.<br />
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Well this cheap shit has worn away quicker than a taxi drivers patience.<br />
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*or not at all in Hyde Rd's case.<br />
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<br />Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13570415802364596822noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1788949981652429836.post-80321346255311417612012-02-21T13:25:00.000+00:002012-02-21T13:25:57.709+00:00R.I.P PancakesIt's pancake day.....and it's a sad day.<br />
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Many years ago, if you wanted to go somewhere to eat in Manchester(and you were me), there was only one place on the list. The Dutch Pancake House. No restaurant could beat sitting in the ancient 70's decor and eating a 3ft pancake covered in any number of bizarre toppings. It closed in 2007, but they've recently started to knock down the building.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How it used to look :-*(</td></tr>
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Meanwhile next door: a rather nice Chopper.<br />
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Aptly, nearby to the fallen Pancake house is another derelict piece of Dutchness (ish). The remains of one of Manchester's very few segregated cycle paths. Abandoned as part of the Council offices refurbishment, it wouldn't be complete without the words 'cyclists dismount'.<br />
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Speaking of the Council. It's unfair to hold out any hope of something so complicated as proper segregated when they woefully fail to get the basics right. (they sacked the streetcleaners and imagined that covering the bins would solve that little problem).<br />
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<br />Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13570415802364596822noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1788949981652429836.post-11722252481352438872012-02-20T18:13:00.000+00:002012-02-20T18:13:17.503+00:00Squelch<div style="text-align: justify;">
This section of the national cycle network had to be resurfaced due to its poor condition only a few months ago in the late summer. Thankfully it's already matured well and now fits in well with the standard of the rest of the network....</div>
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As you can see the high standards of our cycle facilities in the UK attract a great many users, even on a fresh February afternoon.We've simply no need for the fancy sort of smooth, well maintained traffic free tarmac routes that Johnny foreigner's got. Frankly you Dutch fellows can take your fancy tarmac and stick it up your arse.......as you can see thats what we do with our own cycle paths.<br />
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<br /></div>Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13570415802364596822noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1788949981652429836.post-63120504170578995552012-02-18T23:27:00.000+00:002012-02-18T23:27:07.879+00:00Sigh.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcgRTh1n0fAQT-VLjaTxvA2g3M-TodpEbxoW1h2NHTrn57I5Z6HgRPLFvmy7kKNeNtEsyxwks7Bm9avKmLDkjXrZauL-7N2lhVtl_MAmUGjinB1RfbbIppQztKc2IvxwRVFI8vKf2_uCq9/s1600/IMG_1477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcgRTh1n0fAQT-VLjaTxvA2g3M-TodpEbxoW1h2NHTrn57I5Z6HgRPLFvmy7kKNeNtEsyxwks7Bm9avKmLDkjXrZauL-7N2lhVtl_MAmUGjinB1RfbbIppQztKc2IvxwRVFI8vKf2_uCq9/s640/IMG_1477.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
FFS.....<br />
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<br />Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13570415802364596822noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1788949981652429836.post-3201039158901101362011-10-29T16:47:00.000+01:002011-10-29T16:47:59.755+01:00How to kill a Nexus 8 Shifter<div style="text-align: justify;">
Step One: Ride the bike 5 days a week for a year or so.</div>
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Step Two: Change gear roughly 1 million times per ride.</div>
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Step Three: When it starts shifting badly between gears 7-8 decide "ah I'll look at it at the weekend"</div>
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Step Four: Continue riding it whilst thinking "bugger this is getting worse"</div>
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Step Five: Leave it in 6th and limp home because its completely knackered</div>
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Steps 3 -5 happened over a period of about one and a half rides, so it was a fairly terminal failure. It didn't feel too bad at first, then all of a sudden I could barely change gear at all so opted to just leave it in 6th (the most all round gear for my ride).</div>
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The good news was I could tell it wasn't a problem with the hub. It was clearly the shifter, since it was making some horrible noises and felt like the teeth on the ratchets had mashed themselves to bits from overuse.</div>
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This was all no big deal really. I have other bikes to use and to be fair this shifter is not only second hand but has also done a hell of alot of work for me since I change gear so often whilst riding it. Mainly because the 8 speed hub allows you to pick just the right gear for whatever the circumstance, so I tend to go for the correct gear to maintain a steady cadence. Unlike on a deraileur where I might either pedal harder or faster just avoid shifting.</div>
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Practical cycles furnished me with a brand new shifter via their eBay site which was a piece of cake to fit.</div>
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Once that was on I could have a look at the old one to see what went wrong. My guess at it being the plastic rachety teeth was completely wrong. Turns out it was a teeny tiny spring. I'm not entirely sure where it goes or what this spring does, since it was in two halves and loose inside the case. This had then been mashed against the moving cable, frayed it and then caused the wholse thing to sieze up.</div>
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So there you have it. the Shimano shifters are mostly made of plastic, but it was one of the few metal parts that fatigued and broke, taking down the rest of the ship with it.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beat up old shifter</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The result of the frayed cable from all the way up at the handlebars</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSM2kgaJY5M6KpZD9XF-Qq-2_HQKOVEcL_y2sDR-jqZ5tkgX0cXUMlXSLZ43VJvQKbGXVyw071Qpv6mzh2D_thAEEiqcZ6HT0wk4i166b80juIeRutplioTqIuR4s2Xbm-PB9CdUoHCEUU/s1600/IMG_1057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSM2kgaJY5M6KpZD9XF-Qq-2_HQKOVEcL_y2sDR-jqZ5tkgX0cXUMlXSLZ43VJvQKbGXVyw071Qpv6mzh2D_thAEEiqcZ6HT0wk4i166b80juIeRutplioTqIuR4s2Xbm-PB9CdUoHCEUU/s640/IMG_1057.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shiny new shifter with cable already included and ready to fit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikyyARqdEBC10miGPyRU_xvpj506EwxUFNLnyHj8vBZ2NrvR3VnI_3H7cEi0yhoyn96O7ryt56l3GmpXg3lF_T3o5EyATQ0FeNpDF7a-8iZbAzWe1c-qh0BidGlPkyvGZ5ewD5L5m4FY-Q/s1600/IMG_1061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikyyARqdEBC10miGPyRU_xvpj506EwxUFNLnyHj8vBZ2NrvR3VnI_3H7cEi0yhoyn96O7ryt56l3GmpXg3lF_T3o5EyATQ0FeNpDF7a-8iZbAzWe1c-qh0BidGlPkyvGZ5ewD5L5m4FY-Q/s640/IMG_1061.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shiny new one fitted, works perfectly straight away.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCTGK96zfaViV4w_86pU_uY1TdcLEvp7Dy1-4TQ2vZqH5QJliRLgTmbnoxFCdGOomtmRxfusLskETitUqRkMcrW8oBVOfKrcdZ_q2T6JZaIPtu032Ca0pwY_zC3Q74ANyL4y_HVr39TWhS/s1600/IMG_1067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCTGK96zfaViV4w_86pU_uY1TdcLEvp7Dy1-4TQ2vZqH5QJliRLgTmbnoxFCdGOomtmRxfusLskETitUqRkMcrW8oBVOfKrcdZ_q2T6JZaIPtu032Ca0pwY_zC3Q74ANyL4y_HVr39TWhS/s640/IMG_1067.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The old shifter taken apart - teeth were fine</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii3BIL463rUNkkp40taMKwt7LX7pItCLcYp3-MhgK5v8OFJigzzNDePE37m1sQlRQljTKKMsU6KOgAJ21PoSq7iZVXp97hIljmVEvizmvWbWZdI-8VHFV8QR144RBgczpLlKAMPqZoBve9/s1600/IMG_1070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii3BIL463rUNkkp40taMKwt7LX7pItCLcYp3-MhgK5v8OFJigzzNDePE37m1sQlRQljTKKMsU6KOgAJ21PoSq7iZVXp97hIljmVEvizmvWbWZdI-8VHFV8QR144RBgczpLlKAMPqZoBve9/s640/IMG_1070.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the tiny spring which had broken - filthy fingernail for scale</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaPsmprP-ca97voeNKlKBr75HldSQzwWI5ssKMV5d6nUWD3GD0-uD8Ydts8PNnBf5dLpwK0P9fH0HFdTjhvicVZvj7W20s67ZU1FrQxuc6tVIH7Tj6X-udd1Fy4uTDmU1IS18lJfg-UXaY/s1600/IMG_1071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaPsmprP-ca97voeNKlKBr75HldSQzwWI5ssKMV5d6nUWD3GD0-uD8Ydts8PNnBf5dLpwK0P9fH0HFdTjhvicVZvj7W20s67ZU1FrQxuc6tVIH7Tj6X-udd1Fy4uTDmU1IS18lJfg-UXaY/s640/IMG_1071.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is roughly how it should look when not broken</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13570415802364596822noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1788949981652429836.post-48534464211727039462011-10-07T19:51:00.001+01:002011-10-07T19:51:56.714+01:00Rubber Brompton<br />
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<span class="apple-style-span">I
love Bromptons. They are probably the most versatile bike money could buy. It’s
a unique bike. Quite unusual and different to other options out there but they
really should come with a special warning label. </span></div>
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<span class="apple-style-span">Something like:</span></div>
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<span class="apple-style-span"> ‘Dear valued
customer, this bike will gratuitously accentuate how silly you look in those
rubber knickers....please for the love of God wear your normal everyday
clothing when enjoying a Brompton’.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuArQKbqbq6n0tcwRo7XcPQ_3AzWf_50KUTJ-bp1V7TJKvx5CPG25HTBC6k_C3TKLhfrkyW3l3yKgrTsO7ub1ELY2-m1u6xCIFBEx5p5bebLSLPerY_pCtOPpYf1yPQp6DiY0D0HvO6UF_/s1600/IMG_0978a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuArQKbqbq6n0tcwRo7XcPQ_3AzWf_50KUTJ-bp1V7TJKvx5CPG25HTBC6k_C3TKLhfrkyW3l3yKgrTsO7ub1ELY2-m1u6xCIFBEx5p5bebLSLPerY_pCtOPpYf1yPQp6DiY0D0HvO6UF_/s640/IMG_0978a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13570415802364596822noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1788949981652429836.post-85512608796399159592011-09-24T14:57:00.000+01:002011-09-24T14:57:33.442+01:00Green Machine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG9WzRkMeEptMV46bfpv9keCvBk_DqQBhK873JsM3PMh_VN7rvVghienp6EtKinMs5DedO3hYUeDz6yYifFatg78bzrBOtMMmAfvh9la3yiVumWKGk2jSqHw3LsXcXgRrlg2bCcQjweG9c/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG9WzRkMeEptMV46bfpv9keCvBk_DqQBhK873JsM3PMh_VN7rvVghienp6EtKinMs5DedO3hYUeDz6yYifFatg78bzrBOtMMmAfvh9la3yiVumWKGk2jSqHw3LsXcXgRrlg2bCcQjweG9c/s640/photo.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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How to compensate for your crap bike lock?, paint it a horrific green in such an uncaring manner it would make even bikehacks blush. I especially like the matching green shopping bag-come saddle cover. Very fetching..... No, honestly I do like it. Chavs will nick anything, but this will make them think twice at least. Room for improvement?, it could have been candy pink maybe.</div>
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<br /></div>Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13570415802364596822noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1788949981652429836.post-9094527399102877902011-08-24T09:32:00.000+01:002011-08-24T09:32:18.060+01:00Police, Action, Denton Roundabout!<div style="text-align: justify;">
Denton roundabout is the official Guinness World record holding roundabout for the greatest number of red light jumps by all forms of motorised traffic within a 24 hour period. Unfortunately the exact figure is unknown because they stopped counting shortly after 1 billion RLJ's when one of the counting team threw himself off the motorway bridge after going mad listening to 24hrs worth of beeping, tyre screeching, engine revving and swearing.</div>
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Sadly those record breaking days may infact be numbered for Denton roundabout. </div>
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As everyone knows, when it gets to the end of each month, a small panic spreads across the nation's police forces as the bobbies realise they are miles off reaching this months quota because they've spent the first 3 weeks of the month filing in the forms about the 4th week of last month.</div>
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It appears that our boys (and girls) in blue have finally realised that catching RLJ cars, vans & lorries on Denton Roundabout would be like shooting fish in a barrel. A small barrel. With not much water in it. With double Uzis and extended mags.</div>
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So they hatched their plan and parked their van. And they happily snapped away all afternoon. Except I bet they didn't. Because the van is big. And bright yellow. With flashing lights on top. So nobody was jumping the lights!. Yay!, finally. </div>
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But.....Who's betting the conclusion went something like this "we didn't catch anyone jumping the lights, no point in doing that again!..."</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg29C_qMYw9T7wKKt4QaaKlNEl3sK0KNAR3VRnkty1sZ94pGCsQqqB2aj9RNc4D24g_PkoJuWmq19_sbPyJrMvgZLr1hfAM5YIgnCyd_DAf2zSGhhSg43QAjkIbCgPglIJVD5qzlZVgiuQt/s1600/IMG_0574a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg29C_qMYw9T7wKKt4QaaKlNEl3sK0KNAR3VRnkty1sZ94pGCsQqqB2aj9RNc4D24g_PkoJuWmq19_sbPyJrMvgZLr1hfAM5YIgnCyd_DAf2zSGhhSg43QAjkIbCgPglIJVD5qzlZVgiuQt/s640/IMG_0574a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13570415802364596822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1788949981652429836.post-59225538595294179552011-08-22T09:49:00.000+01:002011-08-22T09:49:01.395+01:00Fancy cycle parking for cool hip peeps<br />
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMG7ufji2PrYARbiZXwFchEAFy1UqmBL2iyBLtpl-XUSusiQm2C7iLNs7b5fFGpp7b6FbHCg7_QUDlp5RhcQYDbsBndVn4HHRf64p0DChZ5rOzQbfwyPY5bKe_EAQzU1CqyUHFhtV_CePF/s640/IMG_0550.jpg" width="640" /> </div>
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This is an underground car park on Spring St in Manchester. Nice isnt it?. Let's ignore the fact that you have to lift your bike a significant height above your head and hook it on. Then the metal loops mean only a cable lock is really useable. Aaannnd you are doing all this whilst stood in on the entrance exit ramp. Bad shoulder?, bad back?, bit old?, not tall enough? prefer a better lock?, heavy bike?. Tough park somewhere else you loser!, this cycle parking is for cool peeps.</div>
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Fail.</div>
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Merc has got a good spot tho....</div>
Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13570415802364596822noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1788949981652429836.post-29661018523171132832011-08-16T15:15:00.005+01:002011-08-22T10:05:57.888+01:00Plymouth Grove crash(Not a nice post, but sadly this is the result of certain driving styles...)<br />
<br />
Sirens and unusual tailbacks are never a good sign. <br />
<br />
This is Plymouth Grove yesterday evening, which fortunately for the occupants is where the emergency ambulance depot is located, meaning a response time of about 10 seconds.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately for the occupants of the black Citreon it looks as if the boy racer Focus was overtaking on the wrong side of a traffic island straight into oncoming traffic.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsPHWZpm0aUIn4cWwiff-_XGNN_Ucpp-w-gXwsP_HkJpV87LS0Ckjz2W95cBW1AgTm3L2W7MAx6xkIk3f6tSwOQ9EeiMc6FqPKXUMo1h6XvHIbGo9cmtLlfv6lIRfhnhtvLS22bKxjhQac/s1600/IMG_0540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsPHWZpm0aUIn4cWwiff-_XGNN_Ucpp-w-gXwsP_HkJpV87LS0Ckjz2W95cBW1AgTm3L2W7MAx6xkIk3f6tSwOQ9EeiMc6FqPKXUMo1h6XvHIbGo9cmtLlfv6lIRfhnhtvLS22bKxjhQac/s640/IMG_0540.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSHPVydPdoWhjm-qwN_lztO1H7DB4wH6FEJAIY4EexlQtpXCoikJ8tiFpmi4g8Xf_03-Z9W095wmm-vVVUm7dZihuIAVzR_QK065z3JLgxslQ-ZuVaK3ds4Baqe3V6XFHiR9oRe5V_Z8CE/s1600/IMG_0541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSHPVydPdoWhjm-qwN_lztO1H7DB4wH6FEJAIY4EexlQtpXCoikJ8tiFpmi4g8Xf_03-Z9W095wmm-vVVUm7dZihuIAVzR_QK065z3JLgxslQ-ZuVaK3ds4Baqe3V6XFHiR9oRe5V_Z8CE/s640/IMG_0541.jpg" width="640" /></a>....crashes like this are obviously common place
enough for the Police to have a special unit for the job. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb8HjdjjSri6aJ-hiWS7Evy--vDo3A30YGW5BuENsIp4uSsPxd5rCwlKrCXc1IsDeXr6YXlElIlCALIEpWPeKLtefFtO9sWWjBWriJ2Wrc9VZEI7J5EAzgmhGiwOzJpJRSuHhRHzj_i27O/s1600/IMG_0542.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb8HjdjjSri6aJ-hiWS7Evy--vDo3A30YGW5BuENsIp4uSsPxd5rCwlKrCXc1IsDeXr6YXlElIlCALIEpWPeKLtefFtO9sWWjBWriJ2Wrc9VZEI7J5EAzgmhGiwOzJpJRSuHhRHzj_i27O/s640/IMG_0542.jpg" width="640" /></a>Gruesome'ish bit - highlight to read:</div>
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<span style="color: black;">Beady eyed viewers, or people who've seen too many crashes will notice the distinctive way the Focus windscreen is shattered. That only happens when the driver is not wearing a seatbelt and slides headfirst up and over the airbag. Suprisingly survivable though, but not always.</span></div>
Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13570415802364596822noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1788949981652429836.post-666433453758845322011-08-14T11:34:00.001+01:002011-08-15T19:51:44.440+01:00Downhill Danger<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPYsicjdmtuN88WjRTOqLuw1J3YXRQ3nQE3gBjxvuvb16txDjn6kh2GUatKTCNSggwvSsTSCr-4wvcdlUvZQ0vDAcXVnahi1y5iW8BIOgPVwOUwI2ZkZtQClhnmL9xBnZ46_9pxC1U9hGM/s1600/IMG_0462a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPYsicjdmtuN88WjRTOqLuw1J3YXRQ3nQE3gBjxvuvb16txDjn6kh2GUatKTCNSggwvSsTSCr-4wvcdlUvZQ0vDAcXVnahi1y5iW8BIOgPVwOUwI2ZkZtQClhnmL9xBnZ46_9pxC1U9hGM/s640/IMG_0462a.jpg" width="640" /> </a>A sign showing it's age in Llandudno. Quaint? - that the most dangerous thing about cycling back when this sign was put up was the awful performance of your rod or drum brakes....</div>
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Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13570415802364596822noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1788949981652429836.post-42411458766899199232011-07-25T13:10:00.000+01:002011-07-25T13:10:52.299+01:001930's Royal Sunbeam Light Roadster<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is a Ladies Royal <a href="http://www.localhistory.scit.wlv.ac.uk/Museum/Transport/bicycles/Sunbeam.htm">Sunbeam</a> from some point in the 1930's. When I got it a while ago the only thing I knew about it was that is is a Sunbeam. But after a bit of googling, and in particular finding <a href="http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/557594-Sunbeam-cycles">this thread</a> by another owner and this <a href="http://www.localhistory.scit.wlv.ac.uk/Museum/Transport/bicycles/Sunbeam.htm">Sunbeam history</a> page I began to piece together a rough history. Mine is almost identical to the one in the thread, which is identified as a Silver Sunbeam Light Roadster. But after looking at the 1936 Sunbeam brochure I'd have to disagree and say that it is a Ladies Royal Sunbeam Light Roadster as the Silver models all appear to lack the prestigious 'Little Oil Bath' chaingaurd.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjki7YPjUzByYeKj1fEIh3E__ptVYJOuGUpa95LTh_puxXMgGNsOc0ZH-Gvgzqgaz_xFjY5yhSLKk3W6FYwdBuiSWFcCTbqhE1ziLmI-0Gm3EMDHmTrfw4ieiNPnP4oujYIakLyPF2IK8SA/s640/IMG_7817.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Super comfortable 68/68 geometry with a long fork rake</td></tr>
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The original bike will have come with rod brakes, which have long since been removed and replaced (probably in the 40's) with a set of Sturmey Archer 90mm drum brake hubs. The front hub is marked BF9, which denotes it is a BF model hub made in 1939. So it's fair to assume that the rear hub was fitted at the same time. The rear is an AB 3-speed 90mm drum brake hub and is so old it is undated, but will also most likely be from the 1930's.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBBIVwn8YIgTCpygbzDAqWQVdLLgH-PiYlkuFkQW_AYagWxrHRzXx-47Ny4gTg4mkHTO12mXFiUQ5X0_jSIHritE1_xFHVRu5CRQEDySkPjPUWbalbw8V9n2EjjbBJ1U8hGpVwquptfzEf/s1600/IMG_7821.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBBIVwn8YIgTCpygbzDAqWQVdLLgH-PiYlkuFkQW_AYagWxrHRzXx-47Ny4gTg4mkHTO12mXFiUQ5X0_jSIHritE1_xFHVRu5CRQEDySkPjPUWbalbw8V9n2EjjbBJ1U8hGpVwquptfzEf/s640/IMG_7821.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The brake levers and shifter dont sit very comfortably on the rod brake handlebars</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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It's been through a fair bit of use and no doubt a fair number of owners in its 70+ years. When I got it the brakes where so ineffectual they might as well have not been connected at all but with some air in the tyres it was completely rideable, albeit you had to stop using your feet.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXMca2TwhZ4PNZ8ZdMLpZ7k1rOmwStKKpLagD6tkxSmHM-TRqflSdXm_gAQir51zlZ8TJmKQxsCNP_lufo58cWnywysrXN2xdxJ5eW_7qaBT8424XGJQsUCOWnfxeG9Wi4AyWpZ6xLV-Gf/s1600/IMG_7831.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXMca2TwhZ4PNZ8ZdMLpZ7k1rOmwStKKpLagD6tkxSmHM-TRqflSdXm_gAQir51zlZ8TJmKQxsCNP_lufo58cWnywysrXN2xdxJ5eW_7qaBT8424XGJQsUCOWnfxeG9Wi4AyWpZ6xLV-Gf/s640/IMG_7831.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is all that remains of the original markings</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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At somepoint, probably more than once, it has been given a coat of black paint to cover up various scratches etc. However this means that some original features such as the the transfers on the frame and chaingaurd are gone & there is a lot of overspill onto unpainted parts and the cables. The only transfer that is still there is the headbadge, but even that is mostly gone.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeGNCnZErwTWavs5cM8vAEuRIfN6catDQ0dsAaP4e4-ibVhEs0lzQtVipPLf4WITfVZ2Yr4O3JZFDW7j7YBlzWkHC0O9Ekby2CPWrWmevRQ0ItCFgyvAvnot6FwzLtDmblUsc6EKvj-h74/s1600/IMG_7828.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeGNCnZErwTWavs5cM8vAEuRIfN6catDQ0dsAaP4e4-ibVhEs0lzQtVipPLf4WITfVZ2Yr4O3JZFDW7j7YBlzWkHC0O9Ekby2CPWrWmevRQ0ItCFgyvAvnot6FwzLtDmblUsc6EKvj-h74/s640/IMG_7828.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The oil ports are finely made spring loaded metal caps - quality stuff</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Sunbeams were supposedly the finest bicycles money could buy in their day and this bike is certainly very well made. The main selling feature of these Sunbeams was the 'Little Oil bath' chaingaurd. Which was not any ordinary chaingaurd for 2 reasons -</div>
<ol>
<li>It is fully sealed and is supposed to have a small sump of oil at the front end, constantly bathing the chain in fresh oil. <a href="http://www.localhistory.scit.wlv.ac.uk/Museum/Transport/bicycles/SunbeamOilBath.jpg"></a></li>
<li>This bike only has one rear chain stay, the other is the chainguard itself which has a kind of miniature cellular beam inside it which carries the load of the bicycle & rider. </li>
</ol>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.localhistory.scit.wlv.ac.uk/Museum/Transport/bicycles/SunbeamOilBath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="136" src="http://www.localhistory.scit.wlv.ac.uk/Museum/Transport/bicycles/SunbeamOilBath.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of www.localhistory.scit.wlv.ac.uk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOJrwbaA8iA1WF-mGLHqBT10heDc2i0dX9s_YoA2GIghqz-ZNSGOyDv3oJpT64NYYQIIUbZj8wPDdmMhAWwWRUYBgQXG3t0ghO1rIngHy1Ir88lsFXYIt6a9sXsmGsehtAVVUyr8o6k5ez/s1600/IMG_7819.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOJrwbaA8iA1WF-mGLHqBT10heDc2i0dX9s_YoA2GIghqz-ZNSGOyDv3oJpT64NYYQIIUbZj8wPDdmMhAWwWRUYBgQXG3t0ghO1rIngHy1Ir88lsFXYIt6a9sXsmGsehtAVVUyr8o6k5ez/s640/IMG_7819.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I was unsure at first about what to do with this bike. Would it be historic blasphemy to strip it entirely & refurbish from scratch?. Invariably on tv programmes when something antique or vintage has been tampered with, cleaned up, repainted or heaven forbid...take out of the box! the expert will suck his teeth and declare that if is had been original (read : rusty and unuseable) then it would have been worth £50 quadzillion but since you took it out the box and used a bit of brasso on it is now worth £4.37. </div>
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I know there is merit in this approach to total preservation, but to my mind this bike has had a sucession of owners all of whom have modified & maintained it in some manner. So since it belongs to me now, and it's already far from original, I intend to simply refurbish it as it stands and get this bike back to usefulness.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguXBGuVjRF6ltOZhrJpBd-wXYuTBszcZlybImcpYRkgfuVXBCE4fKRIR4tDJYckrzsf0qTvMY9WQ7sWfjq7g3TxFSt_ycRT_fixrR3YTQGDwdN4rAGqeHVzveS6bWGknFp_UU_9ieTJQXQ/s1600/IMG_7833.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguXBGuVjRF6ltOZhrJpBd-wXYuTBszcZlybImcpYRkgfuVXBCE4fKRIR4tDJYckrzsf0qTvMY9WQ7sWfjq7g3TxFSt_ycRT_fixrR3YTQGDwdN4rAGqeHVzveS6bWGknFp_UU_9ieTJQXQ/s640/IMG_7833.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div>
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The problem with the brakes is most likely down to ancient cables, and glazed/dirty pads. So before I get to properly working on this bike I'll just clean up the brakes and oil the rear hub gear to get this bike rideable enough for the time being whilst it waits it's turn.</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYkyq5jRI23xyTCtgz8TNosdOwlovVaw5Q38aOxLhLayknHHaLY67NI0fRT-EwSK5DwBRVaQ5RLe5sEzWDY0nCMKgaURsqQb-rI0CdZKBJWn72GYmOlDgaR1PzizoszZbNj-OBarJ-FLJE/s1600/IMG_7826.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYkyq5jRI23xyTCtgz8TNosdOwlovVaw5Q38aOxLhLayknHHaLY67NI0fRT-EwSK5DwBRVaQ5RLe5sEzWDY0nCMKgaURsqQb-rI0CdZKBJWn72GYmOlDgaR1PzizoszZbNj-OBarJ-FLJE/s640/IMG_7826.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mudgaurds stays have their own brazed mounts. One of them is badly damaged but will be ok.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzCnZW1DVyfFdQ-julXEa3U4zeJaFOy99U34bw4kS1Qqb2UMYJWeRm6Q9WSlmX9hI157jxkGB7Yj90NgWEh7EfhnZiTuBX9XUSLcT9nFH9BEZvrY7TO2Ym2RwFXdWSwXiB4kuP81BpYrEE/s1600/IMG_7823.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzCnZW1DVyfFdQ-julXEa3U4zeJaFOy99U34bw4kS1Qqb2UMYJWeRm6Q9WSlmX9hI157jxkGB7Yj90NgWEh7EfhnZiTuBX9XUSLcT9nFH9BEZvrY7TO2Ym2RwFXdWSwXiB4kuP81BpYrEE/s640/IMG_7823.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFrX91wiEVkynOSAEyFNdA9Tr1PH0V8KTQlQyGyLKeCCEyfNBD1apJ4NT-K3T0KCdOZPOSF8Rgc5Se2esInmrSLWSgGnfFiME3T_zUO3l95k2AjebRqVdfAG1viIFEc6QgQZvISMvrXzVa/s1600/IMG_7830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFrX91wiEVkynOSAEyFNdA9Tr1PH0V8KTQlQyGyLKeCCEyfNBD1apJ4NT-K3T0KCdOZPOSF8Rgc5Se2esInmrSLWSgGnfFiME3T_zUO3l95k2AjebRqVdfAG1viIFEc6QgQZvISMvrXzVa/s640/IMG_7830.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bullnose front to the metal mudgaurd</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYkyq5jRI23xyTCtgz8TNosdOwlovVaw5Q38aOxLhLayknHHaLY67NI0fRT-EwSK5DwBRVaQ5RLe5sEzWDY0nCMKgaURsqQb-rI0CdZKBJWn72GYmOlDgaR1PzizoszZbNj-OBarJ-FLJE/s1600/IMG_7826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
The Sturmey shifter is still in working order, but has seen better days. I think it will clean up ok though. Older shifters like this have all their markings upside down. This shifter is a 1950's GC2 model which is supposed to be mounted on the lefthand underside. for some reason, possibly just fashion, all Sturmey shifters switched from underside mounting to topside in the 60's. <a href="http://genetics.mgh.harvard.edu/hanczyc/pdfs/satriggersjuly06.pdf">This pdf </a>is a comprehensive document on Sturmey shifters if you're into that sort of thing. The little circular window shows the different speed selected, there are no 1,2,3 speeds. It is L,N & H for Low, Neutral & High gears.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglTdYZ3tq11UzLH5EhTrUcND1fa7V1akUUCBv_B1gLSHqlMXAKkWMS5dZRxVMPDE2DDNf0aweyS0RtHNvWk0Z4Hr4cBVnAdkAYrG_ptMhvtA7RCxF4kCOTla0n7j3Ngp-UV3ahBoc_n_RB/s1600/IMG_7822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglTdYZ3tq11UzLH5EhTrUcND1fa7V1akUUCBv_B1gLSHqlMXAKkWMS5dZRxVMPDE2DDNf0aweyS0RtHNvWk0Z4Hr4cBVnAdkAYrG_ptMhvtA7RCxF4kCOTla0n7j3Ngp-UV3ahBoc_n_RB/s640/IMG_7822.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And to finish....adjustable dropouts.If only all my bikes had these....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRnHtEj9_4Jlq_CoScrXd-Yatc-dxnq3MN6EOx9OntfEa73R8OeQYiwXXbxozmMILaxp4NYm_WdilWTk1MxxFO6s-0Y33ByvKKFZi6EJ86HHp28ziYKEtOwR1tK01rMeiGwavZmoFFCm0Y/s1600/IMG_7825.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRnHtEj9_4Jlq_CoScrXd-Yatc-dxnq3MN6EOx9OntfEa73R8OeQYiwXXbxozmMILaxp4NYm_WdilWTk1MxxFO6s-0Y33ByvKKFZi6EJ86HHp28ziYKEtOwR1tK01rMeiGwavZmoFFCm0Y/s640/IMG_7825.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzCnZW1DVyfFdQ-julXEa3U4zeJaFOy99U34bw4kS1Qqb2UMYJWeRm6Q9WSlmX9hI157jxkGB7Yj90NgWEh7EfhnZiTuBX9XUSLcT9nFH9BEZvrY7TO2Ym2RwFXdWSwXiB4kuP81BpYrEE/s1600/IMG_7823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBBIVwn8YIgTCpygbzDAqWQVdLLgH-PiYlkuFkQW_AYagWxrHRzXx-47Ny4gTg4mkHTO12mXFiUQ5X0_jSIHritE1_xFHVRu5CRQEDySkPjPUWbalbw8V9n2EjjbBJ1U8hGpVwquptfzEf/s1600/IMG_7821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13570415802364596822noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1788949981652429836.post-18941268715779799182011-07-09T16:14:00.000+01:002011-07-09T16:14:25.971+01:00Building a Dog Scooter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeJNRPnhejSn46fKY5qATY0MlqY6B_YqVtDdMkhqS06_cpxUznmdQwVTVzKP6cNr8vsZygUe-Ny8RMEJHEBqjYdOyFunD_FoPKGfuunUEd_dxuCjnO2zaNh2lILVd5HM4wOTbMTGe0nRo2/s1600/IMG_8583.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeJNRPnhejSn46fKY5qATY0MlqY6B_YqVtDdMkhqS06_cpxUznmdQwVTVzKP6cNr8vsZygUe-Ny8RMEJHEBqjYdOyFunD_FoPKGfuunUEd_dxuCjnO2zaNh2lILVd5HM4wOTbMTGe0nRo2/s640/IMG_8583.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
This is a crappy Asda BMX. What to do with it?. Let's make a dog scooter!.<br />
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Either read on or digest it all in a 1 minute video :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0FkrMj9BkpUCE1NcUAhCHaZf7bw9siaF_3x8SEVfh4PFXVGHhZcVZlMeyIjne79R9OhA0JW1QbC5pIkT3t7KQzXTjBpp22yy7WIp-FecJhxtUtkRXwbh635IVYxT01yOG61tMjN9YrUmZ/s1600/IMG_8587.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0FkrMj9BkpUCE1NcUAhCHaZf7bw9siaF_3x8SEVfh4PFXVGHhZcVZlMeyIjne79R9OhA0JW1QbC5pIkT3t7KQzXTjBpp22yy7WIp-FecJhxtUtkRXwbh635IVYxT01yOG61tMjN9YrUmZ/s640/IMG_8587.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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After some brainstorming, the plan became to make some strategic cuts with the angle grinder to seperate the top half of the frame triangles away from the bottom half. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAdpHweXyKZYMwih21etDeHtgHdPyaoob9nedA5aVg-brufrzRf0FLQ4vODqVfv9Dbwb74Bfvg9und0WvIPOiK7RqjRoGQFSM5QXqwvt0O458y6PT8_VOmq5mnBJA9vlThKNevTnTrNy_2/s1600/IMG_8590.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAdpHweXyKZYMwih21etDeHtgHdPyaoob9nedA5aVg-brufrzRf0FLQ4vODqVfv9Dbwb74Bfvg9und0WvIPOiK7RqjRoGQFSM5QXqwvt0O458y6PT8_VOmq5mnBJA9vlThKNevTnTrNy_2/s640/IMG_8590.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The top half could then be flipped upside down and the top tube welded to the bottom bracket.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdG_YGAirPAF-lub8PNT9z3NJ1Su8OPf-Au_xNvpFqnKRU1BpmZJRdjXuz-iQk0puol9fV4WvSJIMppJ_nagIfC68mPm3I7b43fYWvFty2j8TKQIDU37BPa3o37CVt2_3rpOMN0IxxzbDp/s1600/IMG_8607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdG_YGAirPAF-lub8PNT9z3NJ1Su8OPf-Au_xNvpFqnKRU1BpmZJRdjXuz-iQk0puol9fV4WvSJIMppJ_nagIfC68mPm3I7b43fYWvFty2j8TKQIDU37BPa3o37CVt2_3rpOMN0IxxzbDp/s640/IMG_8607.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_tptzm9vD4O6d1Ek1p_tT9b80c9gGQ8BTDpdnBrnS6xB2OMOMfwzlN3GMiv3kiKcLYgYqQ0p377F72U-ICMGn5fucZF3c8U7MZxUSaUoys_PyYkrmUmQ-UKkU0jvayywxc713i47uDPIS/s1600/IMG_8598.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_tptzm9vD4O6d1Ek1p_tT9b80c9gGQ8BTDpdnBrnS6xB2OMOMfwzlN3GMiv3kiKcLYgYqQ0p377F72U-ICMGn5fucZF3c8U7MZxUSaUoys_PyYkrmUmQ-UKkU0jvayywxc713i47uDPIS/s640/IMG_8598.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
A bit like this.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid6CNAEPIQiK2WwDs5IAXBOWBtB7i6QHzwW5FcDEqp-D5Hqkf4Y1o-WW5w1BSZUPiN_WInTxC6F47yGolSB54qwDA6gCmM_B5uRRwuh2IxTlTIccABYVKQu9v6M3bDAJCyeOCVI2HDzGrY/s1600/IMG_8611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid6CNAEPIQiK2WwDs5IAXBOWBtB7i6QHzwW5FcDEqp-D5Hqkf4Y1o-WW5w1BSZUPiN_WInTxC6F47yGolSB54qwDA6gCmM_B5uRRwuh2IxTlTIccABYVKQu9v6M3bDAJCyeOCVI2HDzGrY/s640/IMG_8611.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkLf5un5zE1NmAzuk9JHEj23vTiuzv5VmI2b8hn443dvl8wlvORaGciNL-4JzwR81sdzelreCFhm_wOsWoThb8kUk2yX9CAF4VcQOehPIXd94i4tyBR9hJZ63bPATxI6YR85_zB2aoH6tT/s1600/IMG_8631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkLf5un5zE1NmAzuk9JHEj23vTiuzv5VmI2b8hn443dvl8wlvORaGciNL-4JzwR81sdzelreCFhm_wOsWoThb8kUk2yX9CAF4VcQOehPIXd94i4tyBR9hJZ63bPATxI6YR85_zB2aoH6tT/s640/IMG_8631.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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One potential problem with this approach would be the strain put onto
the join that used to be the top of the seat tube. We solved this by
welding a smaller diameter section of steel pipe inside and capping both
ends with metal plate.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzNqjVt2yj-vu1-SrnawBwGFeg1toPd0IW2atsO05kAV-XULVngg53YdiNI8k_YtDW13kyAEjaDaemR9QjManFWaLVttZVAGBRh74Lj6FXQAttu9J6UgiqbOvvR41xynTt4sQvDwpu0Tku/s1600/IMG_8639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzNqjVt2yj-vu1-SrnawBwGFeg1toPd0IW2atsO05kAV-XULVngg53YdiNI8k_YtDW13kyAEjaDaemR9QjManFWaLVttZVAGBRh74Lj6FXQAttu9J6UgiqbOvvR41xynTt4sQvDwpu0Tku/s640/IMG_8639.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Once welded up we found out for the first time whether it would actually work. The frame had alot of bounce to it, but that's good as long as it's not too much. We knew that once the board supports and the plywood footboard were fitted they would add a bit more rigidity and the board itself would take flex somewhat in favour of the frame.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPp9NL4RjAlNfMiGNGKUHbjmR2Ro8T7DXvjX_CG--7AFTRcbhQig1qOY847Oaf74-ZHJI3nPV4L1dnzY9lNv4-pBTRCCcRo1wNr9y5C_jpoVpASsrp_pp7LGetzrn6jg4s6FpIq0qf2q1s/s1600/IMG_8646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPp9NL4RjAlNfMiGNGKUHbjmR2Ro8T7DXvjX_CG--7AFTRcbhQig1qOY847Oaf74-ZHJI3nPV4L1dnzY9lNv4-pBTRCCcRo1wNr9y5C_jpoVpASsrp_pp7LGetzrn6jg4s6FpIq0qf2q1s/s640/IMG_8646.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The board supports welded on. They are just box section steel.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxwrIdCdIZvkDHGKid9L_zCyHaYQ3BPIju4HSc9U6dryoU_6cXwrIzKExTdufQeGvrtWVL7NI1SM9UycaOfOADVoPVmee1njOnchPWXPmXZ3INkgttuvu8by4ELvq_6f39ZrzigrnHgxTk/s1600/IMG_8655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxwrIdCdIZvkDHGKid9L_zCyHaYQ3BPIju4HSc9U6dryoU_6cXwrIzKExTdufQeGvrtWVL7NI1SM9UycaOfOADVoPVmee1njOnchPWXPmXZ3INkgttuvu8by4ELvq_6f39ZrzigrnHgxTk/s640/IMG_8655.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The fitted board after a few coats of oil.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjZPLMOAMHXuXy0KZmBV2gM34o_WRqI0zP8upucxa_3mBHQh4iJOip25RS8zirb8o0YDUlBhQDxM_mYskf4vPIRrLcQhca3SkzJmtWaT19Q_XlE-ewLtxjYL-DlK8XKkDR1yVQaAXAuPP2/s1600/IMG_8660.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjZPLMOAMHXuXy0KZmBV2gM34o_WRqI0zP8upucxa_3mBHQh4iJOip25RS8zirb8o0YDUlBhQDxM_mYskf4vPIRrLcQhca3SkzJmtWaT19Q_XlE-ewLtxjYL-DlK8XKkDR1yVQaAXAuPP2/s640/IMG_8660.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I had a can of purple spraypaint sitting around with no purpose (only bought it because it was £2 clearance). Even with the frame having virtually no preparation, the paint finish turned out really nice.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd-YmnwzXc2b-aUd2CsEK9qafXaRQoKT_ZVhMuZZWY2dkCU-57KVBapptJ_ik3UNUipM86KOJ3EZNiODr_4EZBBJYJLJIPdAajXZ2zahw56HN6da6WhqzG6bP7CyNy7CmBFcMWgeRAv2c3/s1600/IMG_8657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd-YmnwzXc2b-aUd2CsEK9qafXaRQoKT_ZVhMuZZWY2dkCU-57KVBapptJ_ik3UNUipM86KOJ3EZNiODr_4EZBBJYJLJIPdAajXZ2zahw56HN6da6WhqzG6bP7CyNy7CmBFcMWgeRAv2c3/s640/IMG_8657.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The finished scooter is alot of fun to mess about on. It's never going to be used as a proper dog sled, our dogs are neither big enough or trained for that, but it's certainly more use & fun than a broken Asda BMX :-)</div>
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<br />Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13570415802364596822noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1788949981652429836.post-13281919489109160322011-07-05T16:10:00.001+01:002011-07-05T16:12:24.787+01:00Stowaway Build<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9anUe7IghYZIaYNJs6_WdnjvQknV2NRfchlMB9mp9V-oYwLvJS0U838DgqP-putVp0Sm95HCMo0bW3JqGUdpoJ1sb0xM6SiAty85o6oxKTvs_8WcHoyyTitZO0bv81FzYbYF85UkXSmcw/s1600/IMG_8475.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9anUe7IghYZIaYNJs6_WdnjvQknV2NRfchlMB9mp9V-oYwLvJS0U838DgqP-putVp0Sm95HCMo0bW3JqGUdpoJ1sb0xM6SiAty85o6oxKTvs_8WcHoyyTitZO0bv81FzYbYF85UkXSmcw/s640/IMG_8475.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Here is all the various parts of my Stowaway laid out and ready to be built up. The freshly stripped frame had recieved several coatings of black Hammerite, which when sprayed on is really nice stuff. I started with a thickly brushed on undercoating then after a light sanding sprayed over the top.</div>
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I had planned to retain the original handlebar stem but once the bike was together and test-rideable it was obvious that for the trekking bars to work the bike needed a much longer reach stem.So I got a long reach adjustable stem off ebay for £15.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi9biNTL_QfacXY3VnlJtpk4yu77TDeSWHUWLRBoJxtBVNVBCa8RhmcLpe3I9Yl5gFCH2pSwuvZ4vpRo1ZpIPumYo7fvfgw1c6aLwgm4SbLnsvwWzKN2WdAq84sVopyb1eBtJPtfw8n-ta/s1600/IMG_8479.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi9biNTL_QfacXY3VnlJtpk4yu77TDeSWHUWLRBoJxtBVNVBCa8RhmcLpe3I9Yl5gFCH2pSwuvZ4vpRo1ZpIPumYo7fvfgw1c6aLwgm4SbLnsvwWzKN2WdAq84sVopyb1eBtJPtfw8n-ta/s640/IMG_8479.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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The Stowaway handlebar stem is a bit unsual because it doesn't have a normal headset. Instead there is a plastic bush at the top and a piece of looped wire which slides inside the stem. This bit of wire secures through the bolt for the from caliper brake. This means that when you are adjusting the quick release stem you can't accidentaly pull the stem out too far.</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRXU0xOrYl01IJ5NBO-5VrxwlSKHalGGPBdEUsjGLyobIWNDfE3Uhw-jtb_jmuyeJ5jm8_1pT2VZQGTTb2LMpxPe2WyzNnLpsnyKxAWY5DxLq_rAFAIA3zzghOLO7PHdPo1fY6-BzkAOds/s1600/IMG_8485.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRXU0xOrYl01IJ5NBO-5VrxwlSKHalGGPBdEUsjGLyobIWNDfE3Uhw-jtb_jmuyeJ5jm8_1pT2VZQGTTb2LMpxPe2WyzNnLpsnyKxAWY5DxLq_rAFAIA3zzghOLO7PHdPo1fY6-BzkAOds/s640/IMG_8485.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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The finished wheels with tyres fitted. These Kenda tyres seemed like a good good choice (there isn't much choice with 451 tyres) but when it came to fitting them they have a ridiculously tight bead - not good news for any on the road punctures.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLhY-E4iHAq8cLkFWO08OAMLZ5gG2ZvN2yYLGiSGcpHVh4lDNqlGBihyy5bXb1Cx6wJokk1Yg0ppwBlc3R5fZqOoy0hozox8rRZDRquymi55pRzzWYeMbm65lmhvPlXlo5oIw-UMp1DD0w/s1600/IMG_8484.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLhY-E4iHAq8cLkFWO08OAMLZ5gG2ZvN2yYLGiSGcpHVh4lDNqlGBihyy5bXb1Cx6wJokk1Yg0ppwBlc3R5fZqOoy0hozox8rRZDRquymi55pRzzWYeMbm65lmhvPlXlo5oIw-UMp1DD0w/s640/IMG_8484.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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As with alot of vintage bike building the cotter pins for the cottered cranks where a bit worse for where. These things suffer on old bikes, mainly because they have old imperial threads and over the years someone will always have tried jamming on a metric nut. So both cotters got retreaded with metric threads and given brand new locking nuts.</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpZ_iijp8_6_K5NE0caEfx8rWSvybIW7elvXS_RfI7o6mdjL6iB_ARVrggsxkugENAaQUaUquXE8bD1tH2Vzf2u-VA09vZoB8Qd23VHgQ3uaTKSYtdwtYL3-byBQQyErk-E_XA3y8ApuHm/s1600/IMG_8488.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpZ_iijp8_6_K5NE0caEfx8rWSvybIW7elvXS_RfI7o6mdjL6iB_ARVrggsxkugENAaQUaUquXE8bD1tH2Vzf2u-VA09vZoB8Qd23VHgQ3uaTKSYtdwtYL3-byBQQyErk-E_XA3y8ApuHm/s640/IMG_8488.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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mmmm shiny crisp new threads.<br />
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Here's a little video to show how easy it is.<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/TZ6jyHj3EKY" width="480"></iframe>
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During the build I stupidly managed to break the shifter for the Sach 5 speed hub by overtightening the nut. Its not a great design to be honest , since it relies on the plastic to take all the strain on the metal clip being wedged inside of it.</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcfBZSL_PnL2oTh0dXrS1ZoUdV1ub7TiZLlSGtojhwpWCp-swldG0RaF7o8Dl6A6EVtQ8a5QnlK9vwcSlst4c5ipDt0Q4Gd2XfgKzRHw9dQqeYIUB94JMahpELmiC8d8jk10rTVBq0YCP-/s1600/IMG_0329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcfBZSL_PnL2oTh0dXrS1ZoUdV1ub7TiZLlSGtojhwpWCp-swldG0RaF7o8Dl6A6EVtQ8a5QnlK9vwcSlst4c5ipDt0Q4Gd2XfgKzRHw9dQqeYIUB94JMahpELmiC8d8jk10rTVBq0YCP-/s640/IMG_0329.jpg" width="640" /></a><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-aiJMKhhuA6pCzAFECqMsWgv_hkXzxFcXaZ01Iw8zdg0me43lO3FWA5otZMeWYGcsTi43VyqaW374Hmh8xPVJFM9W7mwUYfIw2NiYDGoTV-8f7MopUvevgKtoKX4EiLSy89rYd5RbYWdJ/s640/IMG_0330.jpg" width="640" /><br />
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After deciding that there was no way to fix the original method of fixing I started to work out an alternative. So I took an old shimano friction shifter. Took out the handlebar attachment from that. chop some bits off it. Drilled a hole directly through the top of the sach shifter and glued/bolted the shimano base onto the sachs body. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYFBf4TkjaNfGM-4kqDmCJAKRYycSaRPpljXpyw8rBBKsKhp4-h0XMvl4Ejo1aoaIuUscgdPqyrAUXOTHHklr-8-_cYLHBUBR5NT4HfnNfcZCpRHM2OqYaYOJEFIg5e0JwBUvi5DgOE6DT/s1600/IMG_0331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYFBf4TkjaNfGM-4kqDmCJAKRYycSaRPpljXpyw8rBBKsKhp4-h0XMvl4Ejo1aoaIuUscgdPqyrAUXOTHHklr-8-_cYLHBUBR5NT4HfnNfcZCpRHM2OqYaYOJEFIg5e0JwBUvi5DgOE6DT/s640/IMG_0331.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZS81WdDRDwBmmrbw0FCOR_zHFtjRnmdiwV1KEBK3TWWopCFIWAA5O8FrGCxd3iEw0J4izJ7Z9iHk05mPov-rZc9oykhSetjSB8KPvvj_mHXgSCOdu4_MWBiR873pGeCKJhnK0zOIN7-ef/s1600/IMG_0336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZS81WdDRDwBmmrbw0FCOR_zHFtjRnmdiwV1KEBK3TWWopCFIWAA5O8FrGCxd3iEw0J4izJ7Z9iHk05mPov-rZc9oykhSetjSB8KPvvj_mHXgSCOdu4_MWBiR873pGeCKJhnK0zOIN7-ef/s640/IMG_0336.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The end result is slightly less elegant than before, but is actually more ergonomic as the whole shifter now sits a bit higher above the grips, meaning its easier to shifter with my thumb than it was before.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWi55pJzMZiJKU-WUhyb6h9bX229rpHg5la9QmwPyl3Nat1YKT1eA_3lZ0zfnUjjwuyjJlKuZHRQ-mFOikrUEuQpEu2vTM2DBGrkhiV4n8fLmOB_wdbXo4LIIWbhuj4yAI11RzYC8xOgBZ/s1600/IMG_8682.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWi55pJzMZiJKU-WUhyb6h9bX229rpHg5la9QmwPyl3Nat1YKT1eA_3lZ0zfnUjjwuyjJlKuZHRQ-mFOikrUEuQpEu2vTM2DBGrkhiV4n8fLmOB_wdbXo4LIIWbhuj4yAI11RzYC8xOgBZ/s640/IMG_8682.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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You can get long foam grips specially for butterfly bars, but I'm not keen on squishy foam, so instead got some honeycomb effect fake leather tape. Brown because the plan it to get a Brooks saddle of somesort, or a Charge Spoon at some point. With this build I used a gusset 1/2 link chain. I've never used a 1/2 linker before, but knowing how much bother it has been sometimes trying to get the chain tension just right on a hubbed bike (and then resorting to using a 1/2 link piece anyway) I decided this time it was worth trying. I'm a convert, 1/2 linkers are really easy to split & fit.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHF6KyZKv-NhGoS4M1ElAx6zuL7x1KKpEN6gxVeTLU1gRLGy2CNUQhNyRB-Q6xfSdFcBEB5X30UFCTi817WyWzGokfZDwnt1vfsrChYEV5zIXStUcgX3zhOiX3sCOEIfLG3GVPixCIei_z/s1600/IMG_8681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHF6KyZKv-NhGoS4M1ElAx6zuL7x1KKpEN6gxVeTLU1gRLGy2CNUQhNyRB-Q6xfSdFcBEB5X30UFCTi817WyWzGokfZDwnt1vfsrChYEV5zIXStUcgX3zhOiX3sCOEIfLG3GVPixCIei_z/s640/IMG_8681.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The rack is the original style Stowaway rack, but was a 24" wheel version new old stock. I had planned to just cut the stays down to 20" (so that the deck lays horizontal) but decided the extra heel clearance from it being slightly angled might be more useful.the front X-FD drum is as superb as expected, but the original cleaned up rear caliper is about as much use a chocolate firegaurd. I'll try it with some modern pads and see if i can get it any better.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ1tSwsBIA0aVwJtkVsLe-d4_bcVJOpZMF1XuRRKE_FsWE7tA7Vau9ELaKt1IfQb9cGsCZi-vkNeUZWARfgHeR_x1TD6_-MCLtMn87U4g0NnNHx8iPRX8WW527upIh7jVQihEJprTQAt3b/s1600/IMG_8680.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ1tSwsBIA0aVwJtkVsLe-d4_bcVJOpZMF1XuRRKE_FsWE7tA7Vau9ELaKt1IfQb9cGsCZi-vkNeUZWARfgHeR_x1TD6_-MCLtMn87U4g0NnNHx8iPRX8WW527upIh7jVQihEJprTQAt3b/s640/IMG_8680.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The finished bike is very light and agile - as Stowaways usually as, but with the added fun of drum brakes, extra hand positions</div>
<br />Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13570415802364596822noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1788949981652429836.post-6337894940553711982011-07-01T14:02:00.003+01:002011-07-01T21:26:06.117+01:00What lies beneath<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
A while ago I <a href="http://cyclea2b.blogspot.com/2011/02/load-of-old-cobbles-tarmac.html">posted</a> about how occasionally you see glimpses of what lies beneath the thin skim of tarmac on most of Britains urban roads. For the last few weeks some workmen have been working in a huge hole beside the Apollo and now they are finished they have skimmed back a huge section of the existing tarmac inorder to replace it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8tcO_Ki1XVJ4NylvhFyfLE1XpFr5MYNsAFAFZokra6ffv2BhzU8C0olPsiYGMyG-ha37E8tXn8s0YTPf1Mk52aMSYlqgmfW8Wlh2ugyvo8uj9gITJtmJMGtWU8BYdLLREGfiPxyjcRnbh/s1600/IMG_0184a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8tcO_Ki1XVJ4NylvhFyfLE1XpFr5MYNsAFAFZokra6ffv2BhzU8C0olPsiYGMyG-ha37E8tXn8s0YTPf1Mk52aMSYlqgmfW8Wlh2ugyvo8uj9gITJtmJMGtWU8BYdLLREGfiPxyjcRnbh/s640/IMG_0184a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is the end of Hyde road and these setts will stretch the entire distance all the way back to Hyde and in most directions beyond. The tram lines however are probably quite rare as the wiki page for Manchester Tramways says nearly 5000 tons of track was ripped up and donated to the war effort.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8tcO_Ki1XVJ4NylvhFyfLE1XpFr5MYNsAFAFZokra6ffv2BhzU8C0olPsiYGMyG-ha37E8tXn8s0YTPf1Mk52aMSYlqgmfW8Wlh2ugyvo8uj9gITJtmJMGtWU8BYdLLREGfiPxyjcRnbh/s1600/IMG_0184a.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8tcO_Ki1XVJ4NylvhFyfLE1XpFr5MYNsAFAFZokra6ffv2BhzU8C0olPsiYGMyG-ha37E8tXn8s0YTPf1Mk52aMSYlqgmfW8Wlh2ugyvo8uj9gITJtmJMGtWU8BYdLLREGfiPxyjcRnbh/s640/IMG_0184a.jpg" width="640" /></a><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3uOaeueI6sAdE_B_XEsFxnh8igGgOklKWthyYLhQB1qwteQWSUTbPflKuT9BmoAKj8h208rZ28mslrfrSSW5rKI166IgCUao76l1UOUJc6cdMDJJTUrV3unPBgdWzSM3frWHKk-GpQqmb/s640/IMG_0183a.jpg" width="640" /><br />
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Just a couple of inches down is the preserved cobble setts and the tram lines. Whilst they were digging the hole you could even see below these cobbles was a huge set of iron girders which helped support the weight of the trams down the centre of the road.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM_kgxPzSklAlW8YDonnjj7MOErynxhNtO5UdkhPFeTESJhO3yzoU9nn-DBwlvtll-056eNDb8HWVDSGrWSd1sGn7pSA8ZyVAuBWN9W_elw3O3Hd8OGENMqPh-0hBSSNDR0AUcM9i_P7BQ/s1600/IMG_0186a.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM_kgxPzSklAlW8YDonnjj7MOErynxhNtO5UdkhPFeTESJhO3yzoU9nn-DBwlvtll-056eNDb8HWVDSGrWSd1sGn7pSA8ZyVAuBWN9W_elw3O3Hd8OGENMqPh-0hBSSNDR0AUcM9i_P7BQ/s640/IMG_0186a.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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You can see here the lines diverging off in in seperate directions ready for the junction ahead. this morning they were using a huge street cleaning lorry to clean up the loose bits ready to re-tarmac, by tomorrow it will probably be all neatly covered back up. Lots more to read about <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manchester_Corporation_Tramways">Manchester Corporation Tramways</a> which ran the 292 miles of track around Manchester.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEnhF-wMsYf25vffJ3K-wH1do_yfdGK-W1dsxov4az7lx5XJ1VNJdPE-o1JfGhhX8pJc-imVd9e1WhOtFnxqYoGDNea1Nwo2f9ebToKljjQdK2kfcByhk5wCP3AKqSY1h0ZXowmEp9lSk3/s1600/IMG_0185a.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEnhF-wMsYf25vffJ3K-wH1do_yfdGK-W1dsxov4az7lx5XJ1VNJdPE-o1JfGhhX8pJc-imVd9e1WhOtFnxqYoGDNea1Nwo2f9ebToKljjQdK2kfcByhk5wCP3AKqSY1h0ZXowmEp9lSk3/s640/IMG_0185a.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13570415802364596822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1788949981652429836.post-3626839687301020362011-06-26T10:15:00.000+01:002011-06-26T10:15:07.092+01:00Brompton on a motorbikeI was passed on the M60 a few days ago by this motorbiker with a Brompton bungeed to the back of his motorbike. Looked like it fitted there quite comfortably.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZUtO-MtnTWvX1HIjw33UpjBpF76KzxrbDVP0XFD0Svx_gQCOBn-VqB_0XD6Y0cdF41Q7xtLBoDFfnTNgNCoXz6T2k_JO0KAcXSdE2oGDhLobZmrjqFLAYHq1XKtyECbK-k7xkLA7CuJaQ/s1600/b+on+a+b1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZUtO-MtnTWvX1HIjw33UpjBpF76KzxrbDVP0XFD0Svx_gQCOBn-VqB_0XD6Y0cdF41Q7xtLBoDFfnTNgNCoXz6T2k_JO0KAcXSdE2oGDhLobZmrjqFLAYHq1XKtyECbK-k7xkLA7CuJaQ/s640/b+on+a+b1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjjPvOs1LW-6lousz1t1lsR9rMHcNtudS15y4bMRM-5sGqNcTLZUlJz9KjGExjiWoXz7HbFFZv9p6bWQ8FI0w3gYgXOedzPee-eU5tQv-sOv1-DDsK46GT5aKr2vUuPyU5y8YUvvL9CN4K/s1600/b+on+a+b2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjjPvOs1LW-6lousz1t1lsR9rMHcNtudS15y4bMRM-5sGqNcTLZUlJz9KjGExjiWoXz7HbFFZv9p6bWQ8FI0w3gYgXOedzPee-eU5tQv-sOv1-DDsK46GT5aKr2vUuPyU5y8YUvvL9CN4K/s640/b+on+a+b2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13570415802364596822noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1788949981652429836.post-37646398131710019422011-06-19T10:33:00.000+01:002011-06-19T10:33:33.356+01:00Longsight bicycle storage depot........or as it's formally known - Longsight Police station.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ8P88TO5tjd0hEJBpuTAdY2WOsh65HXV7vDbQIFpUib6ZNfLvCzruqK0u6NoySwyRkDbDikkVhYDVM2YRCRfnRBZikm444LpqnM5nP6-3P7srctaQ0rV7xYxCBAoafxu-959fZledwhit/s1600/IMG_0011a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ8P88TO5tjd0hEJBpuTAdY2WOsh65HXV7vDbQIFpUib6ZNfLvCzruqK0u6NoySwyRkDbDikkVhYDVM2YRCRfnRBZikm444LpqnM5nP6-3P7srctaQ0rV7xYxCBAoafxu-959fZledwhit/s640/IMG_0011a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is round the back of the building through the railings of the car park compound. Streetview shows a second pile that used to be there as well.<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=longsight&aq=&sll=53.800651,-4.064941&sspn=20.015978,57.084961&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Longsight,+Manchester,+Greater+Manchester,+United+Kingdom&ll=53.456004,-2.198117&spn=0.002466,0.006968&t=h&z=14&layer=c&cbll=53.460338,-2.208926&panoid=tdNVYOmrCQT308YIask8tA&cbp=12,302.07,,0,11.85&output=svembed" width="425"></iframe><br />
<small><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=longsight&aq=&sll=53.800651,-4.064941&sspn=20.015978,57.084961&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Longsight,+Manchester,+Greater+Manchester,+United+Kingdom&ll=53.456004,-2.198117&spn=0.002466,0.006968&t=h&z=14&layer=c&cbll=53.460338,-2.208926&panoid=tdNVYOmrCQT308YIask8tA&cbp=12,302.07,,0,11.85" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small><br />
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Presumably these are all confiscated bikes of some sort of another. Most of them have yellow labels tied to the handlebars. Probably illustrates why its best to take extra care of your bike in Longsight, or it might end up in in this compound via the exploits of someone else ;-)<br />Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13570415802364596822noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1788949981652429836.post-42121661780211955202011-06-14T14:16:00.001+01:002011-06-14T22:53:05.493+01:00Making beer<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span lang="EN-GB">This post
has nothing to do with cycling. But I guess when you go out for a bike ride it’s
entirely possible that you may stop off at a pub and drink some beer. And that’s
what this post is about. Beer!.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">Catchy. So catchy in fact
that the idea of homebrewing some beer crept into mind as I hummed it over
and over again.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">A visit to <a href="http://www.thebrewshop.com/">TheBrewShop</a>
in Stockport for a beginners kit and one box of <a href="http://www.brupaks.com/">Brupaks</a> Indian Pale Ale and I
was ready to begin. In the starters kit you get a big plastic bucket, a thermometer,
a hydrometer, an airlock and a siphon. The Brupaks kit consists of two tins of
concentrated wort, a packet of yeast, a bag of grain (kind of a
beer teabag) and the all important instructions. One side of the instructions
is the idiots guide basics instructions, the other is the pro beardy advanced
instructions. I used the idiots guide.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">To start
off we sit the big tins of wort in a novelty sized pan of hot water to soften their
contents. At the same time you rehydrate
the packet of yeast in a mug of 40c water (forgot to take a photo of that).</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">It’s
important to sterilise everything so all the utensils and the bucket its self
got a soaking in sterilising fluid (99p for a big bottle from wilkos).</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">Then we
open the tins. Mmmm lovely thick worty syrupy stuff. Tastes nice too. And after
a couple of puzzled tentative licks....dogs like it also.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyw8YDhV6-8s6985B6YTZbRGerZ7oxYhSMtTBXJ-mtjTQjeYA0c6DQi6Dh3HIGt6xJdZsmhjwqiz7_xegNuKE_vTswVUpiiGEHx0096ux8SV0ga137DhREUrmcbpiYcyE0nDc57yb78jsl/s1600/IMG_0139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyw8YDhV6-8s6985B6YTZbRGerZ7oxYhSMtTBXJ-mtjTQjeYA0c6DQi6Dh3HIGt6xJdZsmhjwqiz7_xegNuKE_vTswVUpiiGEHx0096ux8SV0ga137DhREUrmcbpiYcyE0nDc57yb78jsl/s640/IMG_0139.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">Wort goes in the bucket.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr47BhnGFnsfdLHvKOqjGwoxPTk0DeWt1TMpTdlqySCqCiA-2KSB74VWZY0m4WSx1c6MyxHt5-FzUCjNTJXdOlpXT-AFpDvAkErefb9Q4L08KWKZO3S25jlNBhRKfQl6P5wgETF4ynAQTx/s1600/IMG_0141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr47BhnGFnsfdLHvKOqjGwoxPTk0DeWt1TMpTdlqySCqCiA-2KSB74VWZY0m4WSx1c6MyxHt5-FzUCjNTJXdOlpXT-AFpDvAkErefb9Q4L08KWKZO3S25jlNBhRKfQl6P5wgETF4ynAQTx/s640/IMG_0141.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">Then you
fill up the tins with boiling water to clear up the rest of the wort that its
stuck to the sides and drop in the beer teabag for 15 mins.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">Doggy wants
more wort syrup.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">When the 15
mins are up, you empty the two tins into the bucket and stir. Then the bucket
had to go back into the garage (convenient tap, I guess the bath tub would be
the next best candidate for an accessible tap) to fill up the mix with cold
water til you get to the 20 litres mark (that’s the amount this particular kit
makes). 20 litres is roughly 35 pints! </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Wingdings;">:-)</span><span lang="EN-GB"></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">Mmmmmmm
giant beer.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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</div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">Now we add
the yeast and give the whole lot a big stir for a few mins. I used a big
slotted spoon because it created a lot of bubbles and the idiots guide tells me
the purpose of this stage is to aerate the mixture.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXVgGp-Z4AW28SDPXB3G1DEPf5qrzJokiv4SRgAnRKC8gXDsyYbNXENOHts1IhvaWKejjwspI8C5Nbg-Gw8gGSV68NKZqzybjS7PW2EbUg4cYbYlhISan7gf5cvQHJ1gWLQ71VZk5IJLAg/s1600/IMG_0148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXVgGp-Z4AW28SDPXB3G1DEPf5qrzJokiv4SRgAnRKC8gXDsyYbNXENOHts1IhvaWKejjwspI8C5Nbg-Gw8gGSV68NKZqzybjS7PW2EbUg4cYbYlhISan7gf5cvQHJ1gWLQ71VZk5IJLAg/s640/IMG_0148.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">Now we’re
done!. Put the lid on and fit the airlock with a dribble of water in it. The
mixture should sit quietly for 5-7 days at 18-20c. Although I think if the temp
is lower then you can just leave it for longer (?). Anyway, the cupboard under
my stairs seemed like a good place for it as it’s a nice 18c and is a small
space with a light in it. So if the temp does drop, I can just flick on the
light for a bit and the heat from the bulb will get things back up to temp. I
wrapped the bucket in a sleeping bag for good measure.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">The Hydrometer
is used for measuring the ‘gravity’ of your booze – whatever that means. All that
matters for now is that when the mix is started it floats at 1.050 which is
apparently typical of commercial worts. And the fermented beer will be ready
for bottling when it has dropped down to around 1.010.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">Now I just
need to get hold of a load of bottles and some corn sugar for the next stage in
about 7 days time. </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Wingdings;">:-)</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit;">Fingers and toes crossed that it turns out drinkable, but from the lovely smell it was giving off as I was making it I'm hopeful at the moment.</span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="510" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/rPLutvB_9ZA" width="640"></iframe>Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13570415802364596822noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1788949981652429836.post-23677025464163287542011-06-10T13:38:00.000+01:002011-06-10T13:38:32.108+01:00Canal ride to Buxworth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
A few weeks back we went on a ride up the Peak Forest Canal up to Buxworth. Just with the aim of heading up there and back on a sunny day.</div>
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Starting off on the River Tame path to get to the Canal at Apethorn Lane in Gee Cross.<br />
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There is a big set off steep steps just before the weir which has a nice channel scored out by countless bikes that have been pushed up and down here. All choosing to do this rather than ride up and around the NCN route that uses some residential roads on a big detour.<br />
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Coming out of the Woodley Tunnel. This is a very long and almost pitch black in the middle tunnel underneath the main road in Woodley. It's a bit disconcerting in the darkest parts of this tunnel, because the black painted handrail vanishes from sight entirely and you feel like you will fall in the water at the next step.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN8tnFGJ0m0q77-z1eqZesGPmfHSAfx4a7K6qoSTYJLEEkTxG-CeiOTt_5zOOkLluCc2jpCLK2DyMFd037BpLfHkdkBDKC5Lx60O9vLfKtVcqElmsqtMVFa-jBKR-xLB3E6NJScjmu2T0F/s1600/IMG_8734.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN8tnFGJ0m0q77-z1eqZesGPmfHSAfx4a7K6qoSTYJLEEkTxG-CeiOTt_5zOOkLluCc2jpCLK2DyMFd037BpLfHkdkBDKC5Lx60O9vLfKtVcqElmsqtMVFa-jBKR-xLB3E6NJScjmu2T0F/s1600/IMG_8734.jpg" /></a><br />
This is <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marple_Lock_Flight">Marple Locks</a>, a flight of 16 locks which a obviously a very popular spot on a nice day. These locks are alot of fun to ride back down at pace and we'll have to visit again on a quieter day to race down them properly (bloody hooligans!)<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik6ud-uoXm2LGG1qJIWGSsHVD0zibnKZk6m1j75pP5h2IqsecA-1lV6GJGmp0sPbjGcfhwI0C52KlbvY87mptvoJECobj9fn32CUzBXJ_v4XfVnC-uvbfCm4U2RNymFM3C02oCuO2zggf6/s1600/IMG_8720.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik6ud-uoXm2LGG1qJIWGSsHVD0zibnKZk6m1j75pP5h2IqsecA-1lV6GJGmp0sPbjGcfhwI0C52KlbvY87mptvoJECobj9fn32CUzBXJ_v4XfVnC-uvbfCm4U2RNymFM3C02oCuO2zggf6/s640/IMG_8720.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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My experience of canals has always been of the run down industrial and fairly unused Manchester canals, so it was a bit of a suprise to see so many boats running up and down as well as row upon row of moored boats.<br />
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Mummy duck has been busy.<br />
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When you reach the Bugsworth basin you ride along what used to be the tram track beds and come across this nice 3D map before reaching the Navigation Inn pub.<br />
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Another group arrived whilst we were having a pint, one bloke riding this extremely nice Indian built Hero bicycle.<br />
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On the way back I got chance to photo this nice little egg shaped tunnel which is part of the Marple lock flight.<br />
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Sharp eyed viewers will notice some cunning vandalism has been done to the information board next to Marple Viaduct.Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13570415802364596822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1788949981652429836.post-43964956567199205712011-05-23T13:40:00.000+01:002011-05-23T13:40:35.305+01:00A little ride up to Sowerby Bridge<br />
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I'm miles behind with posts, but here's a little collection of photos from my solo trip up to Sowerby Bridge a few weeks back to join <a href="http://manchestercycling.blogspot.com/">Mr.C</a>'s night time canal ride back to Manchester. I had planned to make my way there mostly by road with the main aim being to cycle up the A58 to the Whitehouse pub beside Blackstone Edge reservoir and back down the otherside through Cragg down Blackstone Edge Rd which is the longest continual slope in the country to reach Mytholmroyd. </div>
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On the way up there though I found by chance that a bit of disused old railway has been surfaced since the last time I was up here (probably 7/8 years ago), so I took that and headed towards Oldham.</div>
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Oldham is signposted but it doesn't actually get you there. I would probably make for a nice days riding to explore this valley but I didn't have the time so after a look at the supposedly closed bridge I headed up to Lees New Rd and back onto the roads to vaguely head towards Shaw on the North side of Oldham.</div>
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Before getting to Lees New Rd I went up Alt Hill Rd which is Tameside's 'Quiet Rd'. All seems a bit odd to me. This area is quiet anyway, since there is nothing around. Plus the idea of having a 'quiet' road then posting it as 30mph is...well... basically stupid. - aha! a new slogan for Tameside Council - 'Basically Stupid'</div>
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Fast forward through the boring typical north british streets of Oldham, Shaw, Milnrow, Hollingworth (Nice lake) & Smithybridge and we get to the base of what I presume is Blackstone Edge Hill and the A58 that climbs it. It's about 1000ft of climb and the red arrow is pointing at the pub!. </div>
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View from outside the Whitehouse pub looking back down the hill.</div>
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After a bit of recovery I carried on down Blackstone Edge Rd, which although downhill now it's such a wet & windy bit of moorland that the pedalling is almost as much hardwork as the ascent up here. Only once you've dropped a couple of hundred feet does it become a fast and fun descent, winding all the way down to Mytholmroyd.</div>
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Once in Mytholmroyd I tried to start follwing the National cycle route signs, which is easier said than done at some points. i.e. three signs pointing in all directions for the same route. But eventually found my way up the train station ramp to get to a path which runs alongside the railway line for a few miles until crossing over and joining the canal up to Sowerby Bridge.</div>
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Novelty wooden signs</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaq1-odKANkhYrMtRxhRRGxH5Oof-IThmhTX6Ax_0mgJ1cpZ5XuFjl_DUdPoh6i4wBsnyH2qqp6PCkpRrlB6RdpW0SAHcrfXm2Zo7gYog0j-7xNH6tIty_dziu-y9fWdn3RGew9ljTl4rD/s1600/IMG_8552.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaq1-odKANkhYrMtRxhRRGxH5Oof-IThmhTX6Ax_0mgJ1cpZ5XuFjl_DUdPoh6i4wBsnyH2qqp6PCkpRrlB6RdpW0SAHcrfXm2Zo7gYog0j-7xNH6tIty_dziu-y9fWdn3RGew9ljTl4rD/s640/IMG_8552.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The signage along this bit is all pretty good and I found my way quite easily. Eventually crossing on this bridge to get to the canal.</div>
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Of course now canal trip in spring is complete without seeing lots of baby ducks! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijreZzwnHGew4yZavJ35WadCTKzz151yGB5tCTU468wUhhW98Fh_EPP_EZUaswUtEAem-8PY9BQWKntNybTmvm_QjToxWe-jmmP_14-j80AHAUOe8Lm9mD2zkNdlnL1mXXQo8y1ML3687r/s1600/IMG_8560.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13570415802364596822noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1788949981652429836.post-17111454661390487752011-05-19T19:33:00.000+01:002011-05-19T19:33:57.623+01:00The perils of undertaking lorriesIt's not just bikes that should avoid undertaking lorries..... especially big long articulated ones with those flashy little orange things on the corner...in the left turn lane......turning left......oops. <br />
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<br />Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13570415802364596822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1788949981652429836.post-8634459747601113582011-05-10T20:34:00.000+01:002011-05-10T20:34:14.054+01:00Fixing stripped threads on a Sturmey X-FD axle<div style="text-align: justify;">
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A while ago I bought a Sturmey Archer X-FD 70mm Front Drum brake hub off ebay. I got it a bit cheaper than one would normally go for because the threads on either end of the axle were damaged. Presumably from somebody forcing either the wrong nut onto the axle or over tightening a small domed nut - most likely the later.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7hVuHDZPlL5EPrY-GJWgTAxrmy4ULYFLEs-Qbq1NnjPfIMR-5tu01F5wXiRm2zTdVTYnfObraz_bMX9HFOhuZEE2Wex0lk09bdaZa_HOBdvnA8Ogi5A3XB5jXboX1U3Rj6U3y09nZjAAI/s1600/x-fd+damaged+thread+2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7hVuHDZPlL5EPrY-GJWgTAxrmy4ULYFLEs-Qbq1NnjPfIMR-5tu01F5wXiRm2zTdVTYnfObraz_bMX9HFOhuZEE2Wex0lk09bdaZa_HOBdvnA8Ogi5A3XB5jXboX1U3Rj6U3y09nZjAAI/s640/x-fd+damaged+thread+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The damaged section of threads did not extend too far, but did mean it was impossible to fit a nut or remove the ones still on the axle. The solution was to recut the damaged threads using a thread cutting set. Except it wasn't quite that easy because the Sturmey Archer axle appears to use an M9/1 thread. Needless to say our thread cutting set doesn't have a cutting bit for this size.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhDRi-e5UyPtSEjbYlWgR1py5U5_4vMey2eqnvVI5En9BuqeV-0JRu9GcVAdrZx-HtJI--pFMbtdkqDC8dFfjzYcA5n8gRlFF5971cyooYl4NsEQjR0J0itT01LutzOHdVHmJ0CqjmlmXk/s1600/x-fd+damaged+thread+4.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhDRi-e5UyPtSEjbYlWgR1py5U5_4vMey2eqnvVI5En9BuqeV-0JRu9GcVAdrZx-HtJI--pFMbtdkqDC8dFfjzYcA5n8gRlFF5971cyooYl4NsEQjR0J0itT01LutzOHdVHmJ0CqjmlmXk/s640/x-fd+damaged+thread+4.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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So instead the damaged threads got cut with a smaller M8/1 thread. This way they would still be the correct pitch, but at a smaller diameter, meaning the axle nut could screw over the damaged area and reach the undamaged threads further on.</div>
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The same technique could be applied to any valuable but damaged hub axle if needed. </div>Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13570415802364596822noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1788949981652429836.post-61618942349934412722011-04-30T10:35:00.001+01:002011-04-30T23:40:41.593+01:00Brompton on a bike<div style="text-align: justify;">
Unfortunately a temporal rift opened up in the space-time continium resulting in my bike being at work but it's rider at home.This little pickle would normally mean participating in somekind of vulgar act such as paying another £2.80 to a bus driver who thinks he's Lewis Hamilton. Thankfully a Brompton folds up small enough to fit on the normal rack of my Nexus. so I rode that in then the Nexus back. Just 4 bungess and a bit of cardboard to protect the paintwork. Even enough room for my pannier to sit in it's normal place. <br />
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Turns out those stupid barriers on the bridge do have one use. On that same note, as this exact spot, last week I passed a man pushing his wife in her wheelchair. They were using the cycle path as the pavement is too awkward (thanks to the barrier). What I wasn't expecting was a little old lady to mutter 'f*cking barriers' in the form of thanks for me pulling up to let them past.<br />
<br /></div>Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13570415802364596822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1788949981652429836.post-40837927698444898172011-04-24T09:22:00.000+01:002011-04-24T09:22:57.369+01:00Cree LED in a vintage bicycle headlamp<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Take one old style front bicycle headlamp bought from ebay for about £4. (this is a Halfords lamp, posher Raleigh etc ones will cost double+) </div>
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<a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5224/5592924673_7be09b5607_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5224/5592924673_7be09b5607_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>And one Cree torch of somekind bought from China of ebay. Mine is a 3xAAA powered 5W Zoomable Cree Headtorch which cost £5 posted. </div>
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<a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5181/5592924613_7b1c33a798_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5181/5592924613_7b1c33a798_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>Remove the rather sparce internals of the original lamp</div>
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<a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5306/5593515746_7c67cd2c59_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5306/5593515746_7c67cd2c59_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Disassemble the Headtorch.</div>
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Go 'Ooooh' & 'Aaaah' at the tiny lens on the Cree LED. Decide whether or not you want to keep the larger glass lens & the zoomability. I decided against as the original lamps lens created a good light spread.</div>
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These are the only bits that we'll need from the Headtorch now. the LED unit has been de-soldered from the board to get it out of the casing. It will be resoldered later.</div>
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<a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5224/5592925273_b5d49b4e4d_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5224/5592925273_b5d49b4e4d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Discover that the LED unit and the Halfords lamp unit's reflector dish were made to measure for eachother.</div>
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Then discover that the headtorch's little on/off button is the exact fit for the original lamps red running light. - glue on/off switch in place. Remove rust/paint to your choosing.</div>
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<a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5101/5593516486_3fcfddf10d_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5101/5593516486_3fcfddf10d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Work out nice position for the battery pack and Alraldite in place. Work out some way of keeping batteries from falling out later - tape will do for now. </div>
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Put it all back together. Paint the bracket in Black Hammerite. & fit to the bike.</div>
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For other inspiration: Here's one made earlier by my brother using a Raleigh vintage lamp, painted with cream Rustoleum (Great stuff), a switch on top and using a Cree, powered by a large 18650 battery.</div>
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</div>Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13570415802364596822noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1788949981652429836.post-40440835005186648802011-04-21T20:06:00.003+01:002011-04-24T11:13:59.593+01:00The cargobike bloke....<div style="text-align: justify;">
Who is he. Nobody knows. He's a Manc mystery on wheels wrapped in an 3/4 length enigma. He pops up in more places than <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8avsKuZgIQs">Droopy the Master Detective</a> and even has his own <a href="http://manchestercycling.blogspot.com/2010/07/8-freight.html">8 Freight fan page</a>. Well here he is now on tape. Well ok his backside on tape. ....Never noticed the cargobay on 8 Freight was uncentred til now. Interesting that.</div>
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p.s I'm not wheelhugging. It's just a cheapo camera that's not very wide angle.<br />
p.p.s @ 0.55 it sound like a tram honks at me!.....it was actually warning an ipod zombie about to cross the tracks.Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13570415802364596822noreply@blogger.com3