Or perhaps a conversion to fixed? I suggest a 63" gear, good enough for the undulations round here![]()
Or perhaps a conversion to fixed? I suggest a 63" gear, good enough for the undulations round here![]()
Fixed rear wheel! Stroll on.
Luke Appleyard (Wharfedale)- quick on the dissent
I did get out for a short ride yesterday in the forestry (hills), having treated myself to ordering a new bike in the morning - hopefully delivered by early March - guilt complex kicked in to get bike fit again.
But the weather has turned to poo today so not going out again!
The end is nigh
I tried to go out yesterday thinking a dousing of WD40 would sort the gears out on the Dolan...wrong. No bike ride, spent all day stripping it and putting it back together again. Had to use engine degreaser on the rear mech bits. Chain is ruined, loads of longitudinal play in the barrels, another one in the bin.
Eating my balti last night i realised i had forgotten to remove the dried chilli. I tried to lick the curry off it before disgarding it, but somehow managed to suck all the liquor out from inside it in the process. Spent the next 10mins drinking cold milk; time slowed down for me the burning was that bad.
Luke Appleyard (Wharfedale)- quick on the dissent
My partner and I went to a local National Trust property some years ago for a Chilli Festival. Watching the chilli eating competition we noted that a number of those taking part went to a nearby ambulance afterwards for help - including the "winner". It is said by some that toothpaste helps.
What's wrong with fixed wheel? Back in the day, er 40 years ago, I rode fixed wheel in the winter in the Peak District. And I remember with much affection riding to Youlgreave on a 73" gear.
I have to agree with Brett, however, 63" is a good gear for undulating terrain
In his lifetime he suffered from unreality, as do so many Englishmen.
Jorge Luis Borges
Whilst I've never cycled down Whittle Hill, I have cycled down some decent ones in Derbyshire. The secret is to stop fighting the pedals from turning, and just let them do what they want to do (turn very quickly). If you relax your legs, so they don't offer much resistance, then you can reach a really high cadence. Changed the way I cycled (both of fixed and freewheel bikes) completely.
It's also relevant to the forum, as I learnt to spin my legs very quickly and on smooth, straight, and fast fell descents I was able to close gaps to good descenders.
If you've never tried it, you can't appreciate what it's like. It certainly taught me how to use a lot wider range of cadence both on the bike and on the fells.
I'm so feeble on these rides now there's nothing in between them, struggling in all areas apart from putting the ale and chips away. Left the craven arms late today in order to catch the start of runners and riders, where I bumped into Derby tup and stef f. Nice to know they are still together after all these years and both still running. There was some sort of a sportive coming down wharfedale today, full of people telling me I should be wearing a helmet.