I've decided to try taking my RA consultant seriously for a change.......

[DaveK]

Just took the bike out with the new tyres on and the difference was very noticeable - much easier work and felt a lot more stable too.

Thanks for all the advice folks - very helpful

Now. Who can recommend me a good multitool...........?

[Mr. Whippy]

Just took the bike out with the new tyres on and the difference was very noticeable - much easier work and felt a lot more stable too.

Thanks for all the advice folks - very helpful

Now. Who can recommend me a good multitool...........?

Wenger Large Mountain Bike. 

[ryan1835]

Just took the bike out with the new tyres on and the difference was very noticeable - much easier work and felt a lot more stable too.

Thanks for all the advice folks - very helpful

Now. Who can recommend me a good multitool...........?

theres one in my sig

glad your enjoying riding dave im about to go off on my bike

[DaveK]

I just ordered a Topeak Gear Box, which together with my modded Kick and a few LM bits should see me covered for minor emergencies I think!

I think the price of Bike racks for 4x4 vehicles will mean that I'm going to be riding locally for a little while, but there's plenty of places to go around here. The missus is interested too, so it may be a good thing for us to build up a bit before we go flying through the Peak District anyway

Anyway - to my next question!

I'd like to use my Leatherman Serac S3 as my bike light (I'm figuring it will work fine with the Fenix Bike mounts, as it is a Fenix)! The question is, which is best, the velcro type or the plastic type as shown here?

[DaveK]

My impatience got the better of me so I've ordered the plastic one so I'll get it in time for the weekend

Oh and a Maxpedition Mini Roly-Poly to qualify for free postage

[Mr. Whippy]

I have the plastic mount.  It works great, just make sure the screws are down tight (might be hard if RA is affecting hands much).

I have a pic around here with my Olight inserted in it.

Here it is:

[DaveK]

Ah excellent - thanks Mr.W!

It works great, just make sure the screws are down tight (might be hard if RA is affecting hands much).

** Dave adds Leatherman Crunch to tool kit....**

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

The placky one is the right choice mate

[DaveK]

Cool

Hopefully it will be here tomorrow and I can try it out!

Also, I just fixed up a little bike computer that my son had managed to sever the cable on and no longer wanted. I even found the manual online to recalibrate it for my wheels. It's all coming together slowly....

[ryan1835]

The velcro one isn't half bad either dave

[DaveK]

It did look like to would do the job actually, but as postage was 2.99 unless you spend a tenner - I thought I might as well have the more expensive one!

[DaveK]

Next. I'll be needing a bike lock for whilst I'm out and about.

Anyone know anything about these things? I can see it's not a heavy duty lock, but it seems like it could be good whilst nipping into a shop or cafe or something

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Abus are definitely the make to go for, but you'd be better of with a D lock as there still to most secure

Here's mine, but it might be overkill for your needs http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Abus_Granit_X_Plus_54_23cm_Bike_D_Lock/5360028494/

[ryan1835]

Next. I'll be needing a bike lock for whilst I'm out and about.

Anyone know anything about these things? I can see it's not a heavy duty lock, but it seems like it could be good whilst nipping into a shop or cafe or something

you could probably break that with a leatherman XD

i agree with mike here go for a d lock and get a bracket for it so you can mount it to your bike then you wont notice its there until you need it

[DaveK]

It does look like overkill for what I need, which is just whilst I run into the shop or whatever. I just need something that will slow someone down for a minute until I get back to "explain that its mine".

I'll think about this one for a bit

[ryan1835]

get a sturdyish cable lock that you can mount then , i think the one you posted is more for locking a helmet to a bike while you go into a shop, that sort of thing

[DaveK]

Not according to the description or the reviews or What Mountain Bike magazine!

It is what it is, something that will deter the casual bike thief, it clearly isn't going to stop someone with a pair of bolt-croppers! But I really don't think I'll need that 9 times out of 10

It's the expense, weight and bulk if the D locks or chain locks that's putting me off.

[DaveK]

Well my purchases so far have been spot on and are doing what I'd hoped!

The Topeak Gear Box is attached:



...and the Fenix bike mount is installed, with a Leatherman Serac S3 and works brilliantly!



I tested the little computer that I salvaged from my son after he managed to snap the cable  It works a treat

[nuphoria]

Looking good

Have you got a helmet and hi-vis top etc? 

[DaveK]

Looking good

Have you got a helmet and hi-vis top etc?  

No on both counts. I'm not sure if I will get a helmet tbh - I'm considering it at the moment

I was reading articles like this one and wondering whether it's worth the expense and inevitable discomfort

[nuphoria]

Interesting 

[Sean]

Dave,

Good luck with your cycling program!  I've a bike as well, however, this will be my main reason to get off
my arse for the next while and exercise. 

[DaveK]

Interesting 

It is, isn't it?

It seems that there's no doubt that you want to be wearing a helmet if you are going to fall off and land on your head! But, statistically, that's not very likely to happen

All opinions gratefully received on this one too!

[ryan1835]

i have one but find it annoying to wear, normally i only wear it when im going on a long distance ride/rough terrain or on roads i dont know 

you got a back light yet?

[DaveK]

Yeah, I had some lights with the bike (front one was rubbish though). It's nothing fancy, but then it doesn't need to be really!

Actually, you can just about see it under the saddle in the above pic of the Gear Box.

[ryan1835]

oh yeah i missed that XD my back one flew off after going over a "bump" at night and exploded everywhere i now have a £4 tesco one and a fenix for a front light XD

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

I never bothered wearing a helmet for a long time, but now I do everytime I ride, as it really is easy to get knocked off on the road my tin top pilots

[J-sews]

Just catching up on this thread......isn't the funnest thing about getting into a new activity all the great gear you now have an excuse to buy?

[GraysonK]

Rock on, Dave!  Looks like you are on your way!  I will say though that I think you should get a helmet.  I"m actually a huge advocate of this.  I've been hit by a car and my helmet was cracked in three places.  I still suffered a pretty serious concussion but at least I wasn't dead.  You absolutely never know when something might happen.  Think of it like the old MT.O motto: Better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.   Or the slightly more morbid version: Better to have it and not need it, than be dead if you don't have it.    Sorry, don't mean to lecture. 

[Sean]

Yeah I'm a proponent for wearing a helmet and have always done so.  However, it can be a heated debate
either way.
My father belonged to a cycling club here in the lower mainland and they were out cycling one day and a
dog came out and clamped onto a cyclist and off they crashed.  Having their shoes locked onto the
pedals they didn't have time to save themselves.  She was wearing a helmet but was knocked out for a
short period of time.  After the aftermath the helmet was inspected and was found to have a serious crack
in it.  It probably saved her life.
Anyhow, however, whatever you decide to do enjoy your routine.