Post by: Blodwyn Pig on 27 April, 2020, 06:06:29 pm
Post by: nicknack on 27 April, 2020, 07:01:39 pm
Post by: Blodwyn Pig on 27 April, 2020, 07:14:23 pm
Does that mean that you'll be nearer the road to better spot those discarded items?
Indeed it does,in fact if I leave my rack pack open, I may not need to stop,just scooop and lob! :thumbsup:
Post by: Kim on 27 April, 2020, 07:25:07 pm
Post by: tonycollinet on 27 April, 2020, 10:34:17 pm
Post by: Blodwyn Pig on 28 April, 2020, 06:45:56 am
Enjoy :thumbsup:
Thanks again Tony , I hope I do .
Post by: Nightmare-1 on 28 April, 2020, 01:45:32 pm
Is it together yet?
Have you been out on it?
Come on don't keep us in suspenders!
Post by: T42 on 28 April, 2020, 01:55:23 pm
Post by: Blodwyn Pig on 28 April, 2020, 02:21:55 pm
Well...
Is it together yet?
Have you been out on it?
Come on don't keep us in suspenders!
It's Not tea time yet!
Post by: network.ned on 28 April, 2020, 05:28:22 pm
It's Not tea time yet!
It is now!! Photo please
PDQ frame now sourced. On to the build...
Post by: Blodwyn Pig on 28 April, 2020, 07:48:30 pm
Dah Dah!!
Not a photo taken today ( few years ago, but little used) I hasten to add, as its raining and dark, It WILL be this clean again, by tomorrow eve. Felt very strange to sit on. less reclined than I thought, although seat was at max height at rear.
Q1.......the rear spring adjustment. There was a loose knock when moving the bike, eminating from the rear shock, but taking a quick look, the threaded adjuster hadn't ever been moved, and was at its slackest setting. So I wound the knurled adjuster knob, around maybe 2 turns, and its all tightened up. How do you set this correctly, is it to set preload, or seat height, or ultimately both.
Squeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh! and I've got to adjust the boom to suit, and work out why the front light doesn't work
Post by: Kim on 28 April, 2020, 08:29:18 pm
There's no adjustment for seat height (well, tyre pressure :)), just the angle of recline.
Destructions available here: https://www.hpvelotechnik.com/en/?jet_download=12403
Post by: network.ned on 28 April, 2020, 08:37:05 pm
PDQ frame now sourced. On to the build...
Post by: PaulM on 28 April, 2020, 08:57:45 pm
Post by: Blodwyn Pig on 28 April, 2020, 09:16:46 pm
The twiddler on the shock adjusts the preload. You're aiming for the shock to compress by about 30% of the available travel when the bike is loaded (with rider+luggage). Same goes for the front fork. Adding luggage mostly affects the rear suspension.
There's no adjustment for seat height (well, tyre pressure :)), just the angle of recline.
Destructions available here: https://www.hpvelotechnik.com/en/?jet_download=12403
Thanks Kim
Post by: Blodwyn Pig on 29 April, 2020, 03:38:41 pm
Best way to clean it I thought, works a treat!
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49833117053_ed458e1455_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iVzKxk)IMG_1244 (https://flic.kr/p/2iVzKxk) by mark tilley (https://www.flickr.com/photos/yo_stumpy/), on Flickr
All cleaned up. Since this picture, I've re- adjusted the front mudguard, fitted an old Halfords 8 function computer, re calibrated it to suit, dug out my old carradice rack top bag, (with an ORANGE stripe round it), washed the mud off, and fiitted, and got the front light working. The halogen bulb had gone. I could replace with a newer 'senso' led light, but really, I don't intend to ride this too much at night, or I have my old Solid light unit that works well, but might need fettling to work with the rear stand light. Oh, and I sorted the handlebar tape as well.
I did have a wee go, in the garden and yes I did fall off, BUT in my defence I was trying to ride round in a small oval loop , on wet grass, so every time I stalled in a bend, my foot slipped on the wet grass and over I went. Oh how I did larf.. But can now go round until I get bored, or a bush gets in the way. I find the most difficult thing is the start off. you're sat there, brakes on, pedal up, full throttle, but there is that nagging doubt, preventing ''chocks away''. once airbone all is fine,its just letting the brakes off in the first place. teeeheee!! :)
Oh!! And I've found out how to do a 180. You ride into a
Post by: ElyDave on 29 April, 2020, 07:34:31 pm
It's the launch that is the most tricky until you get used to it, just find a car park and practice that again and again. Also a good idea to practice the slow speed turns
Post by: Kim on 29 April, 2020, 07:48:11 pm
FWIW, I start and stop on my Streetmachine from a sitting upright position, primarily in order to better reach the ground. I find this position trades maximum pedalling torque (you have to pull back on the bars somewhat) for more upright-bike-like balance control and a faster abort-to-foot-down position, which can occasionally be useful when the going gets sketchy. I think newbies tend to find that easier that starting from laid back in the seat.
ETA: I have my seat fully reclined. It may be less useful if it's more upright.
Post by: Blodwyn Pig on 29 April, 2020, 07:52:40 pm
A completely uneventful 11km first ride, with a few tricky bits and some main road/traffic lights as well. Things noticed.
1) Boom needs to go out at least another 25-40mm, with xtra chain,
2) gears need fettling, cables lubed etc
3) Brakes binding a tad, need adjusting,
I learned to relax almost straight away, and was more than pleased with my efforts. Also you are forced to smile and talk to people as you go by,as they look right at you.
Post by: Blodwyn Pig on 29 April, 2020, 07:58:50 pm
Post by: ElyDave on 29 April, 2020, 07:59:15 pm
Practice hill starts too. Uphill starts on skittery surfaces or into adverse camber turns are advanced-level recumbenteering.
FWIW, I start and stop on my Streetmachine from a sitting upright position, primarily in order to better reach the ground. I find this position trades maximum pedalling torque (you have to pull back on the bars somewhat) for more upright-bike-like balance control and a faster abort-to-foot-down position, which can occasionally be useful when the going gets sketchy. I think newbies tend to find that easier that starting from laid back in the seat.
ETA: I have my seat fully reclined. It may be less useful if it's more upright.
Shh, I wasn't going to go there yet!
Also on the sitting up to start, tends to give better view around the corner, especially that uphill right hand turn at a T-Junction
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 29 April, 2020, 08:08:42 pm
BTW who runs schwalbe supreme in 42 x 406, and what did you calibrate your computer to, I worked it out roughly to be 1525mm , but riding along at an indicated 25kmh didn't feel that fast?
Did you allow for the tyre deformation when you sit on it? The effective tyre diameter unloaded can be quite different to loaded, particularly for small wheels.
Post by: Kim on 29 April, 2020, 08:48:48 pm
Post by: Wobbly John on 29 April, 2020, 09:21:37 pm
Post by: Nightmare-1 on 30 April, 2020, 12:51:33 pm
As Wobbly John said with the measurement of circumference. (In MM)
The good thing about this "lockdown" is the roads are quieter than normal for practicing on.
I put mine on a turbo trainer when setting the boom length, it makes it easier to do a test ride and still have your tools/spare chain etc handy.
Smiling when riding a recumbent is a prime requisite. ;D
Good luck & enjoy.
P.S.
I like the 180 method. :thumbsup:
Post by: Blade on 30 April, 2020, 02:17:55 pm
Currently, have only done 60 miles on my Challenge Wizard and have yet to master very tight corners. My local nightmare junction is a left hand 90 degree turn at traffic lights, slightly uphill. I go out of my way to avoid having to negotiate this.
Going out to the garage now to try out the 180 degree about face.
Post by: Kim on 30 April, 2020, 02:51:51 pm
Either way, this is one of the fringe benefits of underseat steering. (Related: lock a brake on[1], and you can comfortably sit astride the bike with your hands free to eat lunch / take photos / faff / wait for the rest of the group.)
[1] I have a friction-shifter-operated V-brake on the rear wheel for this sort of thing. Also useful for reducing the rocking when loading and unloading the bike so the stand doesn't dig into soft ground, and when securing the bike on trains. It also means I have a shifter I can re-purpose if one of the bar end shifters gets damaged[2] mid-tour.
[2] They tend to bear the brunt of the bike falling over. I have a sacrificial bell outboard on the left, which helps.
Post by: McWheels on 30 April, 2020, 07:54:21 pm
I was quite disappointed when I calibrated my circumference properly and discovered how quickly I wasn't going. Then again, my bike is what's know as Good TrainingTM.
Post by: Blodwyn Pig on 01 May, 2020, 05:23:57 pm
Proof that you can put a bent in a workstand
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49842365062_f792825bde_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iWp9DL)IMG_1250 (https://flic.kr/p/2iWp9DL) by mark tilley (https://www.flickr.com/photos/yo_stumpy/), on Flickr
Half way through todays 30km ride, my second excursion on Grunhilda. I have fitted the rack top bag, removed the lower rack, and extended the boom. Whoop whoop!
Post by: Blodwyn Pig on 04 May, 2020, 06:51:40 pm
Post by: network.ned on 04 May, 2020, 10:26:05 pm
Mind you when I got back, and stood up, my legs were a bit jelly like.
I'm 300km in on the PDQ and still get jelly legs if I push it on 35+ km rides. Apparently it takes about a year to get 'bent legs.
On a positive note, the jelly symptom seems to be going away quicker now.
Post by: ElyDave on 05 May, 2020, 06:04:43 am
Post by: PaulM on 05 May, 2020, 07:06:47 am
I assume you are clipped in by now? If not you will find it much easier as a learning experience. Its very hard work and takes a lot of concentration to keep your feet on the pedals without gravity to help youMy balance isn't brilliant so I use platform pedals. No problems although softer soled shoes grip better. It reduces rotating weight! :-)
Post by: T42 on 05 May, 2020, 08:10:40 am
Post by: Blodwyn Pig on 05 May, 2020, 09:07:13 am
I assume you are clipped in by now? If not you will find it much easier as a learning experience. Its very hard work and takes a lot of concentration to keep your feet on the pedals without gravity to help you
Yes only ever been clipped in. It's the learning to spin thing. Riding along and a hump railway bridge approaches, it's getting out of the habit of letting gravity take control, because... well you've got lots of gears. No, it's change down one ( possibly) and spin up, and accelerate , almost like a turbine spinning up. Getting there, but I have....big legs, and flailing these around at something approaching 110-120 rpm is weird and comical. Almost 160km in so far , loving it. BUT.............already having crazy thoughts from the depths of the store cupboard. Actually I had these before I bought it.
Option 1: fit a pair of Kona P2 forks and a 26" wheel up front , with a space in the rear shock mounting to alter the angle and lift the rear end, or
Option 2: Fit a pair of mazzochi bomber front suspension forks, ditto about for rear end, and turn it into an HP Velotechnik Streetmachine/ Azub Max clone with uss. Anyway long way off. Btw , anyone know what steerer dia these have? 1" or std threadless ?
Post by: Blodwyn Pig on 17 May, 2020, 07:20:50 am
Post by: Kim on 17 May, 2020, 12:11:09 pm
(I find chain tube noise a helpful reminder that I'm pedalling unevenly.)
ETA: You could actually remove that piece of chain tube entirely, unlike the bit that protects the frame near the suspension pivot, and the return side that actually diverts the chain, it's only there to stop you getting oil on your leg.
Post by: fd3 on 17 May, 2020, 12:23:55 pm
Option 1: fit a pair of Kona P2 forks and a 26" wheel up front , with a space in the rear shock mounting to alter the angle and lift the rear end, orYeah, I ook at the front wheel of my speedmachine and consider swapping out the front fork to run a 24 or 26". I reckon that time+effort+bolloxingitup+parts+notwhatitsdesignedfor suggest that I'd be better loving the bike I'm with and trying dual highracer on another bike There was a thread on the CTC forum where someone turned their street machine into a dual 26" (it's very old, they got lots of flack for it, especially for getting rid of front suspension ... and now front unsuspended is the default purchase option from HP).
Post by: Mr Larrington on 17 May, 2020, 08:08:16 pm
Post by: Blodwyn Pig on 18 May, 2020, 01:58:59 pm
Post by: fd3 on 18 May, 2020, 03:33:11 pm
I haz a really sore neck today from a 10 mile ride on the speedmachine, which narks me as I don't get pain from riding the DF.
(I don't want to buy a headrest as I don't want to have to spend that much money - I'm hoping it's just a phase).
Post by: Kim on 18 May, 2020, 04:47:27 pm
The Baron's a different story, and really needs one. Presumably a Speedmachine's seat angle is somewhere between the two...
Post by: Blodwyn Pig on 18 May, 2020, 04:47:47 pm
Do you have a headrest and are you experiencing recumbent neck?
I haz a really sore neck today from a 10 mile ride on the speedmachine, which narks me as I don't get pain from riding the DF.
(I don't want to buy a headrest as I don't want to have to spend that much money - I'm hoping it's just a phase).
yes I have a headrest, but don't really use it.I did get a wee stiff neck a couple of times, when I started, but I was wearing a peaked helmet. Then I twigged that it was sunny, and the peak of the helmet was too high to block out the sun, so I was riding with my head down. I started to wear a normal racing cap under the helmet and that sorted it, as the peak can be pulled down. Now I don't wear a helmet,just the cap,and no problems keeping the sun out of my eyes, and no stiff neck..
Post by: fd3 on 18 May, 2020, 11:54:16 pm
Post by: Lightning Phil on 01 June, 2020, 07:31:33 pm
Post by: Blodwyn Pig on 17 August, 2020, 12:33:56 pm
Well , I thought this will be a bit testing, but no.! It was all very natural, it felt like I'd always ridden a 'bent,but in the 4 weeks layoff, my brain seems to have analysed all the previous information, and filed it under 'riding a 'bent' What I did do, was drop the seat incline back maybe 10mm at the top, and also extend the boom another 6-8mm. Seems better, no more pain across the top of the knees. One thing I have discovered , in this new position, is that going uphill, I can now spin AND push back against the seat at the same time, as I'm more braced from my hips now, less upper back. What I was doing was EITHER pushing back, OR spinning lightly,but now spinning and pushing allows much more sustained power uphill. But here's me telling you ::-),, you already know all this stuff. ;).. 'tis indeed a wonderful thing, just wish it was lighter, this touring machine of mine. (I tells myself ''I must not try to go fast on an elephant'' I does )
Post by: Blodwyn Pig on 01 January, 2021, 12:14:07 pm
So basically I bought it, sight unseen, untried,with little knowledge and less experience, but I knew it would be right for me, and it is, spot on. Further thoughts on 'wants', I'd love to try an AZUB MAX, with uss, ditto a P38, ditto a trike, I'd also love to try a Flevotrike, (I'm sure I'd fall off a Flevobike). I'd love to go to one of the great 'bent fests on 'the continent' (as they seem to call it now ), ie spezi, and the polish/CZ ones. I have no real plans for N+1, but have been tentatively been mulling over some sort of DIY fairing/streamlining, but probably never get round to it, as I'm a bit of a dreamer. So on the whole , one happy bunny.
Post by: fd3 on 02 January, 2021, 09:06:41 am
It really is a touring machine, possibly a different 'bent would be different and I think that further exposure to the laidback world could change the way we perceive it.
Post by: Auntie Helen on 02 January, 2021, 09:47:34 am
Post by: fd3 on 02 January, 2021, 10:18:43 am
* not having a car
* spit-taking at the cost of islabikes, let alone full priced bikes, let alone laid backs, let alone velomobiles (the last and only bike I bought new was 15 years ago and cost just over £300)
* the cost of my next 4 velomobiles will be spent on house repairs, new bathroom, solar panels and then subsidising my wife’s EV
Post by: Auntie Helen on 02 January, 2021, 11:45:08 am
Post by: StuAff on 02 January, 2021, 05:54:21 pm
I’m trying at the moment to stop myself buying the new Milan GT Mk6 velomobile. With the motor that would set me back 13k Euros. My current Milan GT Mk2 works really well and is mega reliable but oh, the shiny! New!!!Mk7, even better ;)
Post by: Auntie Helen on 02 January, 2021, 06:54:35 pm
Post by: StuAff on 02 January, 2021, 07:03:23 pm
Post by: tonycollinet on 02 January, 2021, 11:52:53 pm
........... So on the whole , one happy bunny.
I am absolutely delighted you are enjoying it. :thumbsup:
Post by: Blodwyn Pig on 04 January, 2021, 08:41:37 am
Be wary that you don’t get into Velomobiles - that route is wallet-emptying. I’ve had four of the things and bought five (gave one to my partner as a gift. Could have bought a nice car with the money!)
Well , if I could find one that I could fit in ( slimish 15 stone, 6'2", size 11), , I would indeed love to try one on a track for 1/2 hour, 'just for the knowing'
Post by: Auntie Helen on 04 January, 2021, 12:20:04 pm
You'd fit in a Milan GT then - exactly what is now new, shiny!! So double-beware.Be wary that you don’t get into Velomobiles - that route is wallet-emptying. I’ve had four of the things and bought five (gave one to my partner as a gift. Could have bought a nice car with the money!)
Well , if I could find one that I could fit in ( slimish 15 stone, 6'2", size 11), , I would indeed love to try one on a track for 1/2 hour, 'just for the knowing'
Post by: Blodwyn Pig on 18 January, 2021, 04:58:55 pm
Post by: Blodwyn Pig on 04 February, 2021, 11:28:14 am
Post by: fd3 on 04 February, 2021, 09:12:51 pm
In the last ten years a part of me bemoans anything I did to add comfort - I managed fine without it until then and now cannot manage without.
Post by: Lightning Phil on 04 February, 2021, 09:30:26 pm
Post by: Ashaman42 on 04 February, 2021, 09:55:53 pm
The first few minutes riding on my regular bike it feels like I'm going to tip over the handlebars.
Post by: Blodwyn Pig on 25 February, 2021, 02:14:48 pm
Had a wee 'thing' with the chain guard today. A fewweeksmonths ago, the chain came off and wrapped it self around the BB, trapped by the circular chain guard and the chainset. After a lot of fiddling , mid ride, it was freed, but the result was that the chainguard became a tad loose.
I think that when this happened, I twisted a link, in fact I know I did, as I remember seeing the chain move differently as it passed by the chainring. Anyway, today, whilst half way round a 62km ride, half way up a hill, the chain let go. The broken outer link did look twisted, and a rivet had pulled out. Now then, lucky for me I had a quick link, but when the chain unravels itself and then pulls itself out of the chain tubes, and its
So with a chain breakage today, and a spoke breakage , on same route last week, I'll ride somewhere else for a while, me thinks.
Post by: Blodwyn Pig on 17 April, 2021, 07:11:40 am
Post by: Mr Larrington on 17 April, 2021, 11:21:00 am