Yet Another Cycling Forum
General Category => Rides and Touring => Topic started by: Oscar's dad on 13 August, 2020, 09:01:25 am
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More details to follow but the skinny is we set off after work on Friday 11th and return some time on Sunday 13th September having pushed up into Suffolk.
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Potentially "in"
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Potetially "in".
(If Joergen's coming :-*)
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Perhaps this endeavour could be in lieu of our annual trip (*) across the sea to the Low Countries
NB: as with everything I suggest, what I'll offer will merely be a bunch of suggestions. So if you're reading this and don't fancy sleeping in a ditch or whatever don't rule yourself out, we'll just flex the plan (such as it will be) to accommodate.
(*) Was there a 2019 trip? Did The Strangler manage to make it an annual thing?
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(*) Was there a 2019 trip? Did The Strangler manage to make it an annual thing?
Yes held annually between 2017 - 2019 inclusive.
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Bored I am. Just been playing with RwGPS, and inspired by a couple of routes in Jack Thurston's Lost Lanes book, I have produced THIS (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/33756416) which could be the northern most extent of our ride. It's very much WIP so feel free to comment.
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It's very much WIP so feel free to comment.
So close to Aldeburgh but no fish and chips? If timings worked out and the detour was worthwhile, there is a path which looks like it can be cycled along from Snape Street that come out just outside Aldeburgh on the A road. Afterwards, the road up to Thorpeness (for ice cream by the mere) is the best option.
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if you don't mind queuing for at least an hour for average fish and chips, Aldeburgh is a great option :sick:
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Saw this on another forum. Looks like a bargain if you’re after a tarp.
https://www.britishmilitarysurplus.co.uk/shop/hardwear/british-army-basha-dpm-camo-grade-1124047.html
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Saw this on another forum. Looks like a bargain if you’re after a tarp.
https://www.britishmilitarysurplus.co.uk/shop/hardwear/british-army-basha-dpm-camo-grade-1124047.html
Nice spot - that weight more than my tent ! (1kg!)
Steve- what's the weight of yours? (tarp)
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Saw this on another forum. Looks like a bargain if you’re after a tarp.
https://www.britishmilitarysurplus.co.uk/shop/hardwear/british-army-basha-dpm-camo-grade-1124047.html
Nice spot - that weight more than my tent ! (1kg!)
Steve- what's the weight of yours? (tarp)
Dunno, I’ll weigh it when we get home. I know it’s quite heavy when combined with my lightweight eBay bargain poles but then again steel is real!
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I could well be tempted by this if I can be arsed to source some appropriate equipment!
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Saw this on another forum. Looks like a bargain if you’re after a tarp.
https://www.britishmilitarysurplus.co.uk/shop/hardwear/british-army-basha-dpm-camo-grade-1124047.html
Nice spot - that weight more than my tent ! (1kg!)
Steve- what's the weight of yours? (tarp)
Usual thing you pay exponentially more to get less.
Light strong cheap - pick any two.
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I could well be tempted by this if I can be arsed to source some appropriate equipment!
We could share :-*
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Bored I am. Just been playing with RwGPS, and inspired by a couple of routes in Jack Thurston's Lost Lanes book, I have produced THIS (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/33756416) which could be the northern most extent of our ride. It's very much WIP so feel free to comment.
I am probably in! I see you've found the lane from East Bridge to Dunwich - I'd been cycling up that way for years before I actually happened upon it - on a CC Sudbury Audax I think it was! Are you thinking about any COR? Returning on the Icknield Way?
How about the ferry across the Blyth to Southwold? There's always the old railway bridge further up-river if there are loads of us to get across.
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Bored I am. Just been playing with RwGPS, and inspired by a couple of routes in Jack Thurston's Lost Lanes book, I have produced THIS (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/33756416) which could be the northern most extent of our ride. It's very much WIP so feel free to comment.
I am probably in! I see you've found the lane from East Bridge to Dunwich - I'd been cycling up that way for years before I actually happened upon it - on a CC Sudbury Audax I think it was! Are you thinking about any COR? Returning on the Icknield Way?
How about the ferry across the Blyth to Southwold? There's always the old railway bridge further up-river if there are loads of us to get across.
All good suggestions which I’ll store up for the next time I’m bored at work. Keep the good ideas coming folks...
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I could well be tempted by this if I can be arsed to source some appropriate equipment!
If you need cheapo bikepacking bags have a look at Planet X and Oaky has had some nice bags off Amazon. But don’t mention bikepacking to bobb as it makes his cool hair curl!
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I'm in.
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I could well be tempted by this if I can be arsed to source some appropriate equipment!
If you need cheapo bikepacking bags have a look at Planet X and Oaky has had some nice bags off Amazon. But don’t mention bikepacking to bobb as it makes his cool hair curl!
Sounds good. Be nice to include Bawdsey and Orford if you want to do the coastal hinterlands.
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Are we really going to be able to stealth wild camp with 15 of us! ;D
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Are we really going to be able to stealth wild camp with 15 of us! ;D
Of course we are!
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I like the sound of this.
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I like the sound of this.
Excellent. Hopefully I'll find some time this week to do bit more work on a proposed route.
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Another dull conference call which didn't demand my full attention...
Here is my first stab at a complete route (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/33830759) which starts and finishes in Witham but could be joined at any point. It incorporates some of the Icknield Way (if the gpx I downloaded is to be believed). What do you think? Its still very much WIP and much finessing will no doubt still be required.
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Here is my first stab at a complete route (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/33830523)
Linky not working for me ... 404 error
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This one? https://ridewithgps.com/routes/33830689 (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/33830689)
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Here is my first stab at a complete route (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/33830523)
Linky not working for me ... 404 error
Yes, its cos I'm messing around with it, sorry. Try the link again...
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This link (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/33830759) is the one you want.
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Another dull conference call which didn't demand my full attention...
Here is my first stab at a complete route (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/33830759) which starts and finishes in Witham but could be joined at any point. It incorporates some of the Icknield Way (if the gpx I downloaded is to be believed). What do you think? Its still very much WIP and much finessing will no doubt still be required.
Looks amazing!
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This link (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/33830759) is the one you want.
I think I might have a go at a less ambitious route as well. Perhaps 30 miles on Friday evening, 50 on Saturday, 20 to finish with on Sunday.
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This link (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/33830759) is the one you want.
I think I might have a go at a less ambitious route as well. Perhaps 30 miles on Friday evening, 50 on Saturday, 20 to finish with on Sunday.
Something along those lines might be achievable for me in my current state of (un)fitness.
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This link (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/33830759) is the one you want.
I think I might have a go at a less ambitious route as well. Perhaps 30 miles on Friday evening, 50 on Saturday, 20 to finish with on Sunday.
Something along those lines might be achievable for me in my current state of (un)fitness.
An imperial tonne is a meaningful objective when combined with 2 nights of bivvying, or in ted's case, two nights in a spa hotel ::-)
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The Peddar's Way camping trip a good few years back was about a 60 mile day, maybe 50% off-road, though not at all technical. We had a leisurely breakfast in Ixworth, and a pub lunch in one of the Pickenhams, making the campsite at sunset, setting-up and getting to the pub just before dinner service stopped at 9pm. A long enough riding day, but with some quality time off. My 100mpd tour two weekends ago was a bit of a bash, but I had limited time for my 300 mile orbit of the planet.
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The Peddar's Way camping trip a good few years back was about a 60 mile day, maybe 50% off-road, though not at all technical. We had a leisurely breakfast in Ixworth, and a pub lunch in one of the Pickenhams, making the campsite at sunset, setting-up and getting to the pub just before dinner service stopped at 9pm. A long enough riding day, but with some quality time off. My 100mpd tour two weekends ago was a bit of a bash, but I had limited time for my 300 mile orbit of the planet.
That was a good trip and of course we could repeat it for this adventure. However I was trying to avoid trains from a time and cost perspective.
So, I've been playing with RwGPS (*) again. I now have two route options for the committee to consider...
Firstly, my original 250 mile route (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/33830759) up into Suffolk. After some consideration I concede this might be a little ambitious and not leave much time for off-bike activities. That said I'd still like to do it one day, perhaps allowing more than a weekend.
Secondly, a new 101 mile route (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/33843285). I have purposely incorporated as many bridleways as I can find ;D I have also identified a couple of possible bivvy sites and I have found a Rowley Hill near Haverhill :thumbsup: As previously mentioned the route breaks down into a 30 mile leg for Friday evening, then a bit over 50 miles on Saturday and a sub 20 mile ride back to Witham on Sunday.
I know all my routes start and finish in Witham but would be happy to go with the flow if anyone has other ideas.
(*) I'm enjoying this exercise and am really getting to grips with RWGPS. Having used Garmin mapping tools for so long its been hard to change but I'm finding RwGPS is a smashing tool now I'm getting used to it.
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I have also identified a couple of possible bivvy sites
The first one is virtually in my back garden!
I ride some of the bridlepaths around there, but not the one that goes past the woods. I can check it out one evening next week to let you know how feasible it might be. There's a large new housing development just inside the ring road, and dog walkers venture out on those bridleways. But I think you might be far enough away to not be disturbed.
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I have also identified a couple of possible bivvy sites
The first one is virtually in my back garden!
I ride some of the bridlepaths around there, but not the one that goes past the woods. I can check it out one evening next week to let you know how feasible it might be. There's a large new housing development just inside the ring road, and dog walkers venture out on those bridleways. But I think you might be far enough away to not be disturbed.
:thumbsup:
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Personally, I like the longer route, but the shorter route is also very nice and probably more the distance I should be considering as an intro to camping/bivvying. I think I would prefer a small tent, so I might look into that. Very exciting!
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Personally, I like the longer route, but the shorter route is also very nice and probably more the distance I should be considering as an intro to camping/bivvying. I think I would prefer a small tent, so I might look into that. Very exciting!
Small tent, bivvy, makes no odds really. jbers has a small tent, can't remember what sort, which is the same weight as a bivvy. To be honest my small tent is smaller and lighter than my bivvy bag and a tarp with poles but bivvying is fun and something different to do. Basically bivvying and commonsense don't have much to do with each other ;D
Going back to routes, I'm still keen on the longer route, maybe doing it over 3 days starting out early on the first morning... something to look forward to in the future.
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Ha! yeah, It's probably fun but I just don't think I could sleep like that. Maybe I need to cycle/drink/cycle & drink more before its time to turn in? Would appreciate and recommendations on small tents and how to carry them.
3 days for the longer one would be good. I really need some experience with a bit of camping for longer rides. What do you guys do for, say, a 600? Do you just lie down somewhere, or do you take a bivvy/tent for that?
So much to learn.
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Ha! yeah, It's probably fun but I just don't think I could sleep like that. Maybe I need to cycle/drink/cycle & drink more before its time to turn in? Would appreciate and recommendations on small tents and how to carry them.
3 days for the longer one would be good. I really need some experience with a bit of camping for longer rides. What do you guys do for, say, a 600? Do you just lie down somewhere, or do you take a bivvy/tent for that?
So much to learn.
I haven't ever had a good night's sleep in a bivvy because firstly I'm not a great sleeper and secondly I'm not an experienced vagrant bivvist which is why I want to do more.
Regarding 600s... again I haven't done loads of these, others will be along soon with more experience, but most people crash out in a bus shelter with or without a bivvy bag. On my first 600 I used a bivvy in a wood and did actually get about 3 hours decent sleep. I'm not sure audaxers use a tent on 600+ rides as a bivvy is much quicker to set up and break down assuming you're not messing about with a tarp
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I've never used a bivvy on an Audax, only whilst bikepacking.
On 600s, I have used the following approaches at various times:
- not slept (usually on a very hilly route where I've not had much time to spare)
- not slept due to not following my updated route to go past the hotel I had booked!
- slept in a hall provided by the organiser
- slept at home, as the route went close by
For 1000s and upwards I generally mix sleeping in halls or hotels (Travelodge style), plus had the luxury of a motorhome once.
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Similar to psyclist.
When slower and on a tough route catch the odd cat nap. I have slept rough and hated it.
If you can build a time buffer then a hotel or B&B works well. Go with chains such as travelodge as they usually allow bikes in rooms and have 24hr check in. A sleep, a shower and fresh shorts make a massive difference to the second day.
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The Peddar's Way camping trip a good few years back was about a 60 mile day, maybe 50% off-road, though not at all technical. We had a leisurely breakfast in Ixworth, and a pub lunch in one of the Pickenhams, making the campsite at sunset, setting-up and getting to the pub just before dinner service stopped at 9pm. A long enough riding day, but with some quality time off. My 100mpd tour two weekends ago was a bit of a bash, but I had limited time for my 300 mile orbit of the planet.
I rode the Peddars way probably longer ago than I remember as it was on mtn bikes. At least 7 years ago if not more. We spent first day riding to Brandon, near the start, and bivvied in back garden of pub on the left if heading north. In Hunstanton 2 of us got a B&B. Myself and another went down to the beach huts after the pub and laid out the bivvies on the wooden decking. Caught a great sunrise over the Wash. Then rode to Kings Lynn via Sandringham and train home.
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For 400/600 I either take my bivvy or an emergency silver bag. Then sleep when the dozies overtake me. Put rack pack under head for some support. Around haystacks can be good for enough material to get comfy.
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Bivvying is a such a wide ranging experience, from near-vagrancy (bus shelter, church porch, phone box ...) to near-camping. If the weather is bad for bivvying, it's going to be much the same for camping, so actually the church porch approach might be better. McNasty used railway station waiting rooms on an extended round-Britain Audax, I recall. You can spend a lot of time looking for somewhere suitable, though. Unless you're McNasty who apparently also knows the location of every habitable cave in Britain.
For Audax Hotel sleeping, a cheap bivvy-bag (more to keep the sleeping bag clean than for weather protection) and a bag liner or lightweight bag - all in a dry-bag strapped on the Carradice. Single night only, so it doesn't matter much if it all gets a bit manky. I've only done one multi-night bivvying audax (600km, Friday night start, short sleep both nights). Anything longer had the luxury of beds, under a solid roof.
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OK, all good advice on vagrancy there and thank you to all of you that have offered advice!
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I note the Short Route has been designed for the senior rider to sit outside the Queen Victoria in Dunmow and wait for you all to roll up :thumbsup: ...
Bivvy sites look promising.
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I note the Short Route has been designed for the senior rider to sit outside the Queen Victoria in Dunmow and wait for you all to roll up :thumbsup: ...
Bivvy sites look promising.
Pricks up ears..
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The Peddar's Way camping trip a good few years back was about a 60 mile day, maybe 50% off-road, though not at all technical. We had a leisurely breakfast in Ixworth, and a pub lunch in one of the Pickenhams, making the campsite at sunset, setting-up and getting to the pub just before dinner service stopped at 9pm. A long enough riding day, but with some quality time off. My 100mpd tour two weekends ago was a bit of a bash, but I had limited time for my 300 mile orbit of the planet.
I rode the Peddars way probably longer ago than I remember as it was on mtn bikes. At least 7 years ago if not more. We spent first day riding to Brandon, near the start, and bivvied in back garden of pub on the left if heading north. In Hunstanton 2 of us got a B&B. Myself and another went down to the beach huts after the pub and laid out the bivvies on the wooden decking. Caught a great sunrise over the Wash. Then rode to Kings Lynn via Sandringham and train home.
I rode the Peddars with Tomsk (and Oaky & OD) and got about half a mile under the 100 for the day as I rode to the start. Lightning Phil: The pub in Brandon would have been The Ram, but you must be mistaken about the sun rise over the Wash from Hunstanton - the beach faces West. I've used Hunst'n as the start for my Norfolk coast 2 coast - watch the sunset over the sea at Hunst'n and ride through the night to try to see the sun rise over the sea at Hemsby. :smug:
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I think you’re right. I think the morning brought a mumurration now I think about it.
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Requests, please consider:
On Saturday:
Coffee in Saffron Walden at Bicicletta, right on the route in Hill Street. Not cheap, but lovely.
The Red Lion, and the Fox and Hounds in Steeple Bumpstead are both proper pubs.
The Lamarsh Lion would be good for a nightcap. Great views over the Stour Valley into Suffolk (Essex Borders!), good beer, friendly etc etc, as some of us know.
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I'd definitely be interested in the shorter version.
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Re: sleep on 600s.
I only recently got myself a bivvy bag, so haven't used one on a 600 before. I'd take it with me in the unlikely event I ever do another though.
So far I've done: shared Travelodge (shower is very welcome); a couple of hours in all my layers on a bench under a tree (cold, uncomfortable); bus-shelter cat naps; and a ~30min snooze in the 24 hour McDonald's at ?Goole?
I capped that last one off by falling asleep on a bar stool in the arrivée (Angel and Harp), and waking up moments later on the floor, so with hindsight, probably not the soundest sleep strategy.
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Requests, please consider:
On Saturday:
Coffee in Saffron Walden at Bicicletta, right on the route in Hill Street. Not cheap, but lovely.
The Red Lion, and the Fox and Hounds in Steeple Bumpstead are both proper pubs.
The Lamarsh Lion would be good for a nightcap. Great views over the Stour Valley into Suffolk (Essex Borders!), good beer, friendly etc etc, as some of us know.
Excellent suggestions!!!
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Had I still lived in Henny Street (just down the road from the Lamarsh Lion), you’d have been welcome to have bivvied in my garden on the Essex bank of the Stour. However, I don’t live there any more, sadly. Looks like my putative participation in this extravaganza may not now be possible due (ex)work-related stuffs.
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Had I still lived in Henny Street (just down the road from the Lamarsh Lion), you’d have been welcome to have bivvied in my garden on the Essex bank of the Stour. However, I don’t live there any more, sadly. Looks like my putative participation in this extravaganza may not now be possible due (ex)work-related stuffs.
Well that's a shame. You could have had a glittering career in vagrancy but no matter, there will be other opportunities I'm sure!
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Re: sleep on 600s.
I only recently got myself a bivvy bag, so haven't used one on a 600 before. I'd take it with me in the unlikely event I ever do another though.
So far I've done: shared Travelodge (shower is very welcome); a couple of hours in all my layers on a bench under a tree (cold, uncomfortable); bus-shelter cat naps; and a ~30min snooze in the 24 hour McDonald's at ?Goole?
I capped that last one off by falling asleep on a bar stool in the arrivée (Angel and Harp), and waking up moments later on the floor, so with hindsight, probably not the soundest sleep strategy.
Ha! Thanks for sharing this. I think I would probably do Travelodge, or something - at least for my 1st 600, maybe bivvy after that. Longest I've done to date was about 450 and managed that with no sleep but, looking back, probably wasn't the wisest decision I have ever made.
Cheers,Nick.
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Had I still lived in Henny Street (just down the road from the Lamarsh Lion), you’d have been welcome to have bivvied in my garden on the Essex bank of the Stour. However, I don’t live there any more, sadly. Looks like my putative participation in this extravaganza may not now be possible due (ex)work-related stuffs.
Well that's a shame. You could have had a glittering career in vagrancy but no matter, there will be other opportunities I'm sure!
Perhaps we should tap up The Straggler for a kip in his garden? (Sudbury)
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Had I still lived in Henny Street (just down the road from the Lamarsh Lion), you’d have been welcome to have bivvied in my garden on the Essex bank of the Stour. However, I don’t live there any more, sadly. Looks like my putative participation in this extravaganza may not now be possible due (ex)work-related stuffs.
Well that's a shame. You could have had a glittering career in vagrancy but no matter, there will be other opportunities I'm sure!
Perhaps we should tap up The Straggler for a kip in his garden? (Sudbury)
But what if he really is The Strangler :o
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Had I still lived in Henny Street (just down the road from the Lamarsh Lion), you’d have been welcome to have bivvied in my garden on the Essex bank of the Stour. However, I don’t live there any more, sadly. Looks like my putative participation in this extravaganza may not now be possible due (ex)work-related stuffs.
Well that's a shame. You could have had a glittering career in vagrancy but no matter, there will be other opportunities I'm sure!
Perhaps we should tap up The Straggler for a kip in his garden? (Sudbury)
But what if he really is The Strangler :o
A bit of digging with your trowel under the patio should provide the answer ...
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I am now a non-attender for the September Suffolk Serial Killer Tour but I am still very much up for something of a few days' duration in October - camping, Travelodge or Spa Hotel are all fine.
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I am now a non-attender for the September Suffolk Serial Killer Tour but I am still very much up for something of a few days' duration in October - camping, Travelodge or Spa Hotel are all fine.
Well volunteered! Let us know some dates and I'll see if I can attend.
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Me old DJ mate Joergen has already (been) volunteered. Expect alpacas, weird garden ornaments and top scran.
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Me old DJ mate Joergen has already (been) volunteered. Expect alpacas, weird garden ornaments and top scran.
Excitement builds...
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I did the part of the shorter route near Bishop's Stortford this evening to check on the paths and bivvy options.
The bridlepath that goes around Bailey Hills is somewhat agricultural. It was a bit bothersome with 55mm tyres, mainly due to tractor tyre tread marks, and no doubt the horses who have been ridden around there. But it's not too far, so you could suffer with more road-oriented tyres, and take care in the one or two places where paths cross.
Most of Baileys Hills is impenetrable. There is one place blocked by a locked gate in the corner of the field that looks promising. There's a triangular patch of long grass leading up to the gate that might be suitable, but there's much more space and enticement beyond the gate, leading up to a grassed clearing. The only thing I noticed as I rode further along is that there's a house which looks down across the field, which is on the far left of one of the photos. At nighttime they might see lights in what is otherwise a secluded spot.
The other option might be the edge of one of the grassed areas before Albury. Keep away from the farm, but there look like options around there. It is also close to The Catherine Wheel, which is a nice friendly establishment the western peleton have occasionally visited.
Do bear in mind that I have bivvyed exactly 3 nights, so my experience finding suitable locations is not unbounded.
Photos of the paths and the bivvy options are on Strava.
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I did the part of the shorter route near Bishop's Stortford this evening to check on the paths and bivvy options.
The bridlepath that goes around Bailey Hills is somewhat agricultural. It was a bit bothersome with 55mm tyres, mainly due to tractor tyre tread marks, and no doubt the horses who have been ridden around there. But it's not too far, so you could suffer with more road-oriented tyres, and take care in the one or two places where paths cross.
Most of Baileys Hills is impenetrable. There is one place blocked by a locked gate in the corner of the field that looks promising. There's a triangular patch of long grass leading up to the gate that might be suitable, but there's much more space and enticement beyond the gate, leading up to a grassed clearing. The only thing I noticed as I rode further along is that there's a house which looks down across the field, which is on the far left of one of the photos. At nighttime they might see lights in what is otherwise a secluded spot.
The other option might be the edge of one of the grassed areas before Albury. Keep away from the farm, but there look like options around there. It is also close to The Catherine Wheel, which is a nice friendly establishment the western peleton have occasionally visited.
Do bear in mind that I have bivvyed exactly 3 nights, so my experience finding suitable locations is not unbounded.
Photos of the paths and the bivvy options are on Strava.
Thanks for the recce psyclist, good info and stuff to bear in mind.
I'm not a experienced bivvyist either but what I have found is that in areas you don't know intimately, which for me is most areas, you just wing it. All my bivvy nights have involved finding a spot after dark when its unlikely anyone will be about and its easy to spot houses which overlook you, and then being prepared to clear off early in the morning leaving no trace obviously. You have to bear in wind that wild camping is technically illegal in England so make sure you're not seen and can bugger off sharpish if someone doesn't like what you're doing.
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I'm now tentative. When we visited Tippers Towers the other week there must have been something in the swimming pool as managed to catch gout. Been hobbling about since Friday. Hopefully will be fully recovered for next weekend but we'll see. Have to say its not pleasant.
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I'm now tentative. When we visited Tippers Towers the other week there must have been something in the swimming pool as managed to catch gout. Been hobbling about since Friday. Hopefully will be fully recovered for next weekend but we'll see. Have to say its not pleasant.
Oh dear! If gout was contagious I'd be feeling left out as I haven't contracted it. However, me being a medical practitioner of global repute I can confirm that sleeping in a ditch for a couple of nights is guaranteed to not only cure your current gout episode but ensure you never suffer from gout again. No need to thank me :-*
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I'm now tentative. When we visited Tippers Towers the other week there must have been something in the swimming pool as managed to catch gout. Been hobbling about since Friday. Hopefully will be fully recovered for next weekend but we'll see. Have to say its not pleasant.
Oh dear! If gout was contagious I'd be feeling left out as I haven't contracted it. However, me being a medical practitioner of global repute I can confirm that sleeping in a ditch for a couple of nights is guaranteed to not only cure your current gout episode but ensure you never suffer from gout again. No need to thank me :-*
If I can get my shoe back on by then without screaming I'll be happy to take your medical advice. I'm sure sleeping in a ditch would cure all sorts including Covid and 5G.
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I'm now tentative. When we visited Tippers Towers the other week there must have been something in the swimming pool as managed to catch gout. Been hobbling about since Friday. Hopefully will be fully recovered for next weekend but we'll see. Have to say its not pleasant.
Oh dear! If gout was contagious I'd be feeling left out as I haven't contracted it. However, me being a medical practitioner of global repute I can confirm that sleeping in a ditch for a couple of nights is guaranteed to not only cure your current gout episode but ensure you never suffer from gout again. No need to thank me :-*
If I can get my shoe back on by then without screaming I'll be happy to take your medical advice. I'm sure sleeping in a ditch would cure all sorts including Covid and 5G.
I prescribe SPD sandals, they have very adjustable straps!
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Is either route suitable for panniers on a gravel bike? I know it's probably not the done thing but I'm not used to vagrancy and need space to carry "essentials" - like a tent.
Not used to wild camping either but further away from London would instinctively seem easier?
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Is either route suitable for panniers on a gravel bike? I know it's probably not the done thing but I'm not used to vagrancy and need space to carry "essentials" - like a tent.
Not used to wild camping either but further away from London would instinctively seem easier?
I don’t know, I haven’t actually ridden any of the route but I’d say you’ll be ok. Fred will have front panniers and I’m not anticipating any problems.
No bother about the tent.
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How much food needs to be carried OD - are we planning to eat out to help out en-route?
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How much food needs to be carried OD - are we planning to eat out to help out en-route?
Yes!
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Are we doing the short route? Starting in Witham on Friday may be struggle depending on start time, but short route heads in my direction, so better for me.
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Are we doing the short route? Starting in Witham on Friday may be struggle depending on start time, but short route heads in my direction, so better for me.
Yes! The short route is designed with you westerners in mind!
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OK, I think I'm in.
Just looking at sleeping things. I'm thinking this tent thing (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sleeping-Ultralight-Waterproof-Traveling-Climbing/dp/B085KZ9VBG/ref=asc_df_B085KZ9VBG/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=427914560851&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=11158854850496774202&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9045886&hvtargid=pla-917647156015&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=105123033008&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=427914560851&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=11158854850496774202&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9045886&hvtargid=pla-917647156015) and this sleeping bag (https://www.amazon.co.uk/solotrekk-Microtraveller-Ultralight-Compact-Sleeping/dp/B07XG8GG2B/ref=bmx_4/258-8793916-9461548?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B07XG8GG2B&pd_rd_r=0b19aacf-e9df-47ec-8694-660689aca236&pd_rd_w=P03aM&pd_rd_wg=XPUR4&pf_rd_p=a0d7b22f-a5f7-4059-a9d8-a7437bd23eb2&pf_rd_r=GZRK2HJP3E69TZ22J36V&psc=1&refRID=GZRK2HJP3E69TZ22J36V). What do you guys think? Also will need a bar bag to stuff it in. My other stuff is Apidura and, although a bit expensive, their stuff is well made.
:-)
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OK, I think I'm in.
Just looking at sleeping things. I'm thinking this tent thing (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sleeping-Ultralight-Waterproof-Traveling-Climbing/dp/B085KZ9VBG/ref=asc_df_B085KZ9VBG/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=427914560851&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=11158854850496774202&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9045886&hvtargid=pla-917647156015&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=105123033008&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=427914560851&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=11158854850496774202&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9045886&hvtargid=pla-917647156015) and this sleeping bag (https://www.amazon.co.uk/solotrekk-Microtraveller-Ultralight-Compact-Sleeping/dp/B07XG8GG2B/ref=bmx_4/258-8793916-9461548?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B07XG8GG2B&pd_rd_r=0b19aacf-e9df-47ec-8694-660689aca236&pd_rd_w=P03aM&pd_rd_wg=XPUR4&pf_rd_p=a0d7b22f-a5f7-4059-a9d8-a7437bd23eb2&pf_rd_r=GZRK2HJP3E69TZ22J36V&psc=1&refRID=GZRK2HJP3E69TZ22J36V). What do you guys think? Also will need a bar bag to stuff it in. My other stuff is Apidura and, although a bit expensive, their stuff is well made.
:-)
Tent thing great. Sleeping bag might be a bit thin but could be okay if you wear all your clothes.
Oaky got a cheap bar bag off Amazon recently. Check Planet X out as well.
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OK, that's all good and thanks for the advice - I will go looking now. :thumbsup:
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The most use
fulless BIVVY MULTI-TOOL (https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/TOJOOMT/jobsworth-outdoor-multi-tool) has come down in price again. You know you want to, I'll be lugging mine around at the weekend cos you never know when it might come in handy [like never ::-) ;D ]
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The most usefulless BIVVY MULTI-TOOL (https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/TOJOOMT/jobsworth-outdoor-multi-tool) has come down in price again. You know you want to, I'll be lugging mine around at the weekend cos you never know when it might come in handy [like never ::-) ;D ]
Don’t let the Strangler see the axe 🪓. He may change his modus operandi
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OK, that's all good and thanks for the advice - I will go looking now. :thumbsup:
You can always get a bag liner as well as a thin bag. Use both together in autumn / spring and either on their own in summer.
https://seatosummit.com/product/reactor-thermolite-fleece-liner/
P.S. It does not come with the woman.
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OK, that's all good and thanks for the advice - I will go looking now. :thumbsup:
You can always get a bag liner as well as a thin bag. Use both together in autumn / spring and either on their own in summer.
https://seatosummit.com/product/reactor-thermolite-fleece-liner/
P.S. It does not come with the woman.
A bag liner is a good idea, I have a Sea to Summit liner, not the one with Phil's lady friend in it, and it seems fine, I think I've used it once.
It looks like the bag Nick linked to earlier came with a liner so might be OK for the weekend, I doubt it will be too cold.
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Don't forget some sort of sleeping mat as well
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The most usefulless BIVVY MULTI-TOOL (https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/TOJOOMT/jobsworth-outdoor-multi-tool) has come down in price again. You know you want to, I'll be lugging mine around at the weekend cos you never know when it might come in handy [like never ::-) ;D ]
I'm surprised there's no trowel
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The most usefulless BIVVY MULTI-TOOL (https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/TOJOOMT/jobsworth-outdoor-multi-tool) has come down in price again. You know you want to, I'll be lugging mine around at the weekend cos you never know when it might come in handy [like never ::-) ;D ]
I'm surprised there's no trowel
I’m talking to Planet X about Mk2!
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The most usefulless BIVVY MULTI-TOOL (https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/TOJOOMT/jobsworth-outdoor-multi-tool) has come down in price again. You know you want to, I'll be lugging mine around at the weekend cos you never know when it might come in handy [like never ::-) :-D ]
I can't tell you how tempted I'm not.
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The most usefulless BIVVY MULTI-TOOL (https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/TOJOOMT/jobsworth-outdoor-multi-tool) has come down in price again. You know you want to, I'll be lugging mine around at the weekend cos you never know when it might come in handy [like never ::-) :-D ]
I can't tell you how tempted I'm not.
You can borrow mine!
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OK, that's all good and thanks for the advice - I will go looking now. :thumbsup:
You can always get a bag liner as well as a thin bag. Use both together in autumn / spring and either on their own in summer.
https://seatosummit.com/product/reactor-thermolite-fleece-liner/ (https://seatosummit.com/product/reactor-thermolite-fleece-liner/)
P.S. It does not come with the woman.
I don't want that then. I thought this weekend away was supposed to be fun? Seriously, thanks, Phil! :-D
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OK, so thank you for all of your advice and I am now getting:
Sleeping bag (https://smile.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B018L84HEM/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=A2U5QPRA87QBYX&psc=1)
Mat thing (https://smile.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07QDRCNN1/ref=ox_sc_act_title_4?smid=AGXSYXESOC6EI&psc=1)
... along with the tent and some straps, etc.I have sacked-off the idea of the bar bag as I think I might get the sleeping bag/tent lashed to the handlebars/in my seat pack/lashed to my seat pack.
Thanks again - exciting!
Nick.
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OK, that's all good and thanks for the advice - I will go looking now. :thumbsup:
You can always get a bag liner as well as a thin bag. Use both together in autumn / spring and either on their own in summer.
https://seatosummit.com/product/reactor-thermolite-fleece-liner/ (https://seatosummit.com/product/reactor-thermolite-fleece-liner/)
P.S. It does not come with the woman.
I don't want that then. I thought this weekend away was supposed to be fun? Seriously, thanks, Phil! :-D
Well that would be my other suggestion. Bring your woman, to keep warm overnight.
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OK, that's all good and thanks for the advice - I will go looking now. :thumbsup:
You can always get a bag liner as well as a thin bag. Use both together in autumn / spring and either on their own in summer.
https://seatosummit.com/product/reactor-thermolite-fleece-liner/ (https://seatosummit.com/product/reactor-thermolite-fleece-liner/)
P.S. It does not come with the woman.
I don't want that then. I thought this weekend away was supposed to be fun? Seriously, thanks, Phil! :-D
Well that would be my other suggestion. Bring your woman, to keep warm overnight.
Ha ha, she is a bit more glamping than camping!!
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Some of our wives, I'm not saying all, regard bivvying as vagrancy by another name so persuading them to accompany us could be a challenge ;D
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Ha ha, definitely no chance of my wife joining us!
Slight disaster in tha the tent won't arrive on time, so I have cancelled that and will probably get this one (https://www.robens.de/en-gb/shop/outdoor-tents/poled-tents/1-person-tents/arrow-head). More expensive, but you get what you pay for and a positive review here (https://www.girlonthetrail.co.uk/2019/08/16/review-robens-arrow-head/).
Also rolls up tiny - 38cm X 15cm, which I like.
If all goes well I will be doing the long route one weekend if anyone else fancies it.
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Ha ha, definitely no chance of my wife joining us!
Slight disaster in tha the tent won't arrive on time, so I have cancelled that and will probably get this one (https://www.robens.de/en-gb/shop/outdoor-tents/poled-tents/1-person-tents/arrow-head). More expensive, but you get what you pay for and a positive review here (https://www.girlonthetrail.co.uk/2019/08/16/review-robens-arrow-head/).
Also rolls up tiny - 38cm X 15cm, which I like.
If all goes well I will be doing the long route one weekend if anyone else fancies it.
:thumbsup:
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By the way, what time are we leaving? I might be a bit late and have to meet you at the "campsite", due to family things.
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By the way, what time are we leaving? I might be a bit late and have to meet you at the "campsite", due to family things.
An excellent question! My thoughts were to leave Witham at about 1800hrs but can delay depending on who else is leaving Witham and what time suits them... Oaky?
Meeting at "the campsite" is fine or you could meet us on route. On previous adventures we have used Glympse (https://glympse.com/get-glympse-app/) for live tracking and it's worked well. I have no idea what's happening regarding dinner and liquid refreshment as winging it at the core of the plan so you might be able to track us down in a pub we happen across.
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I think this evening we'll be discussing our MEMWNS Covid-19 strategy. We can also have a think about how we arrange ourselves this weekend. I can't see it being a major problem, just stuffs to bear in mind.
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I think this evening we'll be discussing our MEMWNS Covid-19 strategy. We can also have a think about how we arrange ourselves this weekend. I can't see it being a major problem, just stuffs to bear in mind.
New Rulz don't come in to force until Monday. This gives everyone ample opportunity to have one more blow out and to ensure maximum spread of the virus. You will still be able to go and play footy with people from 21 other households tho ::-) ::-)
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I think this evening we'll be discussing our MEMWNS Covid-19 strategy. We can also have a think about how we arrange ourselves this weekend. I can't see it being a major problem, just stuffs to bear in mind.
New Rulz don't come in to force until Monday. This gives everyone ample opportunity to have one more blow out and to ensure maximum spread of the virus. You will still be able to go and play footy with people from 21 other households tho ::-) ::-)
Yeah but existing rulz say you shouldn't be in a group of more than 6 if more than 2 households are involved even if you're outdoors. The new rulz are a bit bonkers though. I suppose every little helps.
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I think this evening we'll be discussing our MEMWNS Covid-19 strategy. We can also have a think about how we arrange ourselves this weekend. I can't see it being a major problem, just stuffs to bear in mind.
New Rulz don't come in to force until Monday. This gives everyone ample opportunity to have one more blow out and to ensure maximum spread of the virus. You will still be able to go and play footy with people from 21 other households tho ::-) ::-)
Yeah but existing rulz say you shouldn't be in a group of more than 6 if more than 2 households are involved even if you're outdoors. The new rulz are a bit bonkers though. I suppose every little helps.
existing "rulz" are guidelines, new rulz are actual enforceable rules
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Indeed!
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By the way, what time are we leaving? I might be a bit late and have to meet you at the "campsite", due to family things.
An excellent question! My thoughts were to leave Witham at about 1800hrs but can delay depending on who else is leaving Witham and what time suits them... Oaky?
Meeting at "the campsite" is fine or you could meet us on route. On previous adventures we have used Glympse (https://glympse.com/get-glympse-app/) for live tracking and it's worked well. I have no idea what's happening regarding dinner and liquid refreshment as winging it at the core of the plan so you might be able to track us down in a pub we happen across.
OK, ta.
I don't think i'll be able to make that. Are you going to eat en route to the camping spot? If so, I would like to meet you there (or before there) so I can eat with you guys. If we can get a rough idea of timings before Fri, I can plan accordingly. Re tracking - do any of you have Wahoo do-das as I think you can track mine with yours. If not, I will look at the Glympse thing, but I am a bit privacy obsessed.
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By the way, what time are we leaving? I might be a bit late and have to meet you at the "campsite", due to family things.
An excellent question! My thoughts were to leave Witham at about 1800hrs but can delay depending on who else is leaving Witham and what time suits them... Oaky?
Meeting at "the campsite" is fine or you could meet us on route. On previous adventures we have used Glympse (https://glympse.com/get-glympse-app/) for live tracking and it's worked well. I have no idea what's happening regarding dinner and liquid refreshment as winging it at the core of the plan so you might be able to track us down in a pub we happen across.
OK, ta.
I don't think i'll be able to make that. Are you going to eat en route to the camping spot? If so, I would like to meet you there (or before there) so I can eat with you guys. If we can get a rough idea of timings before Fri, I can plan accordingly. Re tracking - do any of you have Wahoo do-das as I think you can track mine with yours. If not, I will look at the Glympse thing, but I am a bit privacy obsessed.
I have a Wahoooooooooooo!
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Great. You could try tracking me tonight if you like? I'll adjust the settings now...
EDIT: Actually, I can just send you a live tracking link. Shall we try that tonight? Also, do you guys have a WhatsApp group?
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Great. You could try tracking me tonight if you like? I'll adjust the settings now...
EDIT: Actually, I can just send you a live tracking link. Shall we try that tonight? Also, do you guys have a WhatsApp group?
I've just sent you a link by text, and yes, let's try tonight. No we don't have a WhatsApp group?
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Thanks, I got your link :)
I will send you mine later. Do you want me to set up a WhatsApp group or am i being pushy and suggesting something that nobody wants/needs? Just an idea but I am quite happy to do without it.
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Thanks, I got your link :)
I will send you mine later. Do you want me to set up a WhatsApp group or am i being pushy and suggesting something that nobody wants/needs? Just an idea but I am quite happy to do without it.
I don't think we need it. We have a Facebook Group, not sure if you're in it.
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I don't use Facebook! Never mind :)
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I don't use Facebook! Never mind :)
Fair enough, Facebook is just for old people. Oh hang on...
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I don't use Facebook! Never mind :)
You could always use Signal. All you need to know is someone’s mobile number to message them. Once they have it installed. You can setup group calls. Always end to end encrypted. Plus unlike WhatsApp and Facebook no Zuckerberg tracking you.
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Personally though, arent you meant to be getting off the grid with a bivvy night? So turn the tech off mostly.
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Personally though, arent you meant to be getting off the grid with a bivvy night? So turn the tech off mostly.
I'm taking my Orange Trowel so I'm deffo going off grid ;D
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Thanks, I got your link :)
I will send you mine later. Do you want me to set up a WhatsApp group or am i being pushy and suggesting something that nobody wants/needs? Just an idea but I am quite happy to do without it.
I don't think we need it. We have a Facebook Group, not sure if you're in it.
A whatsapp group between just the people coming on the bivi extravaganza might be useful to coordinate meeting up without broadcasting locations as widely as a facebook would.
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Thanks, I got your link :)
I will send you mine later. Do you want me to set up a WhatsApp group or am i being pushy and suggesting something that nobody wants/needs? Just an idea but I am quite happy to do without it.
I don't think we need it. We have a Facebook Group, not sure if you're in it.
A whatsapp group between just the people coming on the bivi extravaganza might be useful to coordinate meeting up without broadcasting locations as widely as a facebook would.
:thumbsup:
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I don't use Facebook! Never mind :-)
You could always use Signal. All you need to know is someone’s mobile number to message them. Once they have it installed. You can setup group calls. Always end to end encrypted. Plus unlike WhatsApp and Facebook no Zuckerberg tracking you.
Yep. i like Signal.
That said, daughter has missed the delivery of the tent so I might be out.
I heard the dog barking and a knock at the door but I thought they'd leave it outside
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I don't use Facebook! Never mind :-)
You could always use Signal. All you need to know is someone’s mobile number to message them. Once they have it installed. You can setup group calls. Always end to end encrypted. Plus unlike WhatsApp and Facebook no Zuckerberg tracking you.
Yep. i like Signal.
That said, daughter has missed the delivery of the tent so I might be out.
I heard the dog barking and a knock at the door but I thought they'd leave it outside
I can lend you a tent if needs be.
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Thanks, looks like they are redelivering tomorrow. Kind of you to offer though.
By the way, looks like I'll be late to the party as i have to drop SWMBO to Loughton at 1745 on Friday. That means I'll leave at about 1845, so I can probably make Great Dunmow by about 2000, which might be too late. That said, I might be able to make it 15-30 mins earlier if I get organised. Let me know and maybe I can adjust the route to meet you elsewhere.
Sorry for the aggravation!Nick.
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Thanks, looks like they are redelivering tomorrow. Kind of you to offer though.
By the way, looks like I'll be late to the party as i have to drop SWMBO to Loughton at 1745 on Friday. That means I'll leave at about 1845, so I can probably make Great Dunmow by about 2000, which might be too late. That said, I might be able to make it 15-30 mins earlier if I get organised. Let me know and maybe I can adjust the route to meet you elsewhere.
Sorry for the aggravation!Nick.
We'll cope and meet up somehow. We will keep you informed of our whereabouts!
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OK, thanks and I will text you when I leave.
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Is the plan to head to a pub near Bish Stortford for food tomorrow night? If so, best if I meet you there - as heading from opposite direction and will allow for slight imprecision on departure time on my part.
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Is the plan to head to a pub near Bish Stortford for food tomorrow night? If so, best if I meet you there - as heading from opposite direction and will allow for slight imprecision on departure time on my part.
Which pub are you referring to. Yesterday evening we identified a few!
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Update:
The tent arrived somehow - so did everything else. I have no idea how I'm going to carry all this stuff! Let the fun begin! :facepalm:
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Is the plan to head to a pub near Bish Stortford for food tomorrow night? If so, best if I meet you there - as heading from opposite direction and will allow for slight imprecision on departure time on my part.
Which pub are you referring to. Yesterday evening we identified a few!
No idea! Didn't make it last night to the "planning" meeting! I'll stand by - how a location and time emerges is more mysterious than electing a new pope!
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Hello all,
I have Signal messaging app installed if anyone else wants to use it and create a group. Happy to PM anybody my number.
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Is the plan to head to a pub near Bish Stortford for food tomorrow night? If so, best if I meet you there - as heading from opposite direction and will allow for slight imprecision on departure time on my part.
Which pub are you referring to. Yesterday evening we identified a few!
No idea! Didn't make it last night to the "planning" meeting! I'll stand by - how a location and time emerges is more mysterious than electing a new pope!
Oaky The Pub Finder identified The Three Horseshoes in Hazel End and The Three Willows in Burchanger. Helpfully no decision was made on which one we’ll go for. I’ll have a look later.
@Nick - the problem you’ve got is our eldest Elder doesn’t do apps! He ain’t on social media, relies on the GPS between his ears (which is as good as any Garmin) but you can phone and text him!
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I've made an executive decision (which I can back out of if needs be)...
I have made a reservation for us at The Three Willows, Birchanger (https://thethreewillows.com/). I have got us an outside table for between 2000 and 2030hrs, so perhaps we can meet there? If anyone gets there before me claim the table, the reservation is in my name.
I think the plan is that me and Oaky will meet up on the Peg Millars / Dancing Dicks cross roads, sweep up Tomsk at the Jalsa Ghar and then ride on into the evening.
As I say I can unmake the reservation if it doesn't suit or someone has a betterer idea.
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Meeting there at 2030 would be great for me.
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Sorry, chaps - I am going to have to bail out. Family stuff. Can I meet up with you tomorrow for the 2nd night? Maybe I'll catch up with you during the day?
Sorry again,Nick.
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Sorry, chaps - I am going to have to bail out. Family stuff. Can I meet up with you tomorrow for the 2nd night? Maybe I'll catch up with you during the day?
Sorry again,Nick.
No worries fella, all my adventures have built in flexibility so join when you can.
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You're amazing :-D :thumbsup:
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You're amazing :-D :thumbsup:
I know O:-)
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Three willows just on left if you’ve come over the M11 on the cycle way from Stansted. Was there in lockdown.
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Thank you, guys - it was an enlightening experience and I now know how not to pitch a tent!
Really enjoyed it, so thank you.
Also am still thinking of the Dyno setup, can you pm me, OD, with some of the advice you gave me on the night regarding wheel builders and hub options?
Thanks!
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We need a write-up, it was an excellent weekend!
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Thank you, guys - it was an enlightening experience and I no know how not to pitch a tent!
Really enjoyed it, so thank you.
Also am still thinking of the Dyno setup, can you pm me, OD, with some of the advice you gave me on the night regarding wheel builders and hub options?
Thanks!
Dynohubs: I’ve only ever used Shimano. Buy from one of the German e-retailers, they are often much cheaper.
Wheel builders: Harry Rowlands in Kent, Malcolm of Cycle Clinic, Glemsford, BFC of yacf (I’d ask him first)
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We need a write-up, it was an excellent weekend!
I’ll get to it over the next few days.
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Thank you, guys - it was an enlightening experience and I no know how not to pitch a tent!
Really enjoyed it, so thank you.
Also am still thinking of the Dyno setup, can you pm me, OD, with some of the advice you gave me on the night regarding wheel builders and hub options?
Thanks!
Dynohubs: I’ve only ever used Shimano. Buy from one of the German e-retailers, they are often much cheaper.
Wheel builders: Harry Rowlands in Kent, Malcolm of Cycle Clinic, Glemsford, BFC of yacf (I’d ask him first)
Or try Spa Cycles. Not everyone likes them but I have had three wheels from them, two with dynamo hubs and they have been fine. Price is usually competitive, especially if you are looking for something at the sturdier rather than lightweight end of the market.
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Thank you, guys - it was an enlightening experience and I no know how not to pitch a tent!
Really enjoyed it, so thank you.
Also am still thinking of the Dyno setup, can you pm me, OD, with some of the advice you gave me on the night regarding wheel builders and hub options?
Thanks!
Dynohubs: I’ve only ever used Shimano. Buy from one of the German e-retailers, they are often much cheaper.
Wheel builders: Harry Rowlands in Kent, Malcolm of Cycle Clinic, Glemsford, BFC of yacf (I’d ask him first)
Or try Spa Cycles. Not everyone likes them but I have had three wheels from them, two with dynamo hubs and they have been fine. Price is usually competitive, especially if you are looking for something at the sturdier rather than lightweight end of the market.
Re choice of dynohub, there is often much debate over the better option for a particular use case. Things to consider include the drag when off (ie all those times you are riding during the day without lights / charging) and when in use. I've used SON, and have good experience with them. Others will say similar for Shimano, SP and whatever else.
Another builder who you might consider is 23mm.co.uk (http://23mm.co.uk) ... I've had a number of wheels build for different purposes. But BFC is your local builder who I would suggest having a word with first.
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Thank you, guys - it was an enlightening experience and I no know how not to pitch a tent!
Really enjoyed it, so thank you.
Also am still thinking of the Dyno setup, can you pm me, OD, with some of the advice you gave me on the night regarding wheel builders and hub options?
Thanks!
Dynohubs: I’ve only ever used Shimano. Buy from one of the German e-retailers, they are often much cheaper.
Wheel builders: Harry Rowlands in Kent, Malcolm of Cycle Clinic, Glemsford, BFC of yacf (I’d ask him first)
Or try Spa Cycles. Not everyone likes them but I have had three wheels from them, two with dynamo hubs and they have been fine. Price is usually competitive, especially if you are looking for something at the sturdier rather than lightweight end of the market.
Re choice of dynohub, there is often much debate over the better option for a particular use case. Things to consider include the drag when off (ie all those times you are riding during the day without lights / charging) and when in use. I've used SON, and have good experience with them. Others will say similar for Shimano, SP and whatever else.
Another builder who you might consider is 23mm.co.uk (http://23mm.co.uk) ... I've had a number of wheels build for different purposes. But BFC is your local builder who I would suggest having a word with first.
My experience of dynohub is limited to Shimano and SP. have two Shimanos which have lasted literally years and been very reliable. SP so far is good but needs a bit more speed than Shimano to light up fully. As far as drag goes it is not noticable in the real world. Did once see a quote regarding the effect of dynamo drag that you would finish a 200km 2.5 minutes slower with a dynamo over a conventional hub. Spa and Cycle Clinic are good choices for builders.
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The bearings on SP dynamo's aren't long lived and are non serviceable, mine lasted 15,000km (unbelievable that I've cycled that far, I know) before I got a factory replacement. When my current one gives up I'll probably get a SON.
As for Spa Cycles, they don't like fulfilling their products guarantee, I've had to bypass them and go straight to the helpful manufacturer in the past.
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... mine lasted 15,000km (unbelievable that I've cycled that far, I know)
Wish you would stop pre-empting what others might wish to write!
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We need a write-up, it was an excellent weekend!
I’ll get to it over the next few days.
OK, here's a write up, if anyone wants to add to it please feel free. I confess the age old yacf tradition of writing up adventures seems to have gone by the wayside, with me at least. I tend to post random photos on social media as the opportunity presents and then don't bother with a write up which is a shame.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50367074702_bbea66650a_k.jpg)
Due to Oaky's work commitments getting out of hand we were 45 minutes last leaving Witham which was to have ramifications as the evening wore on. Our first major lump of COR was the Flitch Way along which we rattled at a good pace as the light faded. The FW drops down on to the B1417 and you're supposed to get back on it by the old station (can't remember it's name), if you get it wrong you end up in the traveller's site... guess what we did? Within about a minute we had an enthusiastic escort of yapping dogs. We stopped, began to turn round and a "resident" appeared with a can of beer plus his life partner. Expecting the worst I immediately apologised for the intrusion and informed the gent that we about to fook off smartish. However, our new friends didn't want us to run the gauntlet of dogs "They'll bite you boss!" so opened up their private gate back on to the FW. More apologies plus heartfelt thanks "No problem boss!" and we were off into the dusk!
Once we got to Dunmow it was obvious that we might not make the Three Willows in Birchanger for last food orders at 2100hrs. Tomsk and Elliot were already there and suggested we abandoned the COR, stuck to the tarmac. Henceforth Oaky and I went into time trial mode.
At one point I pulled over to let Tomsk know of our progress and Oaky went on a ahead. A mile or three up the road I passed him stopped by the roadside mentioning something about a cyclepath. My Wahoooooooooo said the pub and food was very close so I insisted we press on, bugger the cyclepath which would no doubt slow us down. Wahoooooooooooooooooooooo indicated a roundabout was a few hundred metres away, which isn't normally a problem, I didn't realise it was the massive M11 / A120 / Stansted Airport double roundabout thingy. I know this roundabout of old having gone round it many times in a car which is fine so long as you get in the right lane. Going round it with a car and caravan measuring 12m in length is more exciting. Going round it in the dark on a bicycle is too exciting and I'll try not to do it again. Anyhow, we made it to the pub with about 15 minutes to spare and our lives intact. Dinner, pints of beer (4 for me) plus chat was had - all very pleasant.
The bivvy site I had earmarked was very close, about a 15 minute ride, and we found it just as psyclist had described. Tarps, bivvy bags and tents were set up...
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50367063007_cd89c699de_k.jpg)
Whether it was the 4 pints, or perhaps the slug of whiskey in my Horlicks, the lateness of the hour or simply the uneven ground but I managed to stumble against my tarp ripping away one of the guy points. Naturally Tomsk had a nappy pin with which to effect a temporary repair.
The next morning dawned fair and we were happened across by a couple of dog walkers. One, a posh lady was unfazed by our presence unlike her small dog who she reassured in strident tones "Yes I know [insert name of dog], we don't normally come across men camping on our morning walk do we!?! Never mind, let's press on, have a lovely day chaps!" Some of us did what bears do in woods, there was actually a neighbouring wood, stoves were lit, wood was gathered for Oaky's stove, and we took a few moments to enjoy our rather picturesque surroundings...
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50367063647_070bf5be5e_k.jpg[/
[img width=480 height=640]https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50366905966_6e38a2ee16_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50366209963_291dd7e521_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50366906396_e97435f58e_k.jpg)
All packed up, we set off. As we had spent the night by the side of the bridleway the COR started straightaway and was pretty unrelenting, it was clear early on that Oaky was going to win all the points as he was doing incredibly well on 28mm slick tyres and fixed gears! It was Saffron Walden for a 'spoons breakfast then to Bicicletta for nice coffee. Opposite the coffee shop was a haberdashery where I bought needle and thread to repair my tarp; in fact I made two visits as on the first I accidentally bought blunt tapestry needles ::-) ...
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50366207968_e77047c88a_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50366209143_35305d8df6_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50366208763_7f072bb93c_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50366905161_fbe8b86218_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50366208358_863ee88939_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50366904716_5045caa989_h.jpg)
One of the great things about riding with Tomsk are the random facts he comes out with:
Back in time a bull escaped from the Saffron Walden cattle market and went on the rampage causing chaos, apparently it didn't enter a china shop.
The glove makers of Saffron Walden rarely if ever caught the Black Death which led to them attaining a hallowed status. Modern science now reveals that it was the lavender oil which they used to work the fine glove leather repelled the fleas which transmitted the plague.
Dick Turpin was captured when the postmaster of Dunmow (I think) recognised his handwriting.
Highwaymen earnt their dandy reputation as they were often Royalist noblemen from whom the Roundheads had confiscated their lands and fortunes.
Tomsk really should write a book!
A text was received from Nick saying he had set off from Ongar and was now in hot pursuit along our route. We attempted to make life easier for him by stopping for beer at the Red Lion Steeple Bumpstead, tea and Eccles cakes in Clare, diverting for some bonus COR to the outskirts of Sudbury and then more beer at the Henny Swan. Oaky booked us in for dinner at the Lamarsh Lion whose food cut off was 2000hrs so we advised Nick to abandon the COR and adopt TT mode as Oaky and I had done the previous evening. Nick arrived at the pub with a generous amount of time in hand looking very fresh when considering the hard day he'd had.
Again our bivvy site was close by, supposedly, but it turned out the spot I'd eyeballed in Google Earth wasn't suitable to we cast about for an alternative. The found a scrubby wood which wasn't great but adequate...
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50366208418_e1b6085211_k.jpg)
The next morning the routine established the previous morning was repeated: bears, woods, stoves etc. Then the peloton set off for a final short (for some of us) if hilly leg back to Witham...
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50366208543_2266a60d24_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50366904056_c9dd0a7bdb_h.jpg)
My guts weren't feeling great, so I opted out of breakfast at Witham 'spoons.
All in all it was a splendid adventure made all the more splendid by the splendid company - thanks all :-*
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Nice write up. The cycleway is actually pretty good. Tarmac up to and over the bridge over M11 then short bit of fine gravel landing you right by the Three Willows. No poor obstructions. I did it on my recumbent a few months back which tells you how easy the gravel surface is.
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... mine lasted 15,000km (unbelievable that I've cycled that far, I know)
Wish you would stop pre-empting what others might wish to write!
It's not difficult, you're all so very predictable!
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Thank you, guys - it was an enlightening experience and I no know how not to pitch a tent!
Really enjoyed it, so thank you.
Also am still thinking of the Dyno setup, can you pm me, OD, with some of the advice you gave me on the night regarding wheel builders and hub options?
Thanks!
My road bike has a SON my newer recumbent a far cheaper Shimano offering for £45. You wouldn’t be able to tell which was which on the road. Difference between them too small to be worth worrying about. What I like about the shimano one is that it has a simple Lego brick connector which you fold the bare wires around. So it’s much more field serviceable if a wire pulls out or something. The SON uses spade connectors. The Shimano is also cup and cone. When I’d built the wheel I undid the left hand side and carefully injected more grease into the bearings both sides then did it back up. My Shimano one went through all this years winter storms and it works just fine and the light output seems what it should be. I’ll probably inject more grease soon before the weather deteriorates again. My Shimano one is up to 6,000 miles.
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Great write up from OD, so many thanks for that - it was good to catch up on the first bit, which I missed.
Thatnk you to everyone that has contributed to answering my dyno questions and I will will read, digest, and no doubt be back with more questions!
All the best,Nick.
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The bearings on SP dynamo's aren't long lived and are non serviceable, mine lasted 15,000km (unbelievable that I've cycled that far, I know) before I got a factory replacement. When my current one gives up I'll probably get a SON.
As for Spa Cycles, they don't like fulfilling their products guarantee, I've had to bypass them and go straight to the helpful manufacturer in the past.
I've just sent my SP dyno in for a rebuild at 31,000km but mine is the through axle version so maybe slightly different loads etc?
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OK, do you guys have any advice on rims? There are just so many. Sure, I could read a few reviews and choose something but I'd rather get some advice from people I know. Should I start another thread? Is there already a suitable thread somewhere? Just really looking for a top-middle-bottom guid price-wise, really.
Ta,Nick.
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OK, do you guys have any advice on rims? There are just so many. Sure, I could read a few reviews and choose something but I'd rather get some advice from people I know. Should I start another thread? Is there already a suitable thread somewhere? Just really looking for a top-middle-bottom guid price-wise, really.
Ta,Nick.
If you are using a wheelbuilder, they will guide you depending on the type of riding and type/size of tyre you will be using. Other factors include rim braking or disc, and tubeless or not. I would also aim to go for a rim that doesn’t make getting your chosen tyre on/off a nightmare.
My wheelbuilder had bad experiences with a rim I was hoping to use, and recommended DTSwiss. I’ve now got a few wheels built with different DTSwiss rim models, and have found them just fine. One feature that I like is that the stickers come off easily ... I’m not a fan of manufacturer labels over everything, unless they wish to sponsor me!
Others I am sure will have good experiences with other rims. Hence talking to your wheelbuilder would be a good option, to factor your specifics into the equation.
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I've followed this thread from start to finish. I'm in awe, what a fantastic mini adventure.
The main write up and others contributions really are inspiring(to me). Excellent photos of bike set ups, "wild camping" set up. I've all the gear and no idea but am more likely to take the plunge. This is top draw stuff for Arrive magazine. This mini cycling break is within reach of so many of us rather than a far flung foreign adventure (they have their place).
During these restrictive times, it just goes to show how much fun can be had on our doorstep and inexpensive too.
Plus bonus pints at the end. Not a typo! 👍👍👍
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OK, do you guys have any advice on rims? There are just so many. Sure, I could read a few reviews and choose something but I'd rather get some advice from people I know. Should I start another thread? Is there already a suitable thread somewhere? Just really looking for a top-middle-bottom guid price-wise, really.
Ta,Nick.
If you are using a wheelbuilder, they will guide you depending on the type of riding and type/size of tyre you will be using. Other factors include rim braking or disc, and tubeless or not. I would also aim to go for a rim that doesn’t make getting your chosen tyre on/off a nightmare.
My wheelbuilder had bad experiences with a rim I was hoping to use, and recommended DTSwiss. I’ve now got a few wheels built with different DTSwiss rim models, and have found them just fine. One feature that I like is that the stickers come off easily ... I’m not a fan of manufacturer labels over everything, unless they wish to sponsor me!
Others I am sure will have good experiences with other rims. Hence talking to your wheelbuilder would be a good option, to factor your specifics into the equation.
OK, thanks for that and it sounds like good advice to me. I'll chat with whoever I get to build my wheels.
Cheers,Nick.
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I agree, talk to your wheel builder about rims. My rims are predominantly Mavic Open Pro (audaxing and regular riding) and Ryde Sputnik (bombpoof but heavy).
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I've followed this thread from start to finish. I'm in awe, what a fantastic mini adventure.
The main write up and others contributions really are inspiring(to me). Excellent photos of bike set ups, "wild camping" set up. I've all the gear and no idea but am more likely to take the plunge. This is top draw stuff for Arrive magazine. This mini cycling break is within reach of so many of us rather than a far flung foreign adventure (they have their place).
During these restrictive times, it just goes to show how much fun can be had on our doorstep and inexpensive too.
Plus bonus pints at the end. Not a typo! 👍👍👍
Yes, this was my first time camping in many, many years and its a great way to have a little adventure, and test out your kit/packing strategy/how bad you are at putting up a tent in the dark (and I am bad), and lots of other things.
As you say, there are so many adventures on our doorsteps, or if not, withing riding distance for most of us. I had to buy my tent and a few other bits before heading off, but it's still inexpensive really - and you get to use your stuff again when you next head out on an adventure! On the day, you just need food and beer money, so easily affordable, even if you like beer and food as much as I do.
Great to do with a group of people as you can all help each other out if needed.
I thoroughly recommend that you give this a go - a splendid write up from OD on here, too. Thank you, OD!
Nick.
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I agree, talk to your wheel builder about rims. My rims are predominantly Mavic Open Pro (audaxing and regular riding) and Ryde Sputnik (bombpoof but heavy).
Thank you! :thumbsup:
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OK, do you guys have any advice on rims? There are just so many. Sure, I could read a few reviews and choose something but I'd rather get some advice from people I know. Should I start another thread? Is there already a suitable thread somewhere? Just really looking for a top-middle-bottom guid price-wise, really.
Ta,Nick.
For a rim braked bike, in the likely case that you would be using both non dyno (existing) wheel and a new dyno wheel in the same bike, make sure the rim widths match - it's a real pain resetting the brakes and bedding the pads in otherwise.
After that it's a mix of rim style, colour, material, strength, weight, spoke interface, joint type, brand, cost, wear indicators and availability - priorities vary for each user!
The rim type and spoke count need to be compatible with the chosen hub - for example many dyno hubs are quite narrow, so are best suited to 32 spoke or more set ups.
For a winter commute machine or if you use sustrans style gritty surfaces try and find a rim that is common and will hopefullly be around for years to avoid cost of replacing spokes when the rim wears out, or just go for cheap spokes and rim.
For hubs it's difficult to ignore the SP PV8 which can be obtained at £49 from Spa (QR 32 spoke version only). The bearings don't like being submerged, but neither do my feet, the bikes transmission, the bottom bracket and the rear hub - I have rescued the bearings on one early design PV8 hub whch you can get to the bearing seals on (later ones are different and I haven't had the need to remove the end caps on this version yet). I brought a couple of spare PV8 hubs for my fleet which are built with mavic open pro CD rims and DT Swiss revolution 2X spoke.
Disk brake set ups bring in a different set of stresses and therefore build criteria.
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^^^ Superb ;D A classic BFC contribution, you are a legend sir!
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By the way, myself and Oaky were wondering about quick bivvy on Friday night with dinner at the Swan Inn, Chappel, but the forecast doesn't look too clever.
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Hello BFC and thank you for all of the information.
I'm now in touch with somebody about my wheels, so I will see what we come up with! I'm using disc brakes with QR axle. Sadly looks like the SP PV8 is currently out of stock which is a shames as it looks like a good deal.
Thanks again,Nick.
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By the way, myself and Oaky were wondering about quick bivvy on Friday night with dinner at the Swan Inn, Chappel, but the forecast doesn't look too clever.
Looks like a nice idea! Let's see if the forecast improves :)
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Hello BFC and thank you for all of the information.
I'm now in touch with somebody about my wheels, so I will see what we come up with! I'm using disc brakes with QR axle. Sadly looks like the SP PV8 is currently out of stock which is a shames as it looks like a good deal.
Thanks again,Nick.
The SP dynamo hubs for disc brake with QR axles are the PD8 (6 bolt version) or PL8 (Centerlock version). The wheel builder will need to know which version to spec the spoke lengths - the flange on the disc side of the PD8 is bigger (to get the spokes past the disk mount when building). All the SP models I have used are centered (the flanges are equal distance from the center). The SP website has the full drawings that are easy to find.
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Hello BFC,
Thanks for your continued input!
He has suggested centre lock (which I hadn't even heard of), using a Shimano UR700, as he says these are now the popular choice (the cenre locks), so I will go with his recommendation.
All the best,Nick.
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Hello BFC,
Thanks for your continued input!
He has suggested centre lock (which I hadn't even heard of), using a Shimano UR700, as he says these are now the popular choice (the cenre locks), so I will go with his recommendation.
All the best,Nick.
Who have you gone with?
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I went with Harry but now I feel really bad because BFC has been so helpful.
There, I've said it.
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I went with Harry but now I feel really bad because BFC has been so helpful.
There, I've said it.
I’m sure BFC will forgive you and Harry is brilliant.
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Ha, ha - I hope so.
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Hello BFC,
Thanks for your continued input!
He has suggested centre lock (which I hadn't even heard of), using a Shimano UR700, as he says these are now the popular choice (the cenre locks), so I will go with his recommendation.
All the best,Nick.
Six bolt it’s easy to strip the threads. Centre lock is a cinch to remove for maintenance or to replace a spoke. You use the same tool as used for removing the cassette.
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Hello BFC,
Thanks for your continued input!
He has suggested centre lock (which I hadn't even heard of), using a Shimano UR700, as he says these are now the popular choice (the cenre locks), so I will go with his recommendation.
All the best,Nick.
Six bolt it’s easy to strip the threads. Centre lock is a cinch to remove for maintenance or to replace a spoke. You use the same tool as used for removing the cassette.
Yeah, they look nice and simple. He says there might be a bit of adjustment needed when swapping the wheels but i suppose this is just a bit of shimming or something.
Ta,Nick.
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Hello BFC,
Thanks for your continued input!
He has suggested centre lock (which I hadn't even heard of), using a Shimano UR700, as he says these are now the popular choice (the cenre locks), so I will go with his recommendation.
All the best,Nick.
Six bolt it’s easy to strip the threads. Centre lock is a cinch to remove for maintenance or to replace a spoke. You use the same tool as used for removing the cassette.
Yeah, they look nice and simple. He says there might be a bit of adjustment needed when swapping the wheels but i suppose this is just a bit of shimming or something.
Ta,Nick.
Fred my Surly has disc brakes and I have 2 wheelsets for him. When I swop wheels I sometimes need to readjust the pads to stop rubbing but with TRP Spyres it only takes a minute or two.
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Oh, is that all? That's even better.
Also, I'm glad you've appeared - do you have any recommendations for dynamo lights (front and rear), also with charging capacity? I know we briefly discussed this on the extravaganza.
Also, I have decided to go for just the front wheel for now. Cost has made me realise that I quite like the idea of odd wheels. :-D
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Oh, is that all? That's even better.
Also, I'm glad you've appeared - do you have any recommendations for dynamo lights (front and rear), also with charging capacity? I know we briefly discussed this on the extravaganza.
Also, I have decided to go for just the front wheel for now. Cost has made me realise that I quite like the idea of odd wheels. :-D
Wot I use...
Front dynamo light (https://www.bike-discount.de/en/buy/busch-mueller-iq-x-led-headlight-black-517025?currency=3&delivery_country=190&gclid=CjwKCAjw_NX7BRA1EiwA2dpg0qq60r5uSrs9lL9y-3dIaTsKGCgyg1eHGVvgH-PmWr3JFs1FHdgeSRoCrNwQAvD_BwE)
Rear dynamo light (https://www.bike-discount.de/en/buy/busch-mueller-toplight-view-brake-plus-led-backlight-139415)
Charging (https://www.igaro.com/d1)
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Great stuff,
Thank you, OD!
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Great stuff,
Thank you, OD!
You could go for one of these (https://www.bikester.co.uk/busch-mueller-lumotec-iq2-luxos-b-dynamo-bike-light-black-364406.html?_cid=21_1_-1_9_225_364406_201607092657_pla&ef_id=CjwKCAjw_NX7BRA1EiwA2dpg0lFQRFVDsIubUM2t2I_AwDeUQGGFWQWGY_PO-XZ_qPjnDzUO9pHxAxoC7gcQAvD_BwE:G:s&campaign_detail=shopping&gclid=CjwKCAjw_NX7BRA1EiwA2dpg0lFQRFVDsIubUM2t2I_AwDeUQGGFWQWGY_PO-XZ_qPjnDzUO9pHxAxoC7gcQAvD_BwE) which combines a 70 lux lamp with USB charging. They are excellent except I have knackered two by failing to wrap it in a plastic bag before turning my bike upside down for a wash. As I'm clearly not clever enough to learn from my mistakes I went for the IQ-X which gives another 30 lux of brightness and seem a bit more waterproof - but you need a separate charging solution.
I also have one of these (https://www.bike-discount.de/en/buy/busch-mueller-lumotec-iq-cyo-premium-t-senso-plus-140907). Only 80 lux but perfectly acceptable but again no charging.
BTW - its worth having a second light on your bars as a back up in case the dynamo set up fails and also to give more brightness on fast descents and for COR.
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I use the IQ-X on a couple of bikes, and K-Lite on a third. The latter is a bit spendy, and more suited to off-road type applications.
Igaro is a popular choice for charging, but there are a few different options.
I concur with OD about having a spare battery light in case the dynamo one fails. Also useful if you need to do any puncture repairs or maintenance in the dark.
As for cleaning bikes upside down, that's just weird!
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The Cyo premium linked above does a perfectly acceptable job on the road. The key with all these dynamo headlights is positioning them the right height above the road and setting the angle so it illuminates the road appropriately. If you find bright spots on the road or are casting shadows on leaves close up, then the light needs to be angled upwards. There should be even (to the eye) illumination from near to far.
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The bike was upside down not me!
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OK, thank you, OD, Lightning Phil and psyclist for your suggestions re lights.
Think I'll go for the first option of the B&M jobs and buy an Igaro or similar later, perhaps much later. :-D
Will get my wheel ordered soon. Do I need anything else to fit the lights, please? Cables, fixings, whatever?
Thanks, as usual for all of you valuable advice!
Nick.
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Do I need anything else to fit the lights, please? Cables, fixings, whatever?
No. When you order the lights just make sure they come with the correct connection type for your dynamo hub.
Only other consideration is if you wanted to place the lights in a different position to the bracket that will come with the light itself.
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... Also, do you want a rear light in the mix? I have the B&M Brake Plus re-fitted on the Kona now (needed better spade connectors and slightly longer wire) but I'm not sure it's worth the extra hassle of running wires to the back. None of my Audax machines have this, just 2 x battery rear lights.
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... Also, do you want a rear light in the mix? I have the B&M Brake Plus re-fitted on the Kona now (needed better spade connectors and slightly longer wire) but I'm not sure it's worth the extra hassle of running wires to the back. None of my Audax machines have this, just 2 x battery rear lights.
I have a rear dyno light on two of my machines and I like it. Running wires back is a bit of a faff but do-able.
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Dynamo rear lights have many advantages, especially for commutting, but can be a pain.
Advantages:
A rear light that can be turned on/off under the control of the front light - much easier to use in traffic without taking the eyes off of the idiots in front of you.
Disadvantages:
Wiring is a pain to route, makes the bike look untidy, and is prone to parking and vibration damage. The section along the mudguard stays is the most damage prone.
Vibration related failure issues with mudguard mounted lights, but that is the most visible place to mount a light on most bikes - affects wiring and internal super capacitor connections (on B&M models, used for stand light or brake light features). Depends on mudguard type, tyre size and pressure, surface type as to how much of a reliability issue this becomes.
Vibration and wire routing on rack mounted lighting options are less severe but still need to be considered.
Water damage to connections is a reliability factor, again most severe on mudguard mounts, but some level of effect on all installations.
If you don't have the skills or materials or equipment to maintain a wired rear light, better to go with battery options.
Always have a battey light fitted as a backup in case the wired option fails away from the workshop.
I have B&M rear lights on 3 of my bikes - two rack mounts and one mudguard mount. The fourth bikes dynamo set up is currently exposure revo with red eye - the red eye is a brilliant commuter lamp but but needs carefull sheilding from eyeline of following riders if used for audax or other group rides. Bike number four may be converted to B&M with a frame mounted rear - it doesn't have mudguards (and no clearance for them).
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You need to write a book. Sheldon Brown needs a successor.
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... Also, do you want a rear light in the mix? I have the B&M Brake Plus re-fitted on the Kona now (needed better spade connectors and slightly longer wire) but I'm not sure it's worth the extra hassle of running wires to the back. None of my Audax machines have this, just 2 x battery rear lights.
Yep, I am thinking front and rear for extra loveliness. :-D
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Dynamo rear lights have many advantages, especially for commutting, but can be a pain.
Advantages:
A rear light that can be turned on/off under the control of the front light - much easier to use in traffic without taking the eyes off of the idiots in front of you.
Disadvantages:
Wiring is a pain to route, makes the bike look untidy, and is prone to parking and vibration damage. The section along the mudguard stays is the most damage prone.
Vibration related failure issues with mudguard mounted lights, but that is the most visible place to mount a light on most bikes - affects wiring and internal super capacitor connections (on B&M models, used for stand light or brake light features). Depends on mudguard type, tyre size and pressure, surface type as to how much of a reliability issue this becomes.
Vibration and wire routing on rack mounted lighting options are less severe but still need to be considered.
Water damage to connections is a reliability factor, again most severe on mudguard mounts, but some level of effect on all installations.
If you don't have the skills or materials or equipment to maintain a wired rear light, better to go with battery options.
Always have a battey light fitted as a backup in case the wired option fails away from the workshop.
I have B&M rear lights on 3 of my bikes - two rack mounts and one mudguard mount. The fourth bikes dynamo set up is currently exposure revo with red eye - the red eye is a brilliant commuter lamp but but needs carefull sheilding from eyeline of following riders if used for audax or other group rides. Bike number four may be converted to B&M with a frame mounted rear - it doesn't have mudguards (and no clearance for them).
Hello BFC and thank you for your detailed post!
I really would like the convenience of a rear lamp and I was sort of hoping I could get one that mounts on the seat post, not sure if these are available but I could probably make a mount at work if not.
Ta,Nick.
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You need to write a book. Sheldon Brown needs a successor.
Seconded! :thumbsup:
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Dynamo rear lights have many advantages, especially for commutting, but can be a pain.
Advantages:
A rear light that can be turned on/off under the control of the front light - much easier to use in traffic without taking the eyes off of the idiots in front of you.
Disadvantages:
Wiring is a pain to route, makes the bike look untidy, and is prone to parking and vibration damage. The section along the mudguard stays is the most damage prone.
Vibration related failure issues with mudguard mounted lights, but that is the most visible place to mount a light on most bikes - affects wiring and internal super capacitor connections (on B&M models, used for stand light or brake light features). Depends on mudguard type, tyre size and pressure, surface type as to how much of a reliability issue this becomes.
Vibration and wire routing on rack mounted lighting options are less severe but still need to be considered.
Water damage to connections is a reliability factor, again most severe on mudguard mounts, but some level of effect on all installations.
If you don't have the skills or materials or equipment to maintain a wired rear light, better to go with battery options.
Always have a battey light fitted as a backup in case the wired option fails away from the workshop.
I have B&M rear lights on 3 of my bikes - two rack mounts and one mudguard mount. The fourth bikes dynamo set up is currently exposure revo with red eye - the red eye is a brilliant commuter lamp but but needs carefull sheilding from eyeline of following riders if used for audax or other group rides. Bike number four may be converted to B&M with a frame mounted rear - it doesn't have mudguards (and no clearance for them).
Hello BFC and thank you for your detailed post!
I really would like the convenience of a rear lamp and I was sort of hoping I could get one that mounts on the seat post, not sure if these are available but I could probably make a mount at work if not.
Ta,Nick.
Take a look at the Secular, I have a few of them, super reliable and come in two versions, a mudguard one which uses a built in bolt that happens to be the right size for the rear stays on PDW mudguards, so no drilling required, simply run the wire up the mudguard stay and your in business. Alternatively there is a seat stay version which you can also mount on the seat post.
You do need to consider where you put your dyno rear light as if it's on a bit that gets removed then you need to thing about the wires etc. Seatpost might get in the way of a rear bag of some sort? There are now seat posts with internal cable routing for a post mounted light, you just have to get the cable into the frame in order to do so....
Seat stay might get in the way with panniers - best is mudguard mounted if you always leave the guards on :thumbsup: I did 3d print some brackets for the Secular lights so I could mount them near the top triangle of the seat stay, this is how it's mounted on the fixed bike.
I always have a spare battery light running on the rear as well.
Some dyno rear lights are not great for group riding but the B&M ones seem the best - esp with the built in reflector - makes them visible from a long way without super blinding light output.
The toplight plus is a good light for use on a rear rack but I have had one fail over rough ground - you also need to factor in what if you take the rack off... the mud guard secular however is still usable with or without a rack.
Also worth considering subject to when it will be available, Igaro has a front light due to market in the next few months - The are very good at squeezing all the juice out of dyno performance for varying speeds with their chargers and applying the same technology to a combined front light might be an interesting proposition.
Front light wise, I've been very impressed with the IQ-X lights I have, performance wise they are far better than the Luxos ones without the water ingress worries etc... plus they have the ability to be mounted either upside down or right way up without effecting beam pattern so allows for more than just crown mounted location (eg off end of aero bars or a spacer mounted light bracket.)
I might post some pics later of the config I have on my bikes.
Secular plus, mudguard mounted: https://www.bike24.com/p272815.html
Seat stay mounted: https://www.bike24.com/p272822.html
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Do they do wireless dynamo lights yet?
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Dynamo rear lights have many advantages, especially for commutting, but can be a pain.
Advantages:
A rear light that can be turned on/off under the control of the front light - much easier to use in traffic without taking the eyes off of the idiots in front of you.
Disadvantages:
Wiring is a pain to route, makes the bike look untidy, and is prone to parking and vibration damage. The section along the mudguard stays is the most damage prone.
Vibration related failure issues with mudguard mounted lights, but that is the most visible place to mount a light on most bikes - affects wiring and internal super capacitor connections (on B&M models, used for stand light or brake light features). Depends on mudguard type, tyre size and pressure, surface type as to how much of a reliability issue this becomes.
Vibration and wire routing on rack mounted lighting options are less severe but still need to be considered.
Water damage to connections is a reliability factor, again most severe on mudguard mounts, but some level of effect on all installations.
If you don't have the skills or materials or equipment to maintain a wired rear light, better to go with battery options.
Always have a battey light fitted as a backup in case the wired option fails away from the workshop.
I have B&M rear lights on 3 of my bikes - two rack mounts and one mudguard mount. The fourth bikes dynamo set up is currently exposure revo with red eye - the red eye is a brilliant commuter lamp but but needs carefull sheilding from eyeline of following riders if used for audax or other group rides. Bike number four may be converted to B&M with a frame mounted rear - it doesn't have mudguards (and no clearance for them).
Hello BFC and thank you for your detailed post!
I really would like the convenience of a rear lamp and I was sort of hoping I could get one that mounts on the seat post, not sure if these are available but I could probably make a mount at work if not.
Ta,Nick.
Take a look at the Secular, I have a few of them, super reliable and come in two versions, a mudguard one which uses a built in bolt that happens to be the right size for the rear stays on PDW mudguards, so no drilling required, simply run the wire up the mudguard stay and your in business. Alternatively there is a seat stay version which you can also mount on the seat post.
You do need to consider where you put your dyno rear light as if it's on a bit that gets removed then you need to thing about the wires etc. Seatpost might get in the way of a rear bag of some sort? There are now seat posts with internal cable routing for a post mounted light, you just have to get the cable into the frame in order to do so....
Seat stay might get in the way with panniers - best is mudguard mounted if you always leave the guards on :thumbsup: I did 3d print some brackets for the Secular lights so I could mount them near the top triangle of the seat stay, this is how it's mounted on the fixed bike.
I always have a spare battery light running on the rear as well.
Some dyno rear lights are not great for group riding but the B&M ones seem the best - esp with the built in reflector - makes them visible from a long way without super blinding light output.
The toplight plus is a good light for use on a rear rack but I have had one fail over rough ground - you also need to factor in what if you take the rack off... the mud guard secular however is still usable with or without a rack.
Also worth considering subject to when it will be available, Igaro has a front light due to market in the next few months - The are very good at squeezing all the juice out of dyno performance for varying speeds with their chargers and applying the same technology to a combined front light might be an interesting proposition.
Front light wise, I've been very impressed with the IQ-X lights I have, performance wise they are far better than the Luxos ones without the water ingress worries etc... plus they have the ability to be mounted either upside down or right way up without effecting beam pattern so allows for more than just crown mounted location (eg off end of aero bars or a spacer mounted light bracket.)
I might post some pics later of the config I have on my bikes.
Secular plus, mudguard mounted: https://www.bike24.com/p272815.html (https://www.bike24.com/p272815.html)
Seat stay mounted: https://www.bike24.com/p272822.html (https://www.bike24.com/p272822.html)
Lots of great info to consider here, so thanks for taking the time to write all this up!
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Do they do wireless dynamo lights yet?
Haven't you got some on order yet?
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I did 3d print some brackets for the Secular lights so I could mount them near the top triangle of the seat stay, this is how it's mounted on the fixed bike.
Really useful post Jibber - thanks (and thanks to BFC too). I'd be interested to see a picture of your 3D printed bracket setup (and possibly know whether you'd be interested in doing another run of them ;D). I've got Seculas mounted on my seat stays on two bikes secured with the cable tie that comes with them, but I find that they are easily knocked out of position and don't sit at exactly the correct angle. That said, given that they give out such a good, even light in all directions the above doesn't matter that much.
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Pics attached:
Green bike is fixed, cable runs along hydraulic cable for rear brake then up the rear of the seat tube secured to brake cable using small black cable ties, then I used clear UV stable tape (3m diamond tape) to tape to the tube.
On the jack, I run the cable under the top tube then down the seat tube, along the none drive chainstay and then along the mudguard stay. Taped to the frame with UK stable tape and mostly hidden by the frame bag.
I think the CdF (not pictured) uses a mix of the above to get to a mudguard mounted Secular but with enough slack to move it to the rack mounted as that was the original approach I used.
All my bikes have a spare rear LED light which I use in conjunction rather than just backup... I usually only run on the flashing mode if not in a group.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201014/94719b71a2f9ba478135912704c92b5f.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201014/51ad6ce415d6483119db036af0dcd463.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201014/458f4faaf1c68273361c0d5b60ff71e4.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201014/eb6a9de6d9941fd97d3674a76d04fdee.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201014/03638755834805e79f8e3b5851eca55f.jpg)
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I've just realised I've got a Secula on BJ's mudguard. Running the wires back wasn't a problem I even incorporated some slack in the wire as I can slide the guard stays back to make it easier to remove BJ's fixed gear rear wheel. I've never had any reliability issues - great bit of kit.
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I did 3d print some brackets for the Secular lights so I could mount them near the top triangle of the seat stay, this is how it's mounted on the fixed bike.
Really useful post Jibber - thanks (and thanks to BFC too). I'd be interested to see a picture of your 3D printed bracket setup (and possibly know whether you'd be interested in doing another run of them ;D). I've got Seculas mounted on my seat stays on two bikes secured with the cable tie that comes with them, but I find that they are easily knocked out of position and don't sit at exactly the correct angle. That said, given that they give out such a good, even light in all directions the above doesn't matter that much.
Yep - if I've still got the file I designed I could print off some black ABS ones (the one I have is in PTEG and white). I designed it so it could mount inboard of the frame rather than out on the side - hopefully the tube dia would be compatible...
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I did 3d print some brackets for the Secular lights so I could mount them near the top triangle of the seat stay, this is how it's mounted on the fixed bike.
Really useful post Jibber - thanks (and thanks to BFC too). I'd be interested to see a picture of your 3D printed bracket setup (and possibly know whether you'd be interested in doing another run of them ;D). I've got Seculas mounted on my seat stays on two bikes secured with the cable tie that comes with them, but I find that they are easily knocked out of position and don't sit at exactly the correct angle. That said, given that they give out such a good, even light in all directions the above doesn't matter that much.
Yep - if I've still got the file I designed I could print off some black ABS ones (the one I have is in PTEG and white). I designed it so it could mount inboard of the frame rather than out on the side - hopefully the tube dia would be compatible...
Found the file, one black abs printed. 16.5mm dia, will need an M3 nut and bolt plus a bit of rubber for the inside(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201014/be48376db6bafebb540227d55c161a85.jpg)
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Do you think you could design something to hold a son rear seat post light on the seat stay? Currently I'm using an old inner tube and electrical tape to get the thickness required...
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Do you think you could design something to hold a son rear seat post light on the seat stay? Currently I'm using an old inner tube and electrical tape to get the thickness required...
Let me know the dimensions and I can see what I can come up with. All brackets will need something to help stay in place that has a bit of compression, so you won't get away from a bit of inner tube...
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Ok thanks, I may be up tonight so could explain it then, before you have the volksfestbier!
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Ok thanks, I may be up tonight so could explain it then, before you have the volksfestbier!
That sounds like a good plan on both aspects! :D :thumbsup:
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Found the file, one black abs printed. 16.5mm dia, will need an M3 nut and bolt plus a bit of rubber for the inside(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201014/be48376db6bafebb540227d55c161a85.jpg)
Cheers for checking Jibber - that looks a better option than the standard cable tie that comes with the Secula, but it might be that I need to put a bit more innertube between the cable tie and the seat tube looking at how you have yours mounted. I'll give that a go first, although not sure when I'm going to ride one of the bikes with the Secula next as they're usually summer only :thumbsup:
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Well Jos is after a bracket probably with a smaller diameter tube size as well, but I'd certainly recommend a small strip of inner tube on the inside whatever dia is used. I did design this so it was parametric and I could just adjust the internal dia and everything would scale but I don't use that cad sw now having moved to Fusion360 but I don't think it will be a problem to replicate..
Let me know the target tube diameter and I'll add on a little bit for a strip of rubber and resize.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201015/9f036720fd71c7e4eccf6561b30e6570.jpg)
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I love the way my thread about bivvying has now been completely trashed ;D This is yacf at it's best, we should nominate ourselves for some sort of award!
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In other news my new stove feet have turned up...
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50494168911_87f0d722ab_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jVZPea) (https://flic.kr/p/2jVZPea)
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haha I could have printed them!
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haha I could have printed them!
Now you tell me!
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Oh, is that all? That's even better.
Also, I'm glad you've appeared - do you have any recommendations for dynamo lights (front and rear), also with charging capacity? I know we briefly discussed this on the extravaganza.
Also, I have decided to go for just the front wheel for now. Cost has made me realise that I quite like the idea of odd wheels. :-D
Wot I use...
Front dynamo light (https://www.bike-discount.de/en/buy/busch-mueller-iq-x-led-headlight-black-517025?currency=3&delivery_country=190&gclid=CjwKCAjw_NX7BRA1EiwA2dpg0qq60r5uSrs9lL9y-3dIaTsKGCgyg1eHGVvgH-PmWr3JFs1FHdgeSRoCrNwQAvD_BwE)
Rear dynamo light (https://www.bike-discount.de/en/buy/busch-mueller-toplight-view-brake-plus-led-backlight-139415)
Charging (https://www.igaro.com/d1)
OK, I am going with the lights you mention here. this is very lazy, but are the connections on these lights compatible with the Shimano UR700 hub?
Thanks,Nick.
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You’ll need to use the Lego block connector but that should come with the hub I think. You might need some extra wire to run to the rear of your bike but that’s quite easy to order. You might need some little spade connectors too. In theory these need soldering on to the wire but I’ve always crimped them on with a pair of pointy pliers. If I can do all the above you certainly can!
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OK, many thanks - I will order my nice new wheel and hub then! Exciting stuff!
Just also want to say sorry for hijacking the thread and thank you to everyone who has helped me here and for inviting me along to the bivvy fest. You're all very nice men that I met on the internet.
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Knackering threads is a yacf tradition!
You’re welcome!
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You might need some extra wire to run to the rear of your bike but that’s quite easy to order.
Pretty sure that the cabling to run the rear light usually comes with the light itself (at least in the case of B&M lights).
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In other news my new stove feet have turned up...
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50494168911_87f0d722ab_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jVZPea)
(https://flic.kr/p/2jVZPea)
Nice, but apparently 3 clothes peg halves work just as well.
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Oh, I hadn't thought of that ::-) No matter, I have it now.
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Nick if the hub doesn't come with the connector which I have had let me know. Got a couple of spares on order to make up an order with some other bits
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You might need some extra wire to run to the rear of your bike but that’s quite easy to order.
Pretty sure that the cabling to run the rear light usually comes with the light itself (at least in the case of B&M lights).
Great - thanks!
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Nick if the hub doesn't come with the connector which I have had let me know. Got a couple of spares on order to make up an order with some other bits
Thanks very much, no idea when I'll be getting the lights but it should be this side of Christmas!
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OK, so the wheel has been ordered but he sent me this message today:
The Shimano UR700 dynamo hub is out of stock. The only other black hub in stock is Shimano Alfine.
I am too lazy to look into this. Shall I stay with the original one or get this Alfine thing?
Thanks,Nick.
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OK, so the wheel has been ordered but he sent me this message today:
The Shimano UR700 dynamo hub is out of stock. The only other black hub in stock is Shimano Alfine.
I am too lazy to look into this. Shall I stay with the original one or get this Alfine thing?
Thanks,Nick.
I'm sure I've got an Alfine hub, I'll check later once I've got some clothes on...
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Yes, please do cover yourself up first! :thumbsup:
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OK, so the wheel has been ordered but he sent me this message today:
The Shimano UR700 dynamo hub is out of stock. The only other black hub in stock is Shimano Alfine.
I am too lazy to look into this. Shall I stay with the original one or get this Alfine thing?
Thanks,Nick.
The only difference will be the weight and efficiency of the dynamos. In reality in day to day riding you’ll probably not notice much difference. If getting the Alfine means you are out riding more at night sooner , then go for it.
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Yes, please do cover yourself up first! :thumbsup:
Fear not, I haven't been arrested for public indecency. Fred's lightweight wheelset does indeed incorporate an Alfine dynohub (DH-S501) and since owning it in March 2016 it has given me not a moment of trouble although it has only done 2118 miles. Some photos...
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50563208242_05c9a2a7f6_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2k36Eds)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50563208287_1e266e1ffb_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2k36Eee)
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Thank you, Lightning Phil and big thanks to OD for all your pics and info! You're too good to me.
Alfine it is then!
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OK, wheel is done and will be posted soon. I think the mighty W have the IQ-X for sale with 30% off (https://www.wiggle.co.uk/busch-muller-iq-x-e-bike-front-light?lang=en&curr=GBP&dest=1&sku=105926299). But is this for ebikes only? looks like the IQ-X to me?
EDIT: Ah, says it needs 7.5W so this must be ebike only as I think the Alfine only puts out 3W.
OK, so I ended up ordering from Spa Cycles. I got the IQ-X, the Secula Plus and 3 metres of dynamo cable. bikediscount.de was out of stock on the front light, so I went with Spa as I am too much of a child to wait.
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Nice one! I too have been busy on the wheel front. BFC has re-rimmed my Open Pro Harry Rowland wheel and serviced the dynohub. And is building me another Open Pro dynohub wheel so I’ll have four dynohub wheels across three bikes. He also order me a IQ-X.
I love BFC’s delivery service, he has a homemade wheel holding bracket attached to the rear rack on his Jack!
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Love the idea of the wheel holding bracket and you are spoilt with so many dynohubs! Lucky man.
My new wheel turned up today but nothing on my lights from Spa Cycles yet.
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Love the idea of the wheel holding bracket and you are spoilt with so many dynohubs! Lucky man...
I'm the Imelda Marcos of dynohubs ;D
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Love the idea of the wheel holding bracket and you are spoilt with so many dynohubs! Lucky man...
I'm the Imelda Marcos of dynohubs ;D
Fact of the day (from Wikipedia, so must be true!), Imelda Marcos and her husband Ferdinand hold the Guinness World Record for the Greatest Robbery of a Government
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Love the idea of the wheel holding bracket and you are spoilt with so many dynohubs! Lucky man...
I'm the Imelda Marcos of dynohubs ;D
Fact of the day (from Wikipedia, so must be true!), Imelda Marcos and her husband Ferdinand hold the Guinness World Record for the Greatest Robbery of a Government
If only they'd of stuck to buying dynohubs...
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Love the idea of the wheel holding bracket and you are spoilt with so many dynohubs! Lucky man...
I'm the Imelda Marcos of dynohubs ;D
Nine dynohubs for my fleet.
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Love the idea of the wheel holding bracket and you are spoilt with so many dynohubs! Lucky man...
I'm the Imelda Marcos of dynohubs ;D
Nine dynohubs for my fleet.
I'd love to see the business justification for the 9th addition ... and the proven benefits realisation ... or maybe that is why you 'only' have 9 :)
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Love the idea of the wheel holding bracket and you are spoilt with so many dynohubs! Lucky man...
I'm the Imelda Marcos of dynohubs ;D
Nine dynohubs for my fleet.
A mere 5 in this household...
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Seven dynohubs between HK and I, mostly Shimano but a couple of Schmidt.
Edit: eight, forgot HK’s dyno trike wheel.
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Just 3 dynamos in this household. Two son and one Shimano.
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If there's an award for yacf thread gone off on the biggest tangent I think we'd be in with a chance now that we have descended into dynohub willy waving. What have I started...? ;D
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Ha ha ha, that's funny. :-D
Spa Cycles ahev just informed me, after ordering on Sunday, that they are out of stock of my light(s).
Boo Hoo.
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Now they are saying end of November. And that's an estimate. I might look somewhere else.
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Now they are saying end of November. And that's an estimate. I might look somewhere else.
Did you try all teh Eu places Germany & Netherlands ?
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Now they are saying end of November. And that's an estimate. I might look somewhere else.
Did you try all teh Eu places Germany & Netherlands ?
Mine arrived from Rose last week.
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Now they are saying end of November. And that's an estimate. I might look somewhere else.
Did you try all teh Eu places Germany & Netherlands ?
No. Any suggestions?
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Now they are saying end of November. And that's an estimate. I might look somewhere else.
Did you try all teh Eu places Germany & Netherlands ?
Mine arrived from Rose last week.
This lot (https://www.rosebikes.co.uk/b-m-iq-x-led-headlight-837399?product_shape=black)? Thanks, hadn't heard of them before. You peeps are much more knowledgeable regarding where to buy bike stuff than I am. Also, is there some unwritten rule about the silver IQ-X being a no-no?
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Also, is there some unwritten rule about the silver IQ-X being a no-no?
Not if your other components are silver ...
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I went for a silver IQ-X from a German site for my Genesis on the basis of it being cheaper... the black one may (or may not) look better, but functionally it's the same bit of kit.
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Now they are saying end of November. And that's an estimate. I might look somewhere else.
Did you try all teh Eu places Germany & Netherlands ?
Mine arrived from Rose last week.
This lot (https://www.rosebikes.co.uk/b-m-iq-x-led-headlight-837399?product_shape=black)? Thanks, hadn't heard of them before. You peeps are much more knowledgeable regarding where to buy bike stuff than I am. Also, is there some unwritten rule about the silver IQ-X being a no-no?
That's them. The silver ones are a bit cheaper, I have 2 of them now so if they are a no-no then I'm in double trouble.
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Also, is there some unwritten rule about the silver IQ-X being a no-no?
Not if your other components are silver ...
Ha ha! SO THERE IS ONE!!
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I went for a silver IQ-X from a German site for my Genesis on the basis of it being cheaper... the black one may (or may not) look better, but functionally it's the same bit of kit.
This is exactly the way I think.
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I went for a silver IQ-X from a German site for my Genesis on the basis of it being cheaper... the black one may (or may not) look better, but functionally it's the same bit of kit.
This is exactly the way I think.
The last ones ordered from Rose - ordered on 4th Nov, Shipped on the 6th (untracked, but did recieve notification of delivery), delivered by DHL contracter on 10th. Was part of an expensive order in a small box so delivery seems quicker than orders involving larger bits from same supplier with the same courier.
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Thank you, BFC - I think I will go with Rose.
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OK, I will order this evening. I know I go on a bit but do I just need to order the lights (IQ-X and Secula) or do I need a mounting bracket for the IQ-X or extra wiring for the Secula (that comes with a bracket?) Also, will speaker wire do for the wiring as I have loads of that?
Thanks,Nick.
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OK, I will order this evening. I know I go on a bit but do I just need to order the lights (IQ-X and Secula) or do I need a mounting bracket for the IQ-X or extra wiring for the Secula (that comes with a bracket?) Also, will speaker wire do for the wiring as I have loads of that?
Thanks,Nick.
Yes, speaker (Bell) wire will be fine.
Usually most stuff is with the lights for mounting, assume you have a crown hole to mount onto?
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Nick, I'm not sure if they have made any changes to the IQ-X mount but the first ones that came out had a habit of the joints coming a bit loose. A bit of temp strength Threadlock fixed it for me.
I have 2 IQ-X's and am super happy with them as a light. One is Silver one is Black and I can confirm they both functions exactly the same ;D
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Secula comes with wire and fixes with a wide cable tie, also included.
Any old twin core wire will be ok, but mine was tatty and I acquired some from decathlon, click and collect or delivery, for a couple of quid.
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Thank you all!
Jibers, no hole in the crown that I can see! ???
tippers, good to know, I'll have the threadlock at the ready and I ordered the black one in the end, due to peer pressure. :-D
Carlos, cheers and I have miles of twin core at home so that should give me enough goes at getting it right!! :thumbsup:
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Jibers, no hole in the crown that I can see! ???
Fear not, I had the same dilemma on BJ the Fixie. I solved the problem with ONE OF THESE (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/202471061427). Works very well :thumbsup:
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What it looks like in real life...
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50609297502_b62eefc2be_h.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2k7aSWS)
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Fabulous! looks just the job so thanks for that.
Only thing is that it will get in the way of my Wahoooooooooo out front mount, but I see that you have some clever solution to that, too. So, what else do I need to buy? :thumbsup:
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**Edited to add proper link - was doing it on my phone before**
There is also a mount that hangs below the bars - one of our household bikes has this with an IQ-X
https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/lighting-spares/busch-muller-light-bracket-for-handlebar-mounted-dynamo-headlight/
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Fabulous! looks just the job so thanks for that.
Only thing is that it will get in the way of my Wahoooooooooo out front mount, but I see that you have some clever solution to that, too. So, what else do I need to buy? :thumbsup:
Now that is a dangerous question to ask in a cycling forum! ;D
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Only thing is that it will get in the way of my Wahoooooooooo out front mount, but I see that you have some clever solution to that, too. So, what else do I need to buy? :thumbsup:
My Wahoo is mounted on the stem cap like this...
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50609181501_58c85bc9f6_h.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2k7ahsR)
Using ONE OF THESE. (https://www.wiggle.co.uk/nukeproof-garmin-wahoo-top-cap-mount)
My Elemnt Roam came with a bar mount so you could mount it thus (yes I know the picture shows a Garmin but the effect is the same)...
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50609377517_58757245d3_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2k7bhJr)
I prefer the bar mount as mounting the Wahoooooooo on the stem cap makes it a little bit too far back so you have to look down further but this is a minor point.
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Also. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201116/34066e6bb756fc618b28db3f9c5e0ca0.jpg)
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That's very neat, which bracket is it?
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**Edited to add proper link - was doing it on my phone before**
There is also a mount that hangs below the bars - one of our household bikes has this with an IQ-X
https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/lighting-spares/busch-muller-light-bracket-for-handlebar-mounted-dynamo-headlight/
Great, that looks goo, too - thank you for that.
Fabulous! looks just the job so thanks for that.
Only thing is that it will get in the way of my Wahoooooooooo out front mount, but I see that you have some clever solution to that, too. So, what else do I need to buy?
Now that is a dangerous question to ask in a cycling forum!
True!
Thanks for the pics, OD and yes, I like the one jibers has too.
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I can't remember the name of the bracket now, I think I've posted it before on YACF a few times... I'll see if I can find the details. It's a headset spacer replacement job - works well, I was worried it would not carry the weight and snap but it's been fine with the IQX on it.
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Right I think it was this: https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/lighting-spares/additive-spacer-one-light-holder/
Though I have just seen this which might be worth a look
https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/lighting-spares/ritchey-c220-4axis-44-universal-stem-mount-for-supernova-front-light/
I recon you could machine something up that suits in a lunch break :)
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https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/lighting-spares/ritchey-c220-4axis-44-universal-stem-mount-for-supernova-front-light/
I like that a lot, very neat!
Nick if you manage to machine something similar can I have one too?
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I have this for my Cyo Premium mounted on my recumbent.
https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/lighting-spares/busch-muller-light-bracket-for-handlebar-mounted-dynamo-headlight/
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/ZcL2cSXzlf27cJR4OWTo5Ury3N_c1W_U7B-3gWSqlAtAutOF-ojanan_umVlqtBff_1sH1mNxWrhn1b4cYjU2ROi9aKDw4ES1lXKqFKqGuwWs9LXxB0fcLvp-IOK6ezVU0BzbLxHoQ=w2400)
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Pretty sure that's the one I posted the link to - but for Dave's bike it is hanging from the handlebar (damn Bob Jackson frame with no fixing hole on the fork crown)
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Right I think it was this: https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/lighting-spares/additive-spacer-one-light-holder/ (https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/lighting-spares/additive-spacer-one-light-holder/)
Though I have just seen this which might be worth a look
https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/lighting-spares/ritchey-c220-4axis-44-universal-stem-mount-for-supernova-front-light/ (https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/lighting-spares/ritchey-c220-4axis-44-universal-stem-mount-for-supernova-front-light/)
I recon you could machine something up that suits in a lunch break :-)
Thanks, I like the spacer one. And I am too lazy these days to work through lunch breaks for stuff I can buy unless its silly money and very easy to make. :hand:
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Pretty sure that's the one I posted the link to - but for Dave's bike it is hanging from the handlebar (damn Bob Jackson frame with no fixing hole on the fork crown)
You are right, I missed that.
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https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/lighting-spares/ritchey-c220-4axis-44-universal-stem-mount-for-supernova-front-light/ (https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/lighting-spares/ritchey-c220-4axis-44-universal-stem-mount-for-supernova-front-light/)
I like that a lot, very neat!
Nick if you manage to machine something similar can I have one too?
I might put this down as a long term project and if I ever get around to doing it, I'll make your one first!
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:thumbsup:
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Just had an email from Alpkit to say their Hunka bivvy bag is down to 40 quid.