Recent Posts

1

The Pub / Re: Confessions of a tool junkie

« Last post by Ham on Today at 06:59:23 pm »

I watched a AvE YouTube video on the release of his view collective designed snap-off blade utility knife. Unfortunately the postage from canukstania wasn’t silly money (even if the knife _might_ have been).

Guess what I’m awaiting the delivery of!

Wow, that price!  Looks very good though.

Does anyone have recommendations for slightly cheaper utility/Stanley-type knives? Mine is rubbish, and I'd like something a little more heavy duty.

I bought a Stanley snap off blade knife not long ago which is very adequate, especially for the money.

Great, thanks for the tip. 

I'm also looking for a decent stud finder (I was a little concerned about what results would come up when I Googled it, but it was OK) and spirit level(s). Anyone got any tips for what to get/avoid?

The B&Q / Screwfix own brand "Magnuson" have some good levels. Accurate, well made and reasonably priced

2

Ctrl-Alt-Del / Re: Today's scammer

« Last post by fruitcake on Today at 06:52:57 pm »

I had that one a few times and eventually played along.

"Ooh, you're from where... Oh, right. You are phoning me from Windows... And you think there is a problem with my computer... Gosh. Well, that does sound serious... And you've phoned to help me. Oh kay. Well that's very kind... You must be a very kind person... So you need me to visit a website you're going to give me... And what is that website again?... Say it again please... Tell me once more... I'll get a pen this time... Oh yes, that sounds like a legitimate website... Nothing suspicious about that... So you want me type that into my web browser... And should I acquire a Windows computer before I do that?"

I occupied the guy for a good three minutes before he hung up. Funnily enough, that was the last of those calls I received.

3

GPS / Re: My brain hurts - beginners guide needed for elctronic navigation and mapping.

« Last post by Feanor on Today at 06:47:36 pm »

Am I right in thinking if you put the phone in airplane mode, its battery isn't going to run down so fast¹?

Yes, and by a large margin if you are in areas of poor mobile reception where it uses a lot of voles to try to find a signal.
On Audax events here in the Frozen Wastelands of The North, I always have my phone in Airplane mode for this exact reason.

[...]
are proper outdoor GPS units better suited weather and sturdiness wise?

In general, yes, but it depends on you usage scenario if it's worth it.

4

GPS / Re: My brain hurts - beginners guide needed for elctronic navigation and mapping.

« Last post by slope on Today at 06:37:04 pm »

Thanks for all the input and suggestions🙏

Been out in the forest again and now that I've got the relevant downloaded OS maps stored on the iPhone, it was indeed fab to see where one was in real time on a familiar mapping interface miles from civilisation - and have fun going off up dead ends just to see what was there = sometimes amazing views of my local mountains but from a different angle and even hidden unknown little cwms where just sitting on a rock and listening to the silence was worth the whole ride.

Next decision is to what display thingy to mount on the handlebars. It was a pain having to get the phone out of the Carradice everytime.

Am I right in thinking if you put the phone in airplane mode, its battery isn't going to run down so fast¹? As having the maps on the phone and assuming GPS works separate from mobile and lack of coverage, what's not to like? I never use the phone to make phone calls out and about unless it's an absolute emergency - and I never need to receive calls that can't wait until I get home.

Currently only thinking of being out and about for a max of 5 or 6 hours, and mostly less - so not like needing to navigate a 200k Audax in constant rain (Kidderminster Killer 1993?), or any extended tour these days.

Maybe an old second hand phone with OS maps loaded, a decent handlebar mount and with no SIM? Or are proper outdoor GPS units better suited weather and sturdiness wise? Don't need zilch training data, no satnav voices, just maps, showing my position and being able to upload pre planned routes*

* well that's what I think I think?🤔

¹ I believe my Bosch e-bike smart motor do a phone mount that will charge an iPhone magnetically - but that might be an impractical falselead

5

Rides and Touring / Re: Have you been out today?

« Last post by SteveC on Today at 06:29:10 pm »

For the first time since 31st August 2022  , I managed a ride longer than my commute. Only 15km, but a lot better than nothing. It was rather fun. I must get back into riding a bit more.

I only went as I'd left my keys at home this morning and wanted to minimise the length of time the bike was unlocked. If I'd remembered them I'd have gone for a run instead. I went a long way round back home instead of the usual commuting route.

6

Audax / Re: Bryan Chapman 600km BRM + others | 17/18/19th May 2024 | Chepstow

« Last post by Jeff E on Today at 06:23:43 pm »

This system error has been around for many months.     Just click on the Audax Points page for ANYONE who you know has entered.    A completion will show, and as usual you click on the Event column on the left, and hey presto

7

On The Road / Re: Cyclist who knocked down and killed pensioner

« Last post by Mr Larrington on Today at 06:21:13 pm »

A LOL managed to slip through the barriers lining the closed streets of Darlington town centre for a series of criterium races and started across the road oblivious both to the yells of the marshals and the racers approaching at up to 30 mph.  Fortunately for her, it was my nice smooth faired Kingcycle that hit her rather than Mike Weaver's unfaired machine – with all sorts of nasty sharp spikey things sticking out the front* – just ahead of me, so she was at least physically undamaged.

* this being before the BHPC had rules pertaining to chainring protection.

8

The Pub / Re: The "I'm Such a Fecking Div" Thread

« Last post by robgul on Today at 06:02:57 pm »

Had my first visit from the fairy on Hamish. Hamish is my first bike with thru-axles. Forgot about the screw-in dust cap on the Selcof axle and snapped it clean off removing the wheel. They don't sell spares.

I am amazed no one sells bling titanium dustcaps.

New axle ordered.

Sam

My two bikes with thru-axles have had the original axles replaced with "Bristol levers" - easier than needing an Allen key in what is often an axle made from very soft material.   

Like this https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003408522324.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.10.7e101802TjoweT   - you need to know the length and thread pitch but that's usually printed on the axle.

9

Audax / Re: Bryan Chapman 600km BRM + others | 17/18/19th May 2024 | Chepstow

« Last post by Lightning Phil on Today at 05:56:55 pm »

Where on audax uk site are you seeing results for the event. Got a link?

10

Grow Your Own / Re: What have you done on the plot today?

« Last post by Mrs Pingu on Today at 05:47:58 pm »

Potted up 10 (5 dwarf, 5 big) sunflowers, 4 lupins (the snails eat them but I keep trying) and sewed some echinacea which will probably be a fail again but I've got the seeds so...