We had this problem with our Springer. We tried everything, but nothing worked.

Someone told us about Thundershirts

We thought it was s bit of a gimick and very overpriced, but it cured the problem straight away. We used it for a few months and then gradually reduced it. We don’t use it at all now, but always carry it in the car if we’re going away and have a long journey.

Definitely recommended.

I’m 5ft 8 with a 31.5 inch inside leg in bare feet.

I’ve got a 2021 Procaliber in M/L.

I run a seat height of 75cm from the centre of the bottom bracket to the top of the seat running the tape measure along the seat tube.

With this seat height, the tip of the seat to the centre of the handlebars is 52cm. This is running the tape measure from the tip of the seat diagonally down so it touches the bars.

I run a Bontrager stem 70mm / -13 degree / 20mm spacers below and 720mm wide flat bars.

Hope that makes sense and helps.

If you email me at andrewthomasbeirneATgmailDOTcom I can send you a picture of the bike with this set up.

I don’t know very much about them, but the Sour Bicycles ‘Pasta Party’ looks nice’ although it does have an EBB.

I’ve always had a love for Moots.

That Saffron is lovely!!!

It’s certainly not unique, but I’d imagine it’s pretty rare and I’m certainly very attached to it…

IMG_20200921_110435_2-01 by Thomas Andrews[/url], on Flickr

We’ve got a Campal camping pod in out Caddy Maxi and it’s been fantastic both for days out and also overnight stays.

We have the Campal ForTwo version and its been great for the two of us and a dog.

I had an MBK ATB when I was 13 back in 1988 that I used to mess around on in the local area.

I really got into mountain biking in 1991 though after buying a lovely yellow Saracen Sahara. I joined the Liverpool MBC and used to get picked up and taken on the different rides.

I can’t recall exactly what happened now, but the Liverpool Mountain Bike club folded and I ended up joining the St Helens MBC. I was still only young and not of driving age, so again used to get driven by another club member to the rides.

I bought myself a Marin Bear Valley SE in 1992 and that was the bike that really got me into it. I was out every day on it and it was the first bike that I upgraded / modified.

I’ve been riding ever since, so 29 years for me.

I had a Problem Solvers EBB on my Shand Bahookie which always seemed to have a bit of resistance.

I ended up replacing it with a Niner Biocentric EBB bought from Stif which was much better. It felt much better engineered and had far less resistance.

My wife has a Campal fitted to her Caddy and it’s perfect for days out or a few days away.

It comes ready made and just slides in the back. Easily removed, but it needs two people to lift it.

I’m sure the Amdro also comes ready made and just slides in the same.

Just completed the questionnaire.

We have a Campal in my wife’s Caddy Maxi Life and it’s s fantastic bit of kit.

A hatchback or estate car version would be amazing.

That’s cool. It can take a bit of time, but you can get good results.

Let the paint dry for a few hours before polishing, you want it dry to touch, but not that it’s set too hard.

I’ve always used a cocktail stick, and built it up little bits at a time until it’s ever so slightly proud. I then gently polish the area with car polish to flatten it down.

This has worked for me on bikes and cars.

It can take a few days to get it right.

Albeit not steel, I ran a Middleburn Hardcoat 104bcd on the Shand. Bought from SJS

I also used a KMC X1 3/32 inch chain from SJS

Hi Survivor,

I ran a rigid steel 29er Shand Bahookie Rohloff for 2 years as my main mountain bike. I used it for all my mountain bike rides and took it on numerous trips to the Highlands and Cumbria.

I ran it with a 38t chainring and found it perfect. I never struggled with it, well certainly now more than I would have on a standard 1×11 geared mountain bike.

Never weighed the bike, but I would guess it was around 27lb and I ran it with a Nobby Nic rear, Hans Dampf front or a pair of Ikons depending on the trip.

Thanks,

Amplebrew

Stuart Peters gets it horribly wrong on a borrowed motorbike whilst filming a road safety scene for a TT Circuit Guide programme. After 30+ years driving cars, he briefly forgot that an emergency stop on a bike involves using FRONT brake too! Luckily, nothing seriously hurt but pride…and his bank balance!

Again, read the comments. This happened around 2002. An illegal edit of the crash part of this is going viral and being used to knock the cops. They were actors on a film shoot here and not in ANY way to blame for my poor riding!

No – in fairness it was ENTIRELY my fault – the cops were kindly just helping out in a sequence for the video I was making.

Cheers amplebrew.

So to clarify for the hard of reading – the stop was staged but the crash wasn’t. The second rider took full responsibility for the incident.

That’s cool, although I have sort or ruined the thread :-)

The longer film is called ‘Stuarts Grand Day Out’

I’ve not long been through this exact same problem where my springer puppy kept being sick in the car as he was so stressed.

I tried numerous methods and had pretty much given up until someone told me about Thundershirts

After 4 weeks of wearing the Thundershirt when going out in the car, he was completely cured and no longer needs to wear it.

Maxxis Ikon 2.35 ‘TR EXO’s’ might be worth a look.

I use a couple removal blankets[/url] when transporting my bike in the back of the van.

Really cheap, but they work a treat.

anagallis_arvensis – Member
Why the gsa over the gs? Not having a go its a genuine question. I would love a gs but the gsa seems a bit big and unwieldy. My f650 left this morning. Sad…..

I did test ride a standard GS first, but GSA won me over. I did originally shy away from the GSA as I assumed it would be too big for me. Turned out that it was spot on and I fell head over heels.

I prefer the higher seating position and the weather / wind protection of the GSA with the larger fuel tank and bigger screen with the winglets. The fuel tank is so big that it’s nearly like having a fairing.

I also prefer the handling of the GSA, even though the standard GS is no doubt the lighter and sportier bike. I found the GSA to be much more stable in the corners and also easier to ride at slow speed. For me, the GSA feels the smoother and more balanced between the two. Once moving, the GSA just shrinks away and you soon forget how big it is.

The 2015 standard GS comes with the heavier flywheel from the Adventure now, so a standard GS might be just as smooth.

The GSA also came with the spoked wheels, crash protection and aluminium pannier mounts as standard.

I’d recommend anyone to test ride either 1200GS and get a good few miles in, as they really are an eye opening bike. They handle so well, ride far lighter than they look and are a really confidence inspiring bike. It’s just overcoming that initial fear of them looking so big.

The seating position on the GSA is great and the extra height does give a much better view. It’s a bit like sitting on the top deck on the bus.

I did an 8hr stint on my GSA earlier this week without a single ache or pain, which is a lot better than my previous bikes. They’re so comfy.

The other great thing about the GSA is that everyone moves out of you way. They’ve got amazing presence on the road.

My initial draw to the GSA was the looks though. It’s like a big Tonka toy :D

Congratulations on passing you test, you’re going to have such a great time going out on the bike 8)

Passing my bike test was definitely the best thing I ever did, it opened up a whole new world of friends and experiences.

Great choice of bike as well, I’m on my 2nd GSA and they’re amazing bikes. They are a lot more agile and quicker than they look. Although the Adventure has got the 30 litre tank, I only really put £20 in for general running around. I only fill the tank if I’m going away on it as they can get very top heavy.

I’m just under 5ft 8 and manage fine on the standard seat. It’s surprising how soon you get used to riding a big bike. I was given a Kawasaki Versys 650 as a loan bike the other day whilst my GSA was in for its annual service and it felt like riding a BMX.

If you do need to move it backwards, I find it easier to get off and push rather than try and paddle it with my feet. They’re also a doddle to get on the centre stand.

:lol:

Self-Amalgamating tape is great stuff at £3.99 for a roll at Screwfix.

I’ve put my name down for the years subscription and really looking forward to the first issue.

This is the 2nd thing I’ve signed up to on Kickstarter in the last couple of weeks, after I backed the Inspired To Ride project just over a week ago.

I’ve had personal experience of getting a T5 converted by Van Bodies in Morecambe and they were very good. Although everyone else I’ve ever met with a converted Transporter seems to have used Vamoose[/url] just outside Sheffield.

Getting on a bike may possibly improve your wife’s observational skills. I think that being out in the open makes you more aware of what’s happening around you.

Experience on the bike definitely made me more aware as a driver.

Not everyone likes bikes though, but its definitely worth a go. If you click with it, then its a really fantastic experience.

I can honestly say that passing my bike test was the best thing I ever did. It opened up a whole new world of friends and experiences. The roads I’d traveled along and places I’d been to were completely different from the seat of a bike.

I took 4 days off work with lessons on the Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and then my test on the Thursday.

If you get the bug, invest in further training and get the best clothing you can. Rubbish or ill fitting clothing and helmets can make make or break it.

It’s a really handy link, I’ve used it quite a few times now.

I stumbled on it through Google ages ago.

This link[/url] might be useful for working out stem heights etc.

Andy

wonkey_donkey – Member

@amplebrew – did you get the WORD from JRA? I’m currently hovering over pulling the trigger – i’m torn between the WORD and the White Industries ENO build myself….

I heard bad things about reliability of Surly although they were on my list originally.

Yes, JRA built up my Paul Comp / Dually wheels I’m currently running on my Jones SS.

The Eno hub is a bit dearer, but don’t think there is much in it.

Edit –

g5604 – Member
paul comp looks great, but probably out of price range.

The Paul Comp hub is £89 in black or £96 in polished. I think they’re pretty cheap for the quality; I think a CK SS hub is over £300.

Paul Comp non disc WORD.

I’m running a Paul Comp disc WORD on my SS and its been a really great hub.

Don’t forget to keep you fingers wet when handling the tape, makes it much easier to handle.

spawnofyorkshire – Member
thanks Amplebrew

No worries, thats cool 8)

You only need to use a tiny amount of baby bath, just a few drops.

dave32 – Member
Just got mine off flea bay,by recommendation of the shop I bought my bike..basically they said it was nice and easy and sounds it..was gonna do it at work today but no hair drier so will bring the wife’s in tomorrow and do it then…It’s ok to apply to carbon as well then,same principle?

I’ve not personally used the wet method on carbon, but I wouldn’t have thought the frame material would be an issue. The soapy water just gives you time to adjust the tape and get it perfect.

I’d fit the tape somewhere quiet, away from any distractions and don’t rush it.

I’ve just used the Biketart tape, but I’ve also used the JRA stuff which is also great.

Edit – The 10cm wide tape will easily cover a large down tube like on a Five or similar. If it’s a steel frame then the 7.5cm wide tape is spot on.

I use a bit of mild soapy water when fitting heli tape.

Put a few drops of baby bath in a small spray bottle, spray some onto the frame where the tape is going to go and then some onto the sticky side of the tape itself.

It gives you the chance to move the tape around and get it perfect.

Once on the frame, hold you finger down at one end so the glue sticks and then slowly run your fingers along the tape working out any water or air trapped underneath.

A good tip is to make sure you spray some of the water onto your fingers so you don’t leave finger prints on the sticky side of the tape.

EDIT – I’ve just heli taped a brand new frame using this method and it’s actually quite therapeutic :D

I’ve been using Schwalbe levers for ages and they’ve been spot on.

You can refit the ESI tape.

It’s really nice, comfy and hard wearing tape, although dearer than the rest.

A Maxxis Ikon might be worth considering, just make sure you get an EXO version.