Ken Davidson's Page

"No-one has yet suggested you ask to talk to the policy-makers, and use a short structured meeting to air your complaints. It does sound like a lip-service policy, but y'never know."

""In countries where compulsory helmet laws are introduced, and in some cases cyclist numbers decrease as a result, I can imagine this being a viable solution." No, it's not viable until the price comes down by an order of…"

"I dunno, I hear the pragmatic arguments about one-ways and pavements - but it's not for me. It doesn't seem British somehow ;) Play the game, and all that."

"I'd rather be a smug cheapskate with money in my pocket, than the alternative. I bought the same 'cheapskate' track pump three years ago and it's still going strong, and being loaned out to neighbours with frightening regularity.…"

"CKS - and your point is?"

"Sarah-Jane, I think you need to change that qualification from 'public sector workers' to 'all workers'. Everything else I wholeheartedly agree with."

"Eh? Who took offence? Advice sir, advice only ;)"

"Bloody hell. Duh. Might as well add to the bottom of that, "breathe air; eat food"."

"Those who know they have the ability to do this, please feel free. I dare say the rest of us aren't stupid enough to try it."

"There's a mini version of this at Gulliver's in Matlock Bath, I can't recall the overhang but it was enough to give you pause. I think these things are typically low-geared so be prepared to spin like a loon to get 'away'…"

"Are the brakes releasing properly after use? They may check OK straight out of the stockade, but be relaxing too slowly after a couple of grabs - kinked, dirty or corroded cables?"

"I think gearhubs experience problems with low temperatures, since they rely on close tolerances internally - the casings etc. contract, and the lubricant gets thicker. I'm a fan of enclosed gears but in this case the lesser of two evils to use…"

"Welcome!"

"Just for future reference, a normal straight drill but with a thin drill bit will sort this. To drill out you need to start the drill at the centre but it can be angled as it goes in, which you'd certainly need to do given the angle the drill…"

"I'm remarkably cavalier with my repairs. Did four (count 'em!) yesterday on one tube 'to get me by' - these were the result of thorns puncturing the tyre. Checked for the bubbles under water, then casually dried the area with a…"

"Slicker and thinner tyres on the MTB, plenty of cheapos on eBay?"