Jesus - that's so cheap. Do you think it works OK? Have you ever seen it on a bike? Obviously it doesn't have the B+M dynamo's ability to stay on while stopped (F+R) and I would be worried it's a bit weak at low speeds, but at £5 for the cheap version, it might be worth a punt!gentlegreen said:
Winter Cycling Tips
- Thread starter ChrisFilter
- Start date
It's not very sleek, though! At least s/he has switched production to black plastic.
I think I am going to send off for them for my new bike. I'll let you know how it goes!
Ooh, hold on, maybe I'll wait a couple of days and see what this punter at the bottom says: http://www.cyclingplus.co.uk/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=80532
I think I am going to send off for them for my new bike. I'll let you know how it goes!
Ooh, hold on, maybe I'll wait a couple of days and see what this punter at the bottom says: http://www.cyclingplus.co.uk/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=80532
gentlegreen
I hummus, therefore I am ...
I wouldn't bother - there's something in it but it needs a lot more development - there's been considerable discussion on USENET - you'd be better off with a couple of keyring torches !JWH said:
http://groups.google.co.uk/groups?enc_author=NYqBxRAAAAArfTnSRKEsIcpF-jcF9n2w&scoring=d
The worst aspect of it is that the only way it fits in with Fleming's right hand rule is because the "armature" magnet literally rattles
at random inside the coil.
gentlegreen
I hummus, therefore I am ...
JWH said:
please don't !
(I now regret posting the reference to it !)
... goes back to edit original post .....
The inventor deleted his instructional website so here's a flavour of what it contained :-
a spectacular collection of bits in the kit :-
gentlegreen
I hummus, therefore I am ...
If you want to go in for micro generators apparently disc drive motors are quite efficient.JWH said:
This guy's idea would need a properly mounted armature designed to spin rather than "tumble", and coils wound at 90 degrees -
Why not have a go at my "being lit up like a lighthouse" option instead ?
gentlegreen
I hummus, therefore I am ...
HUGE feet and head saga....
My size 13 retro Reebok trainers arrived this morning and first impressions are favourable - they're like old-fashioned cycle racing shoes. I've popped in the stiffeners and insoles from my knackered Shimanos. The soles are a bit minimal so I may get some more rubber added - at least it looks like this is feasible with this style of shoe.
Unfortunately they were the last pair of size 13s the store had
(I emailed them and they suggested I phoned them - maybe they'll import me some more if I buy several pairs....)
Time to replace my really shit helmet so I notice Bell do a commuter special with clip on winterising kit and bits and bobs - but I already know it won't fit my 64cm cranium - but for 10 quid less they do a model called "Sequoia" as in "paleface have um heap big head size of tree" (sorry
) which is the only helmet I've seen so far which actually quotes a head size
No doubt I'll be able to find a cheap rain bonnet to fit.
My size 13 retro Reebok trainers arrived this morning and first impressions are favourable - they're like old-fashioned cycle racing shoes. I've popped in the stiffeners and insoles from my knackered Shimanos. The soles are a bit minimal so I may get some more rubber added - at least it looks like this is feasible with this style of shoe.
Unfortunately they were the last pair of size 13s the store had
(I emailed them and they suggested I phoned them - maybe they'll import me some more if I buy several pairs....)
Time to replace my really shit helmet so I notice Bell do a commuter special with clip on winterising kit and bits and bobs - but I already know it won't fit my 64cm cranium - but for 10 quid less they do a model called "Sequoia" as in "paleface have um heap big head size of tree" (sorry
) which is the only helmet I've seen so far which actually quotes a head size No doubt I'll be able to find a cheap rain bonnet to fit.
pootle
little moran
Right...so how are people coping with the cold?
the only part of my body that is giving me jip is my fingers atm...by the time I get home, the tips have gone white and waxy from the cold and lack of circulation, despite wearing a pair of leather gloves AND a pair of wooly gloves on top.
Can anyone recommend a pair of gloves that will keep my fingers warm?
the only part of my body that is giving me jip is my fingers atm...by the time I get home, the tips have gone white and waxy from the cold and lack of circulation, despite wearing a pair of leather gloves AND a pair of wooly gloves on top.
Can anyone recommend a pair of gloves that will keep my fingers warm?
citydreams
on the road again
I'm using a pair of Trek's Anatomy.. They're specialised off road gloves. The thumb and the first two fingers have got leather protection on the tips to help you change gears and they're padded on the palm of the hand. I think they may have that thinsulate material in as they're absolutely toasty.
I've been having cold toes as I'm still using my summer SPDs, but am going to start wearing my waterproof overshoes on top and see how that goes.
There's people out there still wearing shorts!
I've been having cold toes as I'm still using my summer SPDs, but am going to start wearing my waterproof overshoes on top and see how that goes.
There's people out there still wearing shorts!
gentlegreen
I hummus, therefore I am ...
The only solution that ever really worked for me was waxed cotton mitts over thermal gloves. The past few years I have been wearing ski gloves which are reasonably effective but end up really stinky.My current ones cost a fiver in Aldi.pootle said:
Since this looks like being a hard winter I think I'll find myself some hi-tech mitts to wear over my thinsulate gloves - the ski gloves are a bit too tight and restrict blood flow.
.
Sir requires a pair of these....
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/nav?page=motorcyclenews.products.product&resourceId=1675172
Wrmest gloves I've ever had, (and if they'll cope with a 70mph windchill, they'll cope with a 17mph one as well).
Top Tip - make sure your fingers don't touch the end of the gloves when you grip the bars.....so buy em big.
Andy
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/nav?page=motorcyclenews.products.product&resourceId=1675172
Wrmest gloves I've ever had, (and if they'll cope with a 70mph windchill, they'll cope with a 17mph one as well).
Top Tip - make sure your fingers don't touch the end of the gloves when you grip the bars.....so buy em big.
Andy
2wheeledathiest
I am sane, there is proof
pootle said:
I get this, it is Raynards Syndrome. A combination of the cold and road vibration messes with the circulation to extremeties such as fingers.
Get in the bath or a hot shower after you ride, that usually works for me.
Winter gloves always seem to get clammy so on longer rides I take two pairs, then I can put on a `dry' pair particularly after a food stop.
pootle
little moran
Funnily enough I was doing the piano playing bit this morning, along with waving my arms about when I have to stop at red lights an' that, after my mum suggested the whole "not moving bit" being a problem. It seemed to work a bit. I guess the real test will be when it's even colder tonight!
2wheeledathiest
I am sane, there is proof
pootle said:
Did you go through any cameras? The CCTV footage sounds like it would be fun
gentlegreen
I hummus, therefore I am ...
rear fluorescent light update
Finally got round to making my rear fluorescent light and it's a bit of a flop.
First of all the lovely bulkhead light I bought on ebay for 99p plus £6 postage turned out to be built in a steel box and is way too big and heavy. I will probably use it in the cupboard under the stairs or something.
So back to the tupperware.
unfortunately fluorescent lights are particularly deficient in the red end of the spectrum so once the other colours are filtered out there's sod all left ...
I may have a go with one of these :-
.. since they presumably use actual red emitting phosphor.
ah well ....
Finally got round to making my rear fluorescent light and it's a bit of a flop.
First of all the lovely bulkhead light I bought on ebay for 99p plus £6 postage turned out to be built in a steel box and is way too big and heavy. I will probably use it in the cupboard under the stairs or something.
So back to the tupperware.
unfortunately fluorescent lights are particularly deficient in the red end of the spectrum so once the other colours are filtered out there's sod all left ...
I may have a go with one of these :-
.. since they presumably use actual red emitting phosphor.
ah well ....
nellyphant
visitor from Dimension X
zenie said:I imagine they look quite nice too
Gloves or do you already wear them???
A hat is a must too
Put your clothes on the radiator at night so they are all snug in the morning when you get into them
If the days are especially cold wear a scarf covering your mouth so that you're not breathing cold air into your lungs. Coupled with a hat and some decent gloves.
As for what levels & type of of layers, that just depends on how good/bad your general circulation is (I stick to using shorts/baggies with lycra ones underneath, e.g. http://www.endura.co.uk/voyager-short.html ). I tend to wear a t-shirt with a wind/waterproof lightweight jacket over the top for the windier/wetter days.
The benefit I've found of this sort of combination is that it covers most climates/seasons and its lightweight & compact enough not to have to take up valuable space in a rucksack. Before you know it you'll be feeling like you're zooming around in summertime (ok, not quite)
Biddlybee
making knots with sticks
Hope ok to bump this thread... my ears were bloody freezing this morning and there are some good tips on here - I'm already wearing footless tights (very random purchase) under my trousers... I've not cycled in winter for a few years
GG.. what's this undercap thing you speak of?
GG.. what's this undercap thing you speak of?
Could I just wear a beanie under my helmet or would that be too hot/make it not fit right?gaijingirl said:
citydreams
on the road again
wearing a hat while cycling can make you too warm... a knitted headband that just covers your ears is ideal, imo
gentlegreen
I hummus, therefore I am ...
Chorlton said:
