Thorn Cycles Forum
Community => Member's Gallery => Topic started by: RST Scout on March 02, 2017, 07:44:23 pm
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Well I took Scout out on her maiden run yesterday. I took her on a variety of surfaces, tarmac, grit track, forestry track, and chipping trail to see how she would handle them.
My first impression was that she was very heavy especially the back end but when you are aboard her it is not noticeable. Secondly, I notices her steering was a bit skittish but I got used to it quickly and found it to be of benefit when negotiating a rocky track. She is quiet! At least in gear 8 and above. I did hear the woosh-woosh in gears 7 down to 1 but it was not particularly loud. In fact the tyres were making more noise. I love the tyres, Schwalbe Marathon Racers. Fast on the tarmac and excellent on the grit and chippings. My only problem came when I tried to get up a short sharp rise in the pinewoods. My back wheel slipped a little and I tried to go down in gear but because the gear shifter runs the other way to what I expected I went up gear instead of down. We ground to a holt and yes, we fell over because I couldn’t unclip (not sure if I’m leaving those Shimano M530 peddles on her). Luckily I fell on the opposite side to my damaged shoulder and Scout was protected by the pannier, so no real damage apart from dented pride and a bruised knee.
The bike is very easy to ride. I was amazed at the comfort over the chippings. I usually hate this bit of the journey but she handled it beautifully. My one concern is the position of the brake levers. With my little hands I have difficulty reaching them but its nothing that can’t be dealt with. On a personal note, I think I would like the handlebars a little higher but I think this would involve me getting the 90 degree stem replaced with 45 degree riser stem so I will see if I can get used to it as it is (my damaged left shoulder was uncomfortable).
Conclusion: It is a very pleasant bike to ride. It fits perfectly. I have no problem with the saddle. I will need to get used to the shifter but actually changing gear is a breeze.
We are going to get on just fine ;D 8)
Janet
PS. More photos to come
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The first photo is of the gravel path, the second it at the start of the rise in the pinewoods (where I fell off :-[) And the last is a mucky Scout on the train home.
Janet
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Absolutely brilliant, Janet!
Happy and delighted for you! Terrific photos.
All the best,
Dan.
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looks class your health to ride it.
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Janet,
Before swapping stems, a quick solution might be to invert (unbolt and flip) the stem you have, making it a "riser" stem. It will function as well either way.
Best,
Dan.
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I was just going to say that about flipping the stem.
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So was I!! Great minds think alike . . . Certainly don't make any major changes, or purchase different kit, until you have thoroughly settled on the saddle, posture sorted etc etc.
Weight - yes, Rohloff bikes do feel heavy at the rear, but I would be surprised if the RST was significantly heavier than comparable bikes, bearing in mind the rack, pedals, etc that is often left out of published manufacturers weights. And if it is heavier, it makes less difference than you expect - I used to ride a Raven Tour, heavier than the RST, and surprised myself (and others) with how well it went. And if you regularly ride on trails, and in situations as in the photos, you will find that the RST will give you a sense of security and confidence that few other bikes can match, as well as much less maintenance needs.
Good luck
Lewis - Sheffield
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Great to hear of such an enjoyable first ride, Janet, and to see your photos too! No sign of the dreaded snow 'n' ice :-)
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Thanks everyone. I'll bear the flipping stem (pun intended) in mind. I want to move my cycle computer from my road bike to Scout as she is now my main bike. The rear rack is an awful aluminium one but it will do until I can afford better. Off again tomorrow - the Trans Pennine Trail Trail I think (at least my end of it).
Cheers,
Janet
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T P T is good RDT territory, Janet. A mixture of urban / potholed roads, gravel trails, variable terrain - at least on the Western 2/3rds thaI know (Southport - Sheffield. Yes, lighter bikes with skinnier tyres could and have done it, but you will enjoy comfort and security / stability in all conditions.
I was out on my Sherpa today, mixed weather, potholes ++. We hope the weather is kind to you.
Lewis
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Sorry, RST not RDT.
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T P T is good RDT territory, Janet. A mixture of urban / potholed roads, gravel trails, variable terrain - at least on the Western 2/3rds thaI know (Southport - Sheffield. Yes, lighter bikes with skinnier tyres could and have done it, but you will enjoy comfort and security / stability in all conditions.
I was out on my Sherpa today, mixed weather, potholes ++. We hope the weather is kind to you.
Lewis
Yes, I'm on the Southport/Liverpool end. Going up towards Southport tomorrow. One day I'd like to do the whole thing but for the time being I enjoy pottering around 'my' bit.
Cheers,
Janet
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Janet whats the story with that trail you were on,looks nice is it a circular route just someplce nice to ride your bike. ;)
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It's an off-road route from Formby to Southport. It takes me alongside the railway (the first photos) then you go over the railway and thru the pinewoods. It's not far, only about 4/5 miles but because of all the different surfaces, I use it to check my legs ::) and bikes. The rest of the way to Southport is via the Trans Pennine Trail which at this point is a tarmaced cycle lane adjacent to but separate from the road. It takes you through sand hills but is rather boring as you can't see much.
Janet
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Thanks Janet look's lovely.
the bike is stunning love the color ,thank god you didn't damage you or the bike in that fall,simple how these things happen :o
lets hope the weather picks up so as u can get some decent miles in bike and legs.
the weather here in Ireland is dire rain all day and more forecast for tomorrow ::)
man i hate this bloody weather cracks me up big time.
anyway Janet thanks for the photos and report keep em coming.
cheers,
Anto.
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Thanks for your commiserations Anto I'm getting quite used to falling off bikes these days :( I have a problem with cleats; I can never get my foot to disengage in time. No damage done to Scout at all. I'm thinking of changing the pedals for a per of Shimano "Click R" pedals that I have on another bike. They have lighter springs on them and really are easier to get out of. The trouble is they look a bit clunky.
Its supposed to raining tomorrow here too. I HATE rain!
Cheers,
Janet
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I had to change back to my time pedals the new shimano 530 did not suit me at all pity there nice pedals.
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...I have a problem with cleats; I can never get my foot to disengage in time....I'm thinking of changing the pedals for a per of Shimano "Click R" pedals that I have on another bike. They have lighter springs on them and really are easier to get out of. The trouble is they look a bit clunky.
Agreed, but they sure do work well!
I finally came to them (preferring the T-400 model over the T-700) after trying about every alternative on the market...and now (as predicted) I own mass numbers of them. The story here:
http://thorncyclesforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=6943.0
They've never failed me once on my 9,000km tour in 2014 or After, and I've never fallen due to them. Clunky? Sure, but I don't see them underfoot, they offer good support/no hotspots, and the reflectors are a nice added safety factor for my all-night rides.
Best and in sympathy/empathy,
Dan.
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Yes Dan, they look very similar to the ones I have. I think I will change them from the Shimano M530's that I bought especially for Scout. Like Anto I do like the look of them, however, the others are only about 6/8 months old.
Oh and by the way, thanks all for the tip about flipping the stem. Just done it and it works a treat. Just right, so I don't need to buy a replacement. I've also rotated the handlebars slightly towards me and moved the left hand brake lever up against the grip where I can get at it. Can't do much about the right hand side but hey-ho I'm satisfied with the way it is now.
Also put the connection for the dog trailer on the bike. Loaded dog and trailer and took hm out. God, he's heavy :-\
Janet
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Just get the dog out in the front on a long leash to pull you along. ;D
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Hi Janet,
Yes, the choice of which "clipless" pedal, and indeed which clipless system can be a real trial-and-error.
I and my spouse successfully adapted to Shimano's SPD (mountain-bike-variant) quite well.
The ability to walk normally on top of the recessed SPD cleats is a great benefit.
We (now) use double-sided mechanisms, but with one side occupied with an SM-SH51 cleat with attached pedal reflector such that the available pedal clip is always uppermost.
But in the past we have used Shimano M323's with a full toe-clip+strap on the non-SPD side.
And I have tried the T780 single-sided-SPD with reflectors.
I think it is worth persevering with SPD pedals, but note that the stiffer the sole in your chosen shoe, the less the specific pedal platform shape matters.
And at the same time the less that the clip "tension"needs to be set.
I know that Dan favours the lower release tension of the T400 (and T700) pedals. I have not tried them.
But as my (our) confidence with being able to release the SPD system, the more that we were happy with, and indeed preferred, higher release tension.
Given how close you are to me (I am in Macclesfield) you could possibly borrow a set of T780 (or indeed the M323 + toe-clips+straps) pedals if you wanted.
--
IanW
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Just get the dog out in the front on a long leash to pull you along. ;D
I wish Bob. Make him work for his dinner ;)
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Thanks very much for your offer Ian. I'm going to perservier a bit longer to see if I get use to them. I've got the tension at it loosest so maybe its just practice I need. I probably (I hope) won't mess the gear change up again and I need to get into the habit of releasing a foot as I come to a junction. I will however take a look at the other pedals you mention.
Cheers,
Janet
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Why anyone would want to tie their feet to a bicycle is beyond me. It's just asking for trouble.
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more power to the pedal thats why.much more secure on the bike on fast decending no danger of loosing your footing better for climbing because you can pull up on the pedal ,been using clipless since they first came out great system,
i did fall many a time clean forgot i was clipped in but sure thats part of the fun.
anto.
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I'm in the platform pedal camp. Shimano Saints, no problems getting power to the pedals, I'm far to old to pretend I'm a racer and just take easy and enjoy the ride. Can use any shoes with flat pedals and don't walk like a duck when off the bike. I find them very comfortable and have not fallen over as a result of being clipped in. Everyone to their own, we are all different.
Bob
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you can ride flats on spd pedals ;)
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I chickened out! I've switched the pedals to the "Click R" ones. Very loose SPD one side, flip 'em over and they're flat so I can wear any shoe I like, cleated cycle shoe or trainer. It means Scout is a go anywhere do anything sort of bike.
Janet
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There the best pedals I had that type on the sherpa and the new audax.but I find my road shoes better because of the stiffer sole not so much pain in the ball if my feet.
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I'm dead lucky. I seem to be able to use any kind of shoe but my favourite is a Reebok trainer would you believe. ::) I think its the thick sole that does it for me.
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Why not if it works and your comfy happy days.I'm just a feckin wreck these days,if I woke up without pain I'd think there was something wrong with me.
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I had knee problems when using SPD's , I find being able to move my feet about suits me. Never had a problem since.
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good stuff bob whatever works ;)
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good stuff bob whatever works
Boy, is that ever true!
Cycling involves a lot of repetitive motion and if things are just a little off, it becomes a lot of repetitive injury and strain.
I'm sure a big believer in getting what works for *you*. Everyone's different (thank goodness), so the solutions are different also.
Best,
Dan.
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Well I took Scout out on her maiden run yesterday. I took her on a variety of surfaces, tarmac, grit track, forestry track, and chipping trail to see how she would handle them.
Janet
PS. More photos to come
The bit with all the puddles looked like fun Janet!
Continue to enjoy your new bike!
Mike
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Fun, Mike? eerrrr I avoided all the puddles ;D didn't want to get my new baby dirty ;)
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i'm not long in from a spin Janet,roads are terrible muck all over the place the farmers come out of the fields in there mega size tractors and cover the road in muck,
ah not a lot they can do about it i suppose .
but i've me little bike all cleaned up as good as new ;)
hope this weather picks up ,
anto.
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Nice here in NW England today. Going to be spring like tomorrow too. Will be out on Scout again. What's your bike called Anto?
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HONEY ,but don't tell anyone ;)
anto
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Named after Honey G?
😉
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no matt it's named after come on honey don't let me down get me up this bloody hill. ;D
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;D ;D ;D
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Fun, Mike? eerrrr I avoided all the puddles ;D didn't want to get my new baby dirty ;)
Janet,
The fun I referred to would be avoiding all those puddles!
At the moment here in Victoria Australia when I return from a ride I have to wash off all the dust that has settled on the bike.
Mike
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Janet a lot more dirty spins to come ;D ;D
how's that ould rohloff fairing out are you happy with it so far. ;)
anto.
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Loving the Rohloff. So easy to change gears (as long as I turn the shifter the right way ::)). Haven't fallen off since I changed the pedals. Was out yesterday on the Trans Pennine Trail. Very wet underfoot. Scout performed admirably but I now know she is not good with mud. She slides! Down to the tires, I guess. BTW they appear to be Schwalbe (classic) Marathons not Marathon Sports. Not that I care. They are great on the road and that is what counts.
Janet
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that could do with a bit of tarmac ::)
anto.
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Too bloody true! but my local council are skinflints.
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Aren't they all :'(
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46 miles today with the group great spin, but my back was in so much pain,
i reckon i'm going to have to get a bike fit done on this audax there's something a miss somewhere,
my shoulder neck feet and back were screaming at me today,
if i can't get it sorted i'm going to cancel my touring plans mores the pity but yeah no fun doing a fully loaded multi day tour in pain..
i was at the doctors yesterday got stronger pain killer but to be honest there were feckin useless..
anyway i'll keep at it until i can see if the bike fit will turn things around for me fingers crossed.
cheers
anto.
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Hope things can get sorted out. Have you been out on your other bike.
Bob
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I had a bike fit a few years ago.
Not for my Raven.
On reflection I don't think it was worth the £90+
They recommended shoe inserts and put the seat up a bit.
Now maybe it was genuine but if I went again for one I'd check out the reviews before splashing the cash.
I wasn't in any pain when I went for it.
Hi just thought it made sense to be set up by a professional.
Well, that's my personal experience.
Sitting pretty now. Trial and error got me there.
Matt
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No bob it would mean swapping my cassette and tyre I only have one set of wheels.the last time I got it done was very good I was impressed.I will try anything at this stage.
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Anto, I've found that raising the bars a few cms has helped a lot. On both my Raven and my Eclipse, the bar clamp is now above the nose of the saddle by a few cms, more on the Raven (my touring bike) than on the day-ride Eclipse. I have a long-ish torso and short-ish legs, and long-ish arms. Raising the bars has eased stresses on my back, neck and shoulders.
I also use VO randonneur bars, with uppers that curve up and out before going straight towards the hoods. These raise my back even more. The result is that, when I use the drops, they're easy to reach, and I now regularly switch to the drops just to vary my position. When headwinds require me to use the drops for hours at a time, it's no problem t do so.
I was originally fitted for my Eclipse when I bought it about 15 years ago, and at that time, the bike shop worked with the nose of the saddle being level with the bars clamp. I managed OK with that, but over the years decided to (i) raise the bars relative to the saddle; and (ii) fit wider bars. My VO bars are about the same width as my shoulders, 46-48 cms depending on where you measure. Some people think they're weirdly wide, but they fit me, and my bikes now feel nice 'n' spacious.
Hope that's useful, although I know that all this stuff varies from person to person. Good luck!
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cheers John ,i'm booked in for a fitting tomorrow morning ,i don't mind spending the money if it sorts me out ,i don't want to adjust anything yet i'll leave that to the experts should be interesting to see what the hell is going on .
i'll report back tomorrow. ;)
anto.
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Good luck, hope it sorts out the problem.
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Thanks bob ;)
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All this goes to prove that the RST is probably the world's best bike.
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I'll second that ;D
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i won't argue there ;D ;D
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Most all one needs to know about bike fitting is in the lower right-hand column of this page:
https://www.stevehoggbikefitting.com/blog/
- John
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Lovely bike
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I'm in the platform pedal camp. Shimano Saints, no problems getting power to the pedals, I'm far to old to pretend I'm a racer and just take easy and enjoy the ride. Can use any shoes with flat pedals and don't walk like a duck when off the bike. I find them very comfortable and have not fallen over as a result of being clipped in. Everyone to their own, we are all different.
Bob
I've just got a set of the Shimano saints,did a 34 miler with them and I'm very happy with them,I swapped from a set of clipless M324 pedals.