StuntPilot's Raven Tour

[Danneaux]

B&Q - they have the inexpensive Climaflex grey coloured pipe lagging in various sizes. They may have it in black too. Well worth doing to protect the top tube.

Apart from my "market research" (otherwise known as "curiosity" when I see a new trend in the bicycle marketplace), I'm seeing more and more photos of world tourists with pipe lagging on their bikes, primarily on the top tube.

It is lightweight, it can be removed and reinstalled easily, and it absorbs the knocks and abrasion that would otherwise leave scuffs, scrapes, scratches, and possibly dents. Who knows?: It could become as common as Ortliebs and Tubuses (Tubii?) among world cycle-tourists, especially those who fly.

Richard, you're at the leading edge of the curve!

Best,

Dan.

[StuntPilot]

Matt

I remember arriving in the pouring rain and the guys at the Lochinvar Hotel let me stay in a small staff room or a room being done up. I was very grateful to them. It had been raining all day and I was exhausted. Had a pint in the Clachan and hit the sack! I did buy a few snacks in the shop (your shop?!) in the morning. Small world indeed!

Don't worry, you are safe in Aberdeenshire!! I don't know the North-East well at all.

Its worth getting some extra tubing. Its very light and could fit into an Ortlieb Rack Sac if you are heading to an airport or transporting the bike. I got enough to cover the seat tube and down tube as well as the forks for future travel. Its better than bubble wrap and you can always donate it to someone at your destination for re-use!

Agree Dan, its 'de rigueur'!

[Matt2matt2002]

Matt

I remember arriving in the pouring rain and the guys at the Lochinvar Hotel let me stay in a small staff room or a room being done up. I was very grateful to them. It had been raining all day and I was exhausted. Had a pint in the Clachan and hit the sack! I did buy a few snacks in the shop (your shop?!) in the morning. Small world indeed!

yes it was/is my shop!
Amazing!!
Don't worry, you are safe in Aberdeenshire!! I don't know the North-East well at all.
You'll be very welcome to stop over if ever in the area.

2 years ago I biked, Fort William, Inverness, Aberdeen.
Amazing scenery and it only rained 95% of the time.
 
Mind you, it was July
 

[StuntPilot]

OK, more photos ...

I replaced the Cateye mirror with a Mirrycle Mountain mirror. Comparing the photo with that of the Cateye you can see that there is more hand room. A better mirror in my opinion and stronger (though the Cateye is also a nice mirror).

[StuntPilot]

Other modifications in the past year have included the change to the Ergon GP1 BioKork grips. Finally got rid of the old ones (via eBay) to a guy in London who seems very happy with them.

I prefer the less 'tacky' feel of the material of the BioKorks. I also got rid of the steerer mounted 'ping' bell and replaced it with the more substantial 'ring' of the Mirrycle Incredibell ... doesn't even look like a bell!

[Danneaux]

Yay! Great changes, Richard!

Torla is lookin' fine, fine!

Yes, indeed.

Lovin' the BioKork grips; nice match for the saddle in color and tone.

Best,

Dan.

[StuntPilot]

Dan, yep. Simple inexpensive changes and worth it. It took a while to get the angle of the Ergon grips just right but in the end I am very happy with the change. The colour match is an unexpected bonus. The grips are wearing well (probably because I have had to use gloves the last six months due to the wet/cold weather!)

Torla is also looking a bit clean too with all the rain and snow recently. Must change that with a planned long tour soon! Torla needs some mud!

[Matt2matt2002]

Other modifications in the past year have included the change to the Ergon GP1 BioKork grips. Finally got rid of the old ones (via eBay) to a guy in London who seems very happy with them.

I prefer the less 'tacky' feel of the material of the BioKorks. I also got rid of the steerer mounted 'ping' bell and replaced it with the more substantial 'ring' of the Mirrycle Incredibell ... doesn't even look like a bell!

I fancy the Mirrycycle Incredibell but haven't been able to source in here in UK.
May I ask where / how you obtained yours?
Matt

[StuntPilot]

Hi Matt

I ordered the Incredibell Grip Bell in Silver Painted Brass direct from their web site for US$13.50. Postage was US$7 so not too bad. Here ...

https://www.mirrycle.com/form_bells_mirrors.php

Cheers

Richard

[Matt2matt2002]

Hi Matt

I ordered the Incredibell Grip Bell in Silver Painted Brass direct from their web site for US$13.50. Postage was US$7 so not too bad. Here ...

https://www.mirrycle.com/form_bells_mirrors.php

Cheers

Richard

Thanks Richard
I will check the diam. of my bars.

[StuntPilot]

Got them on my Thorn Comfort Bars Matt. They are 25.4mm central section and 22mm where the bell fits. I think 22mm is a standard bar diameter so should fit most bars.

[StuntPilot]

Some other updates in the last year or so ...

1: Suntour SP12 NCX Suspension seat post and neoprene cover.
2: B&M Dymotec 6 bottle dynamo generator.
3: Thorn Mark V Low Loader front rack.

[Matt2matt2002]

My Humpert bars are 25.4mm so the bell won't fit.
 
Tell me more about the Suntour seat post please.
Benefits and ride quality? Cost and availability?

[StuntPilot]

Matt

The Thorn Comfort Bars are great if you are ever thinking of changing from the Humperts!

The Suntour SP12-NCX suspension seat post was something I looked at as I thought the Thudbuster was a bit expensive. So I googled/looked around. I was not looking for total suspension post but something that would absorb the big bumps while effectively acting as a solid seat post. The Suntour seemed like a good option. Reviews were good too with some saying they preferred it as it did not bounce up and down all the time. The Suntour can be adjusted so it 'bounces' when you want. I fiddled with the spring setting after I got it and have found the perfect setting.

I have not tried the much acclaimed Thudbuster (which does look good and it would be useful to try in comparison) so no first hand experience on that.

I find that while riding in the current tension setting that I am happy with, when you hit a big bump the seat post does indeed absorb the bump with a click-like sound. Initially I found it a bit strange but got used to it. The suspension action, being a parallelogram arrangement, does not affect the riding position much, just like the Thudbuster.

I had some concerns that in dusty or other extreme conditions, the mechanical mechanism was somewhat exposed. For that reason I bought the neoprene cover that fits the seat post mechanism ((£3.02 + postage (reasonable) from http://www.xxcycle.com/case-seatpost-suntour-ncx-sp-12,,en.php). So far it has worked well.

The seat post itself I found at Practical Cycles but they appear to not stock them any more http://www.practicalcycles.com/userimages/procart77.htm. Rosebikes have them here at the time of writing at about what I paid ...

http://www.rosebikes.co.uk/article/suntour-seat-post-sp12-ncx/aid:614120

All in all I like it, and the construction is solid. How it would fair on an extended tour I do not know yet. I have not seen any reviews on World cycle touring sites.

Hope that helps Matt

Cheers

Richard

[StuntPilot]

Pics of the AXA Defender lock now fitted. Its a great lock for touring, and coupled with a good U-Lock (Abus Granite X Plus 54 for example, shown in two of the pictures), the high risk city parking is covered too.