Matt's old bird

[Matt2matt2002]

I think they are for mounting a bottle dynamo.

Thanks Jim
Reminds of that old joke..
I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal labotomy.

[jags]

yes bottle dynamo but you could always move that sensor to other front fork

[Danneaux]

<nods> Yes, the are for a bottle dynamo (SJS Cycles sells various brackets to help make this possible), and...

...sometimes...

...if you're very lucky...and a little clever...and the stars align...

They can also be used to mount the transmitter for some wireless computers.

Best,

Dan.

[Matt2matt2002]

yes bottle dynamo but you could always move that sensor to other front fork

Thanks Jags
Nice lateral thinking. Something I am not too good at.

I just followed orders / the instructions

Cat eye defo said use the right fork and the sensor lines up fine.
I guess some one could give it a try on the left fork but the cable ties "just" went around the studs.

Out for a test run tonight so if it falls off I will take up your advice.
Lets hope I don't have any forking problems with it
 

[jags]

  only winding you u matt its spot on where it is

[Matt2matt2002]

only winding you u matt its spot on where it is

Thanks Jags
I always win first prize in the gulibility stakes.
Gave it a test ride last night and nothing fell off.
Still to get my brain around the altimeter bit of the Adventure. I may have bought something over my head!
But it sure looks cool clamped to the extra top bar.

[Matt2matt2002]

Another bit
I keep finding new bits on the Old Bird

While fitting the plastic coverings to the front rack I noticed that there are x2 cross top bars.
One I covered and a second one running parallel.

My panniers fit fine on the covered bar but what is that second bar ever used for?

Is it for strengthening the whole thing? If so, I don't recall seeing it on other racks.

Help, assistance, comments and advice appreciated.

Matt

[Andybg]

Hi Matt

Yes it is just for strengthening and to get in the way when fiitting and removing bags.

The low riders are fantastically strong for their weight and size and that second bar is the key to their success.

Andy

[Matt2matt2002]

Picture up date of the Old Bird.
Both guards on on her!
Anyone who can fit front and back without a cuss or 2 wins my prize of a free juggling lesson.
I have never ever spent so long on any task on any bike.
But they sure look good now

Pictures taken on my morning 40 miler, Dumfries SW Scotland UK
As you can see, we have had some snow.

[Andybg]

Hi Matt

Bike is looking good and glad you managed to get the mudguards fitted. The last photo looks like you are just getting ready to do some sheep russling!!!!

Andy

[rualexander]

While fitting the plastic coverings to the front rack I noticed that there are x2 cross top bars.
One I covered and a second one running parallel.

My panniers fit fine on the covered bar but what is that second bar ever used for?

Is it for strengthening the whole thing? If so, I don't recall seeing it on other racks.

Help, assistance, comments and advice appreciated.

Matt

Because there is no hoop over the wheel to the other side, racks such as these need the second bar to brace the main part of the rack so that there is no danger of it twisting under load and getting caught in the spokes of your front wheel and causing a severe accident.
There are some cheap racks around without these bracing spars or a bracing hoop to the other side, and they should be avoided.
See this thread on the CTC forum http://forum.ctc.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=52885

[Danneaux]

Hi Matt!

The Old Bird is looking robust and ready for anything -- so are you, for that matter!

A definitive Thorn Adventure Bike.

My goodness, I do so wish I could do something to ease the weather for the UK, Ireland, Western and Eastern Europe. You surely did well to get out and into it. For my money, 40 miles in snow is the equivalent of more in the dry, depending on how soft the snow is. It can really sap strength.

So, Matt, what's next for the bike? It looks wonderful already! Maybe what it needs (and you have in mind) is a good long tour!

Lookin' fine!

Best,

Dan. (...who is glad the sheep in the background of your photo have not yet had their shearing)

[Matt2matt2002]

Because there is no hoop over the wheel to the other side, racks such as these need the second bar to brace the main part of the rack so that there is no danger of it twisting under load and getting caught in the spokes of your front wheel and causing a severe accident.
There are some cheap racks around without these bracing spars or a bracing hoop to the other side, and they should be avoided.
See this thread on the CTC forum http://forum.ctc.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=52885

Ah ha. I always wondered what those hoops were for over some of the racks. Now I know!

[StuntPilot]

Great shots Matt! Not as much drifting at the bottom of Ettrick (have not been up the valley). Being 'between' East and West as far as weather is concerned in the Borders, we get both weather systems, or none. We are the meat in the sandwich as the local butcher says, but then he would!

The old bird is looking good in the severe conditions. That is what Thorns excel at is it not? I love the picture of your saddle with the 'snow dunes' in the background.

Good to see someone else is using the reinforced rack tubing!

[Matt2matt2002]

Thanks for comments on pictures.
Yep, the Brooks looks good.
Matt