Bicycle Network Victoria: Ride On magazine

Check the basics

Apr-May 2011

This morning I stopped for a rider who was lying on the side of a track with facial injuries following a fall. The paramedics arrived and it was then, with the patient in good hands, that I picked up his bike and was shocked at what I found.

His front wheel had fallen off while he was riding. As I replaced the wheel it was apparent that the quick release was completely undone and the tyres were worn through. The headset was very loose, and as I wheeled the bike both brake levers could be compressed to the handlebars without the discs having any effect. In other words, this was not only a preventable accident, but an accident waiting to happen.

Hospital Emergency Department staff confirm the statistics that bicycle accidents are increasing. Plastic surgeons complain of the increase and bike shop mechanics relate all manner of unsafe bikes being presented for repair.

It is wonderful that more people are cycling more often, but it is apparent that even a basic safety check on some bikes could prevent accidents. The onus is on bicycle riders to learn riding skills and to ensure their bicycle is at least roadworthy.

The motto for bicycle associations should be changed to ‘More People Cycling Safely More Often’.

Dr John Walters, Clifton Hill, VIC

Beat the lumps

Feb-Mar 2011

Sometimes when you’ve fitted a new tyre (especially the folding type), or fixed a puncture, it goes on a bit 'lumpy'. You can tell this if you spin the wheel and the tyre appears to be bouncing. This bouncing will be transferred into your hands and bum when you're riding, and is not good for cornering or braking, especially at high speeds when you need it most.

To correct this, after you’ve assembled the tyre onto the rim, pump it up to about 15-20psi (a bit less for wide tyres). Then carefully work your way around the tyre, sliding the tyre bead very slightly outwards from the rim, making sure it’s sitting straight. There’s usually a line on the tyre that can guide you.

Do one side at a time, making sure you don’t move the side you’re not working on in the process. Once it looks straight, give it a spin to check. If it’s not smooth enough, then repeat the process. If all’s well, pump it up to full pressure and enjoy your smooth ride.

I just fitted two brand new folding tyres this way, and it worked fine, so I hope it works for you too.

Paul Freeman, Dandenong, VIC

Wheel letdown

February 2011

I bought a GT Continuum Hybrid (pre-loved), and now believe the main reason it was for sale was the issue relating to buying replacement tyres (and tubes); hence my plea for help from your readers.

This bike is fitted with Araya RM-20 rims with tube liner and the tyre size is 700D x 1.4 with ISO 587mm. The tyres are branded GT Crossover. The sidewalls are beyond help and the rubber tread is non-existent in patches – too far gone to ride any more.

Therein lies the problem as I cannot find any of these tyres gathering dust in any bike shop. I have even used the online web form at the GT web site – where customer service is valued – but no acknowledgement nor reply after two weeks.

A search on the internet only brings “tales of woe”, and there does not now appear to be any exact equivalent size.

If anyone has tyres of this size (not necessarily the GT Crossover tread pattern) and a couple of spare tubes (always handy) or knows where I can source them, please drop me an email (gt700d@hotmail.com).

I hate throwing things out that are still useable but I fear that this may be the fate for this bike – unless someone wants to buy it "as-is" for parts for their GT Continuum.

George Woodley, Wynnum, QLD
 

Triggering change

December 2010

Just read your story on triggering turning lane sensors at traffic lights. I have been riding for many years and first came across this problem 10 years ago. My place of work back then had a security gate that was ‘security pass’ activated when coming in, but had an under-road sensor to open the gate when going out. A work mate who also cycled to work, as I did, told me of a trick that I have used successfully ever since.

If the turning lane sensor doesn’t register your bike’s presence by simply stopping in the centre of it (as your story explains), if you lay your bike down over the centre of the sensor area, that should trigger it. You don’t have to leave your bike on the ground for long (just a quick tilt over to almost ground level and straight back up again is all it takes, as it is the change in the electromagnetic field that the sensor is looking for not the duration).

It works every time, although you may get some odd looks from motorists watching you from other lanes! Even a full carbon road bike has enough metal screws, bolts and spokes to trigger the sensor when the lay-over trick is used.

Graeme Falla, Westbury, TAS

Online lesson

December 2010

After reading your article about picking up a bike for under $500 (Oct-Nov 2010), I would like to tell you about my recent experience of purchasing a bike online.

Last year I bought a commuting/touring bike from an overseas company. I made a significant saving, even after the bike was delivered to my door. I am very happy with my bike, however there are a few things that I was not completely satisfied with.

Firstly, after assembling the bike, the rear derailleur was not straight so the gears did not change properly. I had to have it straightened by my local bike shop. The second issue I had was a small crack in the housing where the gear cable is attached to the hoods. It means I can’t make minor adjustments of my gears from the hoods.

The bike was under warranty, however I could not send back the hood for a replacement as I would have been without brakes and a gear shifter for a few weeks while I was waiting for a replacement. I would have also had to have my local bike shop reassemble the bike and adjust the gears and brakes.

Following my experience I would certainly not purchase a bike online again – I would go to my local bike shop and pay a bit more for the service and peace of mind.

Andy McNeilly, Barwon Heads, VIC

Service rating

June 2010

I took my bike to the local bike shop for a service and was told it could be five days before they got around to it. I asked if I could book it in for a particular day and was told that this was not possible.

Car drivers would be irate if they were told that they would have to do without their car for several days while it was waiting to be serviced. Why are bike riders expected to be more patient? Fortunately, I found a bike shop that offered same-day servicing: Unibicyles at Melbourne University.

I think that this ought to be a consideration in rating bicycle shops.

Janna Thompson, Clifton Hill, VIC

Magpie deterrant

25 September 2008

I'd been attacked by magpies in previous years and noticed some riders with protrusions (usually cable ties) from their helmets. So a couple of weeks ago, when I was pecked on the ear by a magpie for the first time this Spring, I thought I'd give the cable ties a try.

No point doing things by halves I thought, as I fitted about a dozen white cable ties then coloured them with pink and green fluro highlighter pens. I don't know if there was any doubt before but now I certainly look like a dork. But a daily bicycle commuting dork who has since been untouched by magpies! And I prefer to think of it as a late-middle-age self-expression thing anyway, in place of younger trends like facial jewellery or stylishly unkempt hair.

Coincidence or effective magpie deterrant? Apart from some unusual looks this headgear has initiated some interesting conversation with other cyclists. Many have been attacked by birds, usually magpies. Some have tried cable ties, amongst other deterrants, and some of these have still been attacked. Maybe the fluro markings make a difference?

So far, I'm a believer...

Tom Osborn

Malvern East VIC

Bolt too pricey

11 April 2008

Recently a bolt fell out of the rear suspension on my Trek Fuel Mountain bike. The bolt was lost so I ordered a new one from Trek. When it arrived I was told by the bike shop it cost $26.00 including shipping, so I sent it back to Trek. I went to the local bolt supplier who sold me exactly the same bolt for a whopping $1.75.

Who said bike manufacturers don't make much money from selling parts?!

Gavan Jenkin

Rowville VIC