The Velotard Thread.

[EpsomWolf]

Looks good, are you camping along the way?

A mix of Travelodge, Premier Inns and rooms above pubs. We’re fortunate enough to have a volunteer driver transporting bags so we only have to ride with a rucksack containing just waterproofs and a few spares. Tbh that’s my ideal as I think lugging camping gear around on a bike would be a bit too far for me. Shower, change, pub, comfy bed is where I’m at but each to their own.

Been through some stunning villages, Lavenham particularly beautiful. Would be very easy to plot a driving/motorcycling trip on some quiet roads and lanes with a few overnights in some very old English villages if that’s your thing too.

 

[lemonjelly]

The wonderful Mrs jelly has treated me to an e-bike, as I'm getting on a bit & she worries the ticker will give up cycling up hills. Am I brave/ foolish enough to build it myself?

 

[EpsomWolf]

Wow, that’s a nice gift for sure.

I’d say definitely have go at putting it together yourself. It’s a good opportunity to get to know your bike and you’ll be able to use some of the knowledge for servicing and repairs going forward. Plus, better to be doing that now in the comfort of your front room when everything is clean and shiny than trying to learn when it’s cold and dark with everything covered in crud and oil.

Looking forward to hearing about the new bike, enjoy.

 

[Keef]

It should be 95% built, usually it’s fit front wheel, turn bars, fit pedals, pump tyres up, charge battery.
Make sure you’ve got everything out of the box before throwing it away,
Pedals have L and R on them, R goes chain side, grease the threads on them
If the wheel axles are quick release ( have a lever at the end to tighten them) bit of grease on those doesn’t hurt either

 

[lemonjelly]

thanks folks!
You're correct @EpsomWolf , it's an amazing gift. I was going to treat myself to one in the new year, but it shows what an amazing lady she is (must be to put up with me...) Your points about learning about parts of the bike are an excellent thought!
I read through the instructions, and it appears it is 10 steps, and it "looks" pretty straightforward (as per @Keef ).
Going to build it myself this weekend. Need to be more confident in my ability to do (and learn from) these kinda things.

 

[Kenny]

Going to build it myself this weekend.

Sunday afternoon:

 

[lemonjelly]

Sunday afternnoon:
View attachment 11811

that's what I am scared of/why I lack confidence (except I am also probably too scared to try doing a wheelie at my age...)

 

[Keef]

There’s videos out there on assembling bikes from boxes, park tool are very good if you want to run through the process beforehand without a bike in bits in front of you.
And a good tip for you, lift the box off the bike, not the bike out the box, e-bikes weigh a ton

 

[lemonjelly]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cly29m5rrd4o

I would start by saying imo the majority of drivers I experience whilst commuting are decent people who give me space.
Equally, I do see examples like this weekly, and the incidents of it happening are growing...

 

[EpsomWolf]

Recent heavy rain made for a cracking ride today. Messing about with your mates, just such good fun.

 

[lemonjelly]

I've built the bike!
I am struggling to align the front wheel though. Going to work on that this evening/later this week. Then I need to figure out how it works!

 

[Keef]

Another new bike!
The wiggle bike was a pain when it got a rear puncture, had to take rear derailleur off completely, undo mudguards and rack bottom mounts because from the factory it was a single speed conversion to take gears and the rear wheel came straight out the back rather than down.
Anyway, carrera subway 2 £100 off rrp at the minute, 2x9 hydraulic brakes, just got to safety check it ( Halfords variable staff quality) and ruin it with racks and mudguards

 

[machin05]

Handlebars look a bit off mate

 

[sycophantia]

Handlebars look a bit off mate

That's for getting down narrow trails I expect.

 

[EpsomWolf]

Nice bike Keef, liking the look of the tyres and that rear cassette especially. Looks like a lovely spread of gears you’ll have on that.

 

[EpsomWolf]

I know there was a bit of a split over autumn on a different thread but really got to appreciate its beauty on today’s ride

 

[Keef]

I’ll post photos of new bike ruined with racks and stuff later, good job I went through it, front disc rubbing due to wheel not centred, qr skewer on wrong ( can see that in photo), bars not centred in the stem clamp slightly off to one side, no grease on pedal threads or seatpost tube, saddle not tight, basics not looked at even though the boxes were ticked saying they were.

 

[Keef]

Completely ruined by racks and mudguards

 

[lemonjelly]

A month into having the e-bike & I am a total, 100% convert. It's awesome.
Cycling to/ from work is so less a chore, indeed the whole experience is so much more pleasurable. Coming home is 80% climbing. Get home a few minutes quicker, & not drenched in sweat & & not blowing out my arse like I used to.
Am able to enjoy the journey and the sights.
E-bikes are am amazing way for people to be able to cycle & could enable many who would give up cycling carry on.

Went & treated myself to a new helmet today, plus some new winter waterproof gloves & summer gloves. Bought a helmet with a visor, because as a glasses wearer rain REALLY fucks my ability to see.

 

[Stan Hullis]

A month into having the e-bike & I am a total, 100% convert. It's awesome.
Cycling to/ from work is so less a chore, indeed the whole experience is so much more pleasurable. Coming home is 80% climbing. Get home a few minutes quicker, & not drenched in sweat & & not blowing out my arse like I used to.
Am able to enjoy the journey and the sights.
E-bikes are am amazing way for people to be able to cycle & could enable many who would give up cycling carry on.

Went & treated myself to a new helmet today, plus some new winter waterproof gloves & summer gloves. Bought a helmet with a visor, because as a glasses wearer rain REALLY fucks my ability to see.