Great Bike !

[derekpara]

Here's something else to administera little resuscitation (Sp.?)

Before I converted to engine power I rode bikes for several years, a practice I would recommend to any would-be driver. One of my best bikes was a ' Paris ' 23" framed machine. It was English made ( South London I think). Specification tuned by me as follows:

Reynolds 531 tubing.
Tour-de France racing handlebars on a 3" extension ( all alloy).
27" x 1 1/4" alloy wheels with large alloy flanges.
GB brakes.
High pressure tyres.
Brooks B17 saddle
Williams chain set with foot clips on pedals. Fixed wheel.

Note fixed wheel: gears were abhorred by 'real cyclists'.

No mudguards - all to reduce weight.

My cycling club, the Rosendale Wheelers' used to go out every Sunday about 20 strong riding two abreast form Herne Hill, SE London. Short destinations were Box Hill in Surrey, Dorking, Sevenoaks. Meeting other cycling groups we would greet each other with ' Up the Union' (NCU) and either get the same response or 'Up the League' if they were the opposition.

Once a month we would ride to Brighton, a round trip of over a hundred miles and think nothing of it. No getting off on the way, even for the steepest hill, including Box Hill. Even pedalled up Bury Hill in Sussex on a fixed wheel - anyone who knows Bury Hill will acknowledge that as quite a feat. But then I was only 17 years of age !

Great days for cycling, the 50s.

Cheers.

D

[tamborine]

Only this will do Media URL: http://youtu.be/oR1-UFrcZ0k
Description:

[tamborine]

. Media URL: http://youtu.be/oR1-UFrcZ0k
Description:

[tamborine]

Stoopid tablet :(

[Jomlett]

[derekpara]

Tamborine: Link didn't work, I'm afraid.

Jomlett: What's this got to do with my post ?

Thaks anyway.

D

[derekpara]

^ 'Thanks'

[Jomlett]

I did the link for tamborine, derek. People's view on cycling are diverse and I suppose tambo was stating his/her preference. When I started cycling in the 50s, Reynolds 531 and a B17 Brooks saddle was but a dream but thanks to my parents, I received a Sun tourer that started, for me, a love of cycling.

[derekpara]

I understand, J. Cycling has certainly diversified since our day but has remained an essential healthy and liberating pastime - albeit a tad more hazardous.

Your old Sun machine was a heavy old beast, methinks ! And with a Sturmey Archer I wouldn't wonder. Shame on you.

What are you riding now ?

D

[Jomlett]

No, the Sun had great derailleur gears and was a joy to ride. Pre and post retirement I've been riding "city bikes/hybrids" that I feel more comfortable with. My present bike (2010!) is the Pinnacle Stratos 3.0 and is also a joy to ride. I'm now using hub gears and they're far better than the old Sturmey Archer. The Nexus 9 hub is maintenance-free, LED lighting and puncture-proof are now my ideal.

I've grown up with increasing dangerous traffic that has yet to bother me, but younger generations can enjoy dedicated pathways for safety. Only recently the local councils and the Sustrans charity have developed miles of cycleways that help me and others to cycle the few miles to surrounding towns, that also links up with the Trans-Pennine Trail, amazing!

[derekpara]

Good on you, J, and apologies for derogatory remarks about your Sun !

Good to hear you are still cycling and keeping fit. I gave up some years ago but enjoy my other, once competitive, love, swimming. I go three times a week to plod up and down the lanes.

Keep on keeping on.

Best wishes.

D

[Jomlett]

Cheers, derek. All power to the swimming fraternity...I can't think of a better form of exercise that uses most of the muscles for the least effort.