Any question answered...

Who are the forumengers that work at Brixton Cycles? Very helpful today.

Why? They'd be much better off packed separately.

Depends why you need the cranks? If you destroyed the taper in a set of cranks that is the reason to get a proper bb.

http://www.bikebox-online.co.uk is probably the safest option

LBS for a cardboard bike box the fill with bubble wrap and bikes for the cheapest. If you go with the cheaper option then also buy a cheap skateboard from Argos (or wherever) and put one truck on the bottom of the box to help wheel the boxes about, like this

They're both mine and I can't really afford to pay for 2 oversized bags.

I guess I could probably fit a couple of 700c wheels in my checked bag.

This seems like it would work, got loads of trucks lying about here so not a problem, would probably line it with coroplast too.
I guess it wouldn't be too hard to find another box before coming home too.

You're taking 2 bikes on vacation?

I'm attempting to...

Looks like I've managed to strip one of the bolt holes in my Giro Trans Road shoes – just went to replace worn cleats and the bolt is spinning around rather than tightening/loosening.

Any idea how I can get it out? I had a look inside the shoe and doesn't seem to be any access from there. Is it a drilling job?

Take one, less hassle, and you can pack your normal clothes in the bike box.

That would be what sensible people might do.

Biggest, fattest, most comfortable mtb grips?

^^^^^Bear in mind the TSA may have a good rummage.

Not sure if you can still get them, but if you can then Setlaz foam grips with the Kevlar wrap have been my go-to grip for over a decade. I bought a few spare sets, but haven't had to use them yet.

These seem to be really hard to obtain. Though look great. Anything easier to buy?

Beware of bare foam grips, they tear up fast.

Looked at those ESI silicone grips? Charlie stocks them I think...

I'm happy with Ergon GP1. Comfortable, reasonable support, relatively heavy though.

ESI could be an option. thanks.

@mdcc_tester have tried these, will not use again.

Cheers!

How far down? Actually on Pownell Rd or on a side road? You get a few school kids in the summer on the road, mostly hanging out at the basketball courts at Broadway Market end. Other than that it's mostly Broadway market yuppies and OAP cockneys.

There's a gravestone there in memory of a PC that was shot 20 years ago, I guess it's changed a lot since then.

2 questions:

1) What tyres would people recommend for the steep cobbled climbs of Yorkshire? Last year I was on 23mm conti competitions, but the cobbles were wet and occasionally impossibly slippy. More grip and less risk of losing a wheel between cobbles please. Looking to use clinchers this year, probably up to 28mm will fit (narrow rims). Oh, and hopefully not ridiculously expensive as these will probably only be used for the one ride. My default option would be cheap paselas.

2) what is the biggest cassette that can use with a standard, short cage SRAM rival rear mech. I need all the help I can get for Shibden Wall, The Buttress, Old Lane, Thwaites Brow and plenty of others.

Cheap =/ grippy. 27c Open Pave.

1. I've got Vittoria Rubino Pro Tech 700×28 on my road bike, they seem to be OK off road and under £20

2. 28T maximum for short cage.

Thank s both... I didn't realise they did open pave in clincher version. Must resist.

I was on 28T last year and didn't make it up all the climbs... I don't suppose anyone makes 110mm BCD chainrings with <34 teeth do they? Or is that cheating?

Have a look at the Clement Strada LLG, the cheap version is around £25, and definitely a lots better than the Palesa, some reviewer liken them to the Open Pave.

You can get 33t chainring, but a 12-30 should fit well.

I don't suppose anyone makes 110mm BCD chainrings with <34 teeth do they?

I think TA (and/or others) have made a 33T, but the chain hits the spider tabs on some cranks, and 3% difference isn't going to be enough anyway.

You can either get WiFli, or HTFU.