Any question answered...

Thank you!

maybe one for @edscoble and @mdcc_tester .. my mate has Shimano Acera RD-M3000 and is after a cheap standalone 9 speed RH shifter .. will this work?

Yes.

thanks!

maybe one for...

...learning how to look on the Shimano web site

1 Attachment

What is the recommended value-focused frame protection tape (and source)?

perfect! for future ref!

Famous last word.

value-focused

Depends what you value most. Just sent @hippy to Viking for proper 3M "helicopter" tape, but it's not cheap. If you don't mind putting some labour into the job instead of money, ask around for scrap inner tubes and hold down the loose ends with duct tape, although I wouldn't recommend that for steel frames as water will get between the tape and the frame and stay there.

Thanks, but I was hoping for some kind of clear tape that didn't cost quite that much.

I was hoping for some kind of clear tape that didn't cost quite that much

You get what you pay for.

Just bought myself a clug for storing my bike.
Anyone know the size drill bit I need to install the rawl plugs that are provided?

I think they're 6mm

What are you drilling in to? Brick?

Dry wall

Plasterboard? Are the plugs provided suitable? You might need plasterboard specific fixings or find the wooden stud and screw through the (drilled) board directly in to that.

If you're drilling into dry wall then you'll be in the US, so you'll need a recommendation in Imperial.

These are dead easy and only require a screwdriver:

https://www.toolstation.com/self-drill-pozi-plasterboard-fixing/p55036?store=GE&utm_source=googleshopping&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=googleshoppingfeed&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIuY3UwLDy4QIVKLftCh1oewmHEAQYAyABEgKCYPD_BwE

And may be worth trying first before having to use more stout plasterboard fixings.

Fellow backpack commuters, is there any agreed wisdom on what backpack to get for cycling? My commute is ~40min one way, so to me it's worth getting something that's actually comfortable (and made for cycling). I'd be looking for something >20l, a good amount of space for a larger 15.6" laptop, ideally waterproof.

Any suggestions? How much should I be looking to spend on a new one?

The agreed wisdom is normally "get a Carradice"

The agreed wisdom is normally "get a Carradice"

This (with bagman support of course).

With laptop, I'd go for a rack and pannier option to protect it, you're gonna want to ditch the backpack once summer hit London.

I've considered using panniers but in the end decided to stay with the backpack solution. I've been doing that for years, so I'm not exactly new to it - this is just an opportunity to get something actually made for cycling!

I'll look into Carradice options then, thanks :)

Maxpedition makes a bunch of different sizes if you don't mind the military look. Made in Taiwan (mine was anyway) they are nice and narrow and very comfortable, easy to adjust, pretty inexpensive and have awesome names for their various models - for instance mine (approx 18 litres) is called the 'Pygmy Falcon II'.

I've had a look, but I think it's not quite my style (plus it's rather on the expensive side). Thanks anyway!

Your laptop is too big. Get a 13” and your options increase.

Work from home and take a nice ride luggage free instead.

£8 more than a Rydall, £28 more than a Rivington.