Doctor Velo

11/03/2021

There is another lot of government "fix your bike" vouchers available. Based on previous demand you should act quickly to get a voucher if you need one.

I am registered and able to accept vouchers for valid repair work.

https://fixyourbikevoucherscheme.est.org.uk/

The Fix Your Bike Voucher Scheme aims to encourage more people in England to embrace cycling as an alternative to private cars and public transport, particularly while social distancing measures are in place. The scheme will be open to anyone who has an unused cycle in need of a repair. It will help...

16/02/2021

Bearings, they come in many shapes and sizes, and keep our bikes rotating parts running smoothly.
Whether it's wheels, bottom brackets, headsets, pedals or even jockey wheels, the bearings cam wear out over time (especially in wet weather), so get them checked regularly and replaced when worn.

18/08/2020

After 8 years and around 50,000 kms, it's finally time to retire these shoes. 😥
They've got me around 3 Fred Whittons, 5 Etape du Dales, a Raid Pyrenees, one Marmotte, Liege-Bastogne-Liege and countless club rides and cafe stops! Hopefully the new ones are faster...😉

16/08/2020

On the workstand today...
Wheelbuilding - I can build custom wheels, or rebuild wheels to replace worn out parts. Here is a Shimano nexus internal 8 speed hub with coaster brake, about to be replaced with a new hub as the old one was missing a couple of gears.
The original rim and spokes were able to be reused, making this more economical than a new wheel.

14/08/2020

On the workstand today...
SRAM Guide brakes, the early versions of these can have a problem, in warmer weather especially, and lock up. This is caused by the piston in the lever being too large for the bore. These can be fixed, so give your local bike mechanic a call if you have this problem.

12/08/2020

On the workstand today...
A 1x conversion using a shimano GRX rear derailleur and a 11-42 cassette. Looks great and saves those front shifts, not sure about this ratio up Park Rash though??😱

10/08/2020

On the workstand today...
Seatposts can be a much neglected part of a bike, this carbon fibre one had completely seized in an aluminium frame, and could not be removed without damaging it (though at least the frame was saved).
Make sure to grease a seatpost (or use a carbon fibre assembly paste for carbon frames/posts) and check it frequently - or get your bike serviced at your local shop.

10/08/2020

It's not just Yorkshire that has wet bike races!!

28/07/2020

The Government fix your bike voucher scheme is due to start today.
Have a look at the website to register for your voucher - I'm a registered repairer on the scheme so contact me if you want to book a repair in using the scheme.

https://fixyourbikevoucherscheme.est.org.uk/

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18/05/2020

Hopefully my next customer, Mo Salah takes to cycling🚴⚽

08/05/2020

On the workstand today, Shimano 105 10 speed derailleur.
Interestingly the only 10 speed derailleur that works with the Tiagra 4700, 10 speed shifters (released in 2015) is the Tiagra 4700 one.
It does however work fine with the 11 speed Shimano derailleurs (105, Ultegra...). Worth remembering if you are upgrading or replacing a rear mech.

06/05/2020

On the workstand today, TRP HY/RD brakes.
If you have these brakes on a bike, be aware that the barrel adjusters are only used for the initial set-up of the brake, they should not be used to adjust the brake as the pads wear and the lever travel increases.
If they are turned too far the piston will not retract fully so does not open the port to the fluid reservoir, this will eventually prevent the pads auto adjusting and make the brakes dangerous in use. If your brakes aren't auto adjusting as the pads wear, make sure you get them checked out, don't be tempted to use the barrel adjusters (as you normally would on full cable brakes).

03/05/2020

03/05/2020