Kitchenman , a very useful material for prototypes is corex . This is the plastic used to make estate agent`s signs . You can cut it with a Stanley knife . You can glue it with a hot glue gun . you can join it and attach it with cable ties . You can even find it for free blowing about the streets . With practice you can bend it using a hot air gun . I used to make radio control aircraft from it . Hot glue is not long lasting in the rain .
Keeping the wind off your feet
- Thread starter kitchenman
- Start date
Apropos the aerodynamic perspectives, I think there is some mileage in fitting some small 'Turbulators' to the edges of the egg boxes. This will reduce the effective Reynolds Number of the airflow, increasing its effective viscosity and thickening the Boundary Layer, thus allowing fast cornering with complete stability and warm trousers.
But its also important to consider a more holistic perspective on the problem, perhaps a good quality traction compound like Fisons Lawnplus, it could make a world of difference.
But its also important to consider a more holistic perspective on the problem, perhaps a good quality traction compound like Fisons Lawnplus, it could make a world of difference.
Thanks neptune. Thats a top tip. I'll keep a look out. John, a neighbour of mine (2 doors down) has a sign up in his front garden advertising some new houses that have been built around the corner. Its a bit of an eyesore. I hope its corex!
I was thinking of upgrading from the carboard egg box to the polystyrene one as it should be stronger. Can you give me an idea of what I could use as a turbulator?
I've had a few thoughts. But I'll need to keep it clean as not to upset the parents of the kids that I pass in the mornings. I also need to tidy up my act in terms of all the sharp metal bits that could do damage having just read some other postings ... I have thought I could help with the CycleCharge advertising and promotion and set up an information tent. I could simply park up somewhere where there are people and make myself available. Even if I just give out stickers and the email address. I wonder can you just do that or do you have to ask for permission or get a licence before you can attach the public? ... umm ..
What??
Can't believe what I'm reading??? Is this serious?? I went to work this morning at 0600hrs with a good warm coat & gloves and it was -6c but still have my shorts and a pair of trainers???? ok not its not for every one but I never put trousers on,only at work. I suggest if your feet get cold try putting your feet in carrier bags (as this keeps out the rain and wind chill )as I used to do when mountain biking?.Or if the throttle survey is correct try pedalling ??.
Can't believe what I'm reading??? Is this serious?? I went to work this morning at 0600hrs with a good warm coat & gloves and it was -6c but still have my shorts and a pair of trainers???? ok not its not for every one but I never put trousers on,only at work. I suggest if your feet get cold try putting your feet in carrier bags (as this keeps out the rain and wind chill )as I used to do when mountain biking?.Or if the throttle survey is correct try pedalling ??.
Personal differences and circumstances! For much of my earlier life I could dress very lightly all year round and rode fast motorbikes in shortsleeves. Now at 75 the slightest cold makes my fingers and toes go dead, Raynauds syndrome to blame.
Raynaud's syndrome/disease is very widespread in all age groups and sufferers lose circulation in the extremities at quite moderate temperatures, often well above freezing. Carrier bags, thick socks etc are little help with this condition which seriously limits cold weather outdoor endurance.
I do apologise if the person has a medical problem as I didn't know but it is still a good idea to put carrier bags on as this will do the same job? and if the worst happens he would be in deep poo poo if he injured someone??? As for the age thing I'm 61 on Sunday so no spring chicken!! As I said before didn't mean to offend but why go to these lengths when over shoes or bags would suffice and as a motorcycle rider I know that the wind would blow around anything you could put on a bike?.
No apology needed Steve, I didn't take the slightest offence.
I know how easy it is to post one's experience and be unaware of all the possible circumstances.
As you say, any protective steps help, but most I've found last for very little time before the cold bites. The most effective thing I've found for feet is to pre-warm the shoes in the oven! This way the feet start off very warm and protected from the cold for quite a long time as the shoes lose temperature, extending rides considerably.
I know how easy it is to post one's experience and be unaware of all the possible circumstances.
As you say, any protective steps help, but most I've found last for very little time before the cold bites. The most effective thing I've found for feet is to pre-warm the shoes in the oven! This way the feet start off very warm and protected from the cold for quite a long time as the shoes lose temperature, extending rides considerably.
Lucky
After all this I consider myself lucky!! as I don't take any notice of the heat or the cold although the tips of my fingers were very cold these last few days even with £55 gortex motorcycle gloves.
After all this I consider myself lucky!! as I don't take any notice of the heat or the cold although the tips of my fingers were very cold these last few days even with £55 gortex motorcycle gloves.
I've got a similar neighbour who's fortunate in that he never feels any cold, works outside on car etc in current below freezing weather wearing no extra clothing. He also rides his Suzuki GSX-R with the same riding gear summer and winter as if the weather never changes.
Kitchenman . You said you were interested to find just how much wind you are fighting [the "airspeed " of your bike .] What you need is a ventimeter [google it] mounted on your handlebars . Small simple and cheap .
Here are lots of ideas. Take your pick.
Personally I like the shark.
recumbent trike fairing - Google Search
Steve
Personally I like the shark.
recumbent trike fairing - Google Search
Steve
Haven't gone all aerodynamic yet! >.. A slightly better solution to the Egg Box. This time using some neoprene and plastic binders:
They have gone ice skating mad here and i noticed one of the profs dropped back to put some sort of cover over his toes
looked like stretch neoprene maybe,just got my first pair of sealskinz socks today combine with a merino wool liner
that better work at 50 euro a pop.
looked like stretch neoprene maybe,just got my first pair of sealskinz socks today combine with a merino wool liner
that better work at 50 euro a pop.
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