My new bike

[Artstu]

I was just drooling over the photos again. I think the front wheel quick release would look better swapped over to the other side if it's possible.

 

[RobF]

I was just drooling over the photos again. I think the front wheel quick release would look better swapped over to the other side if it's possible.

I read something about that a while ago.

If I recall correctly, with a disc brake the quick release lever is supposed to be on the opposite side to the disc.

Can't remember why.

 

[Artstu]

Probably in case it somehow gets caught in the disc, although I don't think that's possible.

Is that a 17" frame? if so how tall are you if you don't mind me asking? and how are getting on with the cut-off point? does it keep you below 16 mph or is it easy to pedal above that speed without you feeling like the effort required has just increased by a factor of about five.

Thanks

 

[RobF]

Yes, it's 17" frame, but the bike sits fairly high because of the large wheels and tyres.

I'm just under 6ft with an inside leg of 29" - step over clearance is only just adequate, so a 19" would be much too big for me.

One of the good things about the Bosch system is the power cuts in and out smoothly, so you barely notice when it goes at about 16mph.

No drag from the motor, so it's possible to pedal above the cut out speed.

I can do 20mph on the flat, a fitter, lighter rider would be able to go faster.

The Alfine hub is known for it's high gearing, so if you had the strength to spin the higher gears you would be really flying.

 

[103Alex1]

The Magura discs need a firmer pull than I thought they might, but there could still be some bedding in of the pads to be done.

Most likely - Doing a series of firm controlled stops from 15mph to standstill (not being light on the brakes) will help set the pads and also prevent squeal developing.

There's a knack to changing gear on the Alfine hub which I'm still perfecting.

For smooth changes on the move it seems best to interrupt pedalling, and I think it takes an extra fraction of a second for the motor to stop.

That's interesting. It's exactly what I do, RobF - same with Impulse system so definitely down to technique with the hub gears by the sounds of it rather than the system.

I just think of it like driving a car - when you stop pedaling for a fraction it's like depressing the clutch before changing gear. You keep full control of the gear change timings, just as on a manual car. Those who prefer to drive automatics probably wind up steered towards CVT. I prefer a manual .

I was just drooling over the photos again. I think the front wheel quick release would look better swapped over to the other side if it's possible.

... or swap out for one of these :

Pitlock 1 Piece Skewer Set

I can do 20mph on the flat, a fitter, lighter rider would be able to go faster.

The Alfine hub is known for it's high gearing, so if you had the strength to spin the higher gears you would be really flying.

I think it's very much down to leg strength as much as weight, Rob. The resistance in those top gears is considerable - but on a very slight downhill, you can use them to accelerate from 20mph very effectively.