wannaride

As I've said before on here, I nod to anyone on two wheels -even if it is a chav on a scoot...I figure is better to show that there's a respect in the biking community, and that it is a community. I'm overtaking a bike on a carriageway or something I raise my hand a little bit as I pass, just to say 'hey, respect'. I love the biking community and the nods...I think it's awesome.

Cheers guys, have to say that I always trust experience of other riders over a salesman.....SOLD. I never did consider whether a laptop could get damaged due to vibration...guess with just a laptop in a backpack I wouldn't be uncomfortable...but my daily commute is over a hundred miles and I have noticed that-with the backpack- I do start losing concentration as I squirm around...also speed up a bit as I try to get home quicker. Anyway, thanks again...off to buy one before Monday.

Hey, As I've been commuting to Uni everyday, I've had to give up carrying my laptop, folders and books in my back pack (it was KILLING me!) and started to bungee the bag to the pillion seat. This worked well for a while, but a strap from the bag that I used to add stability snapped, then bungees just started snapping. After a swerve on a roundabout, I checked back to see my rucksack almost dragging on the road (MY LAPTOP!!!), being held on by only one determined bungee. ANYWAY.. ...really don't want to fit a big, hard luggage top box (it'll wreck the look of my VFR), and besides, I need to just pick it all off the bike and go. So, I thought a tail pack might be a good idea...but they all look so high, and I can't imagine that it wouldn't just topple off the bike as I'm leaning on carriageway bends and the like. With heavy books, laptop and stuff, would a tail pack hold on well enough? Cheers,

That is UGLY! ATGATT -I know you love this subject Techno! But hey, that's what I choose -of course, I reach 40mph -and about 30mph through trees- on my push bike wearing 3 qtr length trousers, a t-shirt and some (rather cool looking) sunglasses -and a smile. But still, for the motorbike, I'm AT cheap and affordable and hopefully worth it despite being on sale, end of line GATT.

Cheers guys, Well, turns out I'd forgotten some household DIY tasks that I've been assigned to, so now the kids are getting down to bed I have to get on with those....guess I'll do the bike tomorrow!! Hope the weather's still fine when I get down to it!

Hey everyone!! I'm hoping to spend a couple of Sunday evening hours with my beloved.....bike. Dan's chain cleaning guide is awesome and I'm going to give the bike a good spruce up, but I was going to use WD40 to clean the chain, then lube it up and let the scottoiler take over maintenance until the next cleaning sesh. BUT, I've read online today that WD40 is a no no because it has a bad effect on the lube afterwards. That true? I was planning on using WD to clean other parts of the bike though. That's no problem is it (just no moving parts)? If I can't use WD on the chain, what can I use that I may just have around the house?

Looking good!

Hello and welcome, someone is sure to know something and will pop along soon!

Cool, I'll keep all that in mind. Have looked at eBay and seen some back protectors, but none of them seem to go high up to the nect, so how would they protect that part? Anyway, I'll keep googling!!! I love it really!

well yeah, i'll top up if i can, but times aren't too friendly - just added another piglet to the household yesterday, so we are watching the pennies -but the real point is that safety is a big concern with a young family. Was going to get spine protector in august (for birthday) but my scared li'l momma has offered 50 bucks now. Think i can sqeeze about £20 out of somewhere (now that's a magic trick!), so yeah, might be able to afford a bit more! I have some good recommendations now, so I'll try to afford them (would rather spend money on a recommendation than a sales pitch!! Cheers everyone.

Hey everyone, My mum (bless er!) has insisted on buying me a back protector, with a budget of £50. There's a knox one that will fit into my jacket -for £16. It's just a plank I guess. Or there is the sort to go under my jacket, with neck and kidney protection also. I lean in favour of this and being as protected as possible, but the cheapest in my local shops is an oxford one for £69.99. Are there any that people can recommend with that sort of function, but a £50 sorta budget? Online is fine -just need to know what's good to buy for the budget. Thanks a lot!

I've had a bunch of people on a bandit forum say it could be the sprockets being worn, or a real slack chain. My mate said his chain is really slack.....so does anyone go along with that? Where is the cheapest place to buy the two sprockets and chain -and can two enthusiastic newbies get down, get greasy and pull off the job?

Thanks Dan, I suddenly realised it was probably in the wrong place, went looking for the post and it was gone...you work fast! Bummer...mechanics cost money!

Hiya, My mate was meant to meet up with me today for a ride, but he's had to tuck his Bandit up with a thermometer and a cup of honey and lemon. He has an N-reg Bandit, which is making a thudding noise whenever he rolls the throttle on to accelerate. It's coming from the left side and he feels the thudding in his foot through the gear lever. Guess it has something to do with his gearbox given the left foot feedback? From 'low on oil' to 'get a new bike', does anyone know what the problem may be?

I'm Mr Family man in my 2001 Ford Galaxy. It seems like two extremes when I can be seen putting my three (almost four) kiddies and wife in the car one minute and the next minute I'm dressed up in armour, on a blue, purring steed ready to cruise into the distance and caress the road with two wheels and silky smooth lines. Anyway, answer to the question: Ford Galaxy. Yippee doo.