Two Year Bicycle Review

It's two years since I recommenced cycling after a 40 year gap.  This return to cycling occurred as a consequence of my feet giving me grief when walking.  Pre-diabetic was the medical diagnose.  I needed to lose weight and see a podiatrist for orthotics.  Around this time I'd started to become bored walking the same daily local routes.  I thought cycling would have less impact loading on my feet and extend my travelling allowing me to view more locations.

I didn't want to spend much on a bike and clothing.  Eventually I selected a Merida Crossway 20 from a local bicycle shop which happened to be discounted.  The clothing consisted of an $8 Hi-Viz work shirt.  After a couple of rides the shirt was followed by a pair of cycling shorts and riding gloves.  My helmet was the cheapest I could find.  After being hit in the face by a large bug (fortunately it missed my eye) I bought a pair of $7 tinted safety glasses from the local hardware store.  On my feet I wear trainers and cotton socks.

The bike had front and rear derailleurs which provided 24 gears.   

It didn't take me long to realise a budget bike consists of budget components.  There was nothing particularly wrong with the bike, but I did struggle with two things.  The handlebars we so low I was always bent over.  My bad back made that clearly known.  The second issue was the derailleurs.  They always seemed to be moving out of alignment.

Knowing nothing about modern bike construction I initially attempted to raise the handlebars by loosening the top bolt and lifting them.  Modern bike aren't built that way!  My solution was to buy a stem extension from Aliexpress.  The longest one I could find!

This took the strain off my back as I could now ride in a more upright position.

After some research I decided to replace the derailleurs with an internally geared hub (IGH).  I narrowed my choice to either a Rohloff or Shimano Alfine.  The Rohloff is the better hub, but it's very expensive.  The Alfine was a third of the price.  Having decided on the Alfine I wasn't prepared to pay the Australian price, eventually managing to purchase one from Germany. 

I took it to a specialist wheel maker in Perth and had him fit it.

The removal of the derailleurs meant the chain no longer needs to flex horizontally.  The cog on the Alfine is in a straight line with the main ring gear.  This became important.

I wanted to keep riding the bike whilst the Alfine hub was being fitted so I asked the wheel maker to fit it to a new rim and spokes.  This proved to be another fortuitous decision as he suggested a stronger rim and spokes for the heavier Alfine Hub.  The subsequently meant I could tow a trailer or carry pannier bags 

The original tyres and tubes proved to be very thin and I quickly started to incur punctures from tiny thorns scattered around the local area.  That resulted in two more decisions.  The need for a puncture repair and toolkit carried in a small bag under the seat.

And a bike pump.  This is my third pump.  The previous two from Aliexpress fell apart.

I also replaced the original tyres and tubes.  No punctures since.

My cycling was taking me further afield and whilst my brain was enjoying the variety in scenery whilst my body was objecting to the more strenuous parts of the ride.

I started researching e-bikes and quickly realised purchasing a proprietary e-bike had two major disadvantages.  The first was cost.  They are very expensive!  The second was you become locked into the manufacturers "system".  Particularly the battery.  Each manufacturer appears to have their own battery shape.  I didn't want to buy an expensive e-bike only to discover in 5-7 years they no longer stock that battery.

My plan was to convert the Merida to an e-bike by fitting an electric motor and I opted for the most common street legal version.  A Bafang 36V 250W BBS01.  I waited for the Chinese 11-11 sales where I was able to buy the Bafang kit at a very discounted price 

I also bought the largest 36V battery could find at that time.  A 19.2Ah. I

The Bafang kit came with cranks, a main gear ring, speed sensor, LCD Display, throttle control, brake sensors and gear sensor.  The seller included a front headlight powered by the battery as a "gift".

I modified the existing brake levers to accept the Bafang brake sensors and started riding my e-bike.  Hills were no longer a major obstacle.  My fitness also improved as a gradually weaned myself off battery power.

My cycling range started to increase which made me think about improving the efficiency of the bike.  Removing the derailleurs and fitting the Alfine IGH allowed a straight chain whilst the Bafang provided more power.  I replaced the original chain with a stronger single speed chain (which didn't need to flex).  I also replaced the Bafang chain ring with a blue alloy version from Aliexpress.

I suspect the chain ring is a counterfeit version of the NZ Lekkie Ring.  The teeth on the ring are alternately thick and thin to match the wide and narrow gaps in the chain links

I also replaced the original Bafang plastic gear cover with a red alloy Lekkie plate.

At this point I had become sufficiently confident with the bike and my own physical condition to take it on a cycling trip around Taiwan towing a trailer.

The trip went well although my posterior did suffered on a daily basis from the saddle. 

On my return to Perth I purchased an expensive "Brooks" UK leather saddle believing the marketing hype "After a few weeks the saddle will conform to your shape and you will feel like you a riding in a hammock"    Numerous applications of leather softener and six months later the saddle is now better than the original.  Although I still get a sore posterior  

My first Aliexpress handlebar bag started breaking apart at the seams during my Taiwan trip.  Probably because I attempted to place too many heavy items into it.

I've now replaced it with a larger bag which is insulated

I use it to carry my wallet, power banks and snacks.

Two Aliexpress water bottle holders have been mounted to the frame top bar.  I've attempted to locate them on various parts of the bike eventually settling on the top bar.

At some stage during my cycling I buckled the front wheel.  The local wheel maker assembled a new one using the same strong rim and spokes as the rear wheel.

During my second trip to Taiwan the Bafang brake sensors I had fitted to the original brake levers started to separate.   On my return to Perth the entire brake lever assembly was replaced with a new assembly which had the sensors integrated.

I also damaged the power controller when my cycling glove caught the edge of one of the buttons breaking it.  The power controller is part of the display mechanism which meant I needed a new display. The one I selected has recessed buttons on the power controller and a coloured display

Power Controller, manual throttle controller and bell.

During my first Taiwan trip the phone holder broke.  I made a temporary repair using a condom (found beside the bed in the motel - I didn't take one with me!).  I replaced the holder with something more substantial.

Another thing that broke on my first trip to Taiwan was a cheap bike stand.  It was replaced with a much stronger version.  Although it had to be modified to fit the bike

The two latest modifications are the replacement of the Bafang cranks and the original plastic pedals.

I'm rather pleased with the current status of the bike.  I can ride up to 80km and still have 60% charge in the battery.  I'm almost amused when I look at the bike and realise the only original components on it are the frame, brake callipers and seat stem. 

Are there any planned future modifications or alterations to the bike?  Probably not!  Although I am wondering if I will need a front rake and panniers if I decide to take a long trip involving camping.  I should do a test pack to see if all the gear will fit on the rear.

Dave,

Thanks for the tip.  I'll do some research on availability in the UK.

Ade,

I suspect you will have identified there are plenty of e-bike options.   My opinion is the high price of manufactured e-bikes is being driven by the 'economies of scale'.   That is; too many manufacturers for a small market.  Aftermarket e-bike conversions are cheaper because the same motor fits many bikes.

Trip Planning

My thoughts have turned to planning another overseas cycling trip.  But where?  The USA and Canada have been excluded on the basis of long distances and many kilometres of the same scenery.  SE Asia would be cheap, but hot and humid.  I traced a cycling route along the east coast of Japan before deciding the most promising destination was Europe.

My reasons for this are:

1. Excellent cycling paths
2. Diverse scenery
3. Numerous accommodation options
4. The ebike battery could be delivered to our son in Manchester.

There are many cycle paths (EuroVelos) to choose from and after tracing most of them on a map my preferred route is EuroVelo 5 from the UK to Switzerland returning via EuroVelo 15 through Germany and the Netherlands.  A rough estimated distance of 3500km. 

Rather than incurring the expense of a hotel or B&B every night I'll do some camping.  I took a tent, air mattress and sleeping bag on my first cycling trip in Taiwan. I can do that again. 

One of my major concerns is how and where I might recharge the ebike battery.  I can possibly use a power point in a restaurant or café for an hour when eating.  Hotels and B&B's won't be an issue.  Camping grounds will likely have a kitchen with a power socket.  Then I realised camping grounds might have caravan and motorhome power sockets. 

More research indicated; unlike Australia; Europe uses CEE connectors.  I would need to make an adapter.  I have a CEE Form male 16A plug which we used on NB Waiouru.  It wasn't too hard to make an adapter.

You might be wondering why I'm fitting an AS/NZ 3 pin female plug on the other end!

I'm going to take the international multi-way adapter with me.  I can use it without the CEE cable in hotels, cafes restaurants, etc.  Moreover I need the multi adapter as it has two inbuilt usb charging ports which I use to recharge my power banks, cameras, tablet, etc

     

I don't want to take the bike trailer.  Primarily because it weighs 8kg and that's a large portion of my airline checked luggage allowance.  Some research into carrying all the gear in the bike is required. 

Spare…..

No…….. Not Harry!

My good friend Ken sold his Isuzu 4WD.  When I visited him earlier in the week he offered me a rim & tyre surplus to the sale.  Never one to look a gift horse in the mouth, I readily accepted.

The rim and tyre have been residing in a dusty corner of his shed, so the first thing I did was to give it a wash.  The tyre is new, but the rim had some rust.  A wire brush and sandpaper removed the surface rust.  It was then masked for painting.

I'm painting it gloss silver to match the other rims.

My masking wasn't perfect as there were a couple of overspray spots.  this doesn't matter as it will be the camper trailer spare which has a vinyl cover.

All my other rims and tyres are 265/75R16.  This is a 255/70/R16 which means it is 33mm smaller in diameter.  That won't make much difference on the trailer.  And it is the spare wheel!

Two Small Tasks

The rubber mounting strap which connects the rear light on the bike to the seat post has perished and snapped.  The light still works so I made a small mounting bracket from a piece of scrap aluminium plate.

I really don't like throwing things away that either, still work or may be useful one day.

Meanwhile, Jan had noticed some vegetable garden insect screen boxes on the internet.  The smallest size was $100 and she asked if I could make one saving her the $100+.

I had a spare length of 20mm pvc pipe and made some corner brackets from scrap timber.  The netting was $29 from the hardware.

If there is a request to make three for the remaining veggie boxes I'll think of a better design.

More on the Open Live Writer (OLW) photo saga.

Several years ago Google made a 'security' change to their API which resulted in OLW photos no longer appearing in Blogger.  Eventually a solution was found which required OLW users to create a folder in Google Drive.

This latest issue appears to be as a result of Google making a change to the hyperlink address format for data.  There doesn't appear to be any issue with this  when transferring or linking data between Google programs (Drive, Photos, Blogger, etc).   I think the issue is that the OLW photos are transferred from OLW into Google Drive with the old address format.  As a result Google Drive won't transfer and display the data in Blogger.  

The 'work around' HTML/JavaScript restructures the address of the OLW photos to the new format.  This is done by Blogger when it attempts to receive them from Drive.   However there can be a slight delay during this process resulting in the photos no immediately being displayed.

I'd like to think Google will accept there is an "issue" with 3rd party data address formats and make further changes to allow the 3rd party data to be accepted.  But I'm not optimistic!

Grapes

The main reason for this post is to test if the HTML/JavaScript I've added to the Blogger Template is renaming the photos used in Open Live Writer.

Summer is well upon us which means both hot days and the arrival of table grapes.  Jan occasionally drinks the juice from the grapes but I found several years ago that wine adversely affects my heart.  It wasn't a major loss.

We like to buy fresh grapes and headed to the "Grape Place" in the nearby Swan Valley.

Parking under the vines provides some shade.

Jan went in an ordered a kilogram of all their different varieties.  We walked out 10 minutes later $32 lighter but with two large bags of fresh and tasty grapes.

This next image was provided by an Aussie friend for our Kiwi readers.  Australians have this thing about Kiwis and sheep.

Open Live Writer

Further to my previous post.  Below is an enhancement to the HTML/JavaScript which removed the blurry image problem.

It works for me!

 

`<script type="text/javascript">
// Get all the img elements
var imgs = document.getElementsByTagName('img');

// Define constants
const srcA = 'drive.google.com/uc?id=';
const srcB = 'drive.usercontent.google.com/download?id=';
const srcBRemove = '&authuser=0';

const targ = 'lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/';

function reWriteIMG() {
// Loop through the img elements and replace the links accordingly
for (var I = 0; I < imgs.length; I++) {
if (imgs[I].src.indexOf(srcA) > -1) {
// Replace the link format for srcA
imgs[I].src = 'https://' + targ + imgs[I].src.split(srcA)[1];
} else if (imgs[I].src.indexOf(srcB) > -1) {
// Replace the link format for srcB
var tmp = imgs[I].src.replace(srcBRemove, '');
imgs[I].src = 'https://' + targ + tmp.split(srcB)[1];
}
}
}

// Call the function immediately during page load
window.onload = reWriteIMG;
< /script>`

Open Live Writer 'Work Around"!

I now have the photos from Open Live Writer appearing in Blogger.  It wasn't my solution and the photos look slightly blurry.  But they now appear!

For those who use Open Live Writer this is how I did it

Step 1.   Login to Blogger

Step 2.  Go to the Layout option

Step 3.   In the main template screen click on + Add Gadget

Step 4.  From the drop down box select the HTML/JavaScript option

Step 5.  In the popup window give it a Title name.

Step 6.  In a new browser window or Tab go to the following link to obtain the required JavaScript

Step 7.  Copy the JavaScript and then paste it into the Blogger field 'Content'

Step 8.  Click save.

Step 9.  In the bottom left of the Blogger Template screen click the 'View Blog' option

Step 10.  Your blog should appear and after about 5 seconds all the photos that were missing should appear.

Credit to Robin Benton of Romany Rambler who pointed me in the right direction and Thy_Gizmo who wrote the JavaScript.

Google Again!

Looks like Google has done it again!  The photos inserted into Open Live Writer (OLW) in the last blog post didn't transfer to Blogger.  The text worked but not the photos.  All the photos back to 6 July 2019 are no longer displayed.

I have identified the problem is at the Google end because I was able to add the missing photos in the last post directly into Blogger.  My guess is Google has made some type of system change which is preventing photos from OLW being transferred.

Whilst I look for a solution I will continue to write the posts using OLW and subsequently add and photos directly into Blogger.

Another Issue

Jan's media streaming box has been overheating leading to it turning off.  It's an NVidia Shield TV which received video data over our LAN from our media server and then displays the video on the TV.

I realised the issue was it never gets turned off.  That needs to be more clearly defined!  Both the TV and NVidia Shield get turned off using the TV remote control.  However they actually get placed into hibernation waiting to be turned on by the remote. Therefore there is always 240V going to the device. 

If the electricity is to be fully turned off then the power needs to be switched off at the socket.  The problem is there is no switch on the socket.  Consequentially the power cable has to be unplugged from the socket.  That's fiddly and Jan doesn't like doing it.

The solution has been to modify the power socket so it can be turned off remotely.

I ordered a remote control from Aliexpress which consisted of a wirelessly controlled relay with two battery powered remote buttons and some instructions written in Chinlish.  

The instructions didn't make much sense but it wasn't too hard to work out how to install and operate the system.

 A test setup was used to confirm the system was working as required.  Then it was installed in a concealed location behind the display cabinet. 

Jan can now turn both the TV and NVidia Shield off using the remote button thus ensuring there is no electricity to the devices unless she wants to use them.   Total cost $15.50 

Huff and Puff

My thoughts have turned to another overseas cycling holiday sometime this year.  No actual destination at this time.  Although it won't be South-East Asia where accommodation is plentiful and cheap.   Therefore I will need to take camping equipment. 

The actual equipment won't be an issue as I already have a small tent, air mattress, lightweight sleeping bag and a gas stove.  Yesterday I decided to check the equipment; particularly the air mattress.  My body is getting old and struggles to sleep on hard ground and a good mattress will be essential.  The mattress didn't appear to have a leak and it was comfortable to lie on.  However I will need a pillow of some type.  Perhaps I can roll up some clothing? 

What I did slightly struggle with was inflating the mattress.  Obviously my lungs aren't what they used to be!  Looking for a solution I realised I could probably use the bike pump.  The mattress inlet hole has a diameter of 20mm which is far greater than the pump hose connector.

An adaptor would be required.  It's probable one can be purchased, but making the adaptor would be more interesting and cheaper.

Searching behind the workshop I found a length of 23mm diameter pvc water pipe.  After cutting 35mm off the end I needed a way to reduce the external diameter of the pipe down to 20mm.  In the end I used a steel socket on a extension rod inside the pipe.  The socket was a slightly smaller diameter than the pipe so I wrapped some duct tape around the socket to make it a snug fit.

The rod was then fitted into the bench drill press to make a vertical lathe.  The pvc pipe was then reduced to 20mm using sandpaper.

Scouring through the jars of "stuff that might be useful one day" I found a valve nozzle that fitted on the end of the bike pump hose.

After drilling a 6mm diameter hole in a piece of wood I was able to insert the nozzle vertically into the wood by 5mm.  I taped over the timber around the tip of the nozzle along the other opposite end before placing the pvc offcut over it.

Next I mixed some car body filler and filled the void between the nozzle and the pipe

I now had my homemade adaptor

A quick test to confirm it works!

How Hot?

The other side of this continent might be experiencing flooding rain.  However on this side it's extreme heat and bush fires!

This morning I erred in my judgement and decided to clean the swimming pool thermal blanket.

After rolling it up the blanket was moved and laying it out on the back lawn where I spent thirty minutes washing off all the accumulated dirt and leaves.

Upon rolling it up afterwards I discovered the lawn had been burnt. 

This probably gives an indication of how efficient the blanket is in trapping the heat from the sun and transferring it into the water.  Maybe I should have more sympathy for Jan who is complaining the pool is too hot for a swim.

That had me thinking "If it's that hot in her pool what is the condition of my ebike battery charger?"

You may recall I made a shelf for the charger under the roof of the porch.  Upon checking, it was immediately apparent the charger would likely be damaged by the extreme heat which was being magnified by the polycarbonate roof sheets above.

A small offcut of plasterboard and plywood was used to make a protective cover between the polycarbonate and the shelf.

Hopefully it will be enough of a thermal barrier to prevent the charger melting.

That done, it was a matter of racing back inside to the air-conditioning.

Success and another small project

Upon checking the mailbox this morning I discover a small package from China had been delivered.  No sign of the postie, which means it was probably a courier delivery.  Inside I found the four 'T wingnuts' I'd ordered on 9 Dec.

Two different lengths,

They had been ordered from Aliexpress after I had identified a restriction with the bike selfie stick mount.  The mounting bolts have a Hex (Allen) key head.

This meant every time the selfie stick angle needed to be adjusted or the stick removed, required an Allen Key.  Just one more thing to carry on the bike!

This could be avoided if I used 'T wingnut Bolts'

It appears to work.  However I do need to go for a test ride.

Whilst cleaning the interior of the 4WD I came upon a small 12V hazard light wrapped in an old cloth and tucked away in a corner.

The 12V power cord winds into the yellow body of the light.  It has a flashing red light on one side and a standard white light on the other.  I remember purchasing it in Singapore when we were living there in the early 80's.  At the time I thought it might be useful should our vehicle ever breakdown.  Seven cars later and its never been used.  

A quick test revealed it didn't work.  One bulb had blown and the hazard light switch had seized.  Carefully dismantling it I discovered it was the negative wire that was switched.  Some WD40 fixed the switch and the red hazard light now flashes. 

Forty years ago bulbs weren't very bright.  I've ordered two replacement LED bulbs.  Hopefully a functioning light will mean no breakdowns for the next forty years.

I have a Suspicion & The Air had gone to the Top!

It has been weeks; in one case months; since we ordered several undelivered purchases from Aliexpress.  The oldest is the LED bulb for the Torch project.  It was ordered in late October with Aliexpress reporting tracking ceased on 15 November when it was delivered to the "destination country's carrier" (Australia Post).

I've now reviewed all the long term undelivered purchases and confirmed Aliexpress tracking shows them as being received by Australia Post.  Our other Aliexpress purchases sent to local commercial courier services, notably Fast Horse; have been delivered promptly!

Why has Australia Post not delivered the packages?

I suspect a combination of two factors.

Firstly; it's Christmas and the Australian postal system is experiencing delays with the 'peak' volume of deliveries.  Secondly; China has declared itself a "developing country".  This means under international postal agreement mail originating from China travels at a very low cost.  Australia Post may either make little profit or even a loss, delivering these packages. 

My suspicion is Australia Post is prioritizing the delivery of mail ensuring the more profitable packages get delivered during the festive season.  If I am correct we will probably receive a flood of Australia Post deliveries in the middle of January.

Air at the Top

Ten days ago I went into our garage to find all the air in the front driver side tyre had gone to the top!  Suspecting the tyre had a puncture I replaced it with the spare, intending to take the original to the nearest tyre centre for repair.

The following morning I again discovered all the air at the top of the tyre.  Logically the problem wasn't with the tyre.  Instead it had to be the Tyre Pressure Management System (TPMS) sensor.  There is a sensor screwed onto the end of the valve stem on each tyre.  They contain a battery and wirelessly link to a display on the dash which shows each tyre's pressure and temperature.

When I unscrewed the affected sensor I discovered the small rubber washer which seals the sensor to the valve stem had been torn.  I managed to remove it using a pin.  The original TPMS system (display and 4 sensors) only cost $27 but I was loathed to give up on the old unit.  After searching eBay I found a source for replacement washers.  The cost of postage was five times the value of one washer so I ordered four.  This had no effect on the cost of the postage.

Today they were delivered

This is the affected sensor

On the valve stem side you can see I've removed the damaged washer

Using the tip of a ballpoint pen I pressed one of my new washers into the sensor.

The new washer is twice the thickness of the original.  I was slightly concerned that the sensor would fit back onto the valve stem and create an air tight seal.

I had to screw it down quite hard to achieve the seal.  I'll now be interested to see if the air in the tyre remains at the bottom.