New to the forum with new bike

macp
macp Posts: 94
edited March 2008 in Commuting chat
I would like to say hello to all members on the forum and its nice to be here.Just bought yesterday my first (what I consider to be) serious bike.Its a Dawes 601 Discovery which I am really pleased with and amazed at how little it weighs again this is in my opinion.Not ridden it in anger yet but the schwalbe stelvio tyres look amazing.The bike has toe clips and I was wondering if somebody could show me how to thread the nylon straps.Sorry its such a lame question and thanks for reading this.

Comments

  • JST
    JST Posts: 158
    Hi Mac,

    Welcome to the forum - although I am fairly new myself! I thought I would reply as I also have a Dawes Discovery although a bit older than yours, I think it is a 2003 or 2004 701. Here is a pic...

    IMG_7665.jpg

    I have really enjoyed it but have recently bought a proper road bike, however I will continue to use the Dawes for my commute.

    As for threading the straps I think they just go through the rear of the pedal cage and then though the loops at the top of the clips with the buckles to the outside. Didn't the bike shop set it all up for you? I changed mine for SPD clipless pedals which once your use to are much nicer to ride.

    James :)
  • macp
    macp Posts: 94
    Hi James
    Thanks for the reply and considering thats a 2003/2004 bike it looks mint how have you kept it that way ?

    I went back out and sorted the toeclips but many thanks for the advice.

    Had its first proper ride this morning and my god what a revelation compared to my old iron frame machine.Im so much faster and apart from almost being knocked off by a coppa :shock: I really enjoyed the ride. :D
  • JST
    JST Posts: 158
    macp wrote:
    it looks mint how have you kept it that way ?

    Erm well, the first couple of years I had it I don't think I rode it that much :oops: 10 months or so ago I moved jobs to one closer to home so then it started getting more use for commuting a few days a week, and from there weekend rides also...
  • MichaelW
    MichaelW Posts: 2,164
    Toe clip straps thread into the pedal from the outside edge.
    Apply one whole twist to the strap then thread through the inside edge.
    There are usually 2 sets of slots for the straps along each side of the pedal: use the ones on the rear of the pedal to match up with the toe clips.
    Dont cinch the straps too tight, this can be dangerous and was only ever done by competitin race riders, not tourists or leisure riders.
    Match the grippiness of your shoe soles to your pedals so you have enough grip to stay in the pedals but not too much to prevent removal. Knobbly or slick soles dont work well.
  • BentMikey
    BentMikey Posts: 4,895
    Nice bike MACP, welcome to the forums!

    I would recommend getting and reading Cyclecraft by John Franklin, and also some SPD-type pedals and shoes, they will make a big difference to your riding.
  • macp
    macp Posts: 94
    Thanks Mikey :)
    I will keep a look out for this im guessing some of the principles will be similar in ways to my IAM motorcycle training.
  • BentMikey
    BentMikey Posts: 4,895
    Yep, quite likely! It does surprise many people quite how far out into the road we often need to be for our own safety, even when that is in the path of other traffic.
  • Adamskii
    Adamskii Posts: 267
    Welcome Maqc. My partners recently bought a Dawes Giro 500, she loves it. I'm very jealous but I'll get my new bike soon... Hopefully.
    It's all good.

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