Monthly Archives: April 2013

New Robinson

My Brompton, Tweaks 30/04/2013 Leave a comment

New_Robinson

Robinson has some new bits (again). New M handlebars, Ergon GP2 handgrips & a handlebar brace have gone on, replacing the P handlebars originally fitted. So, Robinson is now my “2013” M6R, being upgraded from a “2012” P6R (which started life as a 2008 P3R).

With Ralph being my usual Brompton (an S11L running an Alfine 11speed transmission) the upgrade for Robinson came about once my wife started getting used to Robinson in preparation for our trip to the UK (& BWC appearance). “Flex” in the bars & “uncomfortable hands” were the feedback & so it was time to act (especially before my wife go too attached to Ralph?).

The P stem was retained & everything seems fine with the folding but I’ll need to keep an eye on it, in case I’ve missed some potential issue? I’ve also reversed the saddle Pentaclip to ease the stretch to the bars. Riding the new Robinson seems really good (but I do prefer Ralph) & the Ergon GP2 hand grips (on both Bromptons) are very comfortable. Bring on the BWC.

Keen testing

Bits 27/04/2013 1 Comment

I’ve made good use of my Keen Commuter II cycling sandals since they arrived last Christmas. I fitted them with MKS cleats & I’m very happy with them for cycling. What I wasn’t sure about is how they’d go for their “other uses”? That is, bush walking & beach wear (after all, when I’m traveling – especially in our VW T5 Campervan – I want to minimise the variety of footwear I carry).

Early on they got a workout for bush walking & they passed the test very well. The toecap & stiff sole both give good protection & support for rough surfaces. I can now report on their use as beach sandals & they didn’t pass so well. Sandals & soft sand are ok for me but the toecaps retain the sand too much. As for the water test, the upper material took far longer to dry than my usual Teva sandals (& what does that “waterproof” label on the Keen sandals really mean?)

Keen_testing