Dr Bike at Walwayne Court Primary School, Trowbridge

A couple of weeks ago we put our Dr Bike hats on to go to Walwayne Court Primary School in Trowbridge.  Dr Bike is organized by Sustrans and paid for by the NHS and allows the kids to bring their bikes in for a safety check.  We try to fix every bike that comes our way and out of the 44 bikes done there was only one that we could not fix.

Bikes waiting to be done

The day started with bright sun but ended in rain.  We had audiences at break time all trying to solve the mystery of who was Dr bike? We each had a school meal which brought back vivid memories.  Nick has seconds!

Edgar, Nick and myself working 

Thank you letters 

I few days ago we received a letter containing a batch of thank you letters from the school. They are clearly very keen on cycling as it was one of the best turnouts we have had on Dr Bike days.
Our next Dr Bike is at Wiltshire College in Chippenham on the 12th February

Two Bikes on Ebay

The Raleigh Misty has been around for a while and needs to find a new home.  Its a 19" fame and has 6 gears.  see http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=181310718806

The likewise for the Apollo Pulse 16" frame girls mountain bike which can be seen here

A Tail of 2 Carradice Saddle Bags

About 6 years ago my partner and I got a Carradice Saddlebag each, she got the Nelson Long flap and I got the Super C.   Although I use mine every day and I have carried very heavy items in it, the Nelson Long flap has proved much better because its a better design.  The Nelson seems to ware better, is more versatile   and is not a prone to splitting apart at the seams.

The Carradice Nelson on the Left and the Super C on the right

The Super C seams fail

The Super C lacks the reinforcements around the sides resulting in the wooden dowel poking its way out of the bag which can be seen in the picture opposite.  This has happened on both sides.  I originally got the Super C because of the D rings and the modern fittings as opposed to the buckle arrangements on the Nelson.  The Nelson also seems to be more weatherproof possibly due to the extra flap but its actually a much better design. 

The Neson seams are reinforced

The Nelson has extra leather studded reinforcements on both sides preventing the wooden dowel from ripping the fabric.  Also the seams are double stitched making for a better finish and stronger bag.   The Nelson did benefit from a Bagman support however this caused the bag to sag around the support.  The problem was solved by inserting a Corrugated plastic sheet in the bottom that provides the rigidity the bag needs

The Nelson long flap is a far better product and I would go for that one every time.