I'm currently in the process of changing the gearing on my Mercian Cycle (vintage 1979) so that this owd git can climb these very steep mountains in his old age and keep up with daughter and her mum. Advancing years means I can no longer push the high gearing that I specified back in '79 when I was a much younger chap.

The kit I have is a bit rare now and no longer in production, but, there is a cycle shop in Harrogate (Spa Cycles) that does have some stock left.

I contacted them a few weeks ago and bought some items but they steadfastly refused to post them to Switzerland, so I had them posted to Derbyshire and from there to here. But the P&P I paid to Spa Cycles for the Royal Mail to Derbyshire was shocking given the very small size and feather weight of the part, and, the packaging they used. Then of course I paid family postage again from Derbyshire to here (they repacked them as the Spa pack only just survived the short journey down to Derbyshire.)

This morning however I have identified that I need two other parts that only Spa have, so I'm seeking a good samaritan that will pop into Spa Cycles and get the parts - pack'em and post'em direct to me here in CH as without them I'm bikeless and not giving the ladies a run for their money up these mountain passes. And that is embarrassing to say the least.

All expenses will be fully and promptly met. Can anyone help?

how big are the parts? for postage logistics etc

I could head that way as its only 30mins each way, but i don't have a free weekend till the 25th June and don't get out that way through the week Former Mod/Member, with the most post & Chicken George Arch nemesis

npinks wrote:

how big are the parts? for postage logistics etc

I could head that way as its only 30mins each way, but i don't have a free weekend till the 25th June and don't get out that way through the week

Does the map help at all? http://www.freel2.com/forum/atlas.php?mode=viewmap

I have spent enough on shooting recently  Former Mod/Member, with the most post & Chicken George Arch nemesis

npinks wrote:

how big are the parts? for postage logistics etc

I could head that way as its only 30mins each way, but i don't have a free weekend till the 25th June and don't get out that way through the week

Have you ordered them? Or would the person going there just need to call in, pay and collect?

I really have no clue on bike parts, so would not want to order the wrong parts by mistake

Looking at their website there open Mon-Sat 9am till 5:30pm Former Mod/Member, with the most post & Chicken George Arch nemesis

If you could source them from Evan Cycles I'm surrounded by their shops here in London

e.g.

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/ta/cha...in%20rings

mjn51 wrote:

If you could source them from Evan Cycles I'm surrounded by their shops here in London

e.g.

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/ta/cha...in%20rings

mjn51
Folks like Evans only stock the current TA modern chain rings - back in the 60' n 70's Spécialités TA produced a world class Cyclotouriste set. The main differences to today's equipment is that the Cyclotouriste is based on an 80mm BCD and have 6 arms, plus the outer ring is attached to the crank by 5 bolts.

But I am grateful for the heads-up - you may have found a source that I was unaware off and for that I'd have been thankful.

Mrs G is popping to halfords 200m from spa cycles this week. for a new towbar for my bike so I can tow the nipper in his holiday trailer At work
At home

"I can't always believe facts I read on the web" - Charles Dickens

winner by default of the tractor vs caravan race

npinks wrote:

Have you ordered them? Or would the person going there just need to call in, pay and collect?

I really have no clue on bike parts, so would not want to order the wrong parts by mistake

Looking at their website there open Mon-Sat 9am till 5:30pm

Mr Pinks
The person collecting would only have to do just that - collect.
I would pay the Spa Cycles direct (the parts are GB£50) and tell them the name of the collecting party. Whomsoever does this kind task will have to let me know when they intend to go so that I can 'phone Spa and tell them when they are being collected and by whom. I would reimburse the collector direct for their expenses.

chicken george wrote:

Mrs G is popping to halfords 200m from spa cycles this week. for a new towbar for my bike so I can tow the nipper in his holiday trailer

Is that an offer to get'em CG? If so I'd be a very happy chap and can get the job underway. Please advise.

she says yes tomorrow morning 11 ish At work
At home

"I can't always believe facts I read on the web" - Charles Dickens

winner by default of the tractor vs caravan race

chicken george wrote:

she says yes tomorrow morning 11 ish

Super - give her a hug from me
I will send you a PM later this evening (must cook dinner for the ladies now) with full details.
I'll telephone Spa in the morning and pay for them - then I'll PM you to confirm that's been done.

PM later - and many thanks.

Amazing if this all works.....I had thought of volunteering my son who lives in Harrogate but NP and the farmer beat me to it, well done! JT Upgraded to an ex demo, 7 mth old, Rimini Red/Ebony Napoli Auto HSE on 28th Jan 2011, added roof rails, mudflaps and side strips.
Gone - A great 57 Plate, Auto SE, Bought Feb 2009, Roof Rails and Mudflaps added on purchase. Blue colour, anything but drug dealer black.....