What have you done with your bike/s today?

[Greybeard]

I have fitted H02 Mitas tyres to my sickle. I bought a 400x19 for the rear and a 300x19 for the front. Should have been a 325 on the front. I cocked up! It doesn't look much different though.

The back tyre looks great. It fits OK. Also, it blocks the unsightly gap between the guard and the rubber, that lower profile modern tyres create.

[Greybeard]

While standing on the end of my bike hoist to get the front wheel spindle to enter the threaded hole in the fork leg, one of my newly fitted castors collapsed! The hoist was down, but with castors fitted the platform is still 12" off the ground. Luckily the angle was not too steep. I was able to steady the machine and prop it with a stick while I got my trolley jack under the end of the hoist. I will now have to cut all the other blighters off! 

[RDfella]

You going off roading, Neil? Wouldn't fancy those tyres on tarmac, especially if wet.

[berger]

well if those on the bench are what you took off I would be a lot happier neil, I personally hate that type of front on the bench, but sort of got on with the rear death master on the old starfire

[Worty]

Wish I had the time and opportunity to do 900m in a week.  Usually only manage that in a Summer

[TomL]

It was for classic tt last year, 260 miles each way, the rest was a week of pootling round the island. Hope to go tt next year.

[RDfella]

That rear tyre on the bench is a combination pattern and is square enough to look like it came off a bike with sidecar.

[Worty]

I ditched the 'block' rear tyre for an AM26 - never regretted it and my undies have been a lot cleaner when hitting a patch of water.

[Greybeard]

That rear tyre on the bench is a combination pattern and is square enough to look like it came off a bike with sidecar.

Yup, that's one of the reasons for fitting new tyres. It's probably due to my riding style; I don't corner like a racer, (I grew up!). Both the Avons are well worn though.

[Greybeard]

The new 4" tyre on the back of my bike has a circumference 80mm larger than the previous Avon. My overall gearing will be a little longer-legged, which is a good thing as far as I'm concerned; I sometimes wish for a fifth gear for cruising.

[Greybeard]

This is from the Mitas website

[Greybeard]

Today I rode Emily, the A10, for the first time this year! One kick starting. I did about 40 miles around my area. The countryside here is just perfect at the moment. The bike purred like a kitten. Bliss!

The only thing I noticed that needs attention is clutch slip under hard acceleration when pulling away. There is free play on the cable action. The clutch is currently easy on my hand so I think I can afford to tighten the springs a bit. 

When I make slow-speed manoeuvres, the new front tyre mentioned above, makes the bike feel like the damper is screwed down a bit. I guess the blocky Mitas tyre is more grippy than the Avon Speedmaster. I will have to get used to it. 

[berger]

i have a long time of hate regarding death masters, many years ago I had the horrible front tyre syndrome of not feeling safe at all, the tt100 sorted that problem

[Greybeard]

It's great to see older guys turn to look as my bike goes past. Makes me feel proud!

[RDfella]

My A10, M21, B31 (hillclimb bike) and the new project (A10 frame) all have Avon Speedmaster on the front. Been using them for 50yrs and wouldn't use anything else. Excellent grip and handling. Most have Dunlop K70 on the rear, except the M21 (vee twin) which wore out the K70 in 3,000 miles so I'm trying a Roadrunner Universal on the back of that. Re the B31 (always Speedmaster / K70 shod) - often had class FTD and once 2nd FTD overall (all machines on the hill) so can't understand the negative comments re those tyres.