C5ALIVE Forum

C5Alive General Category => C5 Chatroom => Topic started by: mike7201 on 17, September, 2009 - 22:06:48

Title: Hooray! I finally got one!
Post by: mike7201 on 17, September, 2009 - 22:06:48
Hooray!!!

I collected my first C5 this evening.  Wow - aren't they cool?

Went to visit a work colleague, and on the way I passed someone chatting on the pavement.  The guy looked as I passed, and he said 'my god, that's a bl.oody sinclair' - in amazement of course!

Wow!  Really gets attention doesn't it?
 
I managed to complete a circuit of several miles before I was down to the last segment of power when the C5 started beeping then cut out. 
 
Looks like it's doing what it should.
 
Now I've put it to bed, and will give it a loving clean and caring home.
 
Thanks again to Karl for facilitating a connection between myself and a seller.  Much appreciated.  I'll report my findings on the forum from now on.  Oh, one question...  How do I charge the battery?  I have one original C5 Charger, and another one in a box, but haven't a clue what to do!  The C5 charger I have has one block which has a connection with two pins on it.  Surely I don't just plonk that on the positive terminal?  Any ideas?
 
Cheers,
Mike
Title: Re: Hooray! I finally got one!
Post by: Retro Andy on 18, September, 2009 - 07:26:49
Excellent mate, its great getting positive and surprising comments when you're out and about on your C5, I'm guessing that you had a great big C5 smile on your face.

Retro Andy. 
Title: Re: Hooray! I finally got one!
Post by: mike7201 on 18, September, 2009 - 07:51:36
Do you know - I really did have a really big smile as I was driving it!  I felt as if I was an attraction of some kind!  A little odd I know, but everyone was looking and when I brought it home, one of the people who live in my street said 'blimey, I haven't seen one of those in a while!'

Still need to know how to charge it though.

Mike
Title: Re: Hooray! I finally got one!
Post by: radiomarty on 18, September, 2009 - 08:37:40
Hi Mike great to hear you have a C5 at last and you are enjoying it.

Battery question - do you have a sinclair battery running with the key system ?.If you do you will need to remove the key switch block from the battery cover and place the Sinclair charger in its place - however if you have a normal car battery you will be best removing it and charging with a normal car charger.
Title: Re: Hooray! I finally got one!
Post by: mike7201 on 18, September, 2009 - 09:08:54
Righto.  I have looked in the box of accessories that the seller gave me, and there is both a Sinclair charger and car battery charger.  I don't think it's a car battery though.  I don't want a car battery as I hear these will wreck it.  Is that true?

I have a grey battery which is translucent.  When I move it, I can see liquid floating around in different compartments.  It says it's 24amps 12volts.  Is this too much or just right?

If I charge it with the crocodile clip charger, how do I know when it's cooked?  I don't want any explosions!
Title: Re: Hooray! I finally got one!
Post by: radiomarty on 18, September, 2009 - 09:32:08
Doesn't sound like a Sinclair battery as they are not transparent - does the car battery charger have any form of indicator on it (meter dial etc) ? You can tell from this when they are fully charged. I use a car battery and a modern charger that cost only a few pounds but it shuts off when the battery is full - so no frying !!! Make sure you disconnect it from the C5 first. How is the battery connected to the C5 ?? (Sinclair key switch or other?)
Title: Re: Hooray! I finally got one!
Post by: mike7201 on 18, September, 2009 - 10:25:45
The battery is not a Sinclair battery.  It connects to the C5 via a C5alive wiring kit.  Something I have found very useful and easy to use.  Safe too!

The battery is something the seller purchased.  It's got a handle so you can carry it.

What happens if I reverse the C5?  Should I turn it off, or do I have to disconnect the battery?

I can't access the charger at this time, so will have to check when I see it whether it has a meter.  I think it does.
Title: Re: Hooray! I finally got one!
Post by: radiomarty on 18, September, 2009 - 10:48:54
Thats great the C5alive wiring kit is what most of us use - sounds like you can just use the normal battery charger on your battery.
It is worth mentioning that when you reverse your C5 go slowly - if you reverse it too fast you can cause damage to the electronics.


- charge and enjoy !!!!
Title: Re: Hooray! I finally got one!
Post by: Karl on 18, September, 2009 - 10:49:48
Hi Mike,

Glad to hear you got your new prized possession home safe and sound and managed a few fun packed miles of successful "road testing". The "C5 grin" is a standard accessory  ;D

One important point to note is never push your c5 backwards at anything more than a slow walking pace. The motor will act as a generator and cause a few unpleasant snags with the electrics .

As for the battery, the kit fitted to your c5 means you are able to use any 12v car/leisure battery that will fit in the space allocated. This means  you can use a standard car charger when charging your chosen battery - there is also the option of converting the Sinclair charger if you want to.

There are several threads on the forum showing which batteries people use, similar to this ;
http://c5alive.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=632.0

The debate about car batteries is a fair point, Adam Harper quite rightly points out that the C5's were not specifically designed to use car batteries and there is the potential for damage to be caused.
All I would say is that all my c5's have been running for a few years now on car batteries and have not suffered any damage as yet.
Plus most of the c5's that took part in the 64mile L2B in May '07 also ran on car batteries with no problems - so I am happy with them.

As always, the choice is yours though.

Enjoy the beastie , and keep us informed of how you get on - don't forget to add a few piccies when you can  8)



Title: Re: Hooray! I finally got one!
Post by: mike7201 on 18, September, 2009 - 12:38:20
Many thanks,

I'm looking forward to getting home from work and taking it out again!

No doubt there will be many more questions...

Just called Adam Harper, and I've ordered a mast as the one I used last night was a make-shift one and it fell apart on my travels.  Regretfully it was dark, so I couldn't find it.  I think I'd be doing it a favour to have a nice new one though.
Title: Re: Hooray! I finally got one!
Post by: Karl on 18, September, 2009 - 21:14:06
Many thanks,

I'm looking forward to getting home from work and taking it out again!

No doubt there will be many more questions...

Just called Adam Harper, and I've ordered a mast as the one I used last night was a make-shift one and it fell apart on my travels.  Regretfully it was dark, so I couldn't find it.  I think I'd be doing it a favour to have a nice new one though.

The masts are okay, but I prefer my custom made flag  ;D
Title: Re: Hooray! I finally got one!
Post by: Umpa on 19, September, 2009 - 09:56:54
Yeah The C5's are well cool, and the kids love them.  My Son Mark and me love to go out and about by C5.

Some things just dont date, and the C5 is one of them !  Glad your enjoying your C5.
Title: Re: Hooray! I finally got one!
Post by: mike7201 on 19, September, 2009 - 20:22:54
Ok, here's my next barrier - how do I charge the battery?  My parents tell me that I have to un-screw the caps on the top to allow ventillation.  Do I need to do this?  I have a Maplins charger which claims it can charge batteries of a 12v nature, but I called the seller, and he said he hasn't used that particular charger. 

So, it's all a little woolly!  Should I use this - http://www.maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?moduleno=33070 and if so, how?  How do I know when the battery is charged?
Title: Re: Hooray! I finally got one!
Post by: mike7201 on 19, September, 2009 - 20:35:52
Just spoke to the legend who is C5 Martin!  I think we have it sorted.

I'll update where I can.

Thanks Martin!

Mike
Title: Re: Hooray! I finally got one!
Post by: mike7201 on 20, September, 2009 - 21:56:34
I'll be riding my C5 to work on Tuesday (weather permitting).  I've cleaned it and it looks great. 

My workplace is located approx. 7 miles from my house, but it's either down-hill or on the level, so I am assuming that 'coasting' would be the order of the day wherever possible.  I've planned to set off at 08.00, allowing me 1hr to do what would take 30 minutes on the bus.  One of my work colleagues has agreed to cycle alongside, or within close proximity when I travel, in case I have a 'blow out' or electrical fire or something.  I think if anything were to happen I'd just panic!

I'm worried that all my power segments will disappear well before I've made it to my destination, yet I have noticed that if this happens, I can switch the C5 off and on again, and I have a full set of LED's to play with as if I have just started with a newly charged battery.  Is this normal?

Then I worry that something else may happen.  But I want to do it, to prove to myself that I can, and to others that a C5 is a great machine to travel in.

I'll be wearing my cycle helmet, as I think mixing with commuting traffic will cause a stir with the locals, not to mention other cyclists on the paths I plan to ride on. 
Title: Re: Hooray! I finally got one!
Post by: Umpa on 21, September, 2009 - 06:17:33
Hi Mike,

glad to see your going to use your c5 seriously, but unless your pretty fit the 7 mile trip might be hard going. Mark ( son ) and me do 15 mile round trips on our c5s and have to say it's quite a trip.

Mark goes through two batteries one which is a new Sinclair and the other a type 038 car battery.  I use up half a gel battery.

What I would do if it were me is to carry a spare battery in the other foot well, and swap over when needed, that way you always have a 'get me home' reserve.

As for switching the c5 on and off,  yes that's standard behaviour for a wiring kit. Just for reference the original c5 block does not do this, it remembers the battery state, only forgetting when you remove the block from the battery.
Title: Re: Hooray! I finally got one!
Post by: Umpa on 21, September, 2009 - 06:20:36
I would like to add, that on c5alive meetings we do 15 mile trips with no problems, it's just very hilly where I live.
Title: Re: Hooray! I finally got one!
Post by: Karl on 21, September, 2009 - 08:34:02
Mike - Let us know how you get on mate, if possible some piccies would be great  :)

Paul Bunce used to commute on his C5 in hilly Plymouth , so it can be done  ;)
Title: Re: Hooray! I finally got one!
Post by: mike7201 on 21, September, 2009 - 21:38:58
Thanks guys.  Yes I agree, it's going to be a little hilly to say the least. 

The outward part of the journey should be fine.  It's all down hill and coasting.  When I reach the bottom of the hill, I hope to press the power button intermittantly and cruise along a causeway (on the cycle path).  At the end of the causeway is a dis-used railway line which has now been transformed into what's known locally as the 'Rodwell Trail'.  So, it's all on the level. 

Going home will be a different matter. 

With a little luck, I'll carry my charger in the boot, so when I get to work, I can charge the battery.  Then when I'm finished work I'll be fully charged for the journey home.

When I get back however, there's a massive hill, which even cars struggle to manage in third gear, so I have decided when I reach this, I'll get out and push!  Then, when I reach the top, I'll ride home.

Only thing to do is try it and see I guess.  I certainly won't be doing it daily, but thought it would be fun to try.
Title: Re: Hooray! I finally got one!
Post by: mike7201 on 22, September, 2009 - 10:37:03
Well, I tried riding to work...  It failed terribly!

I went down a huge hill and made great time.  However, I built up too much speed and had to brake heavily.  The braking was too much and subsiquently I smelt burning.

I continued another 100 yards, then suddenly there was a big 'bang'!  :o

My worst fear had occured!  I had suffered a blow-out!

Right in the middle of the road, and at a dangerous place too.

I was however, fortunate enough to have the assistance from my work colleague, who had been cycling behind me for safety.

Another stroke of luck came, when a lady came running out of her house, and offered to help.  She said I could park in her drive until I had the chance to have it fixed.  I had to get to work, so ended up getting the bus.

Before I got the bus, my colleage and I took a look to see what the problem was, and just as I thought, it was the heat of the excessive braking which had caused the damage.

The wheel was buckled and had 'bubbled' under the heat!  I'll need a new wheel, new tyre and new inner tube. 

I've spoken to the local bike shop, who have kindly offered an 'emergency recovery' in thier van - how nice is that?

I've shown them the vehicle specs, and asked if they can replace to the best possible match, against the specs given in the back of the C5 Owners manual.  I asked them whilst they have it to give it a full check as well, as I don't want any other problems!

So, was I foolish to attempt the journey, or should i have been travelling slower?

I'm a little depressed to say the least, as I so wanted to do this today and make it to work on a C5!!
Title: Re: Hooray! I finally got one!
Post by: Karl on 22, September, 2009 - 11:03:37
Sounds like an eventful journey  :o

Really well done though mate for giving it a go ,and at least yourself and the c5 have no serious damage - in short, it could have been a lot worse.

The front wheel failing coz of brake heat is very common , as I said earlier I've fitted steel front wheels to mine for that very reason.

A kiddies bike should be able to donate its 12" wheel and you'll be back on the road in no time. I've picked up secondhand ones for a fiver, new shouldn't be more than £15 or so.

As with any 25year old vehicle , you will experience a few snags - and they are bound to crop up at the least convenient time.

Fun and frustration in equal measure , the joy of owning a c5  :).   

(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i257/1stbooboo/C5steelwheelconversion032.jpg)

(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i257/1stbooboo/C5steelwheelconversion033.jpg)

(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i257/1stbooboo/C5steelwheelconversion031.jpg)
Title: Re: Hooray! I finally got one!
Post by: mike7201 on 22, September, 2009 - 13:02:30
Thanks Karl, I really appreicate your support.  It's great to have friends looking out for me and my C5.

I hope the cycle shop know what they're doing! 

One thing which does frustrate me though is when people say "Oh you'll never get that fixed" or "Blimey, you can't get parts for that now" and "I wouldn't touch one of those with a barge pole"

Nothing worse than kicking a guy when he's down!  :(

Still, never mind.  We'll see what happens!

Mike
Title: Re: Hooray! I finally got one!
Post by: radiomarty on 22, September, 2009 - 15:45:16
Hi Mike - thanks for sharing your C5 diary with us all - I guess we have all had the high and lows but you learn to bounce back because overall C5 ownership is a great thing.

One thing to note - I was chatting to Adam 'Santa' Harper and the only part you can not get new is the front wheel cowl - so you can let the negative people know that 'Oh actually all the parts are still available - be it from one of the three C5 CHAMPS -Karl 'yep I've got one drop me an email' or Adam 'Santa' Harper not forgetting C5 'just where does he get it from' Martin.

Another thing I've found is the guy's on the forum are more than willing to help you sort any problem you may find as most have seen it themselves.Your in the right place - it's just like riding a horse - get back on and have another go ... Enjoy.
Title: Re: Hooray! I finally got one!
Post by: Karl on 22, September, 2009 - 17:11:50
Marty - Top comments mate , made me smile  ;D :D ;)
Title: Re: Hooray! I finally got one!
Post by: mike7201 on 24, September, 2009 - 09:46:27
Superb. 

Popped into the bike shop yesterday.  The guy who collected my C5 wasn't in.  Typical!  Aparently he's not in today either and the earliest he can check it over will be tomorrow or Saturday.   :-\

Not too sure whether I'm going to keep the plastic wheels.  Like you showed me Karl, there's more suitable alternatives.  Having said this, I am guessing had I not been braking so hard I wouldn't have had the heat problem on the wheel.

I really must get a camera sorted, then I can take some pictures of my C5 along the dorset coastline.
Title: Re: Hooray! I finally got one!
Post by: Umpa on 24, September, 2009 - 14:40:43
This might be something of nothing, but whilst at brooklands I looked at Karls metal front wheel, his front cover did not fit as well as it should. Just thought  I would mention it. Yours may well fit ok.
Title: Re: Hooray! I finally got one!
Post by: mike7201 on 24, September, 2009 - 15:48:20
Blimey - I hadn't thought about that!

Don't suppose it'd matter too much.  Are you referring to the fact that on Karl's images you can see a little spillage of red?  If that's the only concern then I may have no choice.  However, if it meant that I couldn't have the front cover on at all I would rather have a buckled wheel than not have my C5 livery!  Long live C5 branding - that's what I say!!  8)
Title: Re: Hooray! I finally got one!
Post by: Karl on 24, September, 2009 - 17:28:04
Umpa makes a fair point, but there is nothing to worry about mate - it is still well worth fitting a steel wheel.

The front shroud clips to the forks and also has a plastic tube type bit that slips over the front axle.

The axle on a Sinclair wheel is longer than normal, but there is still enough left on a steel wheel to grip the shroud.

Mine was a bit out of alignment coz it moved during transportation in the Dial-a-ride bus. During normal use it is fine. :)
Title: Re: Hooray! I finally got one!
Post by: mike7201 on 24, September, 2009 - 21:34:52
Cheers,

Thanks for the stickers too, they're great.  Received them yesterday and they'll be just the job.
Title: Re: Hooray! I finally got one!
Post by: radiomarty on 29, September, 2009 - 19:18:47
Hi Mike is your C5 back on the road ?
Title: Re: Hooray! I finally got one!
Post by: mike7201 on 29, September, 2009 - 20:21:06
Afraid not mate.  The bike shop still have it.  That's a week they've had it now!

Bit of a complicated story really, but the basic part is that they haven't had time to look at it yet.  Really inconvenient I know, but to be fair to them, they're pretty busy and they don't 'do' C5's as their first method of business.  They sell and repair bikes and motorcycles.

Despite the C5 resembling the likeness of bikes in so many ways, they're not willing to rush looking at my C5 in case they miss or break something.  The guy said they wanted to give it their undivided attention, so as to make sure they do a good job at whatever they do.  He said he'd have a look today if he could, then get it ready as soon as possible.

I must say though, I do miss it!

Title: Re: Hooray! I finally got one!
Post by: mike7201 on 30, September, 2009 - 21:00:28
Today marks one week since I had my C5 taken in on the recovery vehicle!  Still no news, but I popped in to the shop yesterday and they said that they would have a look at it then.  No news so far though.

Part of me thinks they're just holding on to it and I may catch them riding it!!  The other part of me thinks that they're just really busy!

Hmm??

Ah well.

Sooner I get to know what condition it's in the better.
Title: Re: Hooray! I finally got one!
Post by: Karl on 30, September, 2009 - 21:09:51
Is is just a replacement wheel, or is there anything else you've asked them to repair for you ?
Title: Re: Hooray! I finally got one!
Post by: mike7201 on 30, September, 2009 - 22:23:30
I've just asked them to do whatever is needed to make it safe/useable after it had been riding for 100 yards with no front tire, but not to 'tamper' with anything else, unless it's to maintain safety features such as brakes etc. 

From memory, can you remember what work you did on it other than fit a wiring kit?  I remember you mentioned a pod repair, but regretfully I lost the information, so can't recall what's been fixed and when.

Thanks
Title: Re: Hooray! I finally got one!
Post by: mike7201 on 01, October, 2009 - 12:29:35
Right...  I called the bike shop today, and the guy there has taken a look at it.  He says that the front wheel is a write-off (no surprise there then).

He's offered to change the wheel and replace it with one which has a steel rim.  He said that my front tyre was an original one with Sinclair embedded on it!  I was a little disappointed at this, as I was told by my seller that the tyres had all been replaced.

Never the less, it's due to be changed.

The guy also reported that all my brake shoes had glazed over and become useless!  He said he's going to replace them.

Blimey - looks like I was lucky. 

Never mind.  Hopefully, I'll be able to ride it again within the next few days.  I plan to take some pictures too, so as soon as I've done that, I can share my C5 with everyone else.

Thanks for reading.

Mike
Title: Re: Hooray! I finally got one!
Post by: Karl on 01, October, 2009 - 17:09:44
You can't go wrong with a steel front wheel - highly recommended  8)

Makes perfect sense to change the tyre and brake blocks as well.
Title: Re: Hooray! I finally got one!
Post by: mike7201 on 03, October, 2009 - 19:18:48
Great news...

They've fixed it, or that's what they say.

I asked them to check that the front wheel shroud fits over the new steel wheel, otherwise I'll be disappointed about that, still, not the end of the world if it doesn't fit I suppose.

They've replaced the brakes too, so I'll need to wait for them to tell me when I can collect it, and take the plunge and attempt riding it again!
Title: Re: Hooray! I finally got one!
Post by: radiomarty on 03, October, 2009 - 22:08:56
Great news Mike
Title: Re: Hooray! I finally got one!
Post by: mike7201 on 03, October, 2009 - 22:48:11
Thanks.

Right.  Here are the first of my images, which I hope will work.
This is the battery that I'm using.

C5Martin & Karl kindly advised that this would be fine, however, I don't understand the amps business.  Does anyone know if the amps of this battery matter or not?

Here goes...
(http://www.rmtcportland.co.uk/battery1.JPG)
(http://www.rmtcportland.co.uk/battery2.JPG)
Title: Re: Hooray! I finally got one!
Post by: mike7201 on 06, October, 2009 - 13:13:26
 ;D Yay!

I got it back today...

£60 worse off, I'm still the proud owner of a working C5! 

I've had some pictures taken, so I'll try and get these up as soon as I can.

Rode it for work reasons today to collect some stationery from our other office about a mile away.  Had lots of looks, stares, cheers, beeps etc.  Definitely got the C5 grin again!

TTFN.
Title: Re: Hooray! I finally got one!
Post by: Umpa on 06, October, 2009 - 16:18:44
Well done  ;)  it's a good feeling !
Title: Re: Hooray! I finally got one!
Post by: Karl on 06, October, 2009 - 16:41:02
That is good news mate  :)

What did you have done in the end ; new tyre,tube,brake blocks  & wheel ?
Title: Re: Hooray! I finally got one!
Post by: Retro Andy on 06, October, 2009 - 17:30:21
Great stuff, really good to hear you are back on the road  :)

Retro Andy
Title: Re: Hooray! I finally got one!
Post by: mike7201 on 06, October, 2009 - 19:07:53
That is good news mate  :)

What did you have done in the end ; new tyre,tube,brake blocks  & wheel ?

Thanks, yes kind of.  New inner tube, new brakes, new metal front wheel. 

The engineer said that the original tyres were fine, and he said he was confident that they're safe!  Blimey.  I didn't know what to say, but he must know his stuff.  We'll see!

He said that he saw little point in replacing them whilst they still looked up to the job.

Meanwhile, on my second outing for the day, I passed a police officer on the street, who (I thought) didn't really know what to make of my C5 when he looked at me riding it!

I'll post pictures as soon as I can.
Title: Re: Hooray! I finally got one!
Post by: mike7201 on 10, October, 2009 - 20:35:06
Went out again this evening on the C5.  Visted the chippy for tea.

Managed to get the food in the boot to take home.  But that wasn't until after I had to push through all the people who had whipped out their camera phones and were taking pictures!

The chip shop is next to a pub, so there were people coming out from everywhere.  One guy had a pint in his hand and started asking how much it was worth.  I had to make my excuses and leave before he took a liking to it!

There were some who said - 'blimey where did you find that' and 'I thought they stopped making those'!  Then there were the comments such as 'Can I have a go' and 'how fast can you go on that then'...

I left with a smile, and had everyone watching me depart.  By this time, it was dark, so of course had my lights on.  I also had my new Adam 'Santa' HArper mast on the back.  Looks just the part now with my new C5 Alive stickers on the rear wheels and the C5alive logo on the back light.  Which, I meant to say people must've seen when it was parked!  Great advertising isn't it?

See ya.
Title: Re: Hooray! I finally got one!
Post by: radiomarty on 11, October, 2009 - 04:58:17
Good to see your back on the road mate - I have done the chip shop run too !! . The boot is a perfect size to transport that British favorite. Great to hear your getting lot's of intrest and flying the flag for C5Alive.