Steering damper for ex-Royal Mail bike... help please

[Flight]

Hi there.
I've got one of those Elephant Bike ex-RM bikes and have just started using it properly after years on a Workcycles FR8 with a child on board. I love it, but because of the centre stand, the front wheel flips about whenever I park it.
I was going to order a Hebie steering damper to keep it still, but don't know if it will fit the RM frame as it's got such a deep crossbar (it's the step-through type). I wondered if anyone has used one of the dampers and would be able to tell me whether it would fit this sort of frame or not.

Many thanks.

 

[alicat]

Dunno. Could you post a pic of the frame and the damper? What's the financial risk if you order it and it doesn't fit?

 

[Flight]

Hey Alicat. It's one of these https://www.cycleofgood.com/products/elephant-bikes/elephant-bike/ and the dampers I'm looking at are these Amazon product ASIN B001EIAW4QView: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hebie-2154800000-Steering-Damper-Crystal-Measures/dp/B001EIAW4Q/ref=sr_1_1?crid=12M05L5RXRWSG&keywords=hebie+steering&qid=1656667435&sprefix=hebie+steering%2Caps%2C66&sr=8-1. Financial risk is low but they sell different sizes and I'd prefer to get the right one, if any of them is likely to fit.
Thanks for the reply.

 

[classic33]

Hey Alicat. It's one of these https://www.cycleofgood.com/products/elephant-bikes/elephant-bike/ and the dampers I'm looking at are these Amazon product ASIN B001EIAW4QView: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hebie-2154800000-Steering-Damper-Crystal-Measures/dp/B001EIAW4Q/ref=sr_1_1?crid=12M05L5RXRWSG&keywords=hebie+steering&qid=1656667435&sprefix=hebie+steering%2Caps%2C66&sr=8-1. Financial risk is low but they sell different sizes and I'd prefer to get the right one, if any of them is likely to fit.
Thanks for the reply.

It will not fit the bike you want it to.
Note the clamp that fits onto the downtube, then compare that to the downtube on the mailstar.

 

[Flight]

Thanks Classic33. I did wonder if there was an alternative way to fit it, but am getting a bit confused amid all the different versions. This one seems to use an ally thing instead https://www.bikester.co.uk/hebie-st...UxTzdxhpkYJ5zpNthkx2QpEsxwSUeqCIaAo4LEALw_wcB

 

[alicat]

Ouch, that first steering damper is expensive for what it is.

 

[alicat]

The bikester one seems much cheaper to use for a bodge. I'd get the cheapest one I could find and then bodge the fitting with cable ties etc. Or even use some bungee rope if you can be sure it won't turn into a catapult if it comes loose.

 

[Flight]

Thanks v much Alicat. I might just go for the cheaper one and see what happens! Can always keep it for a different bike if it doesn't fit... come to think of it I have a batavus in the shed that has the same problem. It might fit that one.

Appreciate your help guys.

 

[alicat]

Thanks v much Alicat. I might just go for the cheaper one and see what happens! Can always keep it for a different bike if it doesn't fit... come to think of it I have a batavus in the shed that has the same problem. It might fit that one.

That sounds like a plan. Fitting it to the Batavus will help you work out what you need/can bodge for the ex-RM bike. One last thought, I wonder what RM use(d)? Or if they even cared....

 

[Flight]

Yes good question. No sign of anything suggesting they cared! But it would have been hellish with the front basket full of mail especially

 

[alicat]

I do have a steering damper on a bike similar to a Batavus with a side kickstand. It does help slow the speed of travel of the front wheel but it doesn't eliminate the problem entirely. Just to manage your expectations....

 

[Flight]

Thanks, I appreciate that. As long as it does something it'll be an improvement!

 

[Dogtrousers]

Hey Alicat. It's one of these https://www.cycleofgood.com/products/elephant-bikes/elephant-bike/ and the dampers I'm looking at are these Amazon product ASIN B001EIAW4QView: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hebie-2154800000-Steering-Damper-Crystal-Measures/dp/B001EIAW4Q/ref=sr_1_1?crid=12M05L5RXRWSG&keywords=hebie+steering&qid=1656667435&sprefix=hebie+steering%2Caps%2C66&sr=8-1. Financial risk is low but they sell different sizes and I'd prefer to get the right one, if any of them is likely to fit.
Thanks for the reply.

One of the reviews says

4.0 out of 5 stars Good kit BUT do not buy it if you downtube has a diameter larger than 32mm​

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 5 August 2020​

Verified Purchase​

The kit looks solid and come with a good instruction manual

If your bike has an oversized downtube buy the other model B002NGYHMG instead​

I think that may apply to your bike perhaps?

 

[Flight]

Thanks Dogtrousers, yes, you're right. I think the one in the second link is perhaps the 'other model' the reviewer refers to... I hope so anyway.

 

[HobbesOnTour]

Anything to be said for an elastic band / hairband to lock the front brake?