Umbrella holder: Which part to use?

[cwah]

Hello there,

I purchased from this shop (http://hzjs.en.alibaba.com/product/424586998-209956826/2011_new_type_cycling_umbrella.html) an umbrella for my brompton:

Here is how it is attached to the bike on the front:

On the back:

Here's my little test with the umbrella in London street!
[youtube]IsuMaH6cGBA[/youtube]

Sorry for my hairs on the video. And I was able to see more than it looks like, my camera was on the top of my helmet that's why half of the vision seems hidden.


As you can see on the video, during the ride the umbrella felt on the right side!! I almost had an accident from it. The umbrella holder allows the umbrella to be folded horizontally when not in use. But due to London wind and vibration, the umbrella automatically felt!!


I need another part, more heavy duty, that will clamp my umbrella and handlebar together. Something similar to this (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/77-X-Scaffold-Clamp-T25110-Tube-Clip-Crossover-Joint-/110954319991?pt=UK_H_G_Ladders_RL&hash=item19d5649077&_uhb=1#ht_500wt_1030) but it would be for bike handlebar and the thinner umbrella tube. And it should also allow me to easily remove the umbrella when not in use. (that means no more than 1 or 2 bolts to un-screw when removing the umbrella)


Any idea where I can find such a part in UK?

Thanks

 

[shorza]

That thing looks dangerous!

I can't help you on finding the part, but I think it would be easier and a lot safer to buy waterproof pants, jacket and some googles.

 

[amigafan2003]

That thing looks dangerous!

I can't help you on finding the part, but I think it would be easier and a lot safer to buy waterproof pants, jacket and some googles.

We've already had this discussion:-

http://www.pedelecs.co.uk/forum/electric-bicycles/12348-cycling-under-rain.html

I just don't understand how any sane person cannot comprehend how an umbrella attached to a bikes handlebars will end in disaster

 

[d8veh]

Cwah, Thw way that umbrella works is that it self-adjusts its angle to the wind so that it always points at the wind. When you hold it, you can feel how it moves around to its natural position all the time, When you clamp it rigid, it can't point at the correct angle and so it behaves more like a normal umbrella with a big force until something gives. Therefore, I don't believe that you can have success with it. You'd need a flexible active mount for it just like an arm controlled by a brain that can feel the correct angle and hold it there. The angle changes with each gust of wind,

Also, it gets its stability in high wind by allowing air (wind) to pass underneath it, which of course carries the rain, so it won't keep you dry while you're travelling - only when you stop or go very slow. Time to get a cape I think.

 

[Jeremy Harris]

Dangerous isn't the word for it, it's positively lethal!

Even a small gust of wind could push the bike into traffic, or render it uncontrollable. The last thing you need on a bike is anything that adds wind resistance, especially up high where the overturning moment is so high.

I have to question the sanity of the designer and manufacturer, as it's pretty self-evident that this is just not a good idea.

 

[dnmun]

it's a boat, it's a bike,

it's a sailbike!

 

[whereswally606]

Cwah, I'd take these guys advices. ditch the umbrella. A) you might seriously hurt someone with it. B) you might hurt yourself. C) guaranteed you will look like a complete tit D) can you afford to blithely ignore the consequences if you injury/total someone with that excuse of an invention

 

[ebent]

If you insist on the umbrella, an electric assist is an absolute no no. Unless you have a death wish!

 

[MadRhino]

Fix it solidly, add real power to your bike... Then fly

 

[The fingers]

Ditch the parachute for a shade (one like a delta wing hang glider) and with enough volts you might get some air! 8)

 

[cwah]

Why does everyone want me to give up my umbrella... I spent so much money buying few of them... Can't throw all of them away

No way to make it work? If it has been designed, it should have a function isn't it?

You can tell fom the video I was able to cycle properly without being blown by the wind isn't it? It was just the holder that was too weak.

 

[cal3thousand]

Get one of these:

 

[whereswally606]

umbrellas are very antisocial devices and people who have them don't tend to realise they are at eye poking height for the people around them. Its not happened to me yet but if I did have someone walk/cycle one into me i would put it somewhere it may never see rain or sunshine. plus did i mention you will look like a tit?