Readers' Bikes Component Database
Author Hugo VanneckGo to the Component Database
When you open the file on your computer you will see 257 rows and 42 columns. The 1st column of 247 rows on the left is the list of machines, just as on the Readers' bikes opening page. As on that page, clicking on any of the names in this column will open the page on this site for that machine. If your web browser is closed, Excel should automatically open it for you.
Going from the left hand column, the next one is numbered 1 from the top to 256 at the bottom. I included this as a back-up if the order of entries got confused. I'm not sure it's really necessary now the database is complete.
The next column is the list of marques in alphabetical order. In the case of makers who are known by their names and initials I have put their surnames first and initials or 1st names after. In the next column is the model of the machine, in the next is the year of manufacture and so on through all the components of each machine.
I have formatted the file with Filters which are accessed by clicking on the little arrows to the right of each column heading. Thus, if you want to find machines with a particular hub, such as a Gnutti with small flanges, you click on the arrows to the right of 'Hubs'. This opens a window with a list of all hubs. In that list simply click on 'Gnutti S/F' and all other hubs will disappear, at the moment leaving a list of the 5 machines so equipped.
When you have satisfied your curiosity you simply click on the little arrows to the right of 'Hubs' again and choose '(Show All)' in the window to bring you back to where you started.
The only bug I have found is this; when searching, the little arrows at the top of that column should turn blue to remind you which column you are searching in - in this file they don't. In the case of 'Hubs', the little arrows 3 columns to the right, next to 'Tyres', turn blue instead. Often it is the arrows in the column one to the right that turn blue. I have no idea why this should be. If anyone knows, please let me know.
Secondary searches are also possible. Having searched for large flange Airlites, for example, you might decide you want to see examples of those hubs laced into Fiamme sprint rims. So, again in 'Hubs', click on the little arrows and choose 'Airlite L/F'. This opens a list of some 30 machines. Next, go to the 'Rims' column and click on the little arrows to the right and choose 'Fiamme sprint' from the list. This then leaves the just 7 machines with that combination. Then you might want to see just fixed-gear machines so equipped. Scroll 12 columns to the right to the 'Cogs' column and see there are just 2 such machines. And so on.
However, it's when you start searches within searches like this that you will probably wish there was no blue-arrow bug. It's easy to forget what you started seaching for. If you do get lost, simply quit Excel without saving and then re-open.
Any problems or suggestions, please email me on: thatpartagain(at)gmail.com
The file will be updated from time to time, time permitting. Check here for updates