Why don't YOU use the retrobike archive.

I frequently use the manufacturers catalogues section, but do find it fairly slow, both in load times and navigating.

I agree it is a fantastic resource. And must get my Pace scans uploaded.

JeRkY":3b3i5hiy said:

I frequently use the manufacturers catalogues section, but do find it fairly slow, both in load times and navigating.

I agree it is a fantastic resource. And must get my Pace scans uploaded.

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Yes i agree, i do use it when i need to but it is very slow and navigating isnt that easy, I think the whole layout needs a re-think (more work for you john)... It works well but its often easier just to ask a quick question on the forum. Instead of the whole A- D E-H type thing it might be better if it was laid out like the e-bay watch section.. i.e every company listed on the page. This would make it much better i think.

LQQK":3cz7wgzv said:

Well bugger me, I’ve just found a way to search for a specific user’s album (though it is a bit clunky).

On the first page of the Gallery & Archive, there is a drop down menu <<Jump to Album>>, you can then just scroll to down to “User Albums” then pick the specific gallery you want.

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Ah yes - I must pay more attention in class!

To those who say it is slow, I found it only to be slow when you want to open the actual file, but then they are invariably large .pdf files so it's bound to be slow whatever archive system you use. To make them smaller then you will loose the resolution.

The "Jump to" tab at the bottom left is a much much quicker way of navigating to the section you are looking for rather that clicking through each sub menu.

I don't think there is a way of modifying the current system to the way people are suggesting, it would require starting a fresh and transferring things across which is a lot of work. The advantage in using the current system is in uploading and maintaining.

I think the current archive system is great. What I could suggest is a hints and tips thread for using and navigating the archive section maybe that will encourage more people to use it?

I do now!!

I didn't know it was there to be honest, although to be fair there's a massive link at the top of every page saying "Gallery&Archive"

Obviously files sizes are the reason it is slow when opening a PDF, but I find it slow to browse the categories.

I look at the manufacturers catalogues quite often. Even if I don't need any info it's good to perv.

I do use it, and I try to refer to it in Forum posts to prod lazy newbies to do some of their own research.

It does seem a little clunky at times though, and that's how I voted ("Hard to navigate and use"). I'll see if I can come up with some more constructive criticism. Maybe text summaries of some of the pdf and image files would help with searching.

It's a fair point that some external specialist sites - the likes of Konaretro, VintageCannondale, OldMountainBikes - do have better brand-specific searchable archives. Maybe we should consider direct links to those sites from the catalogue archives of Retrobike.

Archive

I agree, it's a shame this content can't be enjoyed by more.

It's my view that it just isn't user friendly, it's very hard to 'see at a glance' what's available. You follow a route where you think you'll find what you're looking for & just get lead down a blind alley.

Also, A,B,C... navigation is not great, you need to devise taxonomy which lists exactly what's available so, a simple directory of manufacturers which then expands when clicked on to show availability of old brochures, users gallery etc.

Also, I don't know what lengths are made here to add appropriate meta data to ensure content is retrieved via search but it appears this isn't working also.

Are scanned PDF files actually hosted on the site or do links go to users servers. PDF isn't great as some users don't have the fast download speeds. Is there a way you can scan & host the files on the site as an html file? It would make for a faster page.

I know this site isn't Amazon or BBC but a user will come back to a site where they think they can get to their destination with the least number of steps/clicks in the least amount of time.

Catalogue section is great if you want to restore a bike to original spec, I dont as merely making it rideable is good enough for me and original spec costs more than I wish to spend.

Magazines I prefer to read in hard copy.

Archive is a brilliant resource which should be kept up, I think the national library is brilliant but I've never been there but would be upset if they got rid