Source: (consider it)
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Thread: "My chain fell off.....": A cycling thread
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the giant cheeseburger
Shipmate
# 10942
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Posted
quote: Originally posted by Gwai: quote: Originally posted by Surfing Madness: Made it up the hill on the way home that I haven't made it up before. Made me happy. (There are still other hills to conquer.)
There always are. Congrats on getting up that one
Well done from me too. The way I used to do things was to conquer a certain hill for the first time and then conquer it again but with one less stop along the way than before, until you get to the point of doing it non-stop. Then you can start aiming to meet a target average speed or target time!
Just by doing this kind of routine I've now got to the point where I can traverse about 200-250 metres of elevation (650-820 feet) non-stop (depending on headwind strength) which was something I never thought I could manage ten years ago. [ 02. November 2011, 08:10: Message edited by: the giant cheeseburger ]
-------------------- If I give a homeopathy advocate a really huge punch in the face, can the injury be cured by giving them another really small punch in the face?
Posts: 4834 | From: Adelaide, South Australia. | Registered: Jan 2006
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Eldo
Shipmate
# 1861
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Posted
quote: Originally posted by Carys: I also model car drivers (and especially taxi and bus drivers) as homocidal maniacs who are out to get me.
I miss my bike. I forgot the above once and haven't ridden for 3 months because my bike is now a mangled piece of scrap metal. I'm told I took a smack from a car behind me, hit a van in front of me and slid under a tourist bus that was alongside me. Still waiting for the Met Police to decide who was at fault (report I've had from a witness is that the guilty party drove off) so can claim a new bike and kit off their insurance or the uninsured driver fund. No more commuting by bike though, wife has banned it, she seems to think its dangerous?
Posts: 245 | From: Sutton/City | Registered: Nov 2001
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Welease Woderwick
Sister Incubus Nightmare
# 10424
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Posted
I was given the okay to cycle again today though I am as yet unsure of being able to pull the front brake hard enough - but tomorrow I'll try on the local lanes and see how it feels.
-------------------- I give thanks for unknown blessings already on their way. Fancy a break in South India? Accessible Homestay Guesthouse in Central Kerala, contact me for details What part of Matt. 7:1 don't you understand?
Posts: 48139 | From: 1st on the right, straight on 'til morning | Registered: Sep 2005
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Uncle Pete
Loyaute me lie
# 10422
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Posted
quote: Originally posted by Welease Woderwick: I was given the okay to cycle again today though I am as yet unsure of being able to pull the front brake hard enough - but tomorrow I'll try on the local lanes and see how it feels.
Stay on the bicylce, eh?
-------------------- Even more so than I was before
Posts: 20466 | From: No longer where I was | Registered: Sep 2005
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Carys
Ship's Celticist
# 78
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Posted
Cycled home from Caerphilly today -- not that long a ride, but there's a mountain in the way. Didn't go the highest route over it. Had to walk a couple of times, but did better when I took my waterproof jacket off and stopped over heating myself. It wasn't raining I'd just decided to be prepared.
I was also impressed by schoolchildren in Caerphilly who on a shared path were very aware of my passing and got out of the way and warned their friends. Much better than many adults. Best one I had from adults this week was the person who when I suggested that the various dogs (some of which had just caused me to come to a stop) should be under control was 'they are under control; they're not biting any one'.
Carys
-------------------- O Lord, you have searched me and know me You know when I sit and when I rise
Posts: 6896 | From: Bryste mwy na thebyg | Registered: May 2001
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Surfing Madness
Shipmate
# 11087
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Posted
I got a bike a few months ago having not cycled for years. I have to keep it outside (i've got a plastic waterproof cover I put over it.) Anyway was thinking I should maybe give it a clean. What is the best thing to use?
-------------------- I now blog about all my crafting! http://inspiredbybroadway.blogspot.co.uk
Posts: 1542 | From: searching for the jam | Registered: Feb 2006
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ken
Ship's Roundhead
# 2460
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Posted
WD40
-------------------- Ken
L’amor che move il sole e l’altre stelle.
Posts: 39579 | From: London | Registered: Mar 2002
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Huia
Shipmate
# 3473
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Posted
I used to have a Triumph Herald that wouldn't go without a good squirt of the stuff.
Back on my bike today - bliss. They've even fixed some of the road, but it keeps falling in -which is just the ground settling in after the quakes. It's a nuisance though, and the council is in the poo because it can't get insurance.
Huia
-------------------- Charity gives food from the table, Justice gives a place at the table.
Posts: 10382 | From: Te Wai Pounamu | Registered: Oct 2002
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Welease Woderwick
Sister Incubus Nightmare
# 10424
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Posted
WOOHOO!!!
My new mudguards have arrived! I ordered them almost 12 months ago but these things take time. I shall take the bike to the man today and have them fitted.
One pair of mudguards for slightly out of date bike: Just over two pounds sterling!
I can live with that.
-------------------- I give thanks for unknown blessings already on their way. Fancy a break in South India? Accessible Homestay Guesthouse in Central Kerala, contact me for details What part of Matt. 7:1 don't you understand?
Posts: 48139 | From: 1st on the right, straight on 'til morning | Registered: Sep 2005
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Huia
Shipmate
# 3473
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Posted
I'm getting new mudguards fitted next week when the bike qoes in for its one year check. It's actually a bit over, but I kind od lost track of things. I thinks I'll get a carrier too as the basket doesn't really take enough shopping or library books.
Good price Wodders - don't thik they'll be able to match it here.
Huia
-------------------- Charity gives food from the table, Justice gives a place at the table.
Posts: 10382 | From: Te Wai Pounamu | Registered: Oct 2002
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QLib
Bad Example
# 43
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Posted
I finally got around to the purchase of the new saddle I promised myself before Christmas. What a difference! I knew the old one was bad, but I hadn't realised how bad.
-------------------- Tradition is the handing down of the flame, not the worship of the ashes Gustav Mahler.
Posts: 8913 | From: Page 28 | Registered: May 2001
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the giant cheeseburger
Shipmate
# 10942
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Posted
How did we let this thread get onto page three?
Epic ride for me today, up to the top of the famous Willunga Hill as used in the Tour Down Under every year. Check out this video from the 31:00 mark to see what it's all about, sadly I was not cheered on by anybody other than a few kangaroos and magpies today!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhtQFiPmoqg
-------------------- If I give a homeopathy advocate a really huge punch in the face, can the injury be cured by giving them another really small punch in the face?
Posts: 4834 | From: Adelaide, South Australia. | Registered: Jan 2006
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Sandemaniac
Shipmate
# 12829
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Posted
I guess so, as he's posting, but that looks nasty! Hopefully you made a nasty mess of their paintwork in the process. I try to always check over my shoulder when turning right, having had a couple of idiots undertake me - when I was indicating... and someone else did it to me when I was also on a bike! It's basic bloomin' road sense... not that that's any help to you, patdys. Hope the bruises aren't too bad!
AG
-------------------- "It becomes soon pleasantly apparent that change-ringing is by no means merely an excuse for beer" Charles Dickens gets it wrong, 1869
Posts: 3574 | From: The wardrobe of my soul | Registered: Jul 2007
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Patdys
Iron Wannabe RooK-Annoyer
# 9397
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Posted
Yep, sorry, I am fine. Surprisingly intact actually. Ended up sitting on their bonnet. couple of small scratches and bruises. [We drive on the left here BTW, so the car coming in the opposite direction to me turned in front of me crossing my path.]
-------------------- Marathon run. Next Dream. Australian this time.
Posts: 3511 | Registered: Apr 2005
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Surfing Madness
Shipmate
# 11087
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Posted
Just wondering if those who are UK based had seen this. The Times are running a campaign to improve safety for cycles in city, and there is a debate this Thursday in Parliament.
-------------------- I now blog about all my crafting! http://inspiredbybroadway.blogspot.co.uk
Posts: 1542 | From: searching for the jam | Registered: Feb 2006
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QLib
Bad Example
# 43
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Posted
My chain really did fall off today. In a way it was lucky. I had planned a late start for w*rk, i.e. after 9, so the bike shop was open, and I was only 10-minute push away from it, though I had to heave the ****** bike up some stone steps (it's electric, so quite heavy).
I had no money on me, and the battery on my mobile was running low, so summoning a taxi would have been tricky - but they fixed it for nothing, though I will have to take it back some time so that they can work out why the chain is so slack - and I made it to w*rk on time - just as well as I was booked to do a joint observation with a manager.
-------------------- Tradition is the handing down of the flame, not the worship of the ashes Gustav Mahler.
Posts: 8913 | From: Page 28 | Registered: May 2001
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Sandemaniac
Shipmate
# 12829
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Posted
I do beg your pardon, patdys - I struggle to tell left from right, and immediately assumed that it was the type of accident I most associate with turning vehicles.
They turned into you when they were facing you? That's really mind-numbingly stupid!
AG
-------------------- "It becomes soon pleasantly apparent that change-ringing is by no means merely an excuse for beer" Charles Dickens gets it wrong, 1869
Posts: 3574 | From: The wardrobe of my soul | Registered: Jul 2007
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Qoheleth.
Semi-Sagacious One
# 9265
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Posted
It must be the date.
A family member tells me quote: Three times on the way home, cars overtook me only to turn left immediately. Did I miss the announcements for National Try And Kill A Cyclist Day?
(UK - driving on the left)
-------------------- The Benedictine Community at Alton Abbey offers a friendly, personal service for the exclusive supply of Rosa Mystica incense.
Posts: 2532 | From: the radiator of life | Registered: Apr 2005
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the giant cheeseburger
Shipmate
# 10942
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Posted
quote: Originally posted by Patdys: Well Done Cheesy.
Thanks mate, it was bloody tough work thanks to the south-east winds. We did it starting and finishing at Noarlunga (thanks Adelaide Metro!) so it was tough work battling the wind just to get to Willunga before turning up towards the hill. The return to McLaren Vale and Seaford was fantastic, but my legs obviously wanted no more after that so the climb from the Onkaparinga bridge up to Noarlunga was painful
Just because of the winds, I would actually rate it as harder than the ride up from the plains to Aldgate and Stirling to watch the TDU last month even though Stirling is about 120 metres taller. After the race finished we were leaving Stirling, going up the hill towards Crafers when Graeme Brown and Mark Renshaw from Team Rabobank went past on their way back to the city. MR commented on my heavy hybrid bike as he went past saying "well done for getting up this hill on that bike!" quote: This is what I had done to me today. The old turn Rt in front of the oncoming cyclist trick.
Glad you're okay, that looked like it was a nice bike.
The most annoying issue I have currently is with people deliberately squeezing up to the kerb on the left (Australia drives on the left) to obstruct the bike lane. It's just petty. quote: Originally posted by Sandemaniac: I do beg your pardon, patdys - I struggle to tell left from right, and immediately assumed that it was the type of accident I most associate with turning vehicles.
They turned into you when they were facing you? That's really mind-numbingly stupid!
AG
Also being in Australia (a drive-on-the-left country like the UK, Japan, our Eastern Islands governed from Wellington etc) I think I can explain what I thing patdys is getting at best with a diagram...
http://i.imgur.com/CwSL8.png
I'm guessing it probably falls under the "invisible cyclist" category of collisions. [ 22. February 2012, 05:38: Message edited by: the giant cheeseburger ]
-------------------- If I give a homeopathy advocate a really huge punch in the face, can the injury be cured by giving them another really small punch in the face?
Posts: 4834 | From: Adelaide, South Australia. | Registered: Jan 2006
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balaam
Making an ass of myself
# 4543
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Posted
quote: Originally posted by the giant cheeseburger: MR commented on my heavy hybrid bike as he went past saying "well done for getting up this hill on that bike!"
I don't think it makes much difference. What you are hauling up the hill is the combined weight of bike plus rider, so the odd kilo or so really doesn't make that much difference. If anything a rigid bike climbs better than one which flexes.
Back in the day of steel racing bikes, Miguel Indurain used 753 tubing on his road bike but heavier and more rigid 653 tubing on mountain stages. Didn't do him any harm.
Well done Cheeseburger. I hope you are OK Patdys.
-------------------- Last ever sig ...
blog
Posts: 9049 | From: Hen Ogledd | Registered: May 2003
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HenryT
Canadian Anglican
# 3722
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Posted
Hoping to get a reasonable season this year, still snow in the forecast so maybe not quite yet. (A few years back, I did bike to work at -10 C, but I was starting in much better shape than I am today.)
For new bikes, where this thread started, I recommend the 10% rule - expect to spend 10% of the purchase price on appropriate security equipment, i.e. a good lock, maybe two. I ride old clunkers, and the errand bike often gets left unlocked (nobody wants it, old five-speed with a basket.)
-------------------- "Perhaps an invincible attachment to the dearest rights of man may, in these refined, enlightened days, be deemed old-fashioned" P. Henry, 1788
Posts: 7231 | From: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada | Registered: Dec 2002
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Patdys
Iron Wannabe RooK-Annoyer
# 9397
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Posted
Re climbing: Most important is cluster size. My 11/28 climbs a lot easier than the dearly departed 11/23. Keeping cadence up is key. Mind you, then comes wheel weight and after that bike weight for any given rider. [ 23. February 2012, 05:01: Message edited by: Patdys ]
-------------------- Marathon run. Next Dream. Australian this time.
Posts: 3511 | Registered: Apr 2005
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the giant cheeseburger
Shipmate
# 10942
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Posted
I reckon you do get significant differences going over to a road bike, I know I can fly up the hill I come across most regularly much faster on a road bike than my hybrid.
I weigh about 70 kg, and my bike about 18 kg, so switching to a <10 kg road bike would immediately reduce the combined weight by about 10%. That's a significant enough difference to talk about even before you consider that a road bike would have a lower amount of mass rotating, reduced rolling resistance and generally better mechanical efficiency.
The main reason I still use a hybrid is just that there are too many good gravel tracks around the place that are useful direct routes and great fun! In addition, the main use I have for my bike is transport and I can't afford to waste time changing tyres on the side of the road, so I'm sticking with a tougher bike and tougher tyres for now.
That being said, I do like the range of options I have currently when it comes to short gears! [ 23. February 2012, 05:12: Message edited by: the giant cheeseburger ]
-------------------- If I give a homeopathy advocate a really huge punch in the face, can the injury be cured by giving them another really small punch in the face?
Posts: 4834 | From: Adelaide, South Australia. | Registered: Jan 2006
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aj
firewire technophobe
# 1383
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Posted
quote: Originally posted by the giant cheeseburger: I reckon you do get significant differences going over to a road bike, I know I can fly up the hill I come across most regularly much faster on a road bike than my hybrid.
I'm enjoying my Scott cyclocross bike, not because I'm into cyclocross (mad fun as it looks!), but because it seems a decent comfortable compromise resulting in a road bike that goes well on gravel trails.
-------------------- if there's no god, then who turns on the light when you open the fridge?
Posts: 2994 | From: ...on location | Registered: Sep 2001
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daisymay
St Elmo's Fire
# 1480
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Posted
I haven't weighed my bike - Dutch one - but it is definitely heavy and also very strong, which is useful and feel safe.
-------------------- London Flickr fotos
Posts: 11224 | From: London - originally Dundee, Blairgowrie etc... | Registered: Oct 2001
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Surfing Madness
Shipmate
# 11087
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Posted
Vaguely thinking about a cycling holiday this summer. Anyone know of any UK sites for planning long distance bike routes, so far the only one I can find won't allow for more than 50 km routes. (Also google hasn't added the bike route feature in the UK yet.)
-------------------- I now blog about all my crafting! http://inspiredbybroadway.blogspot.co.uk
Posts: 1542 | From: searching for the jam | Registered: Feb 2006
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Martha
Shipmate
# 185
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Posted
I don't think you can plan routes as such, but the Sustrans website is useful for seeing all their routes. I think you can buy maps of individual long-distance trails from them if you want to.
Posts: 388 | From: in the kitchen | Registered: May 2001
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The Rogue
Shipmate
# 2275
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Posted
I've only just found this thread because I don't come to All Saints much. Perhaps I should.
Like Quoheleth in the OP, I bought a bike because back issues meant that running wasn't a good idea any more. I now commute to work and it takes about as long as driving does at that time of day - although I then take some time to stop sweating. My route is pretty flat (most of it along a river and a canal) and largely off-road so I have a hybrid bike with kevlar tyres. Astonishingly, there have been several spates of some idiot spreading tacks on the paths I use (which dog walkers also use) but this hasn't bothered me since I got the tyres.
I find that when I see a pedestrian an early "excuse me, please" works wonders, especially when coupled with slowing down to a sensible speed; much better than a bell which often comes over as arrogant. And don't forget to say "thank you" afterwards. I do have a "honky-honk" horn (a bit like a circus clown's horn, perhaps) on my bike which is useful when people don't hear you because it often makes them smile.
So I use my bike for commuting and get some exercise without taking up extra time.
Another benefit is that in Nottingham where I work they are just starting a workplace parking tax (we have to pay the council to be able to park at work! The Sheriff of Nottingham would have loved that one) but you don't pay for bikes.
-------------------- If everyone starts thinking outside the box does outside the box come back inside?
Posts: 2507 | From: Toton | Registered: Feb 2002
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Sandemaniac
Shipmate
# 12829
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Posted
Bollocks... I've just discovered that, lurking 'neath a sticker on my frame, is a sodding great rust hole that goes over halfway round my bottom tube.
OK, the bike doesn't owe me anything - it paid for itself in under a year over a decade ago in saved bus fares - but I'm a tightwad, and will try to fix first. Good job I know a friend with a MIG welder (not as cool as a MiG welder, but still handy to have around).
AG
Posts: 3574 | From: The wardrobe of my soul | Registered: Jul 2007
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Cryptic
Shipmate
# 16917
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Posted
Hi Cyclists!
Have just enjoyed reading this thread as I'm fairly new here.
I bought a bike about 4 years ago as I needed to be fitter (or just fit...), and knees buggered by years of jogging for fitness mean that jogging is out, and so too is walking if I do too much of it. Since moving house last year, I've hardly been out, we used to like a couple of blocks away from one of Sydney's best bike areas, now a little further out so riding takes a bit more motivation. Mrs Cryptic went to or GP a few weeks back, GP sent a message back to me about how is my cycling going? - in other words get back on your bike...
Reading this thread has been some excellent motivation, and I've been getting out again over the last few weeks, and also trying out the new GPS that I bought months ago that I've never used. And yes, the name of this thread is great!
So Qoheleth, what sort of bike did you end up with? It's easy to get hooked, and after not doing much riding over the last 12 months, I'm a bit chuffed that my fitness doesn't seem to have gone completely out of the window (I did 19km last night, and lots of hills).
Back to the original thought behind this thread (and apologies for coming in at the end), these are my tips:
- Buy your bike from a bike shop, which will cost more, but you will get the right bike and it will last for years (chain store bikes, although they look good and well-specified with brand-name running gear are built to last for about 75km - the distance it takes for the novelty of the impulse buy to wear off). - I have a mountain bike with sprung front fork which makes for a lovely comfy ride, and I can lock it if needed (but i usually don't because I'm soft). - Only upgrades to the bike are Michelin city hybrid tyres - same size and comfort as mountain bike tyres but without the zshzshzsh noise. Much better handling on road, but negligible grip if you end up on some gravel. Clipless pedals are the final thing. - Minimum bike apparel is a helmet, gloves/mitts (hands to tend to hit the ground first if you fall) and knicks (again, because I'm soft, and I like what I'm sitting on to be as well).
Optional but worthwhile extras:
- Flashing lights (mandatory if you ride at night or late afternoon) - the brighter the better. - A trip computer is handy for measuring the gains in your fitness, and it's also nice to congratulate yourself when you break the speed limit. - Clipless pedals, although these take a bit of getting used to (only fallen off because of them once). - Some sort of wraparound glasses to keep the wind out of your eyes, particularly in cold weather - difficult for me as I wear prescription. You can get prescription wraparound glasses but these would cost more than my bike! - Cycling jersey - much better than a T-shirt flapping around - If you're handy with tools, a repair stand is easier than turning your bike upside down. I bought a reasonable one for about $40 - it would drive a bike shop mad, but for my occasional use it's fine. - Wanting to do some basic maintenance myself, I have looked at dozens of books on bikes/cycling/repairs - I have found most of them useless or incomprehensible, however these two are excellent and are very comprehensive and user-friendly:
Mountain Bikes
Road Bikes
I'll rant about drivers and pedestrians another time, but that's enough for now!
Cheers, Cryptic
-------------------- Illegitimi non carborundum
Posts: 225 | From: Sydney | Registered: Feb 2012
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daisymay
St Elmo's Fire
# 1480
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Posted
Hello, Cypric,
That sounds a good bike to get sensibly from a good bike shop, and good to keep healthy, while many in London get second hand ones, as well as the "hiring" ones nowadays.
And my son's little one, has just got one last week on her 4th birthday - a pink one! She loves it and also wears a safe thing on her head. Little bikes have the extra bits to keep them safe on the back of the bikes.
-------------------- London Flickr fotos
Posts: 11224 | From: London - originally Dundee, Blairgowrie etc... | Registered: Oct 2001
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comet
Snowball in Hell
# 10353
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Posted
just dropping in to say it feels like SPRING here! despite still over 10 feet of snow on the ground, but it's been a little melty and the highway is mostly dry; so I've got the itch. bike is out and oiled but I'd have to walk it a mile to decent ground so I haven't yet. but I just might! I want to get out there so bad...
-------------------- Evil Dragon Lady, Breaker of Men's Constitutions
"It's hard to be religious when certain people are never incinerated by bolts of lightning.” -Calvin
Posts: 17024 | From: halfway between Seduction and Peril | Registered: Sep 2005
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lily pad
Shipmate
# 11456
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Posted
Same here, Comet, except the snow has all gone. Expecting it to be 24 degrees Celsius today. My bike is at the bike shop for a tune up and I am dying to have it back today. Some say there is a snowstorm on the way this weekend but it sure is hard to imagine right now!
-------------------- Sloppiness is not caring. Fussiness is caring about the wrong things. With thanks to Adeodatus!
Posts: 2468 | From: Truly Canadian | Registered: May 2006
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Celtic Knotweed
Shipmate
# 13008
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Posted
It felt enough like spring here yesterday evening that I took the scenic route along the towpath home, rather than cope with more roads. Good thing I'd cleaned the chain and pumped the tyres right up at the weekend! Towpath is still somewhat muddy/slippy (how does it manage that when it hasn't rained for days?). On the good side, there were not only normal violets, but white ones.
Cryptic - speaking as someone who drives as well as cycles, I actually find the flashing type of bike lights harder to spot in traffic. Round here, anyone cycling on a road after lighting up time is required to have working lights. The police catch a great many students without them every autumn when the new term starts.
-------------------- My little sister is riding 100k round London at night to raise money for cancer research donations here if you feel so inclined.
Posts: 664 | From: between keyboard and chair | Registered: Sep 2007
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Cryptic
Shipmate
# 16917
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Posted
Autumn here now in Sydney, so that is great riding weather, as long as the recent rains hold off. Actually, most of the year is pretty good for riding in Sydney, but I wouldn't go out during the day in a Sydney summer, far too hot, but riding during the evening is pleasant.
Was just checking up on some new winter gear on my favourite fleabay store, and found this... Cycling psychopath anyone???
daisymay - little ones on their first bike are so cute! Cryptogirl has had two bikes, but hasn't really ever taken to riding. She is scootering now, once she has the balance right (and stops falling off) a friend of ours has a bike put aside for her. It is one of my great regrets that I didn't catch the cycling bug when she was tiny and get a mountain bike with one of those dickie seats on the back. Every time I see a little one on the back of a bike I realise how many fun times I've missed.
CK - I'm usually a motorist too rather than a cyclist. I do keep out of traffic as much as possible though. My flashing lights are pretty good, front and back, but there seems to be a lot of cheapie chain store lights out these that don't do very much. Mine are very bright and do a slow steady blink rather than a rapid flash. I use them any time after about 4-5pm, if it's a dull day I'll use them all the time. I once had a motorist pull up next to me at the lights to tell me that my lights were the best she had ever seen! I do ride with the thought that I'm invisible and even if the driver has seen me, they don't care (which is a pretty good assumption in Sydney). The blinking headlight could be better when I head down a dark side street, and so I've been thinking about a super-bright LED headlight in addition to the blinky one.
-------------------- Illegitimi non carborundum
Posts: 225 | From: Sydney | Registered: Feb 2012
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lily pad
Shipmate
# 11456
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Posted
Who knew a person could get such an impressive bruise while in the bike shop rather than out on the roads!?! Was measuring the placement of a new basket and didn't realise how much clearance was needed when getting off the bike. The capri length pants didn't help my cause. So much for trying to look after myself!
-------------------- Sloppiness is not caring. Fussiness is caring about the wrong things. With thanks to Adeodatus!
Posts: 2468 | From: Truly Canadian | Registered: May 2006
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Cryptic
Shipmate
# 16917
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Posted
Ouch lilypad!
My most impressive bruise happened to me when almost stationary. When I upgraded to clipless pedals, Mr Bike Shop Man sagely warned me about adjusting them correctly, practicing getting in and out of them in the backyard, then a few gentle rides before pushing myself, all of which I dutifully did.
The first serious ride after that was all good, until I tried to do a tight u-turn at the end of a cul-de-sac, turned the handlebars too far at the apex of the u-turn and overbalanced. I couldn't get my feet out in time... The inside of my thigh was stabbed by the end of the handlebars - very impressive in the world of bruises. The ego took a dent as well. Bike was fine...
-------------------- Illegitimi non carborundum
Posts: 225 | From: Sydney | Registered: Feb 2012
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Sandemaniac
Shipmate
# 12829
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Posted
quote: Originally posted by lily pad: Who knew a person could get such an impressive bruise while in the bike shop rather than out on the roads!?!
You can't leave us hanging on after that tale - photos needed!
AG
-------------------- "It becomes soon pleasantly apparent that change-ringing is by no means merely an excuse for beer" Charles Dickens gets it wrong, 1869
Posts: 3574 | From: The wardrobe of my soul | Registered: Jul 2007
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lily pad
Shipmate
# 11456
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Posted
Sorry no photos. Suffice it to say, despite a forecast of +28 degrees today, I will not be wearing shorts!
Cryptic, I'm sure I would have amazing bruises if I switched to clipless. You are very brave.
-------------------- Sloppiness is not caring. Fussiness is caring about the wrong things. With thanks to Adeodatus!
Posts: 2468 | From: Truly Canadian | Registered: May 2006
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daisymay
St Elmo's Fire
# 1480
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Posted
quote: Originally posted by Cryptic: daisymay - little ones on their first bike are so cute! Cryptogirl has had two bikes, but hasn't really ever taken to riding. She is scootering now, once she has the balance right (and stops falling off) a friend of ours has a bike put aside for her. It is one of my great regrets that I didn't catch the cycling bug when she was tiny and get a mountain bike with one of those dickie seats on the back. Every time I see a little one on the back of a bike I realise how many fun times I've missed.
Let's hope that Cryptogirl gets enjoying and learning to riding the bike. My son's little daughter loves biking and her brother who is 6, 2 years older than her, also got his bike aged 4. They both have scooters and have used them for ages. I used to have my children on the back of my normally big bike and they also liked that, but both as soon as they were old enough, got their own bikes and they still have grown-up bikes. neither wear on their head - I'm wondering if I should buy one for me and so get them for them too - would that teach the children to get safe? They have to wear then as little ones but many people in London don't.
-------------------- London Flickr fotos
Posts: 11224 | From: London - originally Dundee, Blairgowrie etc... | Registered: Oct 2001
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Meg the Red
Shipmate
# 11838
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Posted
Hereabouts, it's the law that children under 18 must wear a bike helmet, and I wouldn't consider getting on my bike without one, any more than I'd ride in a car without a seatbelt. YMMV, but having worked with people who have brain injuries, I think it's worth protecting the few functioning brain cells still floating about in my cranium. Helmets are worse than useless if worn improperly, though - loose straps, tilted back on the head - I see that sort of thing all the time. So if you and your children are going to wear them, it's a good idea to ensure they are fitted properly.
I had Euphemia the wonderbike in for her spring tune-up last week and hoped to take her out for a spin on Saturday, but we have 5 cm of snow forecast for today. (Meltmeltmeltopleasepleasemelt )
-------------------- Chocoholic Canuckistani Cyclopath
Posts: 1126 | From: Rat Creek | Registered: Sep 2006
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lily pad
Shipmate
# 11456
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Posted
Meg, come to the East Coast! We're having higher temperatures today than we had all last summer. (Neglects to mention snow in forecast for Saturday, it is Canada you know.)
Helmets are compulsory for all cyclists here. Wouldn't even think of getting on my bike without one. Can't imagine why anyone would take the risk when there is such a cheap and simple way to protect the brain. [ 22. March 2012, 11:48: Message edited by: lily pad ]
-------------------- Sloppiness is not caring. Fussiness is caring about the wrong things. With thanks to Adeodatus!
Posts: 2468 | From: Truly Canadian | Registered: May 2006
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balaam
Making an ass of myself
# 4543
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Posted
quote: Originally posted by Cryptic: Hi Cyclists!
... knees buggered by years of jogging for fitness mean that jogging is out, and so too is walking if I do too much of it.
Just to warn you that cycling in too high a gear can bugger up knees too. Change gears regularly and keep the cadence high is the best way to travel.
-------------------- Last ever sig ...
blog
Posts: 9049 | From: Hen Ogledd | Registered: May 2003
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the giant cheeseburger
Shipmate
# 10942
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Posted
quote: Originally posted by daisymay: neither wear on their head - I'm wondering if I should buy one for me and so get them for them too - would that teach the children to get safe? They have to wear then as little ones but many people in London don't.
It only needs to save your life once to be worth it, and the routine of putting on the safety gear is a good time to adopt a safety-concious mindset and think carefully about what challenges and hazards you're going to encounter on the ride. Going from "I'm sitting on the couch" to "I'm cycling down the road" in mere seconds doesn't give your brain enough time to adjust for the different dangers present when cycling compared to sitting on the couch. Although my housemate just fell off the couch so it can't be that different for her
I would recommend using flashing rear LED lights, but leave the front ones on steady because they are blinding enough when used normally and even worse when flashing. Making other road users aware of your presence is a good thing, blinding them so badly they can't see anything other than your flashing light is a little self-defeating. I would also suggest shopping around for lights, usually the fancy name brand lights sold at bike shops with huge markups are available for a fraction of the price, without any difference except for the name printed on the casing and less flashy packaging.
-------------------- If I give a homeopathy advocate a really huge punch in the face, can the injury be cured by giving them another really small punch in the face?
Posts: 4834 | From: Adelaide, South Australia. | Registered: Jan 2006
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The Rogue
Shipmate
# 2275
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Posted
I agree that some cyclists do seem to think it's a good idea to dazzle other road users. When I'm cycling, if someone cycles towards me with a stupid light I will normally aim at them and shout something that they probably don't hear.
-------------------- If everyone starts thinking outside the box does outside the box come back inside?
Posts: 2507 | From: Toton | Registered: Feb 2002
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Cryptic
Shipmate
# 16917
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Posted
BA - I'm a frequent gear-changer as I like to spin not strain. the mountain bike gearing I find is good for exerise riding as the right gear is always there.
TGC - I'm with you on the flashing lights, I keep the front one angled down so that it doesn't dazzle traffic, because of that it doesn't illuminate that well when it gets really dark, hence my wish for a flasher and a steady light. There seem to be some good bargains online.
Just found this link today to a cycling blog on the Sydney Morning Herald. It stirs up the helmet daebate again (sorry!) but most worringly, I've just found out that I'm a MAMIL - middle-aged man in lycra...
-------------------- Illegitimi non carborundum
Posts: 225 | From: Sydney | Registered: Feb 2012
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