Cycling

[K-Hod]

I must say, I've never really encountered cyclists on the road really, certainly not in the circumstances some have mentioned. (Not to say that behaviour doesn't exist by the way). Motorcyclists smashing it along the road and weaving in and out of traffic is far more hazardous in my view (then, that's another discussion entirely).

[Amo]

Just gonna leave this here:

Edited September 21, 2016 by Amarillo

[ABBEY]

theres one idiot who nearly every night rides down preston centre the wrong way and laughs when you rant.

[Baz]

theres one idiot who nearly every night rides down preston centre the wrong way and laughs when you rant.

Just clothes line him Abs.

[Audax]

Has anyone ever seen "Pascoe" bikes made in England?

This Australian Cycling retro-bike thread discusses the make of bikes. In this case, we aren't looking at the top-quality ones but maybe a bit like that goldish bronze coloured one.

http://bicycles.net.au/forums/viewtopic.php?t=18803

http://www.bicyclebrainworld.com/brain-blog/2014/11/9/pascoe-project

A bit like this frame, it looks to be your "gaspipe" frames but they are nice looking.

[Paul]

Scroll to very bottom to see details of maker in your link.

Very pretty bikes.

Edited October 14, 2016 by Paul

[tomphil]

I must say, I've never really encountered cyclists on the road really, certainly not in the circumstances some have mentioned. (Not to say that behaviour doesn't exist by the way). Motorcyclists smashing it along the road and weaving in and out of traffic is far more hazardous in my view (then, that's another discussion entirely).

That really does need it's thread they are a nightmare. I don't quite know what goes on in the pea brains of some middle aged blokes on motorbikes. Once you've covered yourself in leather it doesn't make you Mad Max nor does it stop your limbs from falling off as you skid along hard tarmac or into an oncoming vehicle.

If you can afford a power bike, it's insurance and all the gear then you can afford to take it to a track if you want to act like your in the TT or better still just blast it up the motorway and take the points you'll get on the chin.

Edited October 14, 2016 by tomphil

[Audax]

Just stumbled on this vintage cycling link, I'd like to see more of these, it has local interests in the story, so does the home page, "J. Berry" bicycles I believe.:

And below, Hill-Specials.

"Adam Hill started in business in Padiham, Lancashire, at the young age of seventeen. Adam, although born in Rochdale in 1914, had been brought up in Padiham and started by repairing bikes and business grew until, by 1933 he was building the all chrome racer - “ to the envy of other manufacturers ”.

In 1936/7 Adam studied metallurgy at Manchester and this knowledge was put to good use in the business and during the war when he worked in the aircraft industry. Plans had been made for Adam and his brother Tom to go into partnership and the company Hill Brothers Cycle Engineering was formed just before the war. However the partnership never came into being as the two brothers followed different courses but Adam retained the company name which was used through the late 1940s, and 1950s.

After the war premises were obtained at 22 Burns Street close to the family home at no 28 and a neighbour, Ron Dicken, joined as frame builder and finisher. Ron was particularly skilled at the hand lining which was a feature of many post war frames. On Saturdays Ron would take the company van round the country delivering completed frames to dealers. Another employee, but no relation, was Billy Hill who was a considerable innovator and who helped to increase the technical expertise on which the company's reputation was founded."

- http://www.hill-special.co.uk/history.html

....

[Audax]

Is British cycling taking a hit right now? I find these stories to be melodramatic. Worth keeping an eye on.

http://www.bbc.com/sport/cycling/39128672

 

[Paul]

I think melodramatic a very good choice of words in this instance. From what I've read much of this story relies on Freeman's failure, or loss of, we don't know which, to keep medical records.

I've used Dropbox, as Freeman should have done, for similar work purposes and found it a pain in the arse to work with. While I'd agree Freeman, as a doctor, should have resolved the situation I can understand why he might not have done. A stolen laptop is either unfortunate or convenient depending on your personal view. 

For me I think British cycling, without a capital C, is clean. The one disappointment is to read Bradley Wiggins, a truly great athlete and genuine individual, used TUEs before big races. I accept his explanation but it would have been better if he had never used these drugs. Personally I believe Wiggins but I wish it wasn't necessary to even consider the question and could simply take it at face value.

This, though, is a national sport - build 'em up. knock 'em down. Mo Farah?

Edited March 3, 2017 by Paul

[only2garners]

Anyway, I'll keep riding my bike. 

I went to South Africa a few weeks ago for a cycling tour of the Cape and Winelands - absolutely fabulous. Around 270 miles of riding over nine days so not really heavy. One day really hard work gradually uphill into a strong headwind and another day also a bit uphill with the temperature 33 degrees. Otherwise there was some glorious riding culminating in a ride back into Cape Town over Chapman's Peak on the route used by the famous Cape Argus ride.

You might think I would have come back a bit slimmer and fitter but the aggressive wine intake saw to that.

[Mike E]

Considering cycling to work (not thought it through or anything, literally just started thinking about it) and would like some advice. Here are the facts and Qs:

14miles each way.

Bike type: Road or Hybrid? As a newbie and due to cost, Hybrids look good, or should I look at a second-hand road one?

Clothing: Can I get away with relatively normal clothing? I have underarmour and reflective running gear from my Marathon training last year if that's any use?

Helmets: Any particular recommendations? I have one already (somewhere in the garage) but are there any good value ones to look out for? I've heard Foray are decent.

GoPro: Worth having one?

AOB: Anything else I need to consider? I wold only be doing it as a commute and only a few times a week.

3 days, I work 11.30am til 8.30pm which sounds like they'll be easier re: meeting traffic.

Sorry about the randomness and seemingly thoughtless aspect of this. Just find cycling sites very awkward to negotiate and would rather get 'human' advice from here.

[only2garners]

Mike,

I'd start off by going to a proper bike shop i.e. not Halfords. Paul of this parish who knows what he's talking about re bikes recommends Ewood Bikes. Broadgate Cycles in Penwortham are also good but further from you. I assume they should have some second hand bikes and also will give you some advice. I would go second hand rather than a newer cheaper bike. The difficulty many people have is that they decide to start cycling and then get a cheap heavy bike because they're not sure whether they want to take it up. Then they find it harder than they thought, because they have a cheap heavy bike and then give up. From new I wouldn't buy anything less than £500 if you plan to ride regularly but I can imagine that might be too much, so hence a decent second hand bike to start with. You can save up for the carbon Pinarello when you've caught the bug. If Ewood Bikes don't have anything suitable second hand you will at least have some more knowledge to take with you to other bike shops.

You might just find some great deals at this time of year. Every bike company brings out its 2018 models about now and there will be discounts on any 2017 stock so if you can afford it buying new might be a good option.

Does your employer subscribe to the bike to work scheme? If it does it's a great tax efficient way of getting a better bike than you could otherwise afford.

Given that you will be riding in the dark for the next 6 months at least on the way home you need some good quality lights - again take advice from a bike shop. You might save a bit of money actually buying them online.

You can wear what you like but specialist clothing is there for a reason - it's much more comfortable. In particular I would get some form of cycling shorts with padding. Ideally bib shorts are best but they're expensive and they might be an aesthetic step too far to start with. Depending on the route a 14 mile ride will take you an hour or a bit more (more at the beginning), so whatever you wear is not going to be great to then work a full shift in. Are there showers and somewhere to change at work?

You're going to need a decent waterproof if you're planning to start at this time of year. Again the best you can afford is better, certainly one designed for cycling.  Your position on the bike makes an ordinary waterproof not fit correctly.

If your helmet is in at least OK condition stick with that for now. They all work and you plenty of other things to spend on right now. You can get a better helmet later.

Can't help with the Go Pro. I have a Garmin - top of the range but bought for me. I would have bought a cheaper one as I don't use most of the features. But it is great to record your rides and see how you improve your performance over time - you will. If you have a smart phone you can get apps which will do much the same, although they can eat battery power a bit.

Ask away f you think of any more questions.

[Mike E]

I might pay a trip to Ewood Bikes this afternoon, see what they say

Cheers for the advice so far o2g. Reckon I'll start with the spare road bike my gf's dad has and see if I actually like dry runs first.

I think my employer DOES do the bike scheme (I'm sure I've seen it mentioned somewhere) and there are showers/changing rooms.

I'll report back ?

[only2garners]

If you have a bike you can borrow to see how you like it then that's a great option.

Make sure you have a look at the bike to work scheme - it's a complete no-brainer if you want to get a bike (even if you don't ride it to work!).

[Paul]

13 minutes ago, Mike E said:

I might pay a trip to Ewood Bikes this afternoon, see what they say

Cheers for the advice so far o2g. Reckon I'll start with the spare road bike my gf's dad has and see if I actually like dry runs first.

I think my employer DOES do the bike scheme (I'm sure I've seen it mentioned somewhere) and there are showers/changing rooms.

I'll report back ?

I'll post with some ideas later. Very much agree with all O2G has said. I cannot recommend Ewood Bikes highly enough BUT I have had people complain afterwards they only sell expensive bikes. Not true really but quality bikes cost money. Highly unlikely they will be interested in secondhand or even have one.

The Cycle to Work scheme is a total no brainer. Ewood Bikes do it  

Unless you really can't afford one do NOT use an older helmet. I've come off at 25mph wearing a brand new £120 helmet and smashed it in four places. It would have been my head that was smashed.  The helmet is to save your life not look the part. You have no idea what might have happened to that helmet. 

[Mike E]

Been to Ewood Bikes and first thing that struck me is they actually listened!

Recommended a Hybrid and actually steered me towards cheaper options (£440 for a Merida Speeder sounds exceptionally reasonable)!

Other vitals: Pair of padded cycling shorts, front and rear lights, new helmet.

I was impressed with their straight advice and not trying to oversell. I'll try out the spare bike I mentioned, but it'll certainly be Ewood Bikes I buy anything from.

[only2garners]

Paul makes a good point about an older helmet, unless you are confident that it has not suffered any damage. If it's one only you have worn for a few outings and it's never been part of a impact it should be OK. If you're not sure, get a new one.

In terms of safety most helmets will do the job of saving a head injury in a fairly low impact accident but are not much use in a full on collision with a motor vehicle. I can vouch for this - in my accident last year the helmet stopped my head from smacking the tarmac. I ended up with a cut eyebrow and a lip cut which required plastic surgery but it would probably have been a lot more serious if I hadn't been wearing my helmet.

I'd also agree with Paul that complaints about the cost of a bike from a proper bike shop. There are plenty of places that you can get a bike for less money, and when you have been on it for a while you will soon realise why. When we got our canal boat in 2003 I bought a series of folding bikes to go on it, thinking I wold not be using it much so it wasn't worth spending a lot on. After the third one more or less fell apart I bit the bullet and bought a Brompton. expensive but it's on it's fourth season and all it will need in a couple of weeks is a good clean and service.

[Paul]

@Mike E very pleased to read your experience with Ewood Bikes. This is exactly what I would expect from them. If you become a regular customer you'll continue to get great service. I try to buy all the little odds and ends there. It will cost more than online but you are paying for advice and service. 

Regarding clothing you're to strike lucky on this. September 28th Aldi have their winter cycling promotion. The prices for clothing are very competitive and the quality is generally good. I used to buy a lot there but it doesn't suit my riding these days. For commuting, especially while you decide if you like it, you'll find everything you need at really good prices. I wouldn't buy a helmet there nor would I buy lights, tools etc. as on these items the low price impacts the quality in my experience. That though is a personal choice and knowing the Aldi reputation for quality these items may have improved significantly since I last looked two years ago. 

You can order online, if you go to the store get there when it opens. If what you want sells out try going the following day to an Aldi in an affluent area. It sounds wrong to say it but people in those areas are less likely to buy Aldi clothing. I often found the one in Knutsford, where I worked, had stock long after Chorley sold out. 

On clothing I suggest you are going to need and should be in Aldi

Bib shorts or longs (full length leg)

Merino wool base layer, vest at least, legs is cosy!

Shirt with long sleeves at this time of year

Windproof/waterproof winter jacket

Gloves

Glasses - I'll be in Aldi for those £4.00

Elsewhere get a buff if Aldi don't have them. Ewood Bikes stock very good waterproof socks at about £15. A small cap to wear under your helmet is very warm.

A few tips on the bike, set the one you borrow up to fit as best you can. It probably won't be the right size but it's a good start. If there are no mudguards at least buy an "arse saver" a small plastic mudguard that slips under the seat and keeps your bum dry. Full mudguards in winter is much better.

To begin with this is going to hurt. You are unlikely to do 14 miles in an hour. Probably best to allow 90 minutes to begin with for riding and getting changed at the other end. The shortest route may not be the quickest. 

When riding assert your right to be  on the road. It would be worth googling what cyclists refer to as primary and secondary position. At the very least ride at least a metre from the kerb. This has three purposes; drivers are forced to overtake you correctly, if something goes wrong you have space to move in to but if you're already riding in the gutter there's nowhere to escape to and finally the gutter is where all the crap ends up and is often potholed. Avoiding the crap means fewer punctures. 

Lastly inflate your tyres properly. This means high pressure, I ride at about 105/110 psi in winter and 120 psi in spring and summer. Correctly inflated tyres is the best way of avoiding punctures - I once went seven years without a puncture, last one I had was two years ago.

Carry a spare inner tube, much quicker to change a tube than fix a puncture. 

[Paul]

On bike costs. That Merida is good value. If you buy quality it will last. I spend a lot on bikes. The oldest is 13 years old and still very good to ride. It's heavy and slow but still very serviceable. 

[Jimbo]

As far as cheap gear goes, Tenn Sports on Amazon does some nice cheap, functional stuff, the chamois in the bib shorts is OK for 10-20 miles but not much more. If you're commuting every day you'll need several sets of everything, well I do, I'm dripping by the time I get to work. Lots of washing generated. I will be having a look in Aldi though on the 28th.

I got a good deal on my hybrid, buying a 2016 model, rather than this year's at Xmas, and I've now got the bug big time, joining a club, Sunday morning rides, and even sportives - Cat and Fiddle, next month.

[blueboy3333]

@Mike E 2017 Hybrid Bike Reviews. Also a decent video on the advantages of Hybrids for commuting.

http://www.cyclingweekly.com/group-tests/hybrid-bikes-buyers-guide-206065

I've had a Trek Hybrid for a few years and it's been a fantastic bike for me.

Some other Hybrid Bike reviews here from down the years which may help in some way:-

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/hybrid/

Edited September 15, 2017 by blueboy3333

[arbitro]

There are some bargains to be had on the website below.

http://www.bikebargains.co.uk/clothing/

[Dreyski]

Is it worth splashing out on a raft of cleaning products? I've got some muc-off chain spray and a stiff brush, as well as some chain lube, but as these run out I'm considering investing in a chain cleaner gadget.

 

Does anyone use these, or are they hipster affectations lacking elbow grease?

[Jimbo]

and mudguards - it'll only take one downpour for you to wish you had them. Putting soggy socks back on for the commute home isn't pleasant.

 

The problem with this cycling lark is it can get expensive quickly, I'm constantly buying stuff. It's a good job I'm saving a lot on Gym memberships and train fares.