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Push bike commute to work..
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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Just bought a bike from Evans Cycles on finance (prices take the absolute piss) anyway I've ordered it, does anyone else commute, is it 'fun' do you use head phones and also what lights do I get? I'm sure the guys at Evans will explain.
Gonna be cycling 50 - 60 miles a week, is that good? Will I turn into Hercules?! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I wouldn't recommend using headphones unless you particularly like being run over.
You have to remember that everything else you might encounter on the road will be substantially less squishy than you, so you will need to keep your eyes and ears open.
I often cycle commute when the nights are lighter, you won't turn into Hercules but you will get descent legs. If your of normal weight then your unlikely to lose any weight. Best way to do that is to eat less. |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"I cycle nearly 18 miles per day for work and no it never turned me into Hercules. It can be an ordeal in winter, especially in high winds."
18 miles?! That's aaaaages away lol my commute is 5 miles each way! How's your legs?! Must get calf muscles at least?! Don't mind weather I'm a outdoors guy generally, a bit of mud and rain doesn't phaze me. Hoping to do iron man challenge next year! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I do community nursing I Dom drive so I cycle round my calls, I do on average 30 miles a day
My top tip is get a bloody good lock I've have a fair few pinched over the years, in general D ring locks tend to be more secure than lock and chain locks, Kryptonite locks are good, go for the upper end range though they are pricey usually about £70 upto £100 but if you have an expensive bike worth paying, I have theKryptonite New York Lock M18-WL I played £74.99 for it but its been worth every penny I've not have a bike pinched in over a year since I bought it |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"I wouldn't recommend using headphones unless you particularly like being run over.
You have to remember that everything else you might encounter on the road will be substantially less squishy than you, so you will need to keep your eyes and ears open.
I often cycle commute when the nights are lighter, you won't turn into Hercules but you will get descent legs. If your of normal weight then your unlikely to lose any weight. Best way to do that is to eat less. "
Yeah but then driving my car I listen to music, no difference... I'm outside with better observes, no? I can't hear a thing when I'm driving lol |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I cycle nearly 18 miles per day for work and no it never turned me into Hercules. It can be an ordeal in winter, especially in high winds.
18 miles?! That's aaaaages away lol my commute is 5 miles each way! How's your legs?! Must get calf muscles at least?! Don't mind weather I'm a outdoors guy generally, a bit of mud and rain doesn't phaze me. Hoping to do iron man challenge next year!"
I have huge calf muscles everyone comments on them, apparently I have men's legs  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I do community nursing I Dom drive so I cycle round my calls, I do on average 30 miles a day
My top tip is get a bloody good lock I've have a fair few pinched over the years, in general D ring locks tend to be more secure than lock and chain locks, Kryptonite locks are good, go for the upper end range though they are pricey usually about £70 upto £100 but if you have an expensive bike worth paying, I have theKryptonite New York Lock M18-WL I played £74.99 for it but its been worth every penny I've not have a bike pinched in over a year since I bought it "
im a Dom  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I do community nursing I Dom drive so I cycle round my calls, I do on average 30 miles a day
My top tip is get a bloody good lock I've have a fair few pinched over the years, in general D ring locks tend to be more secure than lock and chain locks, Kryptonite locks are good, go for the upper end range though they are pricey usually about £70 upto £100 but if you have an expensive bike worth paying, I have theKryptonite New York Lock M18-WL I played £74.99 for it but its been worth every penny I've not have a bike pinched in over a year since I bought it im a Dom "
Yeah I noticed that after I posted
Don't *  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Do you not have access to a cycle to work scheme, you save a fair bit and halfords give you 10% of the value of your voucher in accessories. I got a £400 bike with £40 of free accessories for something like £16 quid a month for 12 months, worth looking into  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I do community nursing I Dom drive so I cycle round my calls, I do on average 30 miles a day
My top tip is get a bloody good lock I've have a fair few pinched over the years, in general D ring locks tend to be more secure than lock and chain locks, Kryptonite locks are good, go for the upper end range though they are pricey usually about £70 upto £100 but if you have an expensive bike worth paying, I have theKryptonite New York Lock M18-WL I played £74.99 for it but its been worth every penny I've not have a bike pinched in over a year since I bought it "
Dom drive?
I have an image of you herding doms like sheep...think I still half asleep...very odd! |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"I do community nursing I Dom drive so I cycle round my calls, I do on average 30 miles a day
My top tip is get a bloody good lock I've have a fair few pinched over the years, in general D ring locks tend to be more secure than lock and chain locks, Kryptonite locks are good, go for the upper end range though they are pricey usually about £70 upto £100 but if you have an expensive bike worth paying, I have theKryptonite New York Lock M18-WL I played £74.99 for it but its been worth every penny I've not have a bike pinched in over a year since I bought it "
30 miles, per day  who are you people?!? Thanks for the lock tip, the bike is on finance 40.00 per month so not to bad however I'd rather not take insurance so I'll do what you said a buy a really good lock outright.. What's 70.00 compared to a ridiculously expensive bike lol |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"Do you not have access to a cycle to work scheme, you save a fair bit and halfords give you 10% of the value of your voucher in accessories. I got a £400 bike with £40 of free accessories for something like £16 quid a month for 12 months, worth looking into "
Yeah my company is boss like that but it was just as easy to get finance from Evans rather than faff around with work! 500.00 quid bike I'm paying 534.00 overall, not to bad eh! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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After the train bombings in London they closed off the stations for a couple of days. My husband thought he would cycle into London,he lasted half an hour and came home. Harder than he thought. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I do community nursing I Dom drive so I cycle round my calls, I do on average 30 miles a day
My top tip is get a bloody good lock I've have a fair few pinched over the years, in general D ring locks tend to be more secure than lock and chain locks, Kryptonite locks are good, go for the upper end range though they are pricey usually about £70 upto £100 but if you have an expensive bike worth paying, I have theKryptonite New York Lock M18-WL I played £74.99 for it but its been worth every penny I've not have a bike pinched in over a year since I bought it
30 miles, per day who are you people?!? Thanks for the lock tip, the bike is on finance 40.00 per month so not to bad however I'd rather not take insurance so I'll do what you said a buy a really good lock outright.. What's 70.00 compared to a ridiculously expensive bike lol "
The lock I have is insured for £800 basically they are saying we are that convinced that our locks are tamper proof we have insured it for £800, if anyone does manage to break it you have to have your original receipt and the broken lock to claim, I know you may think that's odd they may not leave the lock but they do, I have never come back to a stolen bike and not found the lock on the floor, they just cut it, drop it and ride off |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"After the train bombings in London they closed off the stations for a couple of days. My husband thought he would cycle into London,he lasted half an hour and came home. Harder than he thought."
Int North we just have dirt tracks and rubble paths with a few mopeds buggies, I'll be reet as rain lol |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I do community nursing I Dom drive so I cycle round my calls, I do on average 30 miles a day
My top tip is get a bloody good lock I've have a fair few pinched over the years, in general D ring locks tend to be more secure than lock and chain locks, Kryptonite locks are good, go for the upper end range though they are pricey usually about £70 upto £100 but if you have an expensive bike worth paying, I have theKryptonite New York Lock M18-WL I played £74.99 for it but its been worth every penny I've not have a bike pinched in over a year since I bought it "
shopping for locks id go in web for the best deals |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"I do community nursing I Dom drive so I cycle round my calls, I do on average 30 miles a day
My top tip is get a bloody good lock I've have a fair few pinched over the years, in general D ring locks tend to be more secure than lock and chain locks, Kryptonite locks are good, go for the upper end range though they are pricey usually about £70 upto £100 but if you have an expensive bike worth paying, I have theKryptonite New York Lock M18-WL I played £74.99 for it but its been worth every penny I've not have a bike pinched in over a year since I bought it
shopping for locks id go in web for the best deals "
Got mine off eBay |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
|
"I do community nursing I Dom drive so I cycle round my calls, I do on average 30 miles a day
My top tip is get a bloody good lock I've have a fair few pinched over the years, in general D ring locks tend to be more secure than lock and chain locks, Kryptonite locks are good, go for the upper end range though they are pricey usually about £70 upto £100 but if you have an expensive bike worth paying, I have theKryptonite New York Lock M18-WL I played £74.99 for it but its been worth every penny I've not have a bike pinched in over a year since I bought it
30 miles, per day who are you people?!? Thanks for the lock tip, the bike is on finance 40.00 per month so not to bad however I'd rather not take insurance so I'll do what you said a buy a really good lock outright.. What's 70.00 compared to a ridiculously expensive bike lol
The lock I have is insured for £800 basically they are saying we are that convinced that our locks are tamper proof we have insured it for £800, if anyone does manage to break it you have to have your original receipt and the broken lock to claim, I know you may think that's odd they may not leave the lock but they do, I have never come back to a stolen bike and not found the lock on the floor, they just cut it, drop it and ride off"
You, are on fire! That lock sounds ideal?! What ai looking for? Where will I get something like that? Surely I can ask at Evans when I pick the bike up!
Oh do I need to get cycling clothes lol... |
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My commute is only a couple of miles, but then I add on my training/fun rides & it mounts up. Last week I did 99.39 miles, summer weeks I average 150+.
Good lights, a decent lock (I use a chain & padlock) and waterproofs are essential.
If you have showers/washing facilities at work maybe take in a few shirts etc & ride in wearing cycling shorts & top etc to avoid being sweaty all day. |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"My commute is only a couple of miles, but then I add on my training/fun rides & it mounts up. Last week I did 99.39 miles, summer weeks I average 150+.
Good lights, a decent lock (I use a chain & padlock) and waterproofs are essential.
If you have showers/washing facilities at work maybe take in a few shirts etc & ride in wearing cycling shorts & top etc to avoid being sweaty all day."
I'll be buzzing if I can clock up the miles like this! I have cycled before but nothing like this! Yeah I'll get waterproofs tomorrow at Evans as weather isn't great! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Just bought a bike from Evans Cycles on finance (prices take the absolute piss) anyway I've ordered it, does anyone else commute, is it 'fun' do you use head phones and also what lights do I get? I'm sure the guys at Evans will explain.
Gonna be cycling 50 - 60 miles a week, is that good? Will I turn into Hercules?!"
Please please never with the headphones,I've had three separate accidents on the motorbike due to idiot bicycle riders with earphones in..actually the third one was more due to him texting on his phone at the same time rather than the earphones,almost made me not feel guilty about my bike shattering his hip and breaking his femur in 5 places..
Personally feel these children's toys shouldn't be allowed on the roads anyways but that's a different matter altogether..
Ride safe  |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
|
"Just bought a bike from Evans Cycles on finance (prices take the absolute piss) anyway I've ordered it, does anyone else commute, is it 'fun' do you use head phones and also what lights do I get? I'm sure the guys at Evans will explain.
Gonna be cycling 50 - 60 miles a week, is that good? Will I turn into Hercules?!
Please please never with the headphones,I've had three separate accidents on the motorbike due to idiot bicycle riders with earphones in..actually the third one was more due to him texting on his phone at the same time rather than the earphones,almost made me not feel guilty about my bike shattering his hip and breaking his femur in 5 places..
Personally feel these children's toys shouldn't be allowed on the roads anyways but that's a different matter altogether..
Ride safe "
Just lolled at that out loud haha reminded me of when I stopped at lights last year and the guy on the bike behind me face planked it into my back window haha, didn't feel bad he was to close!
Yeah I'll skip the ear phones I think, I'm gonna be on country lanes in pitch black, silly idea! |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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But then I think, nothing stops deaf people cycling and driving.. Is it just a case of being over cautious?! We do have eyes... I won't take unnecessary risks though! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"Just bought a bike from Evans Cycles on finance (prices take the absolute piss) anyway I've ordered it, does anyone else commute, is it 'fun' do you use head phones and also what lights do I get? I'm sure the guys at Evans will explain.
Gonna be cycling 50 - 60 miles a week, is that good? Will I turn into Hercules?!
Please please never with the headphones,I've had three separate accidents on the motorbike due to idiot bicycle riders with earphones in..actually the third one was more due to him texting on his phone at the same time rather than the earphones,almost made me not feel guilty about my bike shattering his hip and breaking his femur in 5 places..
Personally feel these children's toys shouldn't be allowed on the roads anyways but that's a different matter altogether..
Ride safe
Just lolled at that out loud haha reminded me of when I stopped at lights last year and the guy on the bike behind me face planked it into my back window haha, didn't feel bad he was to close!
Yeah I'll skip the ear phones I think, I'm gonna be on country lanes in pitch black, silly idea!"
In that case,lots of day glo clothing.. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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im a everyday cyclist have been for last ten years, it gets easyer after a few days,get some paddedshorts puncture outfit a spare inertube and pump and a good d.lock tho! safe cycling im sure you' enjoy it. msg me if you need any tips or anything |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"im a everyday cyclist have been for last ten years, it gets easyer after a few days,get some paddedshorts puncture outfit a spare inertube and pump and a good d.lock tho! safe cycling im sure you' enjoy it. msg me if you need any tips or anything"
Ta very much! Appear toy these tyres are very puncture proof, sounds like they are made of steel lol not one for Lycra so I'll just get jogging bottoms or something! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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If you don't have the music louder than the environment, then its not particularly unsafe to ride with headphones in. If you cannot hear cars / motorbikes approaching behind you then its dangerous.
I've been riding for nearly 4 years, always with ear-buds on low volume. I actually find it cuts down on wind noise and makes it easier to hear approaching vehicles.
Someone in a car wont hear you ringing your bell, even with the radio off!
If you haven't ridden a bike for years, you are going to hurt. Your ass will hurt, your legs will hurt. You will get Cyclists Palsy in your hands for a while. Best advice when you get the bike is don't start doing 18 miles straight away. Take it out a weekends / evenings and ramp up the mileage. Get used to riding the bike and controlling it until you are comfortable and confident . Use parks, cycle paths etc, then get confidence out on the main roads.
Oh, padded cycling shorts are your friend, as is a saddle suited to your sit-bone width. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"But then I think, nothing stops deaf people cycling and driving.. Is it just a case of being over cautious?! We do have eyes... I won't take unnecessary risks though!"
As long as your eyes can see round every corner on those country lanes then you might be fine,hope the eyes in the back of your head spot the idiot drivers coming up behind you too,just don't be complaining when some 15yr old farmers doing donuts on your spine with his tractor.. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"
Yeah but then driving my car I listen to music, no difference... I'm outside with better observes, no? I can't hear a thing when I'm driving lol "
You need to be able to hear when a car driver is behind you. Don't forget that you don't have mirrors. You can tell by the sound of the engine if they're being a cock or not as well.
Go on a course to learn to ride on the road properly. Most people hug the gutter and that's dangerous. Own the road, ride a 1/3 into it most of the time. Ride in the centre of your lane if you don't believe it's safe for them to overtake you. You let cars pass you, don't let them decide it's safe by squeezing past.
50 miles a week won't do much for your physique to be honest. But it's better than sitting on your ass in the car. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"im a everyday cyclist have been for last ten years, it gets easyer after a few days,get some paddedshorts puncture outfit a spare inertube and pump and a good d.lock tho! safe cycling im sure you' enjoy it. msg me if you need any tips or anything
Ta very much! Appear toy these tyres are very puncture proof, sounds like they are made of steel lol not one for Lycra so I'll just get jogging bottoms or something!"
Jogging bottoms aren't really any good for riding in - they'll easily get caught in the chain and gears.
Wearing lycra that is fitted will stop you getting caught in the chain (thus making you safer) and will also stop you getting really bad chafing around your crotch. Joggers are awful to ride in. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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When I cycled alot, when I was younger(200 miles a week) I certainly didn't turn into Hercules, in fact my legs were slimmer when cycling than they are now (I only do about 25 miles).
I wouldn't wear ear phones unless your cycling well away from roads.
You need every sense available in traffic  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"im a everyday cyclist have been for last ten years, it gets easyer after a few days,get some paddedshorts puncture outfit a spare inertube and pump and a good d.lock tho! safe cycling im sure you' enjoy it. msg me if you need any tips or anything
Ta very much! Appear toy these tyres are very puncture proof, sounds like they are made of steel lol not one for Lycra so I'll just get jogging bottoms or something!
Jogging bottoms aren't really any good for riding in - they'll easily get caught in the chain and gears.
Wearing lycra that is fitted will stop you getting caught in the chain (thus making you safer) and will also stop you getting really bad chafing around your crotch. Joggers are awful to ride in."
I ride in lightweight walking trousers over padded cycling shorts. As long as the trousers are reasonably tight fitting (no Sailor Bell Bottoms) and you have a bash-guard on the chain ring you'll not chew up the trouser bottoms. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I do community nursing I Dom drive so I cycle round my calls, I do on average 30 miles a day
My top tip is get a bloody good lock I've have a fair few pinched over the years, in general D ring locks tend to be more secure than lock and chain locks, Kryptonite locks are good, go for the upper end range though they are pricey usually about £70 upto £100 but if you have an expensive bike worth paying, I have theKryptonite New York Lock M18-WL I played £74.99 for it but its been worth every penny I've not have a bike pinched in over a year since I bought it
30 miles, per day who are you people?!? Thanks for the lock tip, the bike is on finance 40.00 per month so not to bad however I'd rather not take insurance so I'll do what you said a buy a really good lock outright.. What's 70.00 compared to a ridiculously expensive bike lol
The lock I have is insured for £800 basically they are saying we are that convinced that our locks are tamper proof we have insured it for £800, if anyone does manage to break it you have to have your original receipt and the broken lock to claim, I know you may think that's odd they may not leave the lock but they do, I have never come back to a stolen bike and not found the lock on the floor, they just cut it, drop it and ride off
You, are on fire! That lock sounds ideal?! What ai looking for? Where will I get something like that? Surely I can ask at Evans when I pick the bike up!
Oh do I need to get cycling clothes lol... "
got mine off eBay the insurance just comes as standard with that lock, paper work comes with lock
my next top tip is you can claim tax back for cycling to work, goggle Utax and leave your name and number in the pop up box they will call you back, ask you some questions and assess your case, they changed my tax code so I can now earn £1080 a month before I pay tax which had made me about £98 a month better off that's a milage allowance and to cover wear and tear on your bike |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I will add that I cycle on towpaths, cycle routes and generally away from main roads and heavy car traffic, hence my use of earbuds.
Id probably reconsider if I was doing a road commute. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Just bought a bike from Evans Cycles on finance (prices take the absolute piss) anyway I've ordered it, does anyone else commute, is it 'fun' do you use head phones and also what lights do I get? I'm sure the guys at Evans will explain.
Gonna be cycling 50 - 60 miles a week, is that good? Will I turn into Hercules?!
Please please never with the headphones,I've had three separate accidents on the motorbike due to idiot bicycle riders with earphones in..actually the third one was more due to him texting on his phone at the same time rather than the earphones,almost made me not feel guilty about my bike shattering his hip and breaking his femur in 5 places..
Personally feel these children's toys shouldn't be allowed on the roads anyways but that's a different matter altogether..
Ride safe "
Considering the disproportionately high death rate if motorcyclists I think you are right. Getting motirbikes off tge road can only be a good thing for road safety.
You were referring ti motorbikes as children's toys weren't you? |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I wouldn't recommend using headphones unless you particularly like being run over.
You have to remember that everything else you might encounter on the road will be substantially less squishy than you, so you will need to keep your eyes and ears open.
I often cycle commute when the nights are lighter, you won't turn into Hercules but you will get descent legs. If your of normal weight then your unlikely to lose any weight. Best way to do that is to eat less.
Yeah but then driving my car I listen to music, no difference... I'm outside with better observes, no? I can't hear a thing when I'm driving lol "
The difference is your sat in nearly 2 tons of steel box. Your big your loud your visible.
Once you get on a bike you will realise no one can see you or if they do see you they don't care, the amount of times I've been cut up cos people don't want to be behind a cyclist.
You need all your senses other wise you will be hit. That's my advice take it or leave it but I do cycle between 1500-2000 miles a year in Manchester so maybe I don't know what I'm talking about. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Just bought a bike from Evans Cycles on finance (prices take the absolute piss) anyway I've ordered it, does anyone else commute, is it 'fun' do you use head phones and also what lights do I get? I'm sure the guys at Evans will explain.
Gonna be cycling 50 - 60 miles a week, is that good? Will I turn into Hercules?!
Please please never with the headphones,I've had three separate accidents on the motorbike due to idiot bicycle riders with earphones in..actually the third one was more due to him texting on his phone at the same time rather than the earphones,almost made me not feel guilty about my bike shattering his hip and breaking his femur in 5 places..
Personally feel these children's toys shouldn't be allowed on the roads anyways but that's a different matter altogether..
Ride safe
Just lolled at that out loud haha reminded me of when I stopped at lights last year and the guy on the bike behind me face planked it into my back window haha, didn't feel bad he was to close!
Yeah I'll skip the ear phones I think, I'm gonna be on country lanes in pitch black, silly idea!
In that case,lots of day glo clothing.."
This! basically try to make sure you're as visible as possible.
If you want to work on your fitness get a bike computer - they're cheap but tell your ride time, average and max. speed, and you'll find you want to keep beating yourself... also, especially if you're riding on dirt tracks, carry at least one spare inner tube and a pump. (and make sure you know how to change it lol) |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Padded shorts are a must. Hypocritically I would say don't wear headphones (even though I do). Don't be fooled that a helmet makes you invincible. Quality lights are an essential. Learn how to change an innertube and carry a spare. If your local council provide cycle training book on for some. Viewvevery road user as a potential risk to your life.
Most importantly -:enjoy! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Padded shorts are a must. Hypocritically I would say don't wear headphones (even though I do). Don't be fooled that a helmet makes you invincible. Quality lights are an essential. Learn how to change an innertube and carry a spare. If your local council provide cycle training book on for some. Viewvevery road user as a potential risk to your life.
Most importantly -:enjoy! "
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"Just bought a bike from Evans Cycles on finance (prices take the absolute piss) anyway I've ordered it, does anyone else commute, is it 'fun' do you use head phones and also what lights do I get? I'm sure the guys at Evans will explain.
Gonna be cycling 50 - 60 miles a week, is that good? Will I turn into Hercules?!
Please please never with the headphones,I've had three separate accidents on the motorbike due to idiot bicycle riders with earphones in..actually the third one was more due to him texting on his phone at the same time rather than the earphones,almost made me not feel guilty about my bike shattering his hip and breaking his femur in 5 places..
Personally feel these children's toys shouldn't be allowed on the roads anyways but that's a different matter altogether..
Ride safe
Considering the disproportionately high death rate if motorcyclists I think you are right. Getting motirbikes off tge road can only be a good thing for road safety.
You were referring ti motorbikes as children's toys weren't you? "
you tell me,which one can be bought at toys'r'us but if you really want to stop bikers both motorised and peddalised dying on the roads then I think we need to get rid of the cars or at least introduce proper training during their driving lessons |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Padded shorts are a must. Hypocritically I would say don't wear headphones (even though I do). Don't be fooled that a helmet makes you invincible. Quality lights are an essential. Learn how to change an innertube and carry a spare. If your local council provide cycle training book on for some. Viewvevery road user as a potential risk to your life.
Most importantly -:enjoy! "
This |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Why is it every Cycling thread on here has to turn into an argument about Cars V Bikes?
All the OP wanted was some advice on getting into cycling!"
You are aware that two folks talking does not constitute an argument nor is their any rules that say we can't go off on a tangent either,we both gave advice to Op but very sorry if we didn't stick to your rigid expectations on forum etiquette..I'm sure someone here will help u get your panties outta that twist you seem to have got them in |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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Some mega top tips noted right here this morning! I'm gonna look at UTAX for tax reasons, not going to use headphones (silly idea), look at padded LYCRA (bellend in Lycra) shorts, Learn how to change a tyre, get a good strong lock, use the lane and not hug the curb!
Think all basis have been covered! well done all! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Why is it every Cycling thread on here has to turn into an argument about Cars V Bikes?
All the OP wanted was some advice on getting into cycling!
You are aware that two folks talking does not constitute an argument nor is their any rules that say we can't go off on a tangent either,we both gave advice to Op but very sorry if we didn't stick to your rigid expectations on forum etiquette..I'm sure someone here will help u get your panties outta that twist you seem to have got them in"
I too can express an opinion, based upon observation and the knowledge of how many cycling threads over the years have ended up. I was neither offensive, nor personal - both of which you deemed it necessary to be in your response.
So go troll someone else, little man.
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Why is it every Cycling thread on here has to turn into an argument about Cars V Bikes?
All the OP wanted was some advice on getting into cycling!
You are aware that two folks talking does not constitute an argument nor is their any rules that say we can't go off on a tangent either,we both gave advice to Op but very sorry if we didn't stick to your rigid expectations on forum etiquette..I'm sure someone here will help u get your panties outta that twist you seem to have got them in
I too can express an opinion, based upon observation and the knowledge of how many cycling threads over the years have ended up. I was neither offensive, nor personal - both of which you deemed it necessary to be in your response.
So go troll someone else, little man.
"
If you think a jibe and a wink is offensive chum then I'm truly sorry for ya,probably explains how your panties got so twisted in the first place |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"Just bought a bike from Evans Cycles on finance (prices take the absolute piss) anyway I've ordered it, does anyone else commute, is it 'fun' do you use head phones and also what lights do I get? I'm sure the guys at Evans will explain.
Gonna be cycling 50 - 60 miles a week, is that good? Will I turn into Hercules?!
Please please never with the headphones,I've had three separate accidents on the motorbike due to idiot bicycle riders with earphones in..actually the third one was more due to him texting on his phone at the same time rather than the earphones,almost made me not feel guilty about my bike shattering his hip and breaking his femur in 5 places..
Personally feel these children's toys shouldn't be allowed on the roads anyways but that's a different matter altogether..
Ride safe "
Funny thing that, cycling using a mobile is not illegal. cyclist are allowed on the roads, make sure you give them plenty of room when passing them. I clocked up to 30k miles a year when I was in a cycle racing club. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"earplugs are a nono even in cyclepaths as you wont here other riders behind ringin there bells warning you there overtaking."
Or for those of us without a bell on the bike, the shout to let you know I am coming past. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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top puncture tip:
don't forget that whatever punctured your innertube might still be embedded in the tyre. So if you put a new tube in, re-inflate and put it back on the rim, without checking inside the tyre first, don't be surprised if it goes flat again! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Please please please, get some BRIGHT lights. I'm sick of seeing (at the last minute) riders wearing head to toe black with lights that are no more effective than a glowing cigarette end. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"Just bought a bike from Evans Cycles on finance (prices take the absolute piss) anyway I've ordered it, does anyone else commute, is it 'fun' do you use head phones and also what lights do I get? I'm sure the guys at Evans will explain.
Gonna be cycling 50 - 60 miles a week, is that good? Will I turn into Hercules?!
Please please never with the headphones,I've had three separate accidents on the motorbike due to idiot bicycle riders with earphones in..actually the third one was more due to him texting on his phone at the same time rather than the earphones,almost made me not feel guilty about my bike shattering his hip and breaking his femur in 5 places..
Personally feel these children's toys shouldn't be allowed on the roads anyways but that's a different matter altogether..
Ride safe
Funny thing that, cycling using a mobile is not illegal. cyclist are allowed on the roads, make sure you give them plenty of room when passing them. I clocked up to 30k miles a year when I was in a cycle racing club."
.
Presuming an average of 15 mph.. What your telling us is you cycled 6hrs a day every single day for a year |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Been doing 20km a day since last summer and I enjoy it. Can be a ball ache when I need to take large items in but planning ahead usually helps. Advice you may find useful:
Padded bib shorts
4seasons tyres
Mudguards
MTB shoes and pedals help you walk better off bike
Rucksacks can hurt after a while
Cree lights off ebay
Spare rear light
Find short cuts and quieter road to ride. My ride home can sometimes be horrendous with stinking diesel cars passing at speed and too close. I avoid the road now but run the risk of more punctures/cow shit on rural lanes
I use a 1x10 speed cuclocross bike that I've built so I'd recommend drop bars and disk brakes but you've already bought the bike. You can also double your club card points to spend at evans
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Don't presume 15mph, a decent club rider can easily average 22mph over a decent distance-mainly because riding in a group makes it easier. I'm slow & even riding solo I can average 18.5mph over 40+miles around my local Pennine hills.
To the OP, I would also add full length mudguards to the bike - they really do make a huge distance.
As someone else said, get some training if possible. Local Authorities run free bikeability level 3 schemes and no one is above learning something new.
Ride assertively, not in the gutter, look up Primary and Secondary positions and enjoy the ride |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"
Funny thing that, cycling using a mobile is not illegal. cyclist are allowed on the roads, make sure you give them plenty of room when passing them"
Yeah not illegal but should be,as for being on the roads,i know they're allowed just don't believe they should be as for starters they can't keep up to the speed limits nor can they manoeuvre quick enough to avoid collisions when they do occur..I do give as wide a birth as possible as being on a bike myself I know what it's like being hemend in by bigger and more powerful vehicles,as for my own accidents with them,first two a result of bicycle ridingredients of the pavement to avoid pedestrians without looking and the last one was an idiot who cut across two lanes of traffic cause he wanted to turn right to go up his own driveway on the opposite side if the street.maybe forced to take lessons he woulda known that right hand lane is for overtaking,hence why he got hit at just over 50mph.. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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theres a year long timetrial goin on now! steve abrahams been out everyday all weathers riding wellover a hundred miles a day! best of luck to him! give him plenty space and a cheer.if you pass him. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"
Funny thing that, cycling using a mobile is not illegal. cyclist are allowed on the roads, make sure you give them plenty of room when passing them
Yeah not illegal but should be,as for being on the roads,i know they're allowed just don't believe they should be as for starters they can't keep up to the speed limits nor can they manoeuvre quick enough to avoid collisions when they do occur..I do give as wide a birth as possible as being on a bike myself I know what it's like being hemend in by bigger and more powerful vehicles,as for my own accidents with them,first two a result of bicycle ridingredients of the pavement to avoid pedestrians without looking and the last one was an idiot who cut across two lanes of traffic cause he wanted to turn right to go up his own driveway on the opposite side if the street.maybe forced to take lessons he woulda known that right hand lane is for overtaking,hence why he got hit at just over 50mph.."
You do know speed limits are a maximum? There is no need fur anyone to keep up with it? 
And are you seriously suggesting a cycist ia less manoeuvrable than a truck? Or even a car?
Your post regarding tge last Iincident only serves to highlight your own lack of knowledge or understanding of the rules of the road. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"
You do know speed limits are a maximum? There is no need fur anyone to keep up with it.
Your post regarding tge last Iincident only serves to highlight your own lack of knowledge or understanding of the rules of the road. "
Actually if you drive to slow below the limit,you can be pulled over and charged with driving with undue care and attention and reckless endangerment due to not paying attention to traffic conditions,my grandfather lost his licence for this very reason,he was doing just under 20mph in a national speed limit and was told his driving was forcing other road users to make evasive actions. As for the last paragraph,I've no idea what you mean,a cyclist cut across from riding the inside left lane,across both lanes of the carriage way in front of overtaking traffic,you are aware your not allowed to sit in that outside lane as it's a criminal offence therefore any traffic on it is going to be going at a faster speed than traffic in the left lane..both the police and the courts agreed hence why the courts ruled in my favour and he had to pay for the criminal damage due to negligence to my bike,but feel free to explain how I'm wrong and you know best |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"You go a lot faster than 15mph if your racing."
.
I use to do ten mile time trials.
If we averaged 23-25mph on a pretty much flat road we considered it good.
Time trials are around 45 minutes.
You couldn't do that for 4 hours every night if you were lance Armstrong on the best fucking drugs available lol.
And if you can, blimey sign him up |
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"You go a lot faster than 15mph if your racing..
I use to do ten mile time trials.
If we averaged 23-25mph on a pretty much flat road we considered it good.
Time trials are around 45 minutes.
You couldn't do that for 4 hours every night if you were lance Armstrong on the best fucking drugs available lol.
And if you can, blimey sign him up"
TT's are solo efforts though aren't they? Working with a group riding through & off & your average will be higher than solo for much less effort. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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when i start my new job its within cycling distance and intend to cycle when weather permits - bike has been in the shed for years so will need new inner tubes then its good to go |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"You go a lot faster than 15mph if your racing..
I use to do ten mile time trials.
If we averaged 23-25mph on a pretty much flat road we considered it good.
Time trials are around 45 minutes.
You couldn't do that for 4 hours every night if you were lance Armstrong on the best fucking drugs available lol.
And if you can, blimey sign him up
TT's are solo efforts though aren't they? Working with a group riding through & off & your average will be higher than solo for much less effort."
.
Do you know the average speed for the tour de France the world's greatest riders with 10 grand bikes and full support drinks, doctors,physiotherapists... Drugs..40kph or 24 mph and they do around 2500 miles in a month that would equate to 30000 miles a year |
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"You go a lot faster than 15mph if your racing..
I use to do ten mile time trials.
If we averaged 23-25mph on a pretty much flat road we considered it good.
Time trials are around 45 minutes.
You couldn't do that for 4 hours every night if you were lance Armstrong on the best fucking drugs available lol.
And if you can, blimey sign him up
TT's are solo efforts though aren't they? Working with a group riding through & off & your average will be higher than solo for much less effort. .
Do you know the average speed for the tour de France the world's greatest riders with 10 grand bikes and full support drinks, doctors,physiotherapists... Drugs..40kph or 24 mph and they do around 2500 miles in a month that would equate to 30000 miles a year "
That's also throwing in some of the biggest climbs in Western Europe though isn't it?
Some days the peloton averages a fair bit more.
If you are a racer then you are going to be training a lot - soon racks up the miles and if I can average 18.5 solo without ever being a racer then I'm sure a decent rider can do 22mph average.
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"You go a lot faster than 15mph if your racing..
I use to do ten mile time trials.
If we averaged 23-25mph on a pretty much flat road we considered it good.
Time trials are around 45 minutes.
You couldn't do that for 4 hours every night if you were lance Armstrong on the best fucking drugs available lol.
And if you can, blimey sign him up
TT's are solo efforts though aren't they? Working with a group riding through & off & your average will be higher than solo for much less effort. .
Do you know the average speed for the tour de France the world's greatest riders with 10 grand bikes and full support drinks, doctors,physiotherapists... Drugs..40kph or 24 mph and they do around 2500 miles in a month that would equate to 30000 miles a year
That's also throwing in some of the biggest climbs in Western Europe though isn't it?
Some days the peloton averages a fair bit more.
If you are a racer then you are going to be training a lot - soon racks up the miles and if I can average 18.5 solo without ever being a racer then I'm sure a decent rider can do 22mph average.
"
.Honestly if you can average 18-19 mph over 40 miles in the Pennines on a normal bike with no support, I would seriously suggest you've either got confused between kph and mph or your wasting your talent and should be professional.
Those speeds are averages for the 2500 miles.
The fastest average speed ever recorded in the mountains was 23kph or 14 mph.... Yes there very steep. |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
|
Just watched a very influential video on YouTube about cars being a thing of the past, the freedom, flexibility and ability to board trains etc
It's a way of life, the health benefits and the costs saved.
Not saying it's going to change the world but sounds really promising! I quit smoking cold turkey and it's been 2 months today!
Year of changes this! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Just watched a very influential video on YouTube about cars being a thing of the past, the freedom, flexibility and ability to board trains etc
It's a way of life, the health benefits and the costs saved.
Not saying it's going to change the world but sounds really promising! I quit smoking cold turkey and it's been 2 months today!
Year of changes this!"
.
Nice, there's many great cycling routes all over Europe and Britain easily accessible from a train and I'll tell you from experience, there's no better way to see a country than cycling it.
I did Calais to Copenhagen years ago when I was younger, it's absolutely brilliant. |
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"You go a lot faster than 15mph if your racing..
I use to do ten mile time trials.
If we averaged 23-25mph on a pretty much flat road we considered it good.
Time trials are around 45 minutes.
You couldn't do that for 4 hours every night if you were lance Armstrong on the best fucking drugs available lol.
And if you can, blimey sign him up
TT's are solo efforts though aren't they? Working with a group riding through & off & your average will be higher than solo for much less effort. .
Do you know the average speed for the tour de France the world's greatest riders with 10 grand bikes and full support drinks, doctors,physiotherapists... Drugs..40kph or 24 mph and they do around 2500 miles in a month that would equate to 30000 miles a year
That's also throwing in some of the biggest climbs in Western Europe though isn't it?
Some days the peloton averages a fair bit more.
If you are a racer then you are going to be training a lot - soon racks up the miles and if I can average 18.5 solo without ever being a racer then I'm sure a decent rider can do 22mph average.
.Honestly if you can average 18-19 mph over 40 miles in the Pennines on a normal bike with no support, I would seriously suggest you've either got confused between kph and mph or your wasting your talent and should be professional.
Those speeds are averages for the 2500 miles.
The fastest average speed ever recorded in the mountains was 23kph or 14 mph.... Yes there very steep."
I never said it didn't hurt, but I'm 48 & unfit, there are lads and lasses out there who can do better than that without hurting themselves and who race at cat 3 & above.
18.5mph is my best average & it left me flattened, a less strenuous ride might average 17.5 over 40 miles. I'm not a racer, more an audax'er yet even I can average 16mph over 125 miles around the Dales with over 6000ft of ascent.
A group working together can up the average by a good factor, which is why they do it-riding 2nd wheel saves you 30% of your energy, riding 3rd wheel up to 50%. |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"Just watched a very influential video on YouTube about cars being a thing of the past, the freedom, flexibility and ability to board trains etc
It's a way of life, the health benefits and the costs saved.
Not saying it's going to change the world but sounds really promising! I quit smoking cold turkey and it's been 2 months today!
Year of changes this!.
Nice, there's many great cycling routes all over Europe and Britain easily accessible from a train and I'll tell you from experience, there's no better way to see a country than cycling it.
I did Calais to Copenhagen years ago when I was younger, it's absolutely brilliant."
That would be right up my street! What a good idea, normally book hols now for this year... But I get sick of beach holls to be honest! |
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To give an idea -
http://road.cc/content/blog/80379-points-british-cycling-points-last
This post on roadcc. tells of a category 4 road race (lowest British Cyling racing category) where the average speed was 22.5mph. That's cat 4, above that you have 3/2/1/elite etc so even 22mph isn't THAT fast when actually up against committed racers. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"To give an idea -
http://road.cc/content/blog/80379-points-british-cycling-points-last
This post on roadcc. tells of a category 4 road race (lowest British Cyling racing category) where the average speed was 22.5mph. That's cat 4, above that you have 3/2/1/elite etc so even 22mph isn't THAT fast when actually up against committed racers."
.
I know I did it, I said you'd be happy to average 23-25 mph as a fit club rider, that's with a really good bike.. Over short distance and not every day.
That's why I stated original averaging 15 mph or 6 hours for 30000 miles a year, that's 90 miles a day every day... That was my point at the beginning.
I know lads who can average 33 mph on a time trial but they ain't doing it over 30,000 miles a year. It would kill them!.
Do you have any idea how many calories you'd have to eat to average 90 miles a day at 25 mph, even if you were one of the very few who could do it... You're taking 10,000 calories of good food a day minimum( or 20 jars of jam a week)
Honestly I cycled at a good level at club level I've done it, I knew really really really good riders nobody did 30,000 miles a year.
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By *ipsTeaserCouple
over a year ago
here and there, thereabouts |
"
Yeah but then driving my car I listen to music, no difference... I'm outside with better observes, no? I can't hear a thing when I'm driving lol
You need to be able to hear when a car driver is behind you. Don't forget that you don't have mirrors. You can tell by the sound of the engine if they're being a cock or not as well.
Go on a course to learn to ride on the road properly. Most people hug the gutter and that's dangerous. Own the road, ride a 1/3 into it most of the time. Ride in the centre of your lane if you don't believe it's safe for them to overtake you. You let cars pass you, don't let them decide it's safe by squeezing past.
50 miles a week won't do much for your physique to be honest. But it's better than sitting on your ass in the car."
I'd second this advice.
Even if you are a driver, cycling on roads is a very different experience .there are some truly awful drivers out there,who have no awareness of or care for cyclists.all the high viz going sometimes won't help, your reactions and being switched on will.
If you are doing alot of road cycling get decent road tyres.
Decent kit makes a big difference to your comfort.(esp padded bottoms!)
I wouldn't recommend listening to music.
Decent gloves.
Get proficient at bike maintenance.
|
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
|
"
Yeah but then driving my car I listen to music, no difference... I'm outside with better observes, no? I can't hear a thing when I'm driving lol
You need to be able to hear when a car driver is behind you. Don't forget that you don't have mirrors. You can tell by the sound of the engine if they're being a cock or not as well.
Go on a course to learn to ride on the road properly. Most people hug the gutter and that's dangerous. Own the road, ride a 1/3 into it most of the time. Ride in the centre of your lane if you don't believe it's safe for them to overtake you. You let cars pass you, don't let them decide it's safe by squeezing past.
50 miles a week won't do much for your physique to be honest. But it's better than sitting on your ass in the car.
I'd second this advice.
Even if you are a driver, cycling on roads is a very different experience .there are some truly awful drivers out there,who have no awareness of or care for cyclists.all the high viz going sometimes won't help, your reactions and being switched on will.
If you are doing alot of road cycling get decent road tyres.
Decent kit makes a big difference to your comfort.(esp padded bottoms!)
I wouldn't recommend listening to music.
Decent gloves.
Get proficient at bike maintenance.
"
HOY Shizuoka .000 2015 Hybrid Bike
£500.00
Front Tyre:
Kenda Kwick Tendril 28C
Rear Tyre:
Kenda Kwick Tendril 28
|
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"I need to store outside.... Will this be ok, I'll just get a bike cover but will it stop it going rusty?"
.
Just dry it off and lightly spray it with wd over the important bits. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"
Yeah but then driving my car I listen to music, no difference... I'm outside with better observes, no? I can't hear a thing when I'm driving lol
You need to be able to hear when a car driver is behind you. Don't forget that you don't have mirrors. You can tell by the sound of the engine if they're being a cock or not as well.
Go on a course to learn to ride on the road properly. Most people hug the gutter and that's dangerous. Own the road, ride a 1/3 into it most of the time. Ride in the centre of your lane if you don't believe it's safe for them to overtake you. You let cars pass you, don't let them decide it's safe by squeezing past.
50 miles a week won't do much for your physique to be honest. But it's better than sitting on your ass in the car.
I'd second this advice.
Even if you are a driver, cycling on roads is a very different experience .there are some truly awful drivers out there,who have no awareness of or care for cyclists.all the high viz going sometimes won't help, your reactions and being switched on will.
If you are doing alot of road cycling get decent road tyres.
Decent kit makes a big difference to your comfort.(esp padded bottoms!)
I wouldn't recommend listening to music.
Decent gloves.
Get proficient at bike maintenance.
HOY Shizuoka .000 2015 Hybrid Bike
£500.00
Front Tyre:
Kenda Kwick Tendril 28
"
nice |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"Thanks all MUCH appreciated!! Going to look for local cycling groups!"
team skys site, do local rides also have a link with rides ran by local groups and members of the public ect |
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I have a mountain bike. It has improved my health no end. In the warmer weather, I was cycling 80 miles a week. My lung capacity grew, stamina improved and leg muscles visably grew larger. I lost weight and toned up. It is a super way to keep fit. |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
|
"Thanks all MUCH appreciated!! Going to look for local cycling groups!
team skys site, do local rides also have a link with rides ran by local groups and members of the public ect"
That's brilliant I'll take a look now, thanks! |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"Thanks all MUCH appreciated!! Going to look for local cycling groups!
team skys site, do local rides also have a link with rides ran by local groups and members of the public ect"
Lmao!! It's a professional cycling crew!! Imagine me rocking up with my hybrid/road ish bike! Yeah yeah I want to do the Tour de France hahahaha I might need something more amature....! |
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"You go a lot faster than 15mph if your racing..
I use to do ten mile time trials.
If we averaged 23-25mph on a pretty much flat road we considered it good.
Time trials are around 45 minutes.
You couldn't do that for 4 hours every night if you were lance Armstrong on the best fucking drugs available lol.
And if you can, blimey sign him up"
10 mile TT were my favourite. Race, best effort 24:38 (d10/100 course) and that was with crashing on the return.
learn how descend quickly as well, you can make up so much time downhill. |
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"To give an idea -
http://road.cc/content/blog/80379-points-british-cycling-points-last
This post on roadcc. tells of a category 4 road race (lowest British Cyling racing category) where the average speed was 22.5mph. That's cat 4, above that you have 3/2/1/elite etc so even 22mph isn't THAT fast when actually up against committed racers..
I know I did it, I said you'd be happy to average 23-25 mph as a fit club rider, that's with a really good bike.. Over short distance and not every day.
That's why I stated original averaging 15 mph or 6 hours for 30000 miles a year, that's 90 miles a day every day... That was my point at the beginning.
I know lads who can average 33 mph on a time trial but they ain't doing it over 30,000 miles a year. It would kill them!.
Do you have any idea how many calories you'd have to eat to average 90 miles a day at 25 mph, even if you were one of the very few who could do it... You're taking 10,000 calories of good food a day minimum( or 20 jars of jam a week)
Honestly I cycled at a good level at club level I've done it, I knew really really really good riders nobody did 30,000 miles a year.
"
Well I don't ride a fraction of that! I'm reading a book at the moment about a chap riding round the world on an adapted mtb carrying luggage, averaging 85 miles per day and aiming to eat 6'000 calories as a minimum to stay healthy. Perhaps the 30'000 was a typo? Even Steve Abrahams' 1YTT,attempt is just over double that & is sn average of 205 miles a day.
My point was that 18.5mph isnt fast, I can do that on a Dolan L'Etape with a 105 compact chainset running 50/34 & an 11-28 cassette with 1400gram wheelset, whole bike 17.25lb so nice but nothing special. Riding around the Southern Pennines so around 3'500ft on an average 40 mile ride. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Just bought a bike from Evans Cycles on finance (prices take the absolute piss) anyway I've ordered it, does anyone else commute, is it 'fun' do you use head phones and also what lights do I get? I'm sure the guys at Evans will explain.
Gonna be cycling 50 - 60 miles a week, is that good? Will I turn into Hercules?!
Please please never with the headphones,I've had three separate accidents on the motorbike due to idiot bicycle riders with earphones in..actually the third one was more due to him texting on his phone at the same time rather than the earphones,almost made me not feel guilty about my bike shattering his hip and breaking his femur in 5 places..
Personally feel these children's toys shouldn't be allowed on the roads anyways but that's a different matter altogether..
Ride safe
Funny thing that, cycling using a mobile is not illegal. cyclist are allowed on the roads, make sure you give them plenty of room when passing them. I clocked up to 30k miles a year when I was in a cycle racing club..
Presuming an average of 15 mph.. What your telling us is you cycled 6hrs a day every single day for a year "
2 hours everyday training, except Sunday where it would be between 100 to 250 miles, or when out racing. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"You go a lot faster than 15mph if your racing..
I use to do ten mile time trials.
If we averaged 23-25mph on a pretty much flat road we considered it good.
Time trials are around 45 minutes.
You couldn't do that for 4 hours every night if you were lance Armstrong on the best fucking drugs available lol.
And if you can, blimey sign him up"
Chris Boardman 10 mile TT 19:05, that was on a steel framed bike not his lotus designed carbon bike. |
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What is this utax business?
I have never heard of it.
My experience is that in fact the majority of motorists are competent drivers and show cyclists caution and respect. It's only a few who pass to close or drive like cocks.
It's the ones who overtake you and turn left across your front wheel that will generally take the biscuit.
Just remember that drivers will genuinely not see you sometimes or mis-judge your speed - if you allow for this you will be fine.
I love cycling....it's fantastic.... go enjoy! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Thanks all MUCH appreciated!! Going to look for local cycling groups!
team skys site, do local rides also have a link with rides ran by local groups and members of the public ect
Lmao!! It's a professional cycling crew!! Imagine me rocking up with my hybrid/road ish bike! Yeah yeah I want to do the Tour de France hahahaha I might need something more amature....!"
they do rides for everyone all ages and abilitys alover the country on closed roads, there goskyride site shows rides local rides from 10 miles upto sixty+miles! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I cycle to work every day, admittedly it's not too far, but I'm really proud that I've been doing it for 6 months.
I have a gorgeous vintage styled bicycle with wicker basket on front. It's got enough gears and is sturdy and comfortable for the road. I have lights but I don't know what make the lights are, my bike is a Raleigh. I just take it to the independent bike shop I bought it from to have a 3 monthly service, pump my tyres up and adjust brakes etc and I had a puncture once so I just take it to him to deal with. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I cycle to work every day, admittedly it's not too far, but I'm really proud that I've been doing it for 6 months.
I have a gorgeous vintage styled bicycle with wicker basket on front. It's got enough gears and is sturdy and comfortable for the road. I have lights but I don't know what make the lights are, my bike is a Raleigh. I just take it to the independent bike shop I bought it from to have a 3 monthly service, pump my tyres up and adjust brakes etc and I had a puncture once so I just take it to him to deal with. "
You took your bike to a shop to repair a punchure |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"Just bought a bike from Evans Cycles on finance (prices take the absolute piss) anyway I've ordered it, does anyone else commute, is it 'fun' do you use head phones and also what lights do I get? I'm sure the guys at Evans will explain.
Gonna be cycling 50 - 60 miles a week, is that good? Will I turn into Hercules?!
Please please never with the headphones,I've had three separate accidents on the motorbike due to idiot bicycle riders with earphones in..actually the third one was more due to him texting on his phone at the same time rather than the earphones,almost made me not feel guilty about my bike shattering his hip and breaking his femur in 5 places..
Personally feel these children's toys shouldn't be allowed on the roads anyways but that's a different matter altogether..
Ride safe
Funny thing that, cycling using a mobile is not illegal. cyclist are allowed on the roads, make sure you give them plenty of room when passing them. I clocked up to 30k miles a year when I was in a cycle racing club..
Presuming an average of 15 mph.. What your telling us is you cycled 6hrs a day every single day for a year
2 hours everyday training, except Sunday where it would be between 100 to 250 miles, or when out racing. "
.
250 miles on a Sunday!!
Right so we'll assume your lance Armstrong and your averaging 25 mph (you won't be but for the sake of argument).
250 divided by 25 is 10 hours solid without stopping at junctions, taking a piss, having a break, something to eat, drinking...
That's London to the lake district on a bike every Sunday?
As delboy says incrediblay |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"I cycle to work every day, admittedly it's not too far, but I'm really proud that I've been doing it for 6 months.
I have a gorgeous vintage styled bicycle with wicker basket on front. It's got enough gears and is sturdy and comfortable for the road. I have lights but I don't know what make the lights are, my bike is a Raleigh. I just take it to the independent bike shop I bought it from to have a 3 monthly service, pump my tyres up and adjust brakes etc and I had a puncture once so I just take it to him to deal with.
You took your bike to a shop to repair a punchure "
Yes of course, it's what he's there for |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I do community nursing I Dom drive so I cycle round my calls, I do on average 30 miles a day
My top tip is get a bloody good lock I've have a fair few pinched over the years, in general D ring locks tend to be more secure than lock and chain locks, Kryptonite locks are good, go for the upper end range though they are pricey usually about £70 upto £100 but if you have an expensive bike worth paying, I have theKryptonite New York Lock M18-WL I played £74.99 for it but its been worth every penny I've not have a bike pinched in over a year since I bought it "
Only 30 miles a day! Thats not even enough to get me warmed up. I do 100 miles per hour. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"Just bought a bike from Evans Cycles on finance (prices take the absolute piss) anyway I've ordered it, does anyone else commute, is it 'fun' do you use head phones and also what lights do I get? I'm sure the guys at Evans will explain.
Gonna be cycling 50 - 60 miles a week, is that good? Will I turn into Hercules?!
Please please never with the headphones,I've had three separate accidents on the motorbike due to idiot bicycle riders with earphones in..actually the third one was more due to him texting on his phone at the same time rather than the earphones,almost made me not feel guilty about my bike shattering his hip and breaking his femur in 5 places..
Personally feel these children's toys shouldn't be allowed on the roads anyways but that's a different matter altogether..
Ride safe
Funny thing that, cycling using a mobile is not illegal. cyclist are allowed on the roads, make sure you give them plenty of room when passing them. I clocked up to 30k miles a year when I was in a cycle racing club..
Presuming an average of 15 mph.. What your telling us is you cycled 6hrs a day every single day for a year
2 hours everyday training, except Sunday where it would be between 100 to 250 miles, or when out racing. .
250 miles on a Sunday!!
Right so we'll assume your lance Armstrong and your averaging 25 mph (you won't be but for the sake of argument).
250 divided by 25 is 10 hours solid without stopping at junctions, taking a piss, having a break, something to eat, drinking...
That's London to the lake district on a bike every Sunday?
As delboy says incrediblay "
I have to say I share your cynicism. I don't know anyone that does tvat sort of mileage. And I know some serious mile-eaters.
But you are also wrong in many of your assumptions about how fast and far normal cyclists ride. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"Just bought a bike from Evans Cycles on finance (prices take the absolute piss) anyway I've ordered it, does anyone else commute, is it 'fun' do you use head phones and also what lights do I get? I'm sure the guys at Evans will explain.
Gonna be cycling 50 - 60 miles a week, is that good? Will I turn into Hercules?!
Please please never with the headphones,I've had three separate accidents on the motorbike due to idiot bicycle riders with earphones in..actually the third one was more due to him texting on his phone at the same time rather than the earphones,almost made me not feel guilty about my bike shattering his hip and breaking his femur in 5 places..
Personally feel these children's toys shouldn't be allowed on the roads anyways but that's a different matter altogether..
Ride safe
Funny thing that, cycling using a mobile is not illegal. cyclist are allowed on the roads, make sure you give them plenty of room when passing them. I clocked up to 30k miles a year when I was in a cycle racing club..
Presuming an average of 15 mph.. What your telling us is you cycled 6hrs a day every single day for a year
2 hours everyday training, except Sunday where it would be between 100 to 250 miles, or when out racing. .
250 miles on a Sunday!!
Right so we'll assume your lance Armstrong and your averaging 25 mph (you won't be but for the sake of argument).
250 divided by 25 is 10 hours solid without stopping at junctions, taking a piss, having a break, something to eat, drinking...
That's London to the lake district on a bike every Sunday?
As delboy says incrediblay
I have to say I share your cynicism. I don't know anyone that does tvat sort of mileage. And I know some serious mile-eaters.
But you are also wrong in many of your assumptions about how fast and far normal cyclists ride. "
.
Yeah I know, my point was distances and speed, you can go fast or you can go long but there's very few who can do both. Most people couldn't even ride a bike over the Pennines, there'd be off pushing it after 1 mile. Never mind doing 15 mph  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Of course no bicycle is complete without a wicker-work basket on the front and those little clacker thingys on the spokes. "
I agree, a cyclist who has spokey-dokies shows he's serious. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Pretty pointless me commuting to work on a push bike, as I run my own business from home, and therefore the journey would consist of a rather bumpy ride down the stairs |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I've recently started to commute to work, it's a 13 mile each way haul and it took me around 45-50 minutes on the first couple of runs but the times are starting to drop. That said I'm lucky in that 90% of the ride is on cycle track away from any road and has few hills, that said the wind is aways in your face on the way home.
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