On yer bike..Jules

[lol geoff]

Now the weather's better, how's the bike riding going Julie?

[Wild-Woman]

Originally Posted by lol geoff

Now the weather's better, how's the bike riding going Julie?

Ok. It's proven to me how unfit I am! Short journeys only.
Drivers don't like cyclists much do they?!

[eeyore]

Originally Posted by Wild-Woman

Ok. It's proven to me how unfit I am! Short journeys only.
Drivers don't like cyclists much do they?!

my only issue with cyclists is the so and sos who cycle 2 or three abreast - with an underpowered vehicle and a heavy trailer this makes it very difficult for me to overtake Grrrrrr

[WithNature]

Hi, i hope you're out cycling already. I've been cycling for a year and a half now, and i'm 32. I don't even own a car anymore and neither do i want to - though i do want to see better fuels. I have found that it is all down to practice and keeping your own safety in mind at all times - it doesnt detract from your enjoyment. I was very concerned about what saddle to get and after much research purchased a Specialized geometry saddle which was produced in consultation with a relevantly qualified doctor. I have found it very comfortable set at the right angle and havent suffered saddle sore once! If you do a lot of road cycling or plan on going fast get yourself a helmet. I have found living near a canal that runs in to town that i hardly ever take road routes anywhere now, something i wouldnt have thought possible before. And i feel more at ease and relaxed using bus/coach and train travel at other times. Cycling can be however much you want it to be, just ease into it. I did find that I had trouble with my knees aching a lot but remedied this by taking glucosamine and chondroitin.

I hope i've said something helpful and that you enjoy cycling

[Ann2]

Ah yes, the Aylesbury Arm of the Grand Union canal - that brings back some memories!

Do you still require a permit from British Waterways to cycle on canal towpaths?

Ann

[richardkm]

Hi

I can recommend the Carrera Kraken from Halfords as a good low priced mountain bike. I've had one for several years and given it some rough off-roading which it has coped with easily. It has also had to spend days out in the rain on the top of my trailer when away in the motorhome.

[WithNature]

Yes, you do still need a permit to cycle on british waterways towpaths. It can be downloaded and printed out for free from their website once you've read or reread their waterways code. I think its on their waterscape.com website, they also have britishwaterways.org.uk.

[thwick in 'ead]

Originally Posted by WithNature

Yes, you do still need a permit to cycle on british waterways towpaths. It can be downloaded and printed out for free from their website once you've read or reread their waterways code. I think its on their waterscape.com website, they also have britishwaterways.org.uk.

You can also get a key to the BWB toilets from most canal chandleries, which can be very useful if out for a long ride.

[Ann2]

Yes, I still have my BWB key from my days as a water gypsy. I think most of the BWB toilets are actually just chemical loo disposal points though.

Ann

[richardkm]

Originally Posted by Ann2

Yes, I still have my BWB key from my days as a water gypsy. I think most of the BWB toilets are actually just chemical loo disposal points though.

Ann

Likewise, but we have used the keys quite often in recent times and there are definitely proper loos available.

[phyzzio]

All the loos are decent - also showers available in some places!!

[Paul mabbott]

Great - better late than never. One point I'd stress is that people should always
wear helmets, doesn't matter how slow or fast you're going, if some idiot motorist hits you at 80 mph you would be the one to suffer .....
Yes, it's interesting how far you can travel in some parts of the country without using a 'proper' road.
I say all this in the most encouraging way although I'm actually just getting rid of my bike - use it so seldom it's just taking up space: I go everywhere on foot or public transport!

But I'm there in spirit with all cyclists - more power to your knees!

Originally Posted by WithNature

Hi, i hope you're out cycling already. I've been cycling for a year and a half now, and i'm 32. I don't even own a car anymore and neither do i want to - though i do want to see better fuels. I have found that it is all down to practice and keeping your own safety in mind at all times - it doesnt detract from your enjoyment. I was very concerned about what saddle to get and after much research purchased a Specialized geometry saddle which was produced in consultation with a relevantly qualified doctor. I have found it very comfortable set at the right angle and havent suffered saddle sore once! If you do a lot of road cycling or plan on going fast get yourself a helmet. I have found living near a canal that runs in to town that i hardly ever take road routes anywhere now, something i wouldnt have thought possible before. And i feel more at ease and relaxed using bus/coach and train travel at other times. Cycling can be however much you want it to be, just ease into it. I did find that I had trouble with my knees aching a lot but remedied this by taking glucosamine and chondroitin.

I hope i've said something helpful and that you enjoy cycling

[Paul mabbott]

Originally Posted by phyzzio

All the loos are decent - also showers available in some places!!

Love that name - does it signify?
Sorry, nothing at all to do with the topic ...
Welcome

[Jez]

First off be confident and know your highway code regarding cycling. by law you have a meter from the curb so don't think that you have to be squished up against it. You have every right to be on the road. Be seen and fit lights to your bike as i doubt the bike you choose buy will be fitted with lights. I reccomend cat eye lights for both front and rear. Have a mirror on your right hand side to see whats coming from the rear. Unless your intending to do offroad down hill don't by a full suspension bike. As theres so many types of bikes these days on the market i'd look at diamond frame hybrid which is also good for trails and are likely to have suspension in its saddle stem for more comfort or a mountain bike. When it comes to hills have a good range of gears to drop down to if needed. change down if needed but try to outlast as much as it becomes neccersary this will build your stamina and confidence! Wear a helmet and buy mitts. By a pump. Spare innertubes. and if your not sure how to fix a puncture ask your local dealer one who's been around for ever, they are there for a good reason and will be eager to help you with any troubles you might have. don't forget V brake pads need replacing often but are usually effective. And last but not least you pay for what you get a cheap bike will have cheap componants that will wear down easily. Once you have the bike it's be sensible play safe. but most of all you will most likely think why you haven't been doing until now. Let the endorphins flow.

[Jez]

Can i just add on more thing. The more cyclists there are the safer it becomes. Safety in numbers. The majority of accidents are from cars -fact.

[sleepinabox]

Hi

I took up cycling a the age of 50 - a necessity for travel to work as I work shifts and no public transport available. I got a nice Dawes ladies touring bike for around £200 plus a bit more for accessories - helmet, lights, bags etc. The first journey was a bit scary at 5:00 am - 5 miles in the dark and rain but I go there ok and haven't looked back. It's great as you get the independence and for a wildlife enthusiast you can get out in the countryside, travel at your own pace and go anywhere. Thoroughly recommend it.

Rose

[Dan Salter]

Come on Jules wheres that pic?

[Ian SS]

Hello everyone ,

I'm a bit of a newbie on here but a keen cyclist, I hope your admin doesn't mind the link:

http://www.cyclechat.co.uk/forums/

I would suggest this site as a good/friendly source of info if you are considering cycling.

As some one who cycles daily my own advice would be a stick to the roads , many more accidents happen on pavements and you leave yourself liable as pavements are for pedestrians not adult cyclists. Ride assertively on the road its yours just as much as anyone elses.

Mountain Bikes can be more comfortable for short distance but get a simple good quality one rather than a fancy cheap one. Road/Racer bikes are much more efficient than a MTB and most people will progress to one if they get hooked on cycling.

The best advice I can offer though is just to get a bike and start cycling , it is becoming so popular as people realise it is a viable alternative to sitting in a box burning fuel, it will improve your mental and physical wellbeing and a five mile commute will take you about 20 minutes which is a lot less thatn most manage in their cars!!

Good Luck and well done to everyone who gets a bike , you will not regret it.

O and Hello, looks like a really good forum ,

Ian

[Digiscoper62]

Another thought is one of the newer hybrid style bikes, very comfortable riding position and most have a rack fitted so you can take all your gear with you

Giant Bicycles | Âoebikes - lifestyle - Expression

I have been cycling now for 39 years, I can totally agree with Ian, you must be assertive when cycling, avoid cycling in the gutter over drains etc, wear bright clothing and a helmet, cycling on the road a safe distance from the kerb will be a lot safer than on any pavements.

[Digiscoper62]

Originally Posted by WithNature

I did find that I had trouble with my knees aching a lot but remedied this by taking glucosamine and chondroitin.

Can I just add this to the above.

Be careful that your seat height is correct, if not then it usually leads to sore knees ;-)
This link has some good information.
What Should My Bike Seat Height Be? - Setting Proper Bike Seat Height

Hope this helps.

--
Robert
digiscoper.org_main