hardtailstar Posted August 31, 2012 Posted August 31, 2012 I try to cycle as much as i can, I usually have to drive once a week so take in my work clothes/take home work clothes on those days so i pack enough change of clothes between those days. I also have a wash kit/towel and antipersprint which i use to get washed in the toilet (the toilet is in what used to be a house now offices) and pack a tool kit and spare tubes. my commute is only 15 minutes on a gentle ride so if i get any problems i just walk rest of way to work or home and fix it there. so I just ride in padded shorts, cycling tshirt, trainers, cycling socks, helmet, glasses, if its wet/cold i use a coat. dark times use lights!! but follow all the advice thats been given and you'll have fun cycling!
nicholab Posted September 2, 2012 Posted September 2, 2012 15 minute I would wear normal cloths. It is possible to take stuff in each day if you kit your bike out correctly. The key thing is changing you t-shirt.
laserblazer Posted September 6, 2012 Posted September 6, 2012 There went past a cyclist this morning and he had the brightest light I've ever seen on a bike. 200 yards past him and it still dazzled in my mirror.
jinnantonnixx Posted September 6, 2012 Posted September 6, 2012 (edited) There went past a cyclist this morning and he had the brightest light I've ever seen on a bike. 200 yards past him and it still dazzled in my mirror. It was probably a high performance P7 emitter torch. I've got one of these, they're OK at a push. But if you want the best light (without spending absurd money), this is the bike light to get: http://www.philips.co.uk/c/Bicycle%20bulbs/saferide-80-lux-bf48l20bblx1/prd/ Make sure you get the battery powered one, there's a similar looking dynamo version. I'm not normally prone to free advertising, but I've ridden with this through last winter and it's been fantastic. I've ridden unlit canal paths at 20mph with no worries. On paper, it might not appear as impressive with a lower lumen count than many other torches. The secret is in the reflector and lens. Torches just throw out a ball of light. When you light up a wall or a tree this looks impressive, but it's not good on paths or roads as about half the light is wasted once you point the torch towards the horizon. This Philips is engineered to produce a wide beam with a top cut-off just like a motorbike. All the light is used illuminating the path. It also doesn't dazzle other road users and the beam throw makes you look more like a vehicle than a bike. Its housing is alloy, not plastic, and it takes 4 AA rechargeable batteries. The housing has a USB charging socket so your computer can top it up while at work. It's expensive (RRP £99) but I've spent more than that finding this out. It might seem a gushing recommendation, but good products should be recommended. Edited September 6, 2012 by jinnantonnixx 1
Davit2005 Posted September 6, 2012 Posted September 6, 2012 I'm thinking of taking up cycling to work a few days a week to add a bit of exercise to my week. Does anyone here cycle to work and have any tips? Particularly how long a commute you recommend (it's about 6 miles to work) and what you do about clothing etc. I'm sure no-one would like to wear a sweaty smelly shirt after a hard pedal to work! I've been cycling into work on and off for 20+ years (about 5 miles at present). Personally I have a couple of changes of clothes. Warm pair of gloves (something like Seal Skinz which some motorcyclists wear) and possibly a high neck warm wear for those frosty mornings. Never used waterproofs on bike just make sure you dry off if wet or sweaty. Staff showers are handy at work but not all places have them.
Dos_Box Posted September 6, 2012 Posted September 6, 2012 I brought a cycling jacket from Lidl last week and wore it for one day (it was v.sunny). All I can say is that I look forwards to wearing it on a nice cold morning as it baked me!
hardtailstar Posted September 6, 2012 Posted September 6, 2012 First proper day back and i over slept! cycling tomorrow it is then!
pcstru Posted September 10, 2012 Posted September 10, 2012 First ride in light rain this morning. Turned back after 1/4 mile - not for the rain, but because I realised I still had my slippers on. 4
jinnantonnixx Posted September 10, 2012 Posted September 10, 2012 If anyone has a single speed (or a hub-geared bike) you might want to try this, especially with winter coming up. I'm sure we can find some of this stuff lying around. Around cables, admittedly, but around nonetheless.
BenABF Posted September 12, 2012 Posted September 12, 2012 I cycle about 10 miles each way, when I first started I was using my sisters old mountain bike and back pack. This would give me a sweaty back and I found that I often ran out of gears. Ended up buying a GT Transeo hybrid and kitted it out with mud gaurds and a pannier rack and then spent £90 on Ortlieb pannier bags but I think they are the best purchase I've made in cycling accessories, they are completley water proof, its great not having to wrap everything up in carrier bags. Tyre wise I use Schwalbe land crusiers, they are a lot lighter than Marathons and they seem to be very puncture resistant, I've had my bike nearly 2 years and have yet to have a puncture. I got my cycle clothing from Sports Direct as I felt it useful being able to try them for size first and they seem to be holding up. I know a lot of people like to travel light but I tend to load everything in to my panniers for a bit more a challenge, makes decesents more interesting though. My dad has given me his old road bike that i use on nicer days and I'm going to convert it to a fixed gear bike whcih should make the hills round my way more of a challenge.
flyinghaggis Posted September 12, 2012 Posted September 12, 2012 I got my cycle clothing from Sports Direct ..... I was gonna post that until you beat me to it! Sports direct have got some great deals on cycling clothing (Muddy Fox branded tops,jackets,shorts,leggings for about £10 each) at the moment. We'll worth a trip if you're looking for any kit.
jamin100 Posted September 12, 2012 Posted September 12, 2012 Aldi apparently have another cycling event starting the 27th September I've had quite a few things (clothes wise) from there all of which are well made and lasted well
hardtailstar Posted September 17, 2012 Posted September 17, 2012 so how is everyone getting on with cycling?
jamin100 Posted September 17, 2012 Posted September 17, 2012 just clicked over 1000 miles commuting to work since 1 January 2012
hardtailstar Posted September 17, 2012 Posted September 17, 2012 just clicked over 1000 miles commuting to work since 1 January 2012 how far do you do a day?
jamin100 Posted September 17, 2012 Posted September 17, 2012 21 miles.. I try to come on the bike at least twice a week but usually aim for 3 maybe 4 times.
pcstru Posted September 17, 2012 Posted September 17, 2012 so how is everyone getting on with cycling? Sticking with it twice a week (mon/fri), trying to add a third in on wed, but things keep happening that prevent it. Managing 40-45 mins for the 11/12 miles on ride in, more on the ride back (different, more 'difficult' route).
hardtailstar Posted September 17, 2012 Posted September 17, 2012 i only have a 15 minute ride and thats hard for me! lol
tmcd35 Posted September 17, 2012 Posted September 17, 2012 Just got a new bike and knocked 15min off my time!
Griff Posted September 21, 2012 Posted September 21, 2012 Been cycling to work for 3 weeks now after rediscovering my love for mountain biking. After the initial cost for fixing up the bike and getting a helmet which is an absolute must its been saving me quite a lot on petrol per week. I sustained a torn MCL in June and so the cycling has really helped with the rehabilitation of my knee, I second Oaktech on the ibuprofen gel the stuff is great. I cycle everyday I doubt I can maintain that over the winter but will do my best some of the links here have been really useful in preparing for the cold months. The downsides for me are other road users... I have already had 2/3 near misses and been clipped once, funnily enough most incidents happen in the school car park when parents are speeding through it. Also the road conditions here are graded as poor for cyclists by the local council so I try to stick to the canal and river paths. What are peoples tips/advice for riding on the hard frost/ice? I ride a mountain bike along shingle canal path so that lessens the impact of frost for me apart from iced up puddles. I am guessing for road bike users riding purely on the road it must be a pretty hairy experience in these conditions fair play to you.
HarryMonkey Posted September 22, 2012 Posted September 22, 2012 (edited) Just a quick heads up ... Aldi are doing cycling stuff .. clothes, lights etc etc this Sunday. EDIT: ... Ooops, make that Thursday (27th). Edited September 22, 2012 by HarryMonkey 2
Dos_Box Posted September 24, 2012 Posted September 24, 2012 After today's ride in, I may be tempted by one of the waterproof jackets. And I found out that I had forgotten to re-waterproof my winter riding gloves!
BenABF Posted September 24, 2012 Posted September 24, 2012 To see you through icey conditions you can get sudded tyres, they aren't cheap and require a bit of bedding in before being usefull but ideal on a mtb as they can accomdate quite wide tyres. I'm going to invest in some better base layers for this winter, roll on pay day
Griff Posted September 25, 2012 Posted September 25, 2012 Might look into some new tyres, don't fancy doing what this guy does haha
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now