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Thinking of getting a bicycle to get to the train station which is about a couple of miles.
Probably need a durable mountain bike in case of snow.
Did not realise there are different types of gears and brakes but will aim for twist gear and disk brakes.
Have to get accessories such as locks, helmet, and lights.
Biggest fear is getting run over by a car and sweating a lot when I get to work.
I have no experience of this, any advice and support appreciated on other things I need to consider.
I got one from Halfords a few years ago for getting to work, but since moving I have not really used it alot.
I had a bad experience after a week of having mine, when biking to work the gears slipped and the handle bars twisted round, I ended up flying over the handlebars and the bike followed me over my head, it must of looked funny to the people driving past me. Luckily I was on the cycle path and not on the road otherwise I would of been ran over! ended up fracturing my wrist and having a cast on my arm for a month :mad:
Played havoc with my xbox'ing !
Do you have any hill's to climb?Quote:
Originally Posted by Master
Is there security at the train station? (Bikes are easy to steal)
What type of roads are you planning to ride on?
What is your body build?
You are putting me off Matty, that would be my worst nightmare looking a prat and getting hurt. Worst would be getting hit by a car.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mattyhitman
Please don't get run over by a car Master.
please.....
The journey is at most 3 miles, all on the road, there are some hills but nothing too high.Quote:
Originally Posted by GhostDo you have any hill's to climb?Quote:
Originally Posted by Master
Is there security at the train station? (Bikes are easy to steal)
What type of roads are you planning to ride on?
What is your body build?
There is security at the train station so it should be OK.
I am skinny and short but fit unlike Mark TKO who is fat, tall and ugly.
Suggest going with a 10 speed bike. Smoother ride on the road than a mountain bike and if you have snow, you can always change the tires.
Lights - Flashing red on the back, mounted to the seat bar, with a couple red reflectors on each side for trailing cars to see you as they approach.
Front Lights - White beam, either steady or flashing.
Helmet - What feels comfortable to you. If you do get hit by a large truck, the helmet ain't going matter. ;D
Lock - One long enough to go through both tires and the frame of the bike and heavy enough (thickness) not easy to cut with small tools.
Water bottle - Either bike mounted or hip sack.
Small bag - To carry tube patches and some tools, in case you get a flat. Also a pump.
Tool box, never thought of that. Neither the water bottle, I wanted less stuff to carry. These accessories like lights and cycle computer I wanted to take off as they would get nicked at the station.
I like the idea of having a faster bike rather than mountain bike which look very heavy but they need to be durable as I think I will be taking short cuts on street paths and subways.
Do I need to consider the frame make such as steel or alloy and does it make much difference.
Rode Bike for the first time this Sunday morning, when there is less traffic. Had the courage to put on the helmet even though I felt a bit of a plonker in it. I easily did 20 + miles in it in 2 hours and it felt good. It was not as hard a work out as playing football or running but my knees cannot take on those activities anymore so this is the next best thing to supplement the cross trainer I have at home. It felt easy doing it but later at home the body did ache from the cycling.
Some observations were, having a runny nose, had to wear gloves and lights used because it was a bit foggy. Forgot about having to get use to being saddle sore, and hitting all the bumps/drains in the road. Nearly got hit by 2 cars trying to fight over 1 lane and the chain came off once going up a steep hill.
mountan bike would have better balance in a snowy slippery sort of slush type mess
I LOL'd ;DQuote:
Originally Posted by Mattyhitman
Just got myself a hybrid - narrow tyres similar to a road racer but a bit more sturdy, normal mountain bike handles so best of both worlds.
Highly recommended by cycling enthusiasts and glad i listened :cool:
ooops just saw how old the post is.
What you got, I took ages to get mines.Quote:
Originally Posted by armyash
I got Carrera Crossfile 2, cost £330 Halfords. I decided the thicker tyres were better if it snowed or if I wanted to go on canal pathways.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MasterWhat you got, I took ages to get mines.Quote:
Originally Posted by armyash
I got Carrera Crossfile 2, cost £330 Halfords. I decided the thicker tyres were better if it snowed or if I wanted to go on canal pathways.
I have a Viking urban trail paid £260 for it. doesn't get used as much as it should though. :D
I aim to go to the train station with it everyday.Quote:
Originally Posted by armyashQuote:
Originally Posted by MasterWhat you got, I took ages to get mines.Quote:
Originally Posted by armyash
I got Carrera Crossfile 2, cost £330 Halfords. I decided the thicker tyres were better if it snowed or if I wanted to go on canal pathways.
I have a Viking urban trail paid £260 for it. doesn't get used as much as it should though. :D
Cycled 35 miles on Sunday very tiring and a bit dangerous because it was very windy. The wind knocked me into the next lane of the road and I was lucky no car was coming. It was a very good work out and my knees feel better for it as I have been trying to build them up by playing football but kept on getting injured.
I also had a runny nose and red eyes after the ride so need to get a mask and glasses.
Did 16 miles after I missed last week watching the Marg v Cotto fight. Legs feel strong and cycling in the higher gear for better work out. Got glasses to stop my eyes from going red from the wind.
Well done Master keep it up.
Thanks mate.Quote:
Originally Posted by Greenbeanz
Did 20 miles today, saddle sore arse aches. Saw the beautiful countryside need to get some bike gloves and decent glasses to look cool. Will probably ride next week on Christmas Day, legs are getting built up better than if I was playing football. :)
Good on ya, Master!
I cycled to work for 35 years.
3 Most important things:
1. Always, Always, Always make eye contact with the driver when you meet a car at an intersection. Make sure he sees you and doesn't run over you! You will get seriously fucked up if you try to break Newton's law and occupy the same space as a car.
2. Wear a helmet.
3. If you live in a snowy area, get a studded front tire.
Yes I have the helmet and thicker tyres, 35 years well done, why did you give it up?Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave Hughey
[QUOTE=Master;1037566]I gave it up because I retired and no longer go to work. Plus, I moved to Kenya and you would have to be insane to ride a bike on these roads.Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave Hughey
The thicker tires might help a bit in snow but will slip right out from under you if you hit a patch of ice. The only cure for ice is a studded front tire, honestly.
Those are great sights, i went out yesterday, got a lot of merry Christmas's from everyone that I met but none looked good as those unfortunately.
Someone stole my bike FFS!!!!!!! :mad:
What a shit, where'd you leave it?
My fault left it in my garage, did not lock the bike or garage, so completely my fault, was shocked when the bike was not there. The worst thing was they tried to break into the house but failed miserably. Police came around took statement, looked for fingerprints and left their details. I was pleasantly surprised how good they were. however they will not catch the git and I am not insured.Quote:
Originally Posted by Andre
However I will get another bike, but much cheaper.
Get a small pair of bolt cutters in case you see it at some school one day.. like tomorrow for instance. I'd be looking at the local schools, cops wont. Cant be that far away mate,its a push bike.
;DQuote:
Originally Posted by Andre
I got a new bike and get my first puncture! Love riding just not the bike. :)
Great you got another bike! Just keep riding. Everything will work out. Cycling is an art. Keep it up!Quote:
Originally Posted by Master
Just make sure you make eye contact with drivers at intersections!
The puncture took me 2 days to work out and I went through 2 inner tubes, one I over inflated and it burst and the other split and it "pinched" when expanding. When I "you tubed" how it should be done, I did the whole thing in 10 minutes. Just have to put it down to invaluable experience.
Do you have a bicycle club in your area? I belonged to one in Canada. It had a great repair shop with all the tools and skilled bike mechanics to show you how to fix stuff. Didn't cost much to join, either.Quote:
Originally Posted by Master
Halfords which is where I got the bike and have branches nationally said £20 and I can come as many times as I want just have to pay for the parts and the labour will be free for all mechanical issues. I have so far declined.Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave HugheyDo you have a bicycle club in your area? I belonged to one in Canada. It had a great repair shop with all the tools and skilled bike mechanics to show you how to fix stuff. Didn't cost much to join, either.Quote:
Originally Posted by Master
Update on riding a bike to train station after the back wheel got stolen costing me £108 to replace.
- Swallowed some flying insects which tasted horrible.
- Learned to pedal correctly with front of toes.
- Right leg of trousers ruined by getting caught on crank.
- Chain sometimes keeps coming off which is a pain because I have to dirty my hands putting it back on. (I do not like manual labour).
- Got soaked in the rain, everything wet including socks and underwear.
Still enjoy it. :)
Insects are full of proteinQuote:
Originally Posted by Master
You need to grow big lambchop sideburns. They make you go faster
Chain is too loose.Quote:
Originally Posted by Master
Because of the rain I have a bright yellow rain coat which cover me and the ruck sack and legs. I only wear it if I have to.