Any cyclists here?

[Shayan]

I have purchased a bike for the first time in about 20 years through the "Bike to Work" scheme that operates in the UK. Intention is to use it for a bit of exercise and perhaps eventually build to cycling the 6-7 miles to to work.

So any bike enthusiasts on PP?

 

[Mamoon]

Why cycle did you buy?

I love cycling, but I am generally too lazy for it. Its not very generous on the legs even though its a great exercise.

If I ever feel like it, I borrow this classic Pakistani cycle from the servants

 

[Robert]

Here's my steed:

It absorbs the bumps in London better than a road bike. I try to do twenty miles every Sunday. I'm doing a charity ride in June.

 

[t_kaay]

I have purchased a bike for the first time in about 20 years through the "Bike to Work" scheme that operates in the UK. Intention is to use it for a bit of exercise and perhaps eventually build to cycling the 6-7 miles to to work.

So any bike enthusiasts on PP?

Was thinking of buying a bike for the same reasons. Our employer also participates in this scheme but I don't think it's highly rated. IIRC most people suggested that you are better buying a bike outright. This scheme only results in you "hiring" the bike in effect, you never own it outright? Waste of money with this scheme? I might be wrong, in which case, apologies.

 

[Nostalgic]

Why cycle did you buy?

I love cycling, but I am generally too lazy for it. Its not very generous on the legs even though its a great exercise.

If I ever feel like it, I borrow this classic Pakistani cycle from the servants

The "Sohrab" cycle. A classic! Right up there with the Honda CD 70 and the Suzuki Alto.

 

[Shayan]

Was thinking of buying a bike for the same reasons. Our employer also participates in this scheme but I don't think it's highly rated. IIRC most people suggested that you are better buying a bike outright. This scheme only results in you "hiring" the bike in effect, you never own it outright? Waste of money with this scheme? I might be wrong, in which case, apologies.

You get the option of purchasing it at its market value after 18 months. According to others I know they've bought the bike for £20-30 so it's well worth it.

Also don't forget the savings you get anyway as the cost comes out of your gross pay. So most people save at least 32% of the actual price.

 

[Shayan]

This is the bike I got - just waiting for it to be delivered now.

http://www.cyclesolutions.co.uk/p66143/charge-grater-2-2014-hybrid-bike

 

[Down2Earth]

it's about time that cyclists get insured and abide by the rules other motorists have to follow. cutting reds and then getting hit is your fault and not the motorists! i hate cyclists, i'm sorry.

 

[Robert]

it's about time that cyclists get insured and abide by the rules other motorists have to follow. cutting reds and then getting hit is your fault and not the motorists! i hate cyclists, i'm sorry.

Jumping red lights is not acceptable, but there are some very poor drivers and a lot of them are uninsured. Many don't even have a driving license.

Becoming a cyclist improved my driving, because it opened up my awareness of the road.

 

[Shayan]

it's about time that cyclists get insured and abide by the rules other motorists have to follow. cutting reds and then getting hit is your fault and not the motorists! i hate cyclists, i'm sorry.

Cyclists are supposed to abide by similar rules as cars eg stopping at red lights etc. Personally I've never seen a cyclist cutting a red light

 

[khalil1986]

Cyclists are supposed to abide by similar rules as cars eg stopping at red lights etc. Personally I've never seen a cyclist cutting a red light

I have, he stopped looked both ways and continued on his merry way.

I have several times had to slow down as a cyclist was hogging the lane with extravagent pedaling and wouldn't have been safe for me to overtake with him kicking out his knees.

 

[Punisher]

I was once waiting at an intersection and the light just turned green and just as I was driving off an idiot pedaling fast from the side street jumped crossed dangerously in front of me. If my car had hit him he would have learnt a very painful lesson that still concerns me even to this day.

 

[Mohsin]

I'm 22 and have never rode a bike in my life (bar a tricycle my uncle bought for me when I went to Pakistan when I was a lot younger)

 

[Robert]

Personally I've never seen a cyclist cutting a red light

The trouble is that stopping at a light interrupts the cyclist's cadence. He also will be stuck in too high a gear when moving off again, which is a big effort. That is why so many jump the lights.

 

[Shayan]

Bike should arrive next week and I've booked myself in for some free cycle training to get used to cycling in traffic etc.

 

[kinventor]

I use city bikes. Local goverment have installed bike stations all over the city, one just need to pay anual fees of 50€ to use it.

 

[kinventor]

Cyclists are supposed to abide by similar rules as cars eg stopping at red lights etc. Personally I've never seen a cyclist cutting a red light

I do this all the time but only when the road is clear.

 

[OZGOD]

it's about time that cyclists get insured and abide by the rules other motorists have to follow. cutting reds and then getting hit is your fault and not the motorists! i hate cyclists, i'm sorry.

I cycled a lot in Sydney, less so here in Boston. And yes I hated how other cyclists, especially city couriers, just run red lights, cycle the wrong way down one way streets and not stop for pedestrians yet expect to be treated like other motorists. If you want to be treated with respect on the road then follow the bloody rules! I know it sucks having to stop and waste energy but that comes with the territory.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Robert]

Bike should arrive next week and I've booked myself in for some free cycle training to get used to cycling in traffic etc.

Good luck to you and be safe.

If any driver shouts at you "You don't pay road tax" remind him that road tax was repealed in 1937, and he is paying for a license to pollute.

 

[Robert]

Did a 26-miler on my Specialized hybrid today, though some nice roads in Surrey. Quads hurt so much afterward that I had to take painkillers!

I must get fitter because I am doing a charity ride in June.

 

[batool100]

I'm a member of a cycling club, we will have a event next month,so we need group purchase some cycling suits. Is there any site have good quality but no expensive?

 

[Savak]

https://www.sportchek.ca/product/gt...-bike-2020-333087003.html#333087003=333087011

Just bought this bike a month ago. Its been a good 20 years since i last rode a bicycle. The first day was bad and embarrassing where i kept slipping and falling but everything improved from day two onwards. I practiced frequently in an empty parking lot at night for a good week.

Two days ago i decided its now time to transition to the roads and my goodness within just half an hour of cycling i started panting and sweating profusely and was out of gas. Its even challenging when you have to cycle up on an upward slope because that is where you have to apply real force and energy and you reach a point where you just cant do it persistently anymore and you have to slow down, get off the bike and even walk for a bit to catch your breath.

I actually also had a very nasty scare and am very lucky to have survived without any serious life threatening injuries. I was riding on the cycle on a downward slop and the cycle was moving so fast, i was still peddling till i realized that the speed is excessive and i need to apply the breaks here, i couldn't control the speed because it was very fast and in my desperation to control the speed to the cycle my foot touch the ground and my foot got tangled up really badly and i fell over ahead with the bicycle behind me.

Thank goodness i was wearing a helmet and had a few minor bruises on my calf, forearm and palm otherwise i could easily have broken my shoulder, leg or worse come under a speeding bus from behind. I learn't my lesson and became more careful with my speed.

But cycling non stop for just 30-40 minutes felt like 60-90 minutes of jogging. I am thinking of enrolling in some safe cycling classes just so i can improve my technique, form and understand the rules of the road.

Oh and yes, a sore backside, saddle is a big problem, have already ordered a soft gelly seat. Unfortunately because of Covid 19, its now taking Amazon 1-2 months to deliver packages which would take a week at most previously

 

[Nostalgic]

https://www.sportchek.ca/product/gt...-bike-2020-333087003.html#333087003=333087011

Just bought this bike a month ago. Its been a good 20 years since i last rode a bicycle. The first day was bad and embarrassing where i kept slipping and falling but everything improved from day two onwards. I practiced frequently in an empty parking lot at night for a good week.

Two days ago i decided its now time to transition to the roads and my goodness within just half an hour of cycling i started panting and sweating profusely and was out of gas. Its even challenging when you have to cycle up on an upward slope because that is where you have to apply real force and energy and you reach a point where you just cant do it persistently anymore and you have to slow down, get off the bike and even walk for a bit to catch your breath.

I actually also had a very nasty scare and am very lucky to have survived without any serious life threatening injuries. I was riding on the cycle on a downward slop and the cycle was moving so fast, i was still peddling till i realized that the speed is excessive and i need to apply the breaks here, i couldn't control the speed because it was very fast and in my desperation to control the speed to the cycle my foot touch the ground and my foot got tangled up really badly and i fell over ahead with the bicycle behind me.

Thank goodness i was wearing a helmet and had a few minor bruises on my calf, forearm and palm otherwise i could easily have broken my shoulder, leg or worse come under a speeding bus from behind. I learn't my lesson and became more careful with my speed.

But cycling non stop for just 30-40 minutes felt like 60-90 minutes of jogging. I am thinking of enrolling in some safe cycling classes just so i can improve my technique, form and understand the rules of the road.

Oh and yes, a sore backside, saddle is a big problem, have already ordered a soft gelly seat. Unfortunately because of Covid 19, its now taking Amazon 1-2 months to deliver packages which would take a week at most previously

Looks like a decent enough starter hard tail mountain bike. I see that it has the 1x drivetrain. Does it have a dropper post?

If you’re using it on the road, you may want to inflate the tires to 45 psi or more. It probably came with 30 psi, which works for the trail but not on the road. That is probably slowing you down a bit and making you exert more effort than necessary.

 

[Nostalgic]

P.S. With a 1x drivetrain, all the gearing that matters is in the back, so shifting is easier. Figure it out and the climbs will be easier.

But do they even gave hills in Toronto? I thought it was flat as a sheet?

 

[Robert]

https://www.sportchek.ca/product/gt...-bike-2020-333087003.html#333087003=333087011

Just bought this bike a month ago. Its been a good 20 years since i last rode a bicycle. The first day was bad and embarrassing where i kept slipping and falling but everything improved from day two onwards. I practiced frequently in an empty parking lot at night for a good week.

Two days ago i decided its now time to transition to the roads and my goodness within just half an hour of cycling i started panting and sweating profusely and was out of gas. Its even challenging when you have to cycle up on an upward slope because that is where you have to apply real force and energy and you reach a point where you just cant do it persistently anymore and you have to slow down, get off the bike and even walk for a bit to catch your breath.

I actually also had a very nasty scare and am very lucky to have survived without any serious life threatening injuries. I was riding on the cycle on a downward slop and the cycle was moving so fast, i was still peddling till i realized that the speed is excessive and i need to apply the breaks here, i couldn't control the speed because it was very fast and in my desperation to control the speed to the cycle my foot touch the ground and my foot got tangled up really badly and i fell over ahead with the bicycle behind me.

Thank goodness i was wearing a helmet and had a few minor bruises on my calf, forearm and palm otherwise i could easily have broken my shoulder, leg or worse come under a speeding bus from behind. I learn't my lesson and became more careful with my speed.

But cycling non stop for just 30-40 minutes felt like 60-90 minutes of jogging. I am thinking of enrolling in some safe cycling classes just so i can improve my technique, form and understand the rules of the road.

MTBs are no good on the road. Heavy and slow. Get a road bike and by comparison you will fly along.

Stop every half hour, and eat something like half an energy bar each time, else you will exhaust yourself and struggle to get home. I went out 20 miles and ran out of gas. Limped into a petrol station and bought three chocolate bars which I wolfed down. But by then it is too late. Crawled home feeling shaky, it was miserable. Go carb up, and get a water bottle and keep swigging from it.

Did a charity ride in 2018, went 180 miles in three days across France. Was a tired man after that, but proud.

 

[Nostalgic]

MTBs are no good on the road. Heavy and slow. Get a road bike and by comparison you will fly along

However, if you can only own one bike and want to explore the trails in addition to the commute, a hard tail mountain bike with a shock lock and appropriate tire pressure is the best compromise.

I tried a road bike once. Sitting so high and leaning over the bar felt like I was one pothole away from catastrophic injury, not to mention the slick tires. There’s greater security on a mountain bike, even if it isn’t optimal for road use.

 

[Robert]

However, if you can only own one bike and want to explore the trails in addition to the commute, a hard tail mountain bike with a shock lock and appropriate tire pressure is the best compromise.

I tried a road bike once. Sitting so high and leaning over the bar felt like I was one pothole away from catastrophic injury, not to mention the slick tires. There’s greater security on a mountain bike, even if it isn’t optimal for road use.

Wait until your feet are clipped to the pedals I’ve never gone over the bars of my road bike in five thousand road miles, though I have fallen over at red lights a few times.

I had a hybrid once, with 36 mm tyres and front shocks, and it bounced over the potholes n fine style, but sadly it got nicked.

Am a bit long in the tooth now, so the next one will have a battery, to help with the climbs.

 

[Nostalgic]

Wait until your feet are clipped to the pedals I’ve never gone over the bars of my road bike in five thousand road miles, though I have fallen over at red lights a few times.

I had a hybrid once, with 36 mm tyres and front shocks, and it bounced over the potholes n fine style, but sadly it got nicked.

Am a bit long in the tooth now, so the next one will have a battery, to help with the climbs.

I’ve been considering an ebike for a while too, but I don’t know if I’ll ever get one, because there’s a masochistic pleasure in getting your quads to feel like they’re on fire. Besides, the best things in life are earned, so a steep climb earns you the right to fly on the descent.

Maybe pedal assist may be the way to go? A bit of help for when I really, truly, need it.

 

[IMMY69]

I decided to take my sons bike and go for a nice long ride today (it’ must be 20 years since I last rode)...

I just about made it to the top of my road, ooh around 100 yards, before heading back and home and falling to the ground in a heap, gasping for air

Don’t think I’ll be trying that again for a very long time

 

[sweep_shot]

I love cycling but my bike is broken.

I need to get a new bike. I like mountain bike.

 

[sjahmed23]

I do mountain biking regularly it's a thrill. Nothing can describe the feeling of going downhill at rapid speed its like a controlled rollar coaster ride.

 

[IAJ]

I had a really good bike, but no insurance. My clever younger brother wanted to lock his bike with my bike, but the problem was he forgot to put the padlock around my bike also, and next day there was only one bike left.

So now it’s only treadmill and football for me in free time.

 

[CricketCartoons]

I had a really good bike, but no insurance. My clever younger brother wanted to lock his bike with my bike, but the problem was he forgot to put the padlock around my bike also, and next day there was only one bike left.

So now it’s only treadmill and football for me in free time.

Must have been very fond of that bike that you didn't buy a replacement.

 

[IAJ]

I do mountain biking regularly it's a thrill. Nothing can describe the feeling of going downhill at rapid speed its like a controlled rollar coaster ride.

Yeah it’s fun but no so much if you lose the control.

A bit off topic, I was riding a horse in the forest many years ago and that was an old arabian trotting horse. As it ran faster I lost the control, in fact it was the horse which fell down and I went for an airial route. Alhamdulillah I got away with only a shoulder injury, and those who witnessed it could not believe I survived that.

 

[IAJ]

Must have been very fond of that bike that you didn't buy a replacement.

It was a good bike, but I didn’t use it that much, so didn’t miss it much though it was an unfortunate way to lose it.

 

[CricketCartoons]

Yeah it’s fun but no so much if you lose the control.

A bit off topic, I was riding a horse in the forest many years ago and that was an old arabian trotting horse. As it ran faster I lost the control, in fact it was the horse which fell down and I went for an airial route. Alhamdulillah I got away with only a shoulder injury, and those who witnessed it could not believe I survived that.

Horses don't run but canter or gallop (3rd and 4th gear). Which one was it?

 

[IAJ]

Horses don't run but canter or gallop (3rd and 4th gear). Which one was it?

In my dictionary they run also. Behave like a cartoon please.

 

[Robert]

I’ve been considering an ebike for a while too, but I don’t know if I’ll ever get one, because there’s a masochistic pleasure in getting your quads to feel like they’re on fire. Besides, the best things in life are earned, so a steep climb earns you the right to fly on the descent.

Maybe pedal assist may be the way to go? A bit of help for when I really, truly, need it.

I live in a really hilly part of the U.K. so pedal assist would be nice, and I could still get a good workout from a thirty mile ride.

 

[Nostalgic]

I live in a really hilly part of the U.K. so pedal assist would be nice, and I could still get a good workout from a thirty mile ride.

Same here: a mountainous part of the US in my case.

At least in my neck of the woods, all bikes, electric or otherwise, are sold out. I couldn't even get my youngest a replacement bike in the used sections, and there are many of those around. There isn't much available online either. There has been an uptick in the number of people taking to biking as a way to exercise during the lockdown.

 

[MenInG]

Dutch rider Fabio Jakobsen has had facial surgery and doctors will try to wake him from a coma later on Thursday, says his Deceuninck-QuickStep team.

Jakobsen remains stable, having been taken to hospital on Wednesday following a high-speed crash on stage one of the Tour of Poland.

Dylan Groenewegen drifted across the road before he and compatriot Jakobsen collided close to the finish line.

Jakobsen, 23, hit the barriers before striking an official stood by the line.

"His condition is very severe. There is a danger to his life," said race doctor Barbara Jerschina on Wednesday.

"Unfortunately, it is quite a serious injury to the head and brain. He has lost a lot of blood. He is very strong. I hope he will survive."

Deceuninck-QuickStep said on Wednesday that initial tests "didn't reveal brain or spinal injury".

"Fabio Jakobsen's situation is serious but at the moment he is stable," read a team statement.

"Because of the gravity of his multiple injuries, he is still kept in a comatose condition and has to remain closely monitored in the following days."

Jumbo-Visma sprinter Groenewegen, who was named as the stage winner before being disqualified, and several other riders also fell after crossing the line.

Jerschina said the race official struck in the incident suffered head and spinal injuries but was speaking when he was taken to hospital.

Cycling's governing body UCI said it "strongly condemns the dangerous behaviour of Groenewegen".

A statement read: "The UCI, which considers the behaviour unacceptable, immediately referred the matter to the disciplinary commission to request the imposition of sanctions commensurate with the seriousness of the facts."

Jumbo-Visma said: "Our thoughts go out to Fabio Jakobsen and other people involved in today's terrible crash in the Tour of Poland - crashes like these should not happen.

"We offer our sincere apologies and we will discuss internally what has happened before we may make any further statement."

The podium ceremony was cancelled and the results of the 195.8km stage from Stadion Slaski have not been released.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/cycling/53671028

 

[in_cutter]

Absolutely love cycling

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[MenInG]

Organisers have cast doubt over the cause of Tuesday's Giro d'Italia crash in which Luca Wackermann was injured.

The Italian's team, Vini Zabu-KTM, posted a picture of the rider in hospital, where he was kept overnight after suffering multiple injuries.

Team boss Andrea Citracca claimed a helicopter "flying too low" caused the roadside barriers riders crashed into near the end of stage four to move.

But a source told BBC Sport an "external factor" may have moved them.

Wackermann will have further scans on a suspected fracture of his back.

He and team-mate Etienne van Empel both fell in the incident - in which both riders collided with the roadside barriers as the race travelled from Catania to Villafranca Tirrena - though the Dutchman was able to get back up.

Vini Zabu-KTM later confirmed Wackermann had abandoned the race with a broken nose and has a suspected broken back, along with multiple cuts and bruises.

Riders finish stage four of the Giro d'Italia and the helicopter can be seen in the sky above
A helicopter can be seen in the sky above as the riders finish stage four on Tuesday
"The helicopter was flying too low, the movement of the air blew up the barriers. It is not clear if he has broken his pelvis. The barriers were not tied properly," Citracca told Italian TV station RAI2 on Tuesday.

However, a source told BBC Sport on Wednesday: "The barriers were well tied together and in that moment the TV helicopter was flying over the finish."

The source said there was little or no wind at the moment that could have caused the barriers to move and that "an external factor could have moved" them.

Having spoken to Wackermann, the Professional Cyclists' Association (CPA) has said it will request an investigation into what happened with world cycling's governing body the UCI.

"We will be at his side to get justice after what happened yesterday at the Giro. CPA has requested an investigation on what happened to the UCI. These kind of accidents are intolerable," it said on Twitter.

Michelton-Scott's Brent Bookwalter was close to the incident. He told Cycling News: "The race organisation is charged with creating a safe environment for us.

"It's ridiculous - we're sending guys to the hospital over stupid mistakes that shouldn't be made."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/cycling/54449937