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Ambridge Wheelers - Spring 2010
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Message 1.Â
Posted by sagethyme (U5272261) on Friday, 19th March 2010
A cycling thread now that the warmer weather has arrived.
We welcome all cyclists young and old, plus any folk who just need encouragement to get the old roadster out of the shed. Tell us your plans, problems and tips for happy healthy cycling. -
Message 2
Posted by sagethyme (U5272261) on Saturday, 20th March 2010
Well, it seems there are no cyclists in Borsetshire?
One more try then shall shut up....
Needed exercise on this wet and mild Saturday, so cycled the couple of miles to the Council Dump. Small electronic items to discard. It amuses me to confuse the poor lads at the entrance, not used to non-vehicular traffic. -
Message 3
Posted by Cushie Butterfield (U14330784) on Saturday, 20th March 2010
Hi Sage
We Stanton-Lacys are more used to phaetons than the new-fangled velocipede, but will bookmark this in case Charles finds the pump. -
Message 4
Posted by LooseWheel (U2499574) on Saturday, 20th March 2010
I never feel able to post on the Ambridge Wheelers thread because I'm not a 'serious' cyclist, although I use my bike every day to get to and from work in all weathers. This past week has been lovely - the building I currently work in (not for much longer - sob) is situated alongside a canal, and now that the weather has changed, it's been so lovely to see the moorhens and coots dipping and diving as I cycle along. Hoping we don't move (likely over Easter) before the frogs make their annual appearance. The new building we're being made to move to (spit) is only accessible by a busy main road with two schools en route, so no more leisurely, pleasant cycle ride to work for me, and no interesting wildlife to see, there's not even a tree or shrub at the new place where I can hang the bird feeders
LW x -
Message 5
Posted by sagethyme (U5272261) on Sunday, 21st March 2010
Don't worry, no seriosity here Loosewheel.
I rarely get into double figures of cycling miles a day, but enjoy pottering locally rather than getting the car out. One longer ride a month with friends.
Commiserations on the move of job. In a long career I have only had 2 months when I could cycle to work and it was lovely, partly across Bushy Park in SW London. However the boss there was also the worst in an otherwise good career so I chose to move on. Hope you get even nicer people in the new place.
How is the security for bikes at the old and new places? -
Message 6
Posted by LooseWheel (U2499574) on Sunday, 21st March 2010
Where I am now is pretty isolated and next door to the Met Police training centre so security isn't a problem, though having to leave my bike out in all weathers means quite a bit of wear and tear - have to spend a fortune on lubricating liquid for the chain/gears, which need lubricating weekly. I haven't actually been to the new place, but it's next to the main college campus and the car park will be open to all students, not just ours. I doubt there will be anywhere indoors to store the bike so will just have to lock it up. My bike isn't flash enough for anyone wanting to half inch it - it's got a basket and panniers for goodness sake! No self-respecting oik would want to be seen dead on it!
LW x -
Message 7
Posted by Poorgrass (U12099742) on Tuesday, 23rd March 2010
In reply to LooseWheel message 6
I have been riding my ancient Raleigh mountain bike all winter, practically every other day weather allowing, going through flood water and filthy mud on the only rideable off-road track that leads out of our small town. After each ride, I have just hosed it off, sprayed all the moving bits except the chain with WD40, and after every other ride have wiped off the chain, and re-oiled with (cheap) household oil. Very occasionally, I used some expensive chain lubricant instead. I checked the bike over this morning, and I was quite surprised to find that the chain hadn't measurably stretched and didn't need changing, and the other bits were in reasonable nick too.
I have drawn the conclusion that if you lubricate everything very regularly, you can mitigate the worst effects of the weather. -
Message 8
Posted by Doodlysquat (U13738858) on Tuesday, 23rd March 2010
Tue, 23 Mar 2010 18:29 GMT, in reply to Poorgrass in message 7
Hello everyone.
I have been thinking about getting a cycle with a trailer on the back so that I can do the shopping in the nearby village. Haven't ridden for about thirty years and am feeling a bit anxious about my ability to relearn the skills. There isn't a huge amount of traffic hereabouts so I reckon that with care I will be ok.
What kind of bike should I be looking for? It will have to be a second hand one, preferably a traditional old type. I rather fancy one of the trike type but as we live on a boat that would not be practical....not enough room on deck to store it.
I saw an advert for a Pashley in a magazine but reckon they probably cost the earth. I cannot see myself in helmet and lycra, do you think a helmet is essential?
suze -
Message 9
Posted by Poorgrass (U12099742) on Tuesday, 23rd March 2010
in reply to Doodlysquat message 8
If you cannot find a secondhand Pashley, or a traditional bicycle of the type you are looking for, then a good modern hybrid bike would do the job adequately. (Hybrids are a bit like mountain bikes, only generally more lightly built and a bit easier to pedal on the roads.) A mountain bike with front suspension only would also do the job, although it would pay to swap the knobbly tyres for smooth ones if you don't go off road.
As for wearing a helmet, wearing one saved me from a nasty bump on the head many years ago when I skidded off on some oil, so I think they're worth it. Also, they avoid the problem of swept back hairdo after a ride. I would advise a reflective jacket or vest - not only do they make you more visible, but they also prevent any grot thrown up off the road getting onto your clothes. -
Message 10
Posted by Doodlysquat (U13738858) on Tuesday, 23rd March 2010
Tue, 23 Mar 2010 20:57 GMT, in reply to Poorgrass in message 9
Thankyou for your reply Poorgrass. I do take your point about the helmet, I suppose it would be a bit daft to go without one. I think I'll go for one of the really nerdy ones...in a very bright colour to go with the flourescent pink lycra leggings and the lime green jacket.
I'll do some practice on the lane to the boatyard before venturing out onto the main road.
There is a second hand bike dealer not too far away so I'll have a look and see what he's got that would be suitable for a woman of a certain age...and weight.
suze...not a contender for the Yellow Jumper. -
Message 11
Posted by sagethyme (U5272261) on Tuesday, 23rd March 2010
Hi Doodlysquat
I also came back to cycling after years away and am loving it. No specialist clothing here, mostly just stuff already around the house and a good old walking jacket to keep the rain off.
Opinions get very heated among 'serious' cyclists about helmets. Mr Thyme cycles without one, I always wear one and have been glad of it on a couple of occasions. I like one with a peak to keep the sun and rain out of the eyes. -
Message 12
Posted by sue (U8059472) on Wednesday, 24th March 2010
I have just bought a brooks saddle from ebay. I am estactically happy about this. I am so pleased to have found you here so someone can sharz in my joy.
50 miles to bed it in or more? I'll get out today and let you know -
Message 13
Posted by sue (U8059472) on Wednesday, 24th March 2010
Sorry share I meant share my joy
Also lidl promo this week is cycling bits and bobs very good they are too -
Message 14
Posted by sagethyme (U5272261) on Wednesday, 24th March 2010
Sue
We share your joy!
No awesome brooks saddle here, but I get possibly similar joy from my Cateye speedometer which Santa bought and fixed without asking.
Ditto panniers so practical and beautiful. Sad, us? -
Message 15
Posted by Cushie Butterfield (U14330784) on Wednesday, 24th March 2010
Sue
Thanks for the tip about lidl, I was passing nearby today and looked in.
Also found they do sensibly shaped toothbrushes in plain colours, 50p for 4. All other emporia only sell expensive stupidly shaped brushes in garish designs.
sorry, irrelevant rant, nothing to do with cycling! -
Message 16
Posted by LooseWheel (U2499574) on Wednesday, 24th March 2010
Hi Doodlysquat - if you don't want to wear a fluorescent jacket you can get a hi-vis strap to wear on top of your usual clothing - that's what I do, because I find I get a bit too hot with an extra layer of fabric when I'm cycling home in the dark. I've also got a good set of waterproofs, absolutely essential when the bike is the only form of transport I've got to get to work (apart from walking). I did invest in a waterproof cycling cape, rather than a jacket, because, again, I found it was much too hot wearing the jacket, especially on top of my winter anorak.
LW x -
Message 17
Posted by sue (U8059472) on Thursday, 25th March 2010
Right the Brooks is settling in
It is one of the old fashioned style with lots of springs front and back
I could not afford a new sleek ladies it was the best ebay could do.
Anyway I have realised that when I start of at a junction I am going up of the saddle and pushing hard, Contador style.
I think this might be due to the lateral movement induced by the saddle I have seen as a critisism. I am not sure it all feels natural I am just analysing the change in cycling style on return
I am sure many motorised were cheering and admiring my dramatic attack of the climb as the gritty cyclist finally dropped back onto the seat when she reached the paper shop.
I do love it very much and I have just rubbed it down with some Bulls foot oil. 20 miles down. -
Message 18
Posted by Poorgrass (U12099742) on Thursday, 25th March 2010
In reply to sue message 17
In my experience, sprung saddles can take a little getting used to. I have one on one of my bikes - it has a fixed pivot point at the front and springs at the rear and you can feel it rock backwards and forwards slightly when going over rough ground. After a while you don't really notice it.
I had a similar thing with the first front suspension mountain bike I had - the front suspension is very soft and the bike "nosedives" on braking particularly on the road. Very unsettling at first, but now I'm used to it, it doesn't bother me in the slightest. -
Message 19
Posted by sagethyme (U5272261) on Sunday, 28th March 2010
Back from very pleasant ride with friends, to an excellent cafe along the river and back via Richmond Park.
The towpath was stony and tough on the old joints as we all 5 have ordinary town bikes.
Does a brooks saddle help with that? The potholes are also horrendous on our roads and I gather from the media much the same all over UK this year. -
Message 20
Posted by Poorgrass (U12099742) on Sunday, 28th March 2010
In reply to sagethyme message 19
IME a suspension saddle will help a little (I have one on one of my bikes), but for maximum protection against the appalling state of the roads and cycle paths around here, I use a proper mountain bike with 4" of front suspension travel, and I have fitted a suspension seat post as well. Even then, you can still feel the bumps rattling your joints. -
Message 21
Posted by Occasionalist (U10475533) on Sunday, 28th March 2010
"My bike isn't flash enough for anyone wanting to half inch it"
I once thought that, of a piece of pipe iron on wheels that disappeared one evening even though chained. I think you have to put myself in the mind of an averagely delinquent twelve year old. If it's removable, it may be. -
Message 22
Posted by LooseWheel (U2499574) on Monday, 29th March 2010
Well I do take precautions Occasionalist (oo-er missus) - I remove the lights and the gel saddle cover and lock the bike to something solid where possible - but OH has a much flasher bike, and has had his brakes nicked, even the bloomin seat post on one occasion - his bike seems to be 'got at' much more than mine.
LW x -
Message 23
Posted by Poorgrass (U12099742) on Monday, 29th March 2010
I keep my clapped out and very heavy old Raleigh Mantis for leaving chained to lampposts etc., and then use a decent chain and padlock. So far, it hasn't been stolen. I'm always worried about leaving one of my better bikes locked up outside shops etc.
It's one of the ironies of cycling, that you pay a lot of money to get bikes that are lighter and therefore easier to pedal, but then you have to carry about heavyweight locks and chains to prevent them being stolen. -
Message 24
Posted by sue (U8059472) on Monday, 29th March 2010
So I join this rather sedate little village hall group. We can talk about helmets and security and my new,second hand, brooks saddle. I want to ask questions about my bottom bracket and have gently been wondering if to ask tonight. All of a sudden some flah harry turns up cycling round the village pond! Have we been consulted? I think not
-
Message 25
Posted by FerrousFerret (U7246468) on Tuesday, 30th March 2010
.
I look forward to Jazzer being instructed in all things bicycle related- I wonder who they are using as the expert as Harry seemed to be eager to launch into a 'difference between road and mountain bikes' explanation. -
Message 26
Posted by Former Archers Listener known as Fausto etc (U14266958) on Sunday, 18th April 2010
Sun, 18 Apr 2010 08:40 GMT, in reply to FerrousFerret in message 25
bookmarking -
Message 27
Posted by sagethyme (U5272261) on Sunday, 18th April 2010
Hi Fausto
Gentle pottering on the old bike around the potholes in our suburb. I get the feeling many car drivers are a little more aware of cyclists than a few years ago. Maybe more of them cycle themselves?
Yesterday a White Van Man paused to let me turn, and waved! Must be a first -
Message 28
Posted by Former Archers Listener known as Fausto etc (U14266958) on Sunday, 18th April 2010
Sun, 18 Apr 2010 16:20 GMT, in reply to sagethyme in message 27
The CTC and LCC have for some time acknowledged that the more cyclists there are on the roads then the greater care towards them will be taken by other road users.
What the rest of the country needs though is a highway equivalent of volcanic ash to reduce the amount of motor traffic. -
Message 29
Posted by Cushie Butterfield (U14330784) on Sunday, 18th April 2010
Shortage of petrol will do it sooner or later, Fausto. Unfortunately the other effects might not be entirely beneficial....
-
Message 30
Posted by Poorgrass (U12099742) on Monday, 19th April 2010
In reply to Sophy Stanton-Lacy
I don't think there will be shortages as such, but I expect the price to rise steadily as oil gets harder to extract (there's plenty more down there, it's more a case of how difficult/expensive it is to get out of the ground.) With luck we will have plenty of time to adapt, but there is always the problem of speculators who can turn a slight shortage into a major problem.
The rising price will hopefully encourage more people to cycle on short distances. What IMO would help would be 20mph speed limits in towns (which would have to be enforced), and also traffic calming measures to reinforce them. In one part of my town there are speed ramps in the High Street and I find them very useful - they reduce the motor vehicles to cycle speed, but on a mountain bike you don't even need to slow down for them. Once the motorists realize that it's pointless trying to overtake/push past us it's a lot more pleasant to cycle.
We also have some excellent cross-country cycle paths around here, although there are many gaps and obstacles (such as crossing dual carriageways) that need to be overcome if it is to give a good alternative to traveling by car. -
Message 31
Posted by Former Archers Listener known as Fausto etc (U14266958) on Monday, 19th April 2010
Mon, 19 Apr 2010 09:41 GMT, in reply to Poorgrass in message 30
What IMO would help would be 20mph speed limits inÂ
I think that measure more than anything else would make a difference. The 30 limit was instituted in the 30s. There was a fraction of the motor traffic there is today, that did exist couldnt accelerate to 30 as near instantly as today and certainly didnt have the ability to slalom around obstacles at 30+ as do modern vehicles of all sizes.
The 20 is plenty message is slowly taking hold, but a lot more authoritys will have to implement it before the hostility to the vulnerable is removed from our roads -
Message 32
Posted by sagethyme (U5272261) on Monday, 19th April 2010
Article in the Guardian today about marathons and the increasing numbers of folk taking up running and cycling. Not sure how reliable the figures are but encouraging. The writer thought some were leaving their gyms because of the cost, and getting out in the free fresh air instead.
Would not want to discourage people from attending gyms if that is their thing and the only way they can get exercise, but I tried a couple of gyms long ago and hated the whole experience. Pedalling a bike, I want to get somewhere! -
Message 33
Posted by Former Archers Listener known as Fausto etc (U14266958) on Wednesday, 21st April 2010
Wed, 21 Apr 2010 14:35 GMT, in reply to sagethyme in message 32
Great!
-
Message 34
Posted by sue (U8059472) on Wednesday, 21st April 2010
Oh well done Emma
Thanks for sharing. Right thats it I'm going to get an hour in -
Message 35
Posted by Former Archers Listener known as Fausto etc (U14266958) on Wednesday, 12th May 2010
Wed, 12 May 2010 09:19 GMT, in reply to sue in message 34
From a cycle campaigning/promotion standpoint, I am very dubious about the outcome of the election/coalition.
Labour had made some firm pledges regarding cycling and integrated transport etc in their last transport document. I think lib dems would go along with most of it.
Not sure about the tories, when pressed they seem to be opposed about 20mph speed limits which would make roads perceptibly more welcome for cycling. The big programme labour had for cycle provision at railway stations will most likely get ditched.
I am not a happy bunny on those scores, I have an open mind on how other things will be effected as a result of the govt change. -
Message 36
Posted by sagethyme (U5272261) on Wednesday, 12th May 2010
Cycling policies of the boroughs around here do not follow any particular party line. They seem to depend more on the interests of individual councillors and council staff. Several have proved amenable to suggestions on cycle parking etc. The budget for cycling training and support was re-instated here a few weeks ago, to our surprise and pleasure.
One possible transport-related advantage of the coalition (not cycling but must try to look on the bright side) - cancellation of the 3rd runway at Heathrow. -
Message 37
Posted by sue (U8059472) on Wednesday, 12th May 2010
Generally I am unhappy with the election results. But an unexpected bonus is that the new nuclear power stations may not get the go ahead.
We just have to get out on our bikes and be in the towns and on the trains showing that cyclists needs are an important part of day to day life -
Message 38
Posted by Former Archers Listener known as Fausto etc (U14266958) on Wednesday, 12th May 2010
Wed, 12 May 2010 10:28 GMT, in reply to sagethyme in message 36
Cycling policies of the boroughs around here do not follow any particular party line. They seem to depend more on the interests of individual councillors and council staff. Several have proved amenable to suggestions on cycle parking etc. The budget for cycling training and support was re-instated here a few weeks ago, to our surprise and pleasure.Â
I do agree that most things come down to local council decisions. However in the case of an unhelpful council, it does help if central govt documents can be used as a lever to pull to get local govt to react favourably. Labour had a number of initiatives that were such levers. The change in govt could well mean they no longer exist. It is wait and see time, but I am not optimistic. -
Message 39
Posted by Former Archers Listener known as Fausto etc (U14266958) on Wednesday, 12th May 2010
Wed, 12 May 2010 10:32 GMT, in reply to sagethyme in message 36
One possible transport-related advantage of the coalition (not cycling but must try to look on the bright side) - cancellation of the 3rd runway at Heathrow.Â
Yes, but doesnt Daves mate Boris want to bung one in the Thames estuary instead.
If it gets the go ahead, I reckon it will be completed at just about the time when peak oil is going to force the price of fuel sky high. -
Message 40
Posted by Poorgrass (U12099742) on Wednesday, 12th May 2010
In reply to Fausto_Merckx_not_Armstrong message 39
I think we already are seeing peak oil to all intents and purposes. It has not come as a sudden crisis as the doom mongers predicted, but rather a steadily rising price as growth outstrips existing supply, and new sources of oil are plentiful but progressively more expensive. That's why I believe there is no future in expanding air travel or monster 4x4s.
Low carbon means of transport such as the bus, bike and electric bike must be the future for short distance commuting if economic growth is to be sustained - I think we'll still have cars but we will use them less. And the sooner they put 20 mph limits in towns the better as far as I'm concerned. -
Message 41
Posted by Former Archers Listener known as Fausto etc (U14266958) on Wednesday, 12th May 2010
Wed, 12 May 2010 15:46 GMT, in reply to Poorgrass in message 40
And the sooner they put 20 mph limits in towns the better as far as I'm concerned.Â
This was a significant proposal in the labour transport document. Tories are vehemently opposed to it.
I find the one big reason people give for not cycling is that the roads are too dangerous. Actually statistics show that is not true (though admittedly cyclists have been hounded off a lot of the road network) a 20MPH limit would go a long way to change the dangerous roads perception. -
Message 42
Posted by sagethyme (U5272261) on Wednesday, 12th May 2010
Yes 20mph for drivers - and would be good for pedestrians, which we all are some of the time, even White Van Men and their offspring.
-
Message 43
Posted by Poorgrass (U12099742) on Saturday, 22nd May 2010
On a slightly different topic, does anyone know a way of changing a bike chain without getting one's hands absolutely filthy? I've just done one, and despite lots of washing and scrubbing I think I'm going to be getting black bits out of my nails for the next week. I've tried wearing rubber gloves in the past, but usually just tear them. Perhaps one day they will invent a clean way of doing the job.
I love this weather for riding provided you get out early in the morning. Had a superb ride at about 7 a.m. round the local country park with mist coming off the lakes and cuckoos singing -doesn't get much better than that. -
Message 44
Posted by sagethyme (U5272261) on Saturday, 22nd May 2010
Rubber gloves work for me, Poorgrass. The thin latex ones sold in cheap packets of 10.
(not packets of 3, be quiet at the back there)
Not that I have changed a chain since I moved from Sturmey Archer to derailleur at about the same time that bending and lifting became difficult. We leave that to our friendly local cycle shop these days.
However I can still mend a puncture and replace the chain when it slips off the gears. The chaps may chortle, but such things determine whether women will cycle or not. -
Message 45
Posted by Former Archers Listener known as Fausto etc (U14266958) on Saturday, 22nd May 2010
Sat, 22 May 2010 17:25 GMT, in reply to Poorgrass in message 43
On a slightly different topic, does anyone know a way of changing a bike chain without getting one's hands absolutely filthy? I've just done one, and despite lots of washing and scrubbing I think I'm going to be getting black bits out of my nails for the next week. I've tried wearing rubber gloves in the past, but usually just tear them. Perhaps one day they will invent a clean way of doing the job.Â
Get hold of a box of nitrile gloves, they are only marginally thicker than latex suppository gloves and dont dissolve with oil contact. Use em and slng em. I always carry a few around for roadside repairs. Do not use for actually repairing punctures though as the rubber solution has a real affinity for nitrile.
THey can also be used as luggage straps. -
Message 46
Posted by sue (U8059472) on Monday, 24th May 2010
In Crewe we have our very own word-Bletch- specifically it is for the oil on trouser leg bottoms but could be used for bike oil anywhere.
I want to be able to flick the chain back onto the gear when your cycling along I have no idea how they can do it.
All girls need to be able to manage running bike repairs and be able to fashion at least 10 good things from an old spoke to be a real cyclist IMHO -
Message 47
Posted by Poorgrass (U12099742) on Monday, 24th May 2010
In reply to Sue message 46
In the old days, bikes used to have a proper chain guard that went all the way around the chain. Then it just got reduced to a disk covering the front chain rings, and on my newest mountain bike there is no guard at all, and there is no room to fit a protective disc. Bicycle clips are essential, otherwise trousers are not just oiled, but also shredded. -
Message 48
Posted by sue (U8059472) on Monday, 24th May 2010
Aah but Poorgrass those chain guards are very heavy. No guard no extra wieght you see. Now it may look like the railway bridge up hospital street to you but to me I am on the 9th switch back of the Alp d'Huez.
Actually I do remember the old chain guards didn't they get very rusty and use to squeak a lot I'm sure I had one that did to cycle to school on.
Bike clips, essential -
Message 49
Posted by sagethyme (U5272261) on Monday, 24th May 2010
Nah, tuck yor socks in yor trousis.
-
Message 50
Posted by sagethyme (U5272261) on Tuesday, 25th May 2010
Or rather your trousers in your socks.
On another topic, we are amazed and delighted that in this year of cuts, our Council has found a little money for the further encouragement of cycling. I am told this is partly because some of us asked, as I related on previous threads!
What you don't ask for you don't get....
Off to have another go at reporting the worst potholes....
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