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Ambridge Wheelers - Summer 2012
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Message 1.Â
Posted by sagethyme (U5272261) on Friday, 25th May 2012
Calling cyclists and ex-cyclists who might be persuaded to get the old bike out of the shed.
Join us and tell us your tales of trips near and far, and ask about bicycle stuff.
I took my trusty old steed to the local bike shop for a service and new saddle last week. Can do some maintenance myself, but there are adjustments to gears etc where I need an expert. Once again was astonished by the reasonable prices and friendly service when compared to car garages. -
Message 2
Posted by Former Archers Listener known as Fausto etc (U14266958) on Saturday, 26th May 2012
Logging this one into "my discussions" Made a return to the bike yesterday after another health issue had kept me off for a while.
Being aware that I set off for Germany in a couple of weeks and getting there needs a few successive days of 70+ miles, I did a hilly 50 yesterday. My legs were about as effective as wet newspaper by the time I got home.
I am leading an easy Skyride local on Sunday, swo will put myself under the cosh again on Tuesday to stretch my ability.
I do enjoy cycling honest. -
Message 3
Posted by sagethyme (U5272261) on Sunday, 27th May 2012
Glorious ride today with 7 other women. Interesting things often happen to us at Richmond Bridge, and today it was the Royal Barge being prepared for the Queen. Hope this link works:
We are fortunate to have Richmond Park and the Thames towpath within easy reach.
We did 18 miles and had a couple of very unconfident folk with us who managed fine.
Where did you go? -
Message 4
Posted by Former Archers Listener known as Fausto etc (U14266958) on Sunday, 27th May 2012
I had my first taste of being a Sky Ride local leader. I do the see the Sky aspect of it as a bit of accepting the devils dollar, but it is a brilliant intiative at getting folks on bikes. The ride itself was only 6 miles. (Did it twice as a morning ride and an afternoon ride) It was great to be riding amongst familys with youngsters and teenagers etc.
Took in some "real" cycling on my way home with some brick wall climbs etc, but it has been a good day. Full marks to British Cycling and Sky at such an initiative to get new bums on saddles. -
Message 5
Posted by Poorgrass (U12099742) on Monday, 28th May 2012
I've just returned to riding after a week off with a chest infection - cannot believe how hot it is on the bike compared to the week before last.
Reading the wheelers thread it occurs to me I must be one of the few people that never gets my bikes formally serviced. I just give them a quick inspection every month or so, have a look at frame, spin the wheels in my fingers to check the bearings are okay, check the chain, cables and brakes for wear and that's about it. Anything that needs fixing gets done there and then. I've found that most "complicated" things like adjusting derailler gears can be done by trial and error usually, and if not a good book on bike maintenance will usually put you right. Once you've invested in a few simple tools such as a set of Allen wrenches and a chain cutting tool you can do most simple jobs. I think what would worry me about just having it serviced once a year is that things can get badly worn out in that time. -
Message 6
Posted by sagethyme (U5272261) on Monday, 28th May 2012
Hi Poorgrass, glad you are back riding.
I did a cycle maintenance course long ago and have good books and tools and do regular checks as you say. However these days my old fingers cannot manage adjustments they once knew. Even taking off a tyre is a struggle but can still do. The doctor is pleased and surprised I cycle, and I have an expert friend who will tell me when I must stop, so think I am still safe to other road users! -
Message 7
Posted by Former Archers Listener known as Fausto etc (U14266958) on Monday, 28th May 2012
Haveing always had a predeliction for tinkering about with things, I find bike maintenance straightforward.
It did suprise me at yesterdays Skyride, when we had to refuse someone taking part because a youngsters bike was in a state of disrepair and was frankly dangerous.
People will spend squillions on cars etc, but a few pounds on a the safety of a youngsters bike is just beyond their comprehension. -
Message 8
Posted by shulascat (U14737252) on Saturday, 9th June 2012
Plus, such is the obsession with wearing helmets (and there is divided opinion on this) that people forget that it is far, far more important to have a roadworthy bike!
I'd like to ask female Wheelers how they manage with summer dresses and formal clothing while riding bikes. I use my bike every day and almost always wear trousers and flat shoes. However there are occasions when I'd like to go to an event looking a bit smarter/more feminine. It's such a hassle to take a change of clothes and shoes, specially if you don't know if there's going to be anywhere to do so. I don't want one of those bikes with chain guard etc as I love my hybrid bike with deraillieurs. Any thoughts or experiences? I am, hmm, in my mid-sixties. -
Message 9
Posted by sagethyme (U5272261) on Saturday, 9th June 2012
Shulascat
Thoughts from Thyme Towers:
Nearly that age, always cycle in trousers or shorts. Own a few skirts and exactly 3 dresses, rarely worn. Oddly enough I am off to change into a dress this evening for a special supper cooked by Mr T, but no cycling.
There was a brief period some years ago of working within cycling distance, and I took a smart (trouser) suit in the panniers. It was a male-dominated job so there was no problem in locking the Ladies for a few minutes to wash and change, but no shower.
For short journeys needing smart trews I tuck them in my socks! -
Message 10
Posted by shulascat (U14737252) on Friday, 15th June 2012
Shulascat
Thoughts from Thyme Towers:
Nearly that age, always cycle in trousers or shorts. Own a few skirts and exactly 3 dresses, rarely worn. Oddly enough I am off to change into a dress this evening for a special supper cooked by Mr T, but no cycling.
There was a brief period some years ago of working within cycling distance, and I took a smart (trouser) suit in the panniers. It was a male-dominated job so there was no problem in locking the Ladies for a few minutes to wash and change, but no shower.
For short journeys needing smart trews I tuck them in my socks! Â Thanks for this. I used to cycle to work and sometimes changed in the loos, though I stopped trying to look smart as my students sometimes made comments like 'Are you going somewhere special?' (No, I don't think they were sarcastically meant.) So I am resigned to the fact that I am probably identified as that scruffy woman who cycles everywhere.
It's really for those special occasions when I'd like to look nice for a change - which are even rarer since I have retired - when I'd like to wear a dress (rather, THE dress) and high heels. I see women cycling successfully in skirts and dresses, and I wondered if there was a technique to this as I wouldn't feel safe.....Oh well, I s'pose I can make more use of my bus pass.
Do you have slap-wraps (brightly coloured plastic curvy things) to wear round your ankles? Better than socks. -
Message 11
Posted by Poorgrass (U12099742) on Friday, 15th June 2012
My favorite bike (a mountain bike) has an unguarded chain with no room to fit a guard (short of buying new crank levers), and eats any sort of trousers or loose clothing. So in summer I wear shorts and in the winter I wear jogging bottoms and take a decent pair of trousers in my rucksack to change when I get there.
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Message 12
Posted by sagethyme (U5272261) on Friday, 15th June 2012
Do you have slap-wraps (brightly coloured plastic curvy things) to wear round your ankles? Better than socks.Â
Nah, something else to store and keep track of while at the meeting!
Socks are always there, what's the problem?
BTW Mr T likes old-fashioned cycle clips. -
Message 13
Posted by Former Archers Listener known as Fausto etc (U14266958) on Tuesday, 19th June 2012
Well, I am really chuffed with myself. This year has been a succession of medical lows that have kept me off the bike and certainly hasnt been helpful for stamina building.
JUst over a week ago I set off on a 370 miles in 6 days to our Twin Town of Rheinbach in Germany. I am pleased I coped with it well even the 80 mile days and the Ardennes.
Reception from the cyclists in Rheinbach was superb, and they are now pledged to cycle here next year. Makes me ashamed to think there are next to no cycle facilities here and the disregard often shown to cyclists by UK motorists is shamefull compared with their Belgian and German counterparts. -
Message 14
Posted by Poorgrass (U12099742) on Tuesday, 19th June 2012
Well done, Fausto. Agree with you about the attitude of motorists - could it be that both Germany and Belgium have strong cycling cultures and therefore many of the motorists are also cyclists?
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Message 15
Posted by shulascat (U14737252) on Tuesday, 19th June 2012
Do you have slap-wraps (brightly coloured plastic curvy things) to wear round your ankles? Better than socks.Â
Nah, something else to store and keep track of while at the meeting!
Socks are always there, what's the problem?
BTW Mr T likes old-fashioned cycle clips. Â No problem with storage. You can keep slap-wraps round your ankles whilst at the meeting. (My trousers come adrift from socks and get caught in the chain.)
Cycle clips used to fly off with a 'ping' and without warning, plus I found them quite painful round my ankles. -
Message 16
Posted by shulascat (U14737252) on Tuesday, 19th June 2012
For a more leisurely ride, try cycling down the Danube. We went from its source (Donnaueschingen) across Germany ending at Passau. There was no need to book hotels - we just turned up, to a warm welcome - and there was always somewhere safe to leave our bikes overnight. Almost all the route is wide and off-road but drivers were extremely courteous when we did mix. We were recognised as English because we wore helmets! We hope to do more of the route sometime - from Passau to Budapest. Like you it makes me feel ashamed of English facilities and our attitude towards cyclists.
PS My husband has this minute come in having been carved up by a taxi and nearly thrown off his bike. -
Message 17
Posted by Former Archers Listener known as Fausto etc (U14266958) on Tuesday, 19th June 2012
My ride to Rheinbach had to be done to a tight schedule. I did though make extensive use of a long distance cycle route which crosses flanders from East to West. It is signed as LF6 and the signage on it was excellent. I was on that route for around 200miles, there were hundreds of turns a nd everyone was efficiently signed. The terrain varied from tarmac paths by canals to cobbled 12% climbs. Once the river Maas was crossed it was a case of picking up a Wallonian route RV4. This wasnt as well signed as the route through flanders but I only made one wrong turn.
One of the most interesting places en route was the three land point where Holland, Belgium and Germany meet, at 428 Metres it is also the highest point in the Netherlands. -
Message 18
Posted by Former Archers Listener known as Fausto etc (U14266958) on Friday, 22nd June 2012
Should Mike Penning be called minister for road danger after his response to this? .
After my trip through Belgium, the first thing you notice is how considerate motorists are to cyclists, the second thing noticed was how responsible the cyclists are. The UK does need to catch up. -
Message 19
Posted by Poorgrass (U12099742) on Friday, 22nd June 2012
I would agree - what is known as strict liability is well-established in other areas of law since the 19th century. It's basically a case of if you are using something with the potential to cause great harm, and it does so and can be demonstrated to be the direct cause of that harm, it is not necessary for the injured party to prove negligence as is normal in a civil case. In any case, most cars come up to a bicycle from behind - it is their responsibility to pass safely, so if there is a collision they should be in the dock anyway.
I don't think it would necessarily increase car insurance premiums, and if motorists are worried they could always fit a videorecorder/webcam to prove their innocence. -
Message 20
Posted by Former Archers Listener known as Fausto etc (U14266958) on Sunday, 24th June 2012
Interesting development in the womens National Road Race championships. It was won convincingly by Sharon Laws who was left out of the Olympic squad.
Deafending Olympic champ Nicole Cooke came in an abysmal 5 minutes down in 6th place.
Tough decisions to be taken by the selectors.
Cooke who tends to be a bit of a prima donna hasnt really done much at all over the past couple of years. I would leave her out and enter Laws in her place. -
Message 21
Posted by Poorgrass (U12099742) on Thursday, 28th June 2012
Rather depressing news here
It seems as if we're not getting anywhere and that the government is at best indifferent or at worst hostile to cycling. It seems that they are more bothered about reducing fuel duty for motorists.
I think if they want to bring down the number of cycling accidents - or more specifically the number of injuries caused by motorists to cyclists and other vulnerable road users, then it's pretty clear what needs to be done. 20 mile an hour limits with road calming measures and/or speed enforcement where cyclists and cars have to mix. All new roads should have good quality cycleways alongside and there should be a network of safe cycleways connecting up towns to one another. Even if they're only gravel tracks, they're better than nothing. The cost would not be that great, and the benefits from reduction in congestion and cleaner air would probably pay for it. But I'm not holding my breath knowing the attitude of this present lot. -
Message 22
Posted by Former Archers Listener known as Fausto etc (U14266958) on Friday, 29th June 2012
I agree that it doesnt look very good.
I dont think though the situation can be put as wholly the governments fault. Norman Baker has made it easier to implement 20MPH zones, additional funding has been made availiable for integrated transport.
It is up to local authorities to grasp and implement these, and that is where things start to run into a full stop. THere are a number of initiatives to encourage local campaigning by spreading of information ie The CTC Right to Ride network and Cyclenation as well as local forums and campaigns. Joining in and getting involved is the way to keep local authorities on their toes.
It is a shame though that Sustrans has by and large become an irrelavance, it used to be a real force for change, but is now a shadow of it's former self. -
Message 23
Posted by Poorgrass (U12099742) on Saturday, 14th July 2012
Google maps now has a function that is supposed to choose a cycling route between two places.
I tried it for a couple of journeys that I normally do by bike, but it chose routes that I definitely would not recommend, in both cases having stretches along fast and dangerous A roads. It does have a function by which you can advise a better route or an improvement, so presumably they're hoping for cyclists to put it right.
Unfortunately, round where I live there are some very good and safe cycle routes, but they involve some use of tracks and are really only for mountain bikes and hybrids with substantial tyres - you would ruin a road bike on them. As it is there is no way on the maps of grading the routes. -
Message 24
Posted by Former Archers Listener known as Fausto etc (U14266958) on Saturday, 14th July 2012
I havent tried it, but I think until there is such time as a really comprehensive network of mapped cycle routes exist, then there is little chance of a rote planner working. In the UK a combination of OS and Sustrans maps are the best bet.
Though I am not enamoured with the current state of Sustrans. There are other online mapping for UK cycle routes, but they all leave a lot to be desired. See .
Liking electronic toys, ie a gps. I have used a mapping system for the Benelux countries. Created as a collaboration between Garmin and a combination of walking and cycling organisations, it is brilliant. Not 100% perfect, but the best I have seen.
Considering the complexity of the cycle network in Holland, it is a fantastic source of information. -
Message 25
Posted by Bernard Hinault (U10655887) on Saturday, 14th July 2012
What you need is a tool called a "tyre-mate". It's a sort of lever which has a groove which sits on the opposite rim to which you are trying to pull the tyre onto-a hinged attachment hooks onto the tyre bead and helps you pull it over the rim without damaging the inner-tube. I'm 47 and have had one of these for at least a year. Modern tyre materials are almost certainly stiffer than they were and thus all tyres harder to pull over rims than they used to be. I've always done all my own maintenance and haven't purchased an assembled bike for several years. This increases your confidence in going to remote places.
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Message 26
Posted by Poorgrass (U12099742) on Saturday, 14th July 2012
Yes, I have noticed that modern tyres can be a real problem to get on and off the rim (I seem to remember we discussed it on a previous thread.) I had a real fight to get a new Schwalbe City Jet onto my hybrid bike, and more recently fitting a new Panaracer XC tyre to my mountain bike was quite a struggle - both times I ended up scratching the rims with my tyre leavers. I suspect what is going on is that some people want to ride on tyres with ridiculously high pressures because they think it's faster, so the tyre people have made this possible by making the tyre bead tighter/less stretchy so it's less likely to come off the rim. (IME on the rough roads around where I live very high pressure is bad news and the bike just shakes and vibrates a lot rather than going any faster.) It looks like one of these devices you mention is probably going to be a must-have in case of emergency.
Having said all that, I have just fitted a cheapo Halfords own brand tyre to my oldest mountain bike, and that went on dead easy. It helps that the old bike has much wider rims than the new ones. -
Message 27
Posted by Former Archers Listener known as Fausto etc (U14266958) on Saturday, 14th July 2012
I have found cheapo tyres sometimes lift out of the rim. Once bitten for ever shy in my case as they can be dangerous.
With a new cover, I use an old toe strap to stop the creep effect of the tyre not seating in the rim and can get both hands to push the final bit of the tyre on.
Dusting the inside of the cover with talc makes them easier to fit. I have a shelf in the workshop containing lubes cleaners etc and very prominent is a container of some ghastly smelling cheap talc. -
Message 28
Posted by Poorgrass (U12099742) on Saturday, 14th July 2012
Quite agree about cheap tyres - but Halfords own brand are usually OK provided you fit them correctly and do not exceed the maximum permitted pressure. I think the key difference was that the Halford's tyre has a maximum recommended pressure of 40psi, while the Schwalbe is designed to take up to 85psi - which is very high for a mountain bike type (559mm) rim.
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Message 29
Posted by shulascat (U14737252) on Sunday, 15th July 2012
If you want something comprehensive, why not try this?
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Message 30
Posted by Former Archers Listener known as Fausto etc (U14266958) on Sunday, 15th July 2012
Some of you who keep an eye on the TdF thread will know I had an unscheduled ascent over the handlebars last week due to a huge pothole in a puddle last week.
Well, the damage assessment is still in progress. Thought I had just got bruised ribs, but after waking up in the early hours wit a lot of stiffness (stop smirking at the back) I stretched to loosen my torso up and got a distinct click and a whole load of pain, so It looks as if I will have to give a broken rib chance to heal.
Worse though was still to come. Started to check my bike out. Front wheel spot on true. Forks didnt look deformed, no sign of creases on down or top tubes. Then noticed a line of paint that had lifted from the top head lug. I had to remove the forks to ascertain if there was damage, and yes the head lug was cracked, and I think I have got to consider the frame as being beyond economical repair. So my much loved Bob Jackson of 30 years vintage is to be no more.
A bit like triggers broom as it had three resprays, several sets of wheels and a number of transmission renewals.
It was though a superb stable and responsive bike. It has carried me over most of the climbs that get included in the TdF, numerous tours in Europe and graced the roads of New Zealand. I have always managed to get a head turning paint job on it, and it is off a vintage where UK craftsmanship was still reflected in bike frames. So, RIP. I still have a perfectly good touring bike built on a frame I rescued from the council tip, but I will miss my Bob Jacko. -
Message 31
Posted by sagethyme (U5272261) on Sunday, 15th July 2012
Look after yourself Fausto. Sorry about the good old bike.
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Message 32
Posted by Poorgrass (U12099742) on Sunday, 15th July 2012
Fausto - sorry to hear about that - hope that you are on the mend soon. Coincidentally I was out on a ride on roads very early Saturday morning and as I rode through a flood, it suddenly occurred to me that there might be something nasty hidden by the water and I had better slow down. It gave me a bit of a shudder when I thought about what could have happened. I was really careful through the next bits of flooded road.
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Message 33
Posted by sagethyme (U5272261) on Sunday, 22nd July 2012
Bradley Wiggins hurrah! Even I have heard of him now, and quite like the sideburns. I hope they come back in fashion as on men in days of my youth.
Our effort today was 14 miles around sunny Richmond Park and Wimbledon Common with friends including a woman who has recently learnt to ride. She is having difficulties with the gears, and unfortunately has 21 which confuses her. The result was her walking up gentle hills and pedalling furiously on the level. I suggested just leaving the left hand in the middle gear of 3, and using the 7 on the right hand.
Any other tips for teaching newbies? -
Message 34
Posted by Former Archers Listener known as Fausto etc (U14266958) on Sunday, 22nd July 2012
I reckon your tip on gearing was spot on. Most of the high geaqrs on bikes are never used anyway unless you think you are a car engine and have to get in top as soon as possible. Experience and encouragement are the best things.
Being in a sociable group helps a lot -
Message 35
Posted by Poorgrass (U12099742) on Sunday, 22nd July 2012
I was just thinking about gears the other day - I'm thinking of doing a 25 mile sponsored ride in September, and the route is very hilly. Last year I took my 14 gear hybrid and struggled on some of the hills because the lowest gear wasn't low enough. Near the end of the ride there was a really brutal steep bit, I was very tired and ended up getting off in pushing the bike for a bit. (the humiliation!!) I'm thinking of taking my 24 gear mountain bike instead - you can climb almost anything in bottom gear on that, but it's heavier and slower than the hybrid. So it'll be interesting to see whether it works out quicker or not.
Other than that, my only general hints on gears for beginners are that one step on the front deraileur is normally equivalent to two steps on the rear one, and it's best to avoid either having front on the lowest gear and rear on the highest at the same time, or vice versa, because you're twisting the chain at an angle to the gears and not doing it any good. -
Message 36
Posted by Former Archers Listener known as Fausto etc (U14266958) on Sunday, 22nd July 2012
Other than that, my only general hints on gears for beginners are that one step on the front deraileur is normally equivalent to two steps on the rear one, and it's best to avoid either having front on the lowest gear and rear on the highest at the same time, or vice versa, because you're twisting the chain at an angle to the gears and not doing it any good.Â
Bending the chain in that way also reduces its efficiency. Also if you use the smallest chainring with the smallest rear sprocket, the chain is usually rubbing on the adjacent chainring which again is throwing energy away.
Getting back to beginners tips, one of the most significant things to look for is a saddle set too low. -
Message 37
Posted by Poorgrass (U12099742) on Monday, 23rd July 2012
Couple more beginners mistakes that were in evidence this afternoon when I was out for a ride. Underinflated tyres - to the point where they are visibly sagging. Even mountain bike tyres need about 30psi (2bar) as an absolute minimum to run easily and corner predictably. The other one that rather horrifies me is bar ends pointing almost vertically upwards. Bar ends are useful accessories for mountain bikes and hybrids that provide a useful extra position for your hands to make riding more comfortable. They should point forewards and slightly up, the exact angle depending on what you find comfortable. But pointing vertically they're almost useless and you'll probably impale yourself on them in the event of an accident.
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Message 38
Posted by Former Archers Listener known as Fausto etc (U14266958) on Monday, 23rd July 2012
Keep on tactfully encourageing.
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Message 39
Posted by Sixties Relic SAVE ML (U13777237) on Monday, 23rd July 2012
I've not been on a bike for several decades. I do have a rather crummy bike in my garage, purchased about 10 years ago on a whim, but I'm not happy with it, size feels all wrong. I think I need a new one.
I'm temped to give it another go. Is 65 too late to take this up again?
I used to cycle quite a bit when I was young. -
Message 40
Posted by Poorgrass (U12099742) on Monday, 23rd July 2012
I would guess as long as you're reasonably fit, it's never too late. Just wonder whether it would be worth investing in a new bike (several hundred pounds for a decent one nowadays) until you're sure that you are going to stick with it. Apologies if I'm telling you something you as a former cyclist already know, but is it possible that your existing bike is just badly setup for you? Perhaps adjusting the saddle height and foreward/backward position, and either changing the stem to the handlebars or moving the whole thing up or down (as far as the adjustment will allow) could give you a comfortable riding position. You can get stems with a variety of angles and lengths (depending on what type of headset (mounting to the stem) the bike uses. The only other thing is that the tyres will probably be perished and want replacing after 10 years. But it's still a lot cheaper than buying a new bike.
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Message 41
Posted by Former Archers Listener known as Fausto etc (U14266958) on Monday, 23rd July 2012
I'm temped to give it another go. Is 65 too late to take this up again?Â
Definitely not. I think depending on your general health/fitness you need to be very gentle with yourself and dont do too much in the first few rides. You will wake up muscles you didnt know existed and even with a correctly set up bike, the saddle will seem an alien device.
Sociable cycling is a distinct advantage in tucking the miles away , and the Sky Ride local initiative is aimed at giving new and returning cyclists a comfortable safe start to a wonderful form of recreation. might reveal some rides in your area.
If a bike is roadworthy then there is no reason why it will not suffice until such a time as you can justify the expense of a new machine to yourself, In the meantime, you might have to invest in some new tyres, as they can perish if left neglected.
It does grieve me the amount of perfectly good bikes that I see thrown away at our local tip, -
Message 42
Posted by sagethyme (U5272261) on Monday, 23rd July 2012
65 is certainly not too late, Sixties Relic. The oldest woman in our group is 71 and remounted her bike about 5 years ago after a long break.
Does your council run courses? Ours does, for returners as well as beginners, at very cheap prices as they want to encourage cycling. I went to a couple of sessions years ago when returning to cycling after pregnancy and toddler. They give advice on height of saddle etc.
Poorgrass is right that you may need new tyres, and I also suggest an expert check if you are not confident about bike maintenance. In my experience bike shops do not try to rip us off the way car garages do. Tell the bike shop what sort of riding you want to do, probably mainly on the road and cycle paths, not rocky hills?
Here is a diagram of basic bike parts so you know what the lads are talking about:
Let us know how you get on and if you need more specific advice. -
Message 43
Posted by Former Archers Listener known as Fausto etc (U14266958) on Tuesday, 24th July 2012
Wonder if anyone saw the cycle show on ITV4 last night. Although it was a bit sound bitey, I thought it quite good and am interested to see how it develops.
Interesting to see that Nigel Mansell seems to have developed a personality since he has become involved in cycling.
Just wonder if character building can be added as one of the benefits of cycling. -
Message 44
Posted by Poorgrass (U12099742) on Tuesday, 24th July 2012
Yes, I saw it last night. I think you're being a bit unfair to Nigel Mansell, in his F1 days he was completely focused on winning races instead of talking to the media. Best quote from the show last night "I helps to look a bit wobbly - motorists give you a wide berth".
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Message 45
Posted by shulascat (U14737252) on Tuesday, 24th July 2012
As one Sixties Relic to another (I'm 64 1/2 and I've just done the 11 mile round trip into the town to do some shopping):
You never forget how to ride a bike. Just try and find somewhere quiet to get in a bit of practice and you're away!
If there is a friend or a trustworthy cycle shop near to you you could ask to have your bike checked out, and they might be able to tell you what's wrong. If you buy a new one, don't get the cheapest or one that is too big. My friend (72) has recently bought a Dawes Red Feather which has a low step-over frame for getting on and off easily. It also boosts confidence if you are feeling a bit insecure.
It is certainly not too late! -
Message 46
Posted by Wallasey (U14313042) on Thursday, 26th July 2012
Agree that novice cyclists very often have the saddle too low. Not only inefficient for pedalling, but not so good for balancing either - you are relying on one point of balance (backside) rather than three (backside and hands). Feel free to disagree, but for me the ideal is saddle level with the handlebars or a bit higher.
Just waking up after the Nijmegen Marches (100 miles in four days on foot) last week, so next big effort will be on the bike. However, I'm trying to decide whether to do a modest one-day walk on Saturday or have a day on the bike. -
Message 47
Posted by Cliff Hanger (U14309141) on Thursday, 26th July 2012
Catching up...
Sorry to hear of your misadventure, Fausto. Reminds me of a keen runner I used to work with, he ran into a flooded cattle grid and was off work for several weeks.
65 isn't too old to start cycling. A few years ago we met a retired German in Scotland, he was riding the North Sea Route - - despite only taking up cycling when he finished work.
Our summer holiday this year took us from Aberdeen to Shetland, quiet roads, considerate motorists and friendly people. We'll certainly be back to Shetland, drivers cross completely over to the other carriageway to overtake (except obviously on single track roads). -
Message 48
Posted by Poorgrass (U12099742) on Thursday, 26th July 2012
>Feel free to disagree, but for me the ideal is saddle level with the handlebars or a bit higher. <
While I would agree with you that is often the case, when setting up a bike, I don't think it's the best way to set up the saddle height. The easiest and best way to do that is to set it so that your knee is almost but not quite straight when the pedal is at its lowest point. Don't forget to also check the forwards/ backwards position of the saddle - a lot of people overlook that the saddle can be moved backwards or forwards and that you need to experiment a little to get it comfortable for you.
After you have set the seat height, then you can set the height of the handlebars to suit your riding position (as far as the adjustment on the bike will allow. If necessary it may be necessary to purchase a handlebar stem with a higher or lower angle.) -
Message 49
Posted by Former Archers Listener known as Fausto etc (U14266958) on Friday, 27th July 2012
Rip off britain excels.
Ordering bits for building up a replacement for recently wrecked bike. Shopped online and ordered stuff from a German dealer and two UK suppliers. Hasten to add the German supplier was asking for less in € than the UK ones in £s. All orders placed within half an hour.
Guess who delivered first? -
Message 50
Posted by Kate McLaren etc (U2202067) on Friday, 27th July 2012
I am planning a 500-mile bike trip from the south of France to the north-west tip of Spain next spring. Friend has done a cycling holiday but hasn't cycled for quite a while (and currently hasn't a bike); I use my bicycle all the time for commuting and the occasional little trip out, but I have never done distance. I have a battered 21-gear hybrid whose gears aren't designed for serious hills - the whole gearing is, um, geared too far towards speed downhill, so far as I can tell (I don't know whether the hill gears are called high or low, sorry) and any serious hills are a struggle - I just don't have the gears. I am pretty fit (I don't "exercise" but I have a very physical job and I walk or cycle pretty well everywhere), 55 (56 by then) and she is fittish, 46 (47 by then).
Do I need a new bike or just a new/rejigged set of gears? Do I need a different sort of tyre, or just to make sure mine are still in tiptop condition (they'll have been on the bike a year and a half by the time we leave)? Do we need to do a serious bicycle maintenance course? We can both change tyres/inner tubes, in theory at least. We will not be riding off-road at all.
And anything else that springs to mind.
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