To bike or not to bike?
Discussion
LordGrover said:
How is the 8-10 miles made up? Main roads, quiet lanes, cyclepath, muddy tracks?
The route from home to work and occasionally gym, is mainly road. I am hoping to randomly hit tracks though either in between or on weekends.Daveyraveygravey said:
If you are only going 8-10 miles is it worth spending a fortune on wet weather gear? It doesn't actually rain that often here (let's forget every day last week!) and although it may take 45 mins at first, you'll soon be aiming at 30-35 mins. If you were looking at 60-90 mins each way that's when proper gear will pay for itself. And when it really lets go, swimming trunks are as good as anything else - Ridelondon this year for example!
The logistics of commuting are a bit of a pain though. Have you got room at work to store all your clothes? Your gear for in the office, maybe a change of cycling clothes for riding home? When it's warm, your kit gets sweaty and doesn't always dry out before you go home. Putting clammy shorts and socks on isn't nice, but you soon forget.
I wasn't planning on spending a fortune on the accessories Davey. I bought some base layers from sports direct last night, £12 pants and top The logistics of commuting are a bit of a pain though. Have you got room at work to store all your clothes? Your gear for in the office, maybe a change of cycling clothes for riding home? When it's warm, your kit gets sweaty and doesn't always dry out before you go home. Putting clammy shorts and socks on isn't nice, but you soon forget.
, bargin. I have waterproof over pants already and the Jacket I have seen in decathlon hivis for £20. I plan on wearing my work trousers and possibly shirt, with my jacket in my bag with my things. Shoes would be normal work boots, think timberland.TwistingMyMelon said:
I do 10 miles each way and I would say decent gear that can handle the bad conditions is a must, but you dont have to spend too much at all
This week was grim and Mon & Tues I was soaked to the core, but still OK. I just wore the cheap belkin shorts, Aldi Leg warmers, Aldi Winter top and old cycling gilet and gloves
Thing about the rain is not keeping dry, but keeping warm, get the gear wrong in the winter and it makes riding even short distances a PITA. Having said that my commute is rural and exposed to heavy wind and the elements, it would be more straightforward if it was urban based
Spring/summer conditions are a piece of piss for a short commute, I started out just wearing a running t-shirt, running shorts with some cycle shorts underneath, job jobbed.
Well I was planning on having base layers, my work clothes and then waterproofs, will that be enough? I have a neck warmer (groupon job) and I am looking at gloves on ebay, along with lights. I will need some bright ones, somebody mentioned a chinese company, are they any good?This week was grim and Mon & Tues I was soaked to the core, but still OK. I just wore the cheap belkin shorts, Aldi Leg warmers, Aldi Winter top and old cycling gilet and gloves
Thing about the rain is not keeping dry, but keeping warm, get the gear wrong in the winter and it makes riding even short distances a PITA. Having said that my commute is rural and exposed to heavy wind and the elements, it would be more straightforward if it was urban based
Spring/summer conditions are a piece of piss for a short commute, I started out just wearing a running t-shirt, running shorts with some cycle shorts underneath, job jobbed.
Also something I never thought about, pedals. I never understood why someone would buy separate pedals, you get 2 free with the bike.
PHmember said:
Off topic slightly, but if you're cycling to lose weight get yourself a cheap heart rate monitor & ride in a lower HR zone to burn fat. The riding feels too easy, but you'll burn far more fat at a lower heart rate.
I'm currently doing 'fasted' rides (before breakfast) at a lower HR (below 150bpm) & I'm consistently losing 3lbs per week.
And don't get a lightweight bike. In fact get the heaviest one you can. I'm currently doing 'fasted' rides (before breakfast) at a lower HR (below 150bpm) & I'm consistently losing 3lbs per week.
WolfAir said:
LordGrover said:
How is the 8-10 miles made up? Main roads, quiet lanes, cyclepath, muddy tracks?
The route from home to work and occasionally gym, is mainly road. I am hoping to randomly hit tracks though either in between or on weekends.Daveyraveygravey said:
If you are only going 8-10 miles is it worth spending a fortune on wet weather gear? It doesn't actually rain that often here (let's forget every day last week!) and although it may take 45 mins at first, you'll soon be aiming at 30-35 mins. If you were looking at 60-90 mins each way that's when proper gear will pay for itself. And when it really lets go, swimming trunks are as good as anything else - Ridelondon this year for example!
The logistics of commuting are a bit of a pain though. Have you got room at work to store all your clothes? Your gear for in the office, maybe a change of cycling clothes for riding home? When it's warm, your kit gets sweaty and doesn't always dry out before you go home. Putting clammy shorts and socks on isn't nice, but you soon forget.
I wasn't planning on spending a fortune on the accessories Davey. I bought some base layers from sports direct last night, £12 pants and top The logistics of commuting are a bit of a pain though. Have you got room at work to store all your clothes? Your gear for in the office, maybe a change of cycling clothes for riding home? When it's warm, your kit gets sweaty and doesn't always dry out before you go home. Putting clammy shorts and socks on isn't nice, but you soon forget.
, bargin. I have waterproof over pants already and the Jacket I have seen in decathlon hivis for £20. I plan on wearing my work trousers and possibly shirt, with my jacket in my bag with my things. Shoes would be normal work boots, think timberland.TwistingMyMelon said:
I do 10 miles each way and I would say decent gear that can handle the bad conditions is a must, but you dont have to spend too much at all
This week was grim and Mon & Tues I was soaked to the core, but still OK. I just wore the cheap belkin shorts, Aldi Leg warmers, Aldi Winter top and old cycling gilet and gloves
Thing about the rain is not keeping dry, but keeping warm, get the gear wrong in the winter and it makes riding even short distances a PITA. Having said that my commute is rural and exposed to heavy wind and the elements, it would be more straightforward if it was urban based
Spring/summer conditions are a piece of piss for a short commute, I started out just wearing a running t-shirt, running shorts with some cycle shorts underneath, job jobbed.
Well I was planning on having base layers, my work clothes and then waterproofs, will that be enough? I have a neck warmer (groupon job) and I am looking at gloves on ebay, along with lights. I will need some bright ones, somebody mentioned a chinese company, are they any good?This week was grim and Mon & Tues I was soaked to the core, but still OK. I just wore the cheap belkin shorts, Aldi Leg warmers, Aldi Winter top and old cycling gilet and gloves
Thing about the rain is not keeping dry, but keeping warm, get the gear wrong in the winter and it makes riding even short distances a PITA. Having said that my commute is rural and exposed to heavy wind and the elements, it would be more straightforward if it was urban based
Spring/summer conditions are a piece of piss for a short commute, I started out just wearing a running t-shirt, running shorts with some cycle shorts underneath, job jobbed.
Also something I never thought about, pedals. I never understood why someone would buy separate pedals, you get 2 free with the bike.
TwistingMyMelon said:
Work clothes? I personally couldn't wear them on my route, its too dirty, I get too wet and I sweat too much. Under 5 miles if you take it steady I think you will be ok. I guess it depends though what you wear
I just have shirt trousers and a jacket for work. Could always keep the shirt and jacket in bag. Going the whole hog and changing in and out of cycle gear/work clothes would be way too much hassle. Also there is not place apart from toilets to change.Have you tried a road bike? When a changed from a MTB to a road bike it was so much faster it made my 8 mile commute something to enjoy rather than endure. Also, I wouldn't commute in my work clothes- 45 minutes of workout in the rain an grime? I tend to use the car one or twice a fortnight and leave a stockpile of clothes in work as well as a box of porridge!
WolfAir said:
Well I was planning on having base layers, my work clothes and then waterproofs, will that be enough? I have a neck warmer (groupon job) and I am looking at gloves on ebay, along with lights.
Depends on your personal comfort levels and how hot you get! This last week I've been in shorts with a lightweight t-shirt, with a windproof jacket when it rains. If I wear base layer + trousers + waterproof I overheat on hills even in winter. I use fingerless gloves when it's really cold, whatever you get make sure you can use the brakes!WolfAir said:
Also something I never thought about, pedals. I never understood why someone would buy separate pedals, you get 2 free with the bike.
Keeping your foot in the right place on the pedal helps pedalling efficiency. Even if you don't to to clips, baskets are much better than open pedals.Hey all, well finally bit the bullet after a week of tests. I decided to stick with evans cycles because it was easiesr. I ended up between the cannondale caad 7 and cannondale trail 4.
I loved the caad 7 looks but the trail took it for comfort during the ride. As i went to pay for the trail 4, they bought out a 2015 trail 3. £100 difference and i was told the rockshox were better forks. So ended up buying an £800 bike. The wife was estatic as you can believe (not). But its done and I love it.
Got my base layers sorted, waterproofs, helmet and mud guards. Just need lights and we are ready for lift off. Thanks to all that made suggestions. If i die of crap weather im coming back to haunt u all.
Heres a pic
I loved the caad 7 looks but the trail took it for comfort during the ride. As i went to pay for the trail 4, they bought out a 2015 trail 3. £100 difference and i was told the rockshox were better forks. So ended up buying an £800 bike. The wife was estatic as you can believe (not). But its done and I love it.
Got my base layers sorted, waterproofs, helmet and mud guards. Just need lights and we are ready for lift off. Thanks to all that made suggestions. If i die of crap weather im coming back to haunt u all.
Heres a pic
WolfAir said:
So ended up buying an £800 bike.
The wife was estatic as you can believe (not).
But its done and I love it.
Well, if you are anywhere like the lardy arse that I used to be, pushing 17 stone, I can tell you that once the weight starts to fall off, and your stamina improves, she'll love the new you.The wife was estatic as you can believe (not).
But its done and I love it.
Mind you £800 ?
I could have bought my iron framed monster and had change for a £700 bike. - A 1990 Hawk Cycles Trak-Atak which cost me the best part of £75 in erm 1990, and another £100 to keep it on the road in 2013, after I pretty much wore it out. Hoping that's it for repairs for another 24 years.
PHmember said:
Off topic slightly, but if you're cycling to lose weight get yourself a cheap heart rate monitor & ride in a lower HR zone to burn fat. The riding feels too easy, but you'll burn far more fat at a lower heart rate.
I don't believe that's true. Long easy rides are better at burning fat than short hard ones but short hard ones are better than short easy ones.Essentially if you want to burn fat you should target total miles, not speed.
AC43 said:
Looks great. Let us know how you get on.
Cheers AC43, it is a superb bike. Way lighter than I thought it would be which makes it very fast. Although I assume not faster than the xc bike would have been. The only problem I am really having is the 29inch wheels. At first I thought I would get over it, even has the seat post chopped to allow me to sit on the bike when at rest, but being a shorty 
my leg is stretched. So I am thinking of returning the bike for another model the jamis komodo (as evans cycles don't have the cannondale with 650b wheels til January). Plus the fact Evans have decided on a spend over £200 (or so) and get £50 voucher for anything. Unfortunately I missed that offer by 5 days when I bought my bike. WolfAir said:
Thank you nikolai. Just ordered. Looking forward to the commute rides even though it is freezing outside
Wolfair - I would also get a front and rear back up light set, in case your main one dies on you. If you look on Ebay you can get some small plastic body jobbies for about a fiver. I also carry a head torch - I'm paranoid about having a puncture or other minor mechanical when I am miles away from lights, and trying to fix one by feel would be awful.Pit Pony said:
My 21 year old son was knocked off his push bike last night at a mini roundabout. Very slow speed collision. He has a few cuts. Bike is bent. Driver "didn't see him" despite high vis, 3 headlamps and 3 rear lamps.
Just Be VERY careful.
That's awful, hope he is ok and it doesn't put him off. I'd like to see an automatic disqualification and re-test for anyone that comes up with SMIDSY as an excuse.Just Be VERY careful.
Just thought - my Cree light on strobe is literally brilliant in the daylight. I often filter in the middle of miles of stationery two lanes of traffic and it opens gaps like you wouldn't believe
Edited by Daveyraveygravey on Thursday 13th November 21:38
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