Biking as part of everyday life and security...
Discussion
I bought my first road bike a couple of weeks ago and I love it!
The only problem is it can be hard to find the time to get out for proper rides on it as I don't have a lot of free time. As such, my mind's been wandering to the idea of trying to incorporate biking into my everyday life where before I'd have taken the car etc. I'm thinking more miles on the bike, plus a healthier lifestyle all round will be the result but the logistics of it are quite complex.
Firstly, is a Specialized Allez a decent 'town bike'? I know they aren't particularly expensive but I have the nagging feeling that they're still probably quite nickable to a thief's eye. Is it worthwhile getting an old knacker for about town?
Second, how do you chain it up? It'd be nice to not always have to carry a bag full of locks around with me so is it really feasible to carry a U-lock on your belt loops, as I've seen people do?
Finally, are you a,lowed bikes in shops?? Sorry for the bizarre question but it seems a right effort to find a lamppost, lock the bike to it, only to pop into the cobblers to collect a pair of shoes or something...
Any experienced cyclist tips on everyday biking would be appreciated - I'm sure you get to know some handy tips when you've been doing it a while...
The only problem is it can be hard to find the time to get out for proper rides on it as I don't have a lot of free time. As such, my mind's been wandering to the idea of trying to incorporate biking into my everyday life where before I'd have taken the car etc. I'm thinking more miles on the bike, plus a healthier lifestyle all round will be the result but the logistics of it are quite complex.
Firstly, is a Specialized Allez a decent 'town bike'? I know they aren't particularly expensive but I have the nagging feeling that they're still probably quite nickable to a thief's eye. Is it worthwhile getting an old knacker for about town?
Second, how do you chain it up? It'd be nice to not always have to carry a bag full of locks around with me so is it really feasible to carry a U-lock on your belt loops, as I've seen people do?
Finally, are you a,lowed bikes in shops?? Sorry for the bizarre question but it seems a right effort to find a lamppost, lock the bike to it, only to pop into the cobblers to collect a pair of shoes or something...
Any experienced cyclist tips on everyday biking would be appreciated - I'm sure you get to know some handy tips when you've been doing it a while...
Disastrous said:
I'm thinking more miles on the bike, plus a healthier lifestyle all round will be the result but the logistics of it are quite complex.
I used to think the same but it was probably me over complicating things. You really don’t need anything other than a lock and what you would normally have in your pockets if you’re just going to the shops - apart from a bag to carry things obviously.If I’m out and about on the weekend I just have a D lock on the handlebars (there’s no room in the frame to carry it).
One decent D lock through the seattube and back wheel is enough – swap the QR skewers for something that isn’t QR and you’ll probably be fine.
There’s no reason why you can’t take a bike into a shop apart from their might not be room for it. People generally just don’t.
Edited by donfisher on Wednesday 5th September 09:18
So far as locking up goes I have a long Oxford chain lock that when I know I'm going to need to lock the bike I sling it over my shoulder.
as for making cycling part of the daily routine, do it. I used to either drive or train to work, now I cycle. It takes the same amount of time, and I'm getting noticably fitter, I even take the long route home in the evenings, so on weeks where I can't find time to go for a ride, I've still covered 150ish miles.
as for making cycling part of the daily routine, do it. I used to either drive or train to work, now I cycle. It takes the same amount of time, and I'm getting noticably fitter, I even take the long route home in the evenings, so on weeks where I can't find time to go for a ride, I've still covered 150ish miles.
Edited by R500POP on Wednesday 5th September 09:12
Disastrous said:
Firstly, is a Specialized Allez a decent 'town bike'? I know they aren't particularly expensive but I have the nagging feeling that they're still probably quite nickable to a thief's eye. Is it worthwhile getting an old knacker for about town?
I used my Allez every day for commuting to work through town, going to the gym, popping to the shops etc. and never had an issue. That said, I guess it all depends on the area as to how much you bike appeals to the local tea leafs! For what it's worth, mine was pimped with Easton wheels (worth about as much as the bike), tri bars, ISM saddle etc. so might have looked slightly more appealing than standard and I never had any issues. Just make sure your house insurance will cover its theft.Disastrous said:
Second, how do you chain it up? It'd be nice to not always have to carry a bag full of locks around with me so is it really feasible to carry a U-lock on your belt loops, as I've seen people do?
Lock through the frame and front wheel for me, carried in a backpack. I have QR skewers front and back, but only bother with the front. As above though, depends where you'll be leaving it as to whether you'd want to lock up both wheels.I loved my Allez Sport, and would have been gutted if it got nicked so don't blame you for being cautious! I'd have another one any day if the Mrs would let me!
Still got my Allez:
Not sure if it's 2004 or 2005 vintage, and only the frame, forks and bars are original, but it rides very nicely.
Back on topic, a reliable d-lock (there was a thread about worthwhile locks a few weeks ago) should be fine for pottering to the shops, but probably needs to be combined with a chain or cable if the bike's going to be left all day.
It's little details that will make the difference, though - where you keep the bike at home to make it as painless as possible to take it instead of the car, what pedals/shoes you use and how easy thay are to walk about in; and what you're going to do when it's raining or dark.
Not sure if it's 2004 or 2005 vintage, and only the frame, forks and bars are original, but it rides very nicely.
Back on topic, a reliable d-lock (there was a thread about worthwhile locks a few weeks ago) should be fine for pottering to the shops, but probably needs to be combined with a chain or cable if the bike's going to be left all day.
It's little details that will make the difference, though - where you keep the bike at home to make it as painless as possible to take it instead of the car, what pedals/shoes you use and how easy thay are to walk about in; and what you're going to do when it's raining or dark.
Actually, at the moment, having just got the thing, I'm rocking old-skool pedals with toe-clips!
I'm contemplating keeping it that way for the time being as I find I can go pretty well as it is, plus I can ride in anything. Though I spotted a set of double-sided clipless pedals the other day that are cleated on one side and bear traps on the other, so that might be an option...
First impressions are I'm amazed at how I'm not *that* much slower from one side of the City to the other than I am in a car, even at night. Just wish I didn't sweat so much - that's what's killing it for me at the moment as I need to be in shorts etc.
I'm contemplating keeping it that way for the time being as I find I can go pretty well as it is, plus I can ride in anything. Though I spotted a set of double-sided clipless pedals the other day that are cleated on one side and bear traps on the other, so that might be an option...
First impressions are I'm amazed at how I'm not *that* much slower from one side of the City to the other than I am in a car, even at night. Just wish I didn't sweat so much - that's what's killing it for me at the moment as I need to be in shorts etc.
It's easy for me as I live in a low crime village. I have an old Saracen Eiger Cross (15 years+). It's very stable, and although heavy is a lovely ride, so I can get to work or the village either by road or pathway. It's worth nothing now, but I would sorely miss it. However, I never lock it up. I think it helps; that it's been around the village so long, everyone knows its mine!
Disastrous said:
Just wish I didn't sweat so much - that's what's killing it for me at the moment as I need to be in shorts etc.
Ride slower. Seriously, cycling in normal clothes is fine but you need to get out of the "healthy lifestyle" = exercise = riding like a TDF stage mentality. Lower gears, gentler pace. It's not giving you such a workout, but then you're not arriving drenched in sweat either. Should still raise your heartrate enough to give some benefit though. For security, it depends a lot on how risky the area is and how long you'll leave it. A basic cable lock is enough to stop a complete opportunist from just walking off with your bike and for a trip into town on errands (just stopping a couple of mins in each place) it would be fine. Leave it a few hours and it might attract some scrote's attention who may have the tools handy.
There is a certain appeal to having a cheap, practical bike for this sort of thing - mudguards, rack, lights, lock brackets, etc which you may be reluctant (or be impossible) to put on a proper road bike. And you won't be so worried if you do leave it locked up for a while.
sjg said:
Disastrous said:
Just wish I didn't sweat so much - that's what's killing it for me at the moment as I need to be in shorts etc.
Ride slower. Seriously, cycling in normal clothes is fine but you need to get out of the "healthy lifestyle" = exercise = riding like a TDF stage mentality. Lower gears, gentler pace. It's not giving you such a workout, but then you're not arriving drenched in sweat either. Should still raise your heartrate enough to give some benefit though. For security, it depends a lot on how risky the area is and how long you'll leave it. A basic cable lock is enough to stop a complete opportunist from just walking off with your bike and for a trip into town on errands (just stopping a couple of mins in each place) it would be fine. Leave it a few hours and it might attract some scrote's attention who may have the tools handy.
There is a certain appeal to having a cheap, practical bike for this sort of thing - mudguards, rack, lights, lock brackets, etc which you may be reluctant (or be impossible) to put on a proper road bike. And you won't be so worried if you do leave it locked up for a while.
Half of my family live in Germany and they seem to have mastered the art of slowly ambling through the countryside on a hybrid for actual hours to find somewhere nice for lunch or whatever but I've not managed to crack it yet
Ok, I have a basic cable lock and don't intend leaving it anywhere for hours so will go with that. Is 'round the seat post' fine for carrying it or will it damage things?
It's definitely worth getting a hack for going to the shops or park or whatever with. Get something different to what you normally ride as well for extra fun. I had a road and hard tail so I got a hybrid. I really enjoy riding different types of bikes, it's great fun.
As others have said maybe attach a d lock to the frame, put mudguards on it. If you're just nipping into shops you could even just ride with a light cable and padlock?
It's often quicker using your bike for this stuff, just try not to get carried away and buy something you don't want to lock up outside.
As others have said maybe attach a d lock to the frame, put mudguards on it. If you're just nipping into shops you could even just ride with a light cable and padlock?
It's often quicker using your bike for this stuff, just try not to get carried away and buy something you don't want to lock up outside.
donfisher said:
When you say basic - how basic?
A lot of small/cheap cables take longer to lock with a key than they do to be snipped through.
I just checked it and actually, it's not basic at all. It's an absurdly big thing that in my head I had filed as 'a small bike lock' when in actual fact it's a 'massive motorbike lock'.A lot of small/cheap cables take longer to lock with a key than they do to be snipped through.
Might go to the bike shop and get a cable...
My concern with a U-Lock is where to put it when I'm riding as I really don't want to cart a bag everywhere and it won't go on my frame.
ETA - stovey, indeed! In Glasgow, if they can't nick it easily, they'll just boot the s
t out of it where it's chained to the railings. Nice!Edited by Disastrous on Wednesday 5th September 11:32
I’ve seen all sorts of solutions to D lock brackets not fitting within the frame.
Some attach them to the seatstay, One courier I’ve seen has it on the seat post out behind the bike.
I’m sure you know your area but if there’s any possibility that the bike could be stolen then a D is always going to be better than a normal cable lock. Those motorbike ones are a different matter though – but they weigh a tonne.
Some attach them to the seatstay, One courier I’ve seen has it on the seat post out behind the bike.
I’m sure you know your area but if there’s any possibility that the bike could be stolen then a D is always going to be better than a normal cable lock. Those motorbike ones are a different matter though – but they weigh a tonne.
sjg said:
Ride slower. Seriously, cycling in normal clothes is fine but you need to get out of the "healthy lifestyle" = exercise = riding like a TDF stage mentality. Lower gears, gentler pace. It's not giving you such a workout, but then you're not arriving drenched in sweat either. Should still raise your heartrate enough to give some benefit though.
For security, it depends a lot on how risky the area is and how long you'll leave it. A basic cable lock is enough to stop a complete opportunist from just walking off with your bike and for a trip into town on errands (just stopping a couple of mins in each place) it would be fine. Leave it a few hours and it might attract some scrote's attention who may have the tools handy.
There is a certain appeal to having a cheap, practical bike for this sort of thing - mudguards, rack, lights, lock brackets, etc which you may be reluctant (or be impossible) to put on a proper road bike. And you won't be so worried if you do leave it locked up for a while.
Check out the small ads and EBay for old steel framed racers. I paid £50 for my old Peugeot 5 speed and a bit on some upgrades (touring pedals, saddle, decent tyres) and now it's a fab ride, go anywhere on it, leave it anywhere and a few man points for having a classy old steel bike.For security, it depends a lot on how risky the area is and how long you'll leave it. A basic cable lock is enough to stop a complete opportunist from just walking off with your bike and for a trip into town on errands (just stopping a couple of mins in each place) it would be fine. Leave it a few hours and it might attract some scrote's attention who may have the tools handy.
There is a certain appeal to having a cheap, practical bike for this sort of thing - mudguards, rack, lights, lock brackets, etc which you may be reluctant (or be impossible) to put on a proper road bike. And you won't be so worried if you do leave it locked up for a while.
I actually have temporary custody of my dad's Thompson Orbit racer, which is seriously cool. I don't think I have room to store two bikes in the flat though, sadly. It's got the works though, a pump that fits the seat tube, a Brooks saddle etc. Really nice in navy blue with red lettering. I really don't want him to take it back 
Having picked up a hybrid a week ago and starting to try to use my bike for trips I would previously do in the car, this thread is of interest to me.
Went into town on Saturday for a haircut and to pick up a few things (7 miles each way) and the journey was much more enjoyable by bike (decent weather helps of course).
I knew I'd be picking up a few bits so needed a bag, so sticking my D lock in it as well wasn't an issue. Also meant I could stick my helmet in it whilst walking around the shops.
I've got a Kryptonite D Lock with a cable and simply chained it up where it was in full view of a lot of people, using the thought that you'd have to be pretty brave to try to go through a d-lock and cable in full view of daytime shoppers.
Spent the whole time while out of sight worrying about it though!
Went into town on Saturday for a haircut and to pick up a few things (7 miles each way) and the journey was much more enjoyable by bike (decent weather helps of course).
I knew I'd be picking up a few bits so needed a bag, so sticking my D lock in it as well wasn't an issue. Also meant I could stick my helmet in it whilst walking around the shops.
I've got a Kryptonite D Lock with a cable and simply chained it up where it was in full view of a lot of people, using the thought that you'd have to be pretty brave to try to go through a d-lock and cable in full view of daytime shoppers.
Spent the whole time while out of sight worrying about it though!
wiggy001 said:
I've got a Kryptonite D Lock with a cable and simply chained it up where it was in full view of a lot of people, using the thought that you'd have to be pretty brave to try to go through a d-lock and cable in full view of daytime shoppers.
Take a look at the remake of this classic New York bike theft video
S6PNJ said:
Does make you realise!S6PNJ said:
wiggy001 said:
I've got a Kryptonite D Lock with a cable and simply chained it up where it was in full view of a lot of people, using the thought that you'd have to be pretty brave to try to go through a d-lock and cable in full view of daytime shoppers.
Take a look at the remake of this classic New York bike theft video
oh crap.
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