Adding bike ride to end of commute - advice needed
Discussion
I currently work next to London Bridge and commute in from Kent - ideal as the train comes into London Bridge directly. However, I am soon to be moving to St Neots and the train will take me into Kings Cross. The challenge is getting across London in the most efficient, rewarding way. I realise that the Northern line is available, but (apart from wet/snowy days) I would rather stick pins in my eyes than cram onto the tube. I was thinking of jumping on a bike to do the 2-3 miles across London and am looking for advice and guidance from other PHers that do something similiar.
Questions in particular that I have are:
Boris Bike? or fold up on train? or Leave a bike at Kings Cross overnight?
Best routes?
How safe?
Hints/Tips?
Essential gear?
I'm a confident cyclist and have some city riding experience from my years living in New York.
Rich
Questions in particular that I have are:
Boris Bike? or fold up on train? or Leave a bike at Kings Cross overnight?
Best routes?
How safe?
Hints/Tips?
Essential gear?
I'm a confident cyclist and have some city riding experience from my years living in New York.
Rich
I would always prefer to have my own bike for commuting than rely on a Boris Bike.
I come in to Marylebone and often the BBs are gone when I'm there - more so in the summer.
You'd have to check with your train line as to what type of bikes they let on the trains during rush hours as some will only permit the 20" wheeled (and smaller) versions. Whereas my trainline was going to introduce that rule, but revoked at the last minute so that I'm still able to use my 26" wheeled Dahon.
You'll definitely feel better for cycling than 'tubing' - even on cold, wet days I prefer to be on my bike.
I come in to Marylebone and often the BBs are gone when I'm there - more so in the summer.
You'd have to check with your train line as to what type of bikes they let on the trains during rush hours as some will only permit the 20" wheeled (and smaller) versions. Whereas my trainline was going to introduce that rule, but revoked at the last minute so that I'm still able to use my 26" wheeled Dahon.
You'll definitely feel better for cycling than 'tubing' - even on cold, wet days I prefer to be on my bike.
I have a brompton for the days I take the train (I usually cycle the 8 miles on my road bike). It really is a lovely piece of kit and perfect for the short trips at either end of a train journey.
My spec was S type (flat bars), mudflaps, 3 speed hub & dynamo lights (on the account I'm more likely to be using it in bad weather when I can't be bothered to cycle the whole distance). It cost an eyewatering £950 but was purchased through C2W so 41% off in real terms.
My spec was S type (flat bars), mudflaps, 3 speed hub & dynamo lights (on the account I'm more likely to be using it in bad weather when I can't be bothered to cycle the whole distance). It cost an eyewatering £950 but was purchased through C2W so 41% off in real terms.
Ref Bromptons, they are the most expensive of the folders, but they also hold their value (which is the thought that I used to justify one - same spec as above) They also fold up into the smallest package, which is useful on a crowded train.
The Brompton gets used for the London part of my journeys, - it works very well, is a good bike to ride and keeps up with everything else non TdF Carbon shaped. The downside is its actually pretty heavy as its made of steel.
Due to the weight of the Brompton (only an issue when carrying it around) I started to use Boris bikes, these are cheap and fun, but are very heavy / slow and as advised above it can be a pain to find / park one at peak times, and so I'm looking to revert to the Brompton
If I went into London every day I'd have a heap stashed at Kings Cross to ride around on - there are lots of bikes at KX that are there all the time. Obviously security is an issue, but if you are buying bikes for £50-100 you can get a lot of them stolen for the price of a Brompton :-)
Regarding bike etiquette, personally I think the centre of London is a very bike friendly place. The traffic is pretty slow, there are lots of bike lanes and loads of other bikes around to make sure car drivers think of them - its miles better than the tube
The Brompton gets used for the London part of my journeys, - it works very well, is a good bike to ride and keeps up with everything else non TdF Carbon shaped. The downside is its actually pretty heavy as its made of steel.
Due to the weight of the Brompton (only an issue when carrying it around) I started to use Boris bikes, these are cheap and fun, but are very heavy / slow and as advised above it can be a pain to find / park one at peak times, and so I'm looking to revert to the Brompton
If I went into London every day I'd have a heap stashed at Kings Cross to ride around on - there are lots of bikes at KX that are there all the time. Obviously security is an issue, but if you are buying bikes for £50-100 you can get a lot of them stolen for the price of a Brompton :-)
Regarding bike etiquette, personally I think the centre of London is a very bike friendly place. The traffic is pretty slow, there are lots of bike lanes and loads of other bikes around to make sure car drivers think of them - its miles better than the tube
Given that the distance between Kings Cross and London Bridge is so short, unless you've got some extra miles at your home end of the journey I'd go for the Boris option.
You could leave an old snotter locked up at Kings Cross, but even with a snotter, there's always that slight, nagging fear that it might get nicked, or some drunken bell-end might decide to stamp on the wheels to buckle them for fun.
A Brompton would avoid that issue, of course, but would you really want to lug it around on packed commuter trains just for the sake of a 10 minute ride once you get into London?
Sure, you might come out some days to find a lack of Borises, but as a worst case scenario, it's not going to take you more than 40 minutes to walk...
You could leave an old snotter locked up at Kings Cross, but even with a snotter, there's always that slight, nagging fear that it might get nicked, or some drunken bell-end might decide to stamp on the wheels to buckle them for fun.
A Brompton would avoid that issue, of course, but would you really want to lug it around on packed commuter trains just for the sake of a 10 minute ride once you get into London?
Sure, you might come out some days to find a lack of Borises, but as a worst case scenario, it's not going to take you more than 40 minutes to walk...
I'm a Boris Bike fan. £90 a year membership and that's all I pay - the first 30 mins are free.
I've been doing it for a couple of years and like the lack of maintenance, worry about getting nicked and places that I can leave it.
Sure they weigh a ton, but for a short time (30 mins each way in my case) it's not a problem.
I'm not a fan of the foldies, mainly 'cos they look like a pain on a busy train and can annoy a few people.
With regards to cycling in London, if you're confident and competent then you should be OK. Over time you'll learn your route and that helps as well.
All much better than the tube IMHO
(And they used to run a big pool of BBs opposite Kings Cross on Derbyshire St so there wasn't a problem finding a bike or getting rid of it)
I've been doing it for a couple of years and like the lack of maintenance, worry about getting nicked and places that I can leave it.
Sure they weigh a ton, but for a short time (30 mins each way in my case) it's not a problem.
I'm not a fan of the foldies, mainly 'cos they look like a pain on a busy train and can annoy a few people.
With regards to cycling in London, if you're confident and competent then you should be OK. Over time you'll learn your route and that helps as well.
All much better than the tube IMHO
(And they used to run a big pool of BBs opposite Kings Cross on Derbyshire St so there wasn't a problem finding a bike or getting rid of it)
pembo said:
If the worry about leaving a snotter at kings X is that the wheels will get stamped on and buckled why don't you leave one there with no wheels on and carry the wheels on the train in a wheel bag with quick release?
Because it's all the sort of a pain in the arse thing which is going to prevent the OP from actually bothering to do it.I'd be surprised if there was much of an issue with bike security at KX. I kept a bike at Paddington for about 10 years and the worst that ever happened was somebody nicked my lights once when I forgot to take them off. I've never used a Boris bike as the downsides (heavy, slow, problems finding local points to leave them) have put me off - plus, of course, I've always had my own bike to start with. Recommend you keep the bike as simple as possible to cut down on servicing hassle; I ended up with a MTB-framed singlespeed for lightness, ease of jumping off kerbs (ahem) and never having do any any maintenance bar a bit of lube and replacing the brake blocks every now and then.
Cycling in London's a doddle anyway. As has been said, there are millions of people doing it and London drivers are generally pretty bike-aware. The usual rules apply - be confident but not cocky, and always make sure that you know where the traffic is and that the traffic knows where you are. Given that, there's no better way to get around London.
Cycling in London's a doddle anyway. As has been said, there are millions of people doing it and London drivers are generally pretty bike-aware. The usual rules apply - be confident but not cocky, and always make sure that you know where the traffic is and that the traffic knows where you are. Given that, there's no better way to get around London.
Another vote for the Borisbike.
No hassle with locks & lights etc. No problems with getting to your bike and finding it's got a puncture or has been vandalised. No mantenance and nothing to lug about on the train.
With regards to docks, yes the ones near the main hub stations can be too full or empty at peak times but there's always a few other docks out of the way that you'll be able to find after a while.
My key for a year was £45. Even at £90 it's still fantastic value for what you're planning on doing.
No hassle with locks & lights etc. No problems with getting to your bike and finding it's got a puncture or has been vandalised. No mantenance and nothing to lug about on the train.
With regards to docks, yes the ones near the main hub stations can be too full or empty at peak times but there's always a few other docks out of the way that you'll be able to find after a while.
My key for a year was £45. Even at £90 it's still fantastic value for what you're planning on doing.
Great - some really good advice here.
I'm probably leaning towards getting a cheap folding bike or building up a basic workhorse to leave at KX. I already have a stable of bikes at home (DH Mtb, 8 speed Mtb, SS Mtb, Road bike) but all are too nice/sentimental to risk leaving to the great unwashed to mess with. I also enjoy a nice build so, with the spare parts I have already and some good ebay buying I reckon I could build something fit for purpose. I see a build thread coming.
Also sounds like the riding will be fun too.
I'm probably leaning towards getting a cheap folding bike or building up a basic workhorse to leave at KX. I already have a stable of bikes at home (DH Mtb, 8 speed Mtb, SS Mtb, Road bike) but all are too nice/sentimental to risk leaving to the great unwashed to mess with. I also enjoy a nice build so, with the spare parts I have already and some good ebay buying I reckon I could build something fit for purpose. I see a build thread coming.
Also sounds like the riding will be fun too.
Kermit power said:
Because it's all the sort of a pain in the arse thing which is going to prevent the OP from actually bothering to do it.
Oh I agree that it would be a pain in the arse and I'm not sure I'd do it but I'd guess no more than carrying and messing with a Brompton.Just thought I'd throw the idea out there
Second hand Langster to leave at KX.
If you arrive any time post 8am you won't find a BB most likely.
Don't undertake lorries.
Don't object when drivers try to kill you, that is their right and to question that right will incite further road rage in the form of a 1.5 tonne steel missile.
If you arrive any time post 8am you won't find a BB most likely.
Don't undertake lorries.
Don't object when drivers try to kill you, that is their right and to question that right will incite further road rage in the form of a 1.5 tonne steel missile.
donfisher said:
Another vote for the Borisbike.
No hassle with locks & lights etc. No problems with getting to your bike and finding it's got a puncture or has been vandalised. No mantenance and nothing to lug about on the train.
With regards to docks, yes the ones near the main hub stations can be too full or empty at peak times but there's always a few other docks out of the way that you'll be able to find after a while.
My key for a year was £45. Even at £90 it's still fantastic value for what you're planning on doing.
But spending an extra 10 mins to find a bike and an extra 10 mins to drop off a bike, when the journey is only 15 mins is a bit pointless.No hassle with locks & lights etc. No problems with getting to your bike and finding it's got a puncture or has been vandalised. No mantenance and nothing to lug about on the train.
With regards to docks, yes the ones near the main hub stations can be too full or empty at peak times but there's always a few other docks out of the way that you'll be able to find after a while.
My key for a year was £45. Even at £90 it's still fantastic value for what you're planning on doing.
For me, this is the main drawback of the Boris Bike scheme. If you work hours like 7:30 to 4:30 it may be different of course.
oyster said:
For me, this is the main drawback of the Boris Bike scheme. If you work hours like 7:30 to 4:30 it may be different of course.
Fair enough if that's your actual experience. 90% of the time I use them from a residential area to a business area and both are far away from the hub stations. What I will say is that when I have used them from busy areas such as big stations or tourist hot spots, even if those bays have no bikes or spaces I use the app and there's normally a space or a bike a couple of minutes walk away. donfisher said:
Fair enough if that's your actual experience. 90% of the time I use them from a residential area to a business area and both are far away from the hub stations. What I will say is that when I have used them from busy areas such as big stations or tourist hot spots, even if those bays have no bikes or spaces I use the app and there's normally a space or a bike a couple of minutes walk away.
Agreed. You need to know what your options are, which if you do it on a regular basis isn't too difficult. I have about 5 pick up and drop off points, and I can always use one of these.Gassing Station | Pedal Powered | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff