The daily "I cycled to work" thread (Vol 2)
Discussion
that grabbed a hire bike and pushed off without bothering to look before hand yesterday on my commute yesterday.My normal cycle commute, when I do it is, 16k each way from the center of Glasgow to a business park near Glasgow Airport.
I am currently working in Finland on a project so yesterday decided to borrow one of the hotel loan bikes and ride the 17k each way from the hotel in central Helsinki to the Company facility.
The 17k ride yesterday in Finland was all on segregated cycle lanes, apart from a handful of times when I needed to cross from one side of a road to the other at a junction. Other than crossing the road at these points, I did not ride on the road at all.
The amount of segregated cycle lane on my regular Glasgow commute is no more than 2K, with the rest being on the road with regular road traffic, including the usual roundabouts, traffic island pinch points etc.
I really enjoyed the commute yesterday and had zero dangerous or stressful moments, and will do it as often as I can while I'm here, but the experience just highlighted to me how crap the infrastructure is that we have to endure as a cyclist in the UK.
Oh and at 2 of the crossing points drivers, including a bus, stopped voluntarily to allow me to cross!!
I am currently working in Finland on a project so yesterday decided to borrow one of the hotel loan bikes and ride the 17k each way from the hotel in central Helsinki to the Company facility.
The 17k ride yesterday in Finland was all on segregated cycle lanes, apart from a handful of times when I needed to cross from one side of a road to the other at a junction. Other than crossing the road at these points, I did not ride on the road at all.
The amount of segregated cycle lane on my regular Glasgow commute is no more than 2K, with the rest being on the road with regular road traffic, including the usual roundabouts, traffic island pinch points etc.
I really enjoyed the commute yesterday and had zero dangerous or stressful moments, and will do it as often as I can while I'm here, but the experience just highlighted to me how crap the infrastructure is that we have to endure as a cyclist in the UK.
Oh and at 2 of the crossing points drivers, including a bus, stopped voluntarily to allow me to cross!!
I cycled to work today.
It's nearly two and a half years after falling off my bike and breaking my hip. The physical recovery took a long time and I still sometimes have pain and stiffness. The mental recovery has taken longer in that there's been a nagging fear of the consequences of coming off again... my wife says she's having me put down if I fall off again.
Anyway, it took me about three quarters of an hour on quiet roads to do 7 miles. Slow! But it's a nice day and I wasn't rushing.
It's nearly two and a half years after falling off my bike and breaking my hip. The physical recovery took a long time and I still sometimes have pain and stiffness. The mental recovery has taken longer in that there's been a nagging fear of the consequences of coming off again... my wife says she's having me put down if I fall off again.
Anyway, it took me about three quarters of an hour on quiet roads to do 7 miles. Slow! But it's a nice day and I wasn't rushing.
My first week of riding to work will be complete tomorrow, 10 miles each way, with a 600ft climb in each direction - 2.7 miles long one way and 4 miles in the other direction. Done the 2.7 mile, 600ft climb in just over 16 minutes, ride time total of around 45 minutes depending if the wind is with me or against.
I'll only be riding 2 or so weeks out of 6-8 due to shifts but feels good to get the miles in!
I'll only be riding 2 or so weeks out of 6-8 due to shifts but feels good to get the miles in!
williredale said:
I cycled to work today.
It's nearly two and a half years after falling off my bike and breaking my hip. The physical recovery took a long time and I still sometimes have pain and stiffness. The mental recovery has taken longer in that there's been a nagging fear of the consequences of coming off again... my wife says she's having me put down if I fall off again.
Anyway, it took me about three quarters of an hour on quiet roads to do 7 miles. Slow! But it's a nice day and I wasn't rushing.
Good work. The confidence and fitness will come back.It's nearly two and a half years after falling off my bike and breaking my hip. The physical recovery took a long time and I still sometimes have pain and stiffness. The mental recovery has taken longer in that there's been a nagging fear of the consequences of coming off again... my wife says she's having me put down if I fall off again.
Anyway, it took me about three quarters of an hour on quiet roads to do 7 miles. Slow! But it's a nice day and I wasn't rushing.
[quote=Ej74]Picked up my Van Moof Electrified - yes yes - I'm lazy
Loving it so far - day 2
Top speed this morning 38km
Bike lanes here in Amsterdam and crazy good and cars stop so no need to slow down
8km each way in 18 mins - works fo me
I'm still not completely sure about the looks of those, how are you getting on with all the technology bits, does it have the phone app unlock, tracking, etc.
Are they chain or belt drive? Living right by the coast salt and sand tend to trash chains. Tempted to go electric if I move further from work but starting to think belt drive and hub gears would be better than a chain derailleur.
Loving it so far - day 2
Top speed this morning 38km
Bike lanes here in Amsterdam and crazy good and cars stop so no need to slow down
8km each way in 18 mins - works fo me
I'm still not completely sure about the looks of those, how are you getting on with all the technology bits, does it have the phone app unlock, tracking, etc.
Are they chain or belt drive? Living right by the coast salt and sand tend to trash chains. Tempted to go electric if I move further from work but starting to think belt drive and hub gears would be better than a chain derailleur.
front hub motor 2 geared auto so no need to worry about changing gears - there is a rotational lag if you stop peddling and then start again
Chain but fully enclosed so gives some protection
Tech bits are good - there is tracking but activates only once reported stolen
The looks are what sold it to me - compare it to almost any other electric bike and you can see why -
all intergrated and clean
There's a boost button and a useless electronic bell
If your ever in Dam - your more than welcome to try mine
Pulled from the web
FrameCoated aluminum
Weight19 kg
X2: 24” | Anodized aluminum rims | Stainless steel spokes
X2: Schwalbe Big Apple puncture-protected tires
Lights40 Lux automatic LED lighting system
GearsIntegrated automatic 2-speed
BrakesFront and rear mechanical disc brakes
HandlebarsOne-piece adjustable handlebar and stem
ChainFully enclosed drivetrain | Automatic chain-tensioning system
Chain but fully enclosed so gives some protection
Tech bits are good - there is tracking but activates only once reported stolen
The looks are what sold it to me - compare it to almost any other electric bike and you can see why -
all intergrated and clean
There's a boost button and a useless electronic bell
If your ever in Dam - your more than welcome to try mine
Pulled from the web
FrameCoated aluminum
Weight19 kg
X2: 24” | Anodized aluminum rims | Stainless steel spokes
X2: Schwalbe Big Apple puncture-protected tires
Lights40 Lux automatic LED lighting system
GearsIntegrated automatic 2-speed
BrakesFront and rear mechanical disc brakes
HandlebarsOne-piece adjustable handlebar and stem
ChainFully enclosed drivetrain | Automatic chain-tensioning system
louiebaby said:
Hopefully this is it here to stay, although a bit drafty thus morning.
In other news, my HR colleagues are looking to find a way to get me a Canyon bike on Cyclecsheme, which would be splendid if they can. (I doubt it though.)
Have you seen - free2cycle.com I made a half hearted effort to get my employers to go with this knowing they wouldn't, but looks awesome!In other news, my HR colleagues are looking to find a way to get me a Canyon bike on Cyclecsheme, which would be splendid if they can. (I doubt it though.)
snobetter said:
louiebaby said:
Hopefully this is it here to stay, although a bit drafty thus morning.
In other news, my HR colleagues are looking to find a way to get me a Canyon bike on Cyclecsheme, which would be splendid if they can. (I doubt it though.)
Have you seen - free2cycle.com I made a half hearted effort to get my employers to go with this knowing they wouldn't, but looks awesome!In other news, my HR colleagues are looking to find a way to get me a Canyon bike on Cyclecsheme, which would be splendid if they can. (I doubt it though.)
Scabutz said:
Absolutely soaked yesterday. My cycle shoes were still wet this morning. Quite enjoyed it to be fair. Do need to get some waterproof gloves though. Couldn't feel my fingers at the end
Maybe consider some neoprene sailing gloves as an alternative to waterproof? They won't keep your hands dry, but might keep the cold at bay...https://www.decathlon.co.uk/1-mm-neoprene-sailing-...
...and if you get sailing gloves instead of bog-standard wetsuit gloves they have the grippier reinforced palms (meant for handling ropes, etc) that will see them lasting longer gripping the handlebars of a bicycle. Although the ones i've linked to are relatively cheap at £17.99, they're only rated down to 12ºC so perhaps not a solution in really cold/wet conditions? Then you have to add in the effect of wind-chill on a moving bike. Anyone else had any experience with neoprene gloves on a bike? I used to use the Aldi/Lidl winter cycling offer neoprene gloves, but they're not the best for longevity...
ETA: Another link... https://www.wetsuitoutlet.co.uk/mystic-durable-gri... ...to some 2mm neoprene gloves from a place called Wetsuit Outlet. Nearly as low in price as the Decathlon ones, twice as thick, and aimed at kite-surfers so ought to be robust enough to stand up to holding the handlebar of a bicycle.
Edited by yellowjack on Tuesday 11th June 11:07
yellowjack said:
Maybe consider some neoprene sailing gloves as an alternative to waterproof? They won't keep your hands dry, but might keep the cold at bay...
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/1-mm-neoprene-sailing-...
...and if you get sailing gloves instead of bog-standard wetsuit gloves they have the grippier reinforced palms (meant for handling ropes, etc) that will see them lasting longer gripping the handlebars of a bicycle. Although the ones i've linked to are relatively cheap at £17.99, they're only rated down to 12ºC so perhaps not a solution in really cold/wet conditions? Then you have to add in the effect of wind-chill on a moving bike. Anyone else had any experience with neoprene gloves on a bike? I used to use the Aldi/Lidl winter cycling offer neoprene gloves, but they're not the best for longevity...
ETA: Another link... https://www.wetsuitoutlet.co.uk/mystic-durable-gri... ...to some 2mm neoprene gloves from a place called Wetsuit Outlet. Nearly as low in price as the Decathlon ones, twice as thick, and aimed at kite-surfers so ought to be robust enough to stand up to holding the handlebar of a bicycle.
I will take a look at those. I have some neoprene no fear gloves. Good for snowball fights. Unfortunately all the stitching as split.https://www.decathlon.co.uk/1-mm-neoprene-sailing-...
...and if you get sailing gloves instead of bog-standard wetsuit gloves they have the grippier reinforced palms (meant for handling ropes, etc) that will see them lasting longer gripping the handlebars of a bicycle. Although the ones i've linked to are relatively cheap at £17.99, they're only rated down to 12ºC so perhaps not a solution in really cold/wet conditions? Then you have to add in the effect of wind-chill on a moving bike. Anyone else had any experience with neoprene gloves on a bike? I used to use the Aldi/Lidl winter cycling offer neoprene gloves, but they're not the best for longevity...
ETA: Another link... https://www.wetsuitoutlet.co.uk/mystic-durable-gri... ...to some 2mm neoprene gloves from a place called Wetsuit Outlet. Nearly as low in price as the Decathlon ones, twice as thick, and aimed at kite-surfers so ought to be robust enough to stand up to holding the handlebar of a bicycle.
Edited by yellowjack on Tuesday 11th June 11:07
Sealskinz have their Brecon Gloves half price this month. Think about those with a silk/merino liner glove for when its really cold / wet.
Top 3 entry for wettest commute home in recent memory last night - only really topped by one where I cycled uphill through a flowing river at the side of the road, and the flight of steps I have to carry my bike up had water cascading down it!
Shoes stuffed with newspaper, gloves on radiator, even helmet padding needed drying out! All OK to wear again this morning, thankfully. Just hope it stays drier today, as promised!
Bike will probably need some extra maintenance at the weekend!
Shoes stuffed with newspaper, gloves on radiator, even helmet padding needed drying out! All OK to wear again this morning, thankfully. Just hope it stays drier today, as promised!
Bike will probably need some extra maintenance at the weekend!
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