Cycling two abreast....agree or not?
Discussion
OpulentBob said:
Mastodon2 said:
Could someone from the angry side explain the issue with lycra? It seems to inspire so much anger. Bright colours seem to attract even more rage, as if being visible was somehow more offensive.
It's funny, the ones who complain about lyrca are also the ones who complain about being "held up" - do they realise that if we don't wear lycra, we'll be going even slower? The difference between cycling in normal clothes and proper fitted cycling attire is massive.
To Wiggo, maybe. Does it make that much difference to a 16 stone IT assistant manager? It's funny, the ones who complain about lyrca are also the ones who complain about being "held up" - do they realise that if we don't wear lycra, we'll be going even slower? The difference between cycling in normal clothes and proper fitted cycling attire is massive.
Anyway - you probably haven't seen Wiggo lately. Now that he has stopped racing - not a lot of difference between he and said IT assistant manager...
OpulentBob said:
To Wiggo, maybe. Does it make that much difference to a 16 stone IT assistant manager?
Interestingly, the bigger your surface area is, the more you will benefit. That said, you wouldn't go running in hob nail boots, no matter how fit you were. The correct clothing makes a huge difference to your aerodynamic profile. There does seem to be an element of fat-shaming involved - presumably this stems from insecurity? If you have a physique like Fabian Cancellara, it's ok, but if you're an overweight bloke it's not? It doesn't seem to be considered that overweight folks might be cycling to get fit and lose weight.
Mastodon2 said:
Interestingly, the bigger your surface area is, the more you will benefit. That said, you wouldn't go running in hob nail boots, no matter how fit you were. The correct clothing makes a huge difference to your aerodynamic profile.
There does seem to be an element of fat-shaming involved - presumably this stems from insecurity? If you have a physique like Fabian Cancellara, it's ok, but if you're an overweight bloke it's not? It doesn't seem to be considered that overweight folks might be cycling to get fit and lose weight.
Indeed. As to why they should give a fThere does seem to be an element of fat-shaming involved - presumably this stems from insecurity? If you have a physique like Fabian Cancellara, it's ok, but if you're an overweight bloke it's not? It doesn't seem to be considered that overweight folks might be cycling to get fit and lose weight.
k about what some random driver thinks anyway...I don't wear lycra for aero benefits at all but i do wear it (well mostly merino based products)
My cycling clothes keep me comfy, regulate my temperature, dont chafe, keep me dry, wicks sweat away from my skin etc etc
In the same way I wear a dinner jacket for dinner and flip flops on the beach.
Right tools for the job
My cycling clothes keep me comfy, regulate my temperature, dont chafe, keep me dry, wicks sweat away from my skin etc etc
In the same way I wear a dinner jacket for dinner and flip flops on the beach.
Right tools for the job
Mastodon2 said:
Could someone from the angry side explain the issue with lycra? It seems to inspire so much anger. Bright colours seem to attract even more rage, as if being visible was somehow more offensive.
It's funny, the ones who complain about lyrca are also the ones who complain about being "held up" - do they realise that if we don't wear lycra, we'll be going even slower? The difference between cycling in normal clothes and proper fitted cycling attire is massive.
I can only assume that lots of people get their kicks from spending their days being self righteously angry. Been mildly inconvenienced for a few seconds by someone dong something that would be outside of your own comfort zone? The answer seems to be to take furiously to the forums to denounce them as 'vermin' at every opportunity. It's funny, the ones who complain about lyrca are also the ones who complain about being "held up" - do they realise that if we don't wear lycra, we'll be going even slower? The difference between cycling in normal clothes and proper fitted cycling attire is massive.
A lot easier than getting their fat lazy arses off of the sofa I suppose
Generally, citing the weight aspect is to piss on someones bonfire as its a way to try and belittle them or maybe put them off, generally its a reflection of some insecurity or guilt on the part of whoever is saying it as the fact someone else is doing something reminds them that they arent.
We were on a pretty long ride as part of a charity thing, few years back now, my mate who is, by his own admission pretty big was holding his own, doing better than me as I got cramp
after a minor misunderstanding at a junction some toothless scratter in an old shed gave him some stick over his weight "You shouldn't be on that, you are too fat" , he got it back, with interest
I am around sixteen stone, am fifty next week and work in IT, but I can ride 50 miles without feeling it, can climb hills out of the saddle and really enjoy it, spent over a grand on a Smart Trainer, so will drop a couple of stone and get down to my 14 stone ideal (for me) weight.
I wear Lycra as its comfy, doesn't fall down and so motorists can view my magnificent arse and ladies can check out my junk (its cold out, alright...), you get to wear Budgie Smuglers in public, oh yeah
We were on a pretty long ride as part of a charity thing, few years back now, my mate who is, by his own admission pretty big was holding his own, doing better than me as I got cramp
after a minor misunderstanding at a junction some toothless scratter in an old shed gave him some stick over his weight "You shouldn't be on that, you are too fat" , he got it back, with interest I am around sixteen stone, am fifty next week and work in IT, but I can ride 50 miles without feeling it, can climb hills out of the saddle and really enjoy it, spent over a grand on a Smart Trainer, so will drop a couple of stone and get down to my 14 stone ideal (for me) weight.
I wear Lycra as its comfy, doesn't fall down and so motorists can view my magnificent arse and ladies can check out my junk (its cold out, alright...), you get to wear Budgie Smuglers in public, oh yeah
Mastodon2 said:
Could someone from the angry side explain the issue with lycra? It seems to inspire so much anger. Bright colours seem to attract even more rage, as if being visible was somehow more offensive.
It's funny, the ones who complain about lyrca are also the ones who complain about being "held up" - do they realise that if we don't wear lycra, we'll be going even slower? The difference between cycling in normal clothes and proper fitted cycling attire is massive.
Having read a few pages of this it would appear the lycra mob are the angry ones!It's funny, the ones who complain about lyrca are also the ones who complain about being "held up" - do they realise that if we don't wear lycra, we'll be going even slower? The difference between cycling in normal clothes and proper fitted cycling attire is massive.
smn159 said:
I can only assume that lots of people get their kicks from spending their days being self righteously angry. Been mildly inconvenienced for a few seconds by someone dong something that would be outside of your own comfort zone? The answer seems to be to take furiously to the forums to denounce them as 'vermin' at every opportunity.
Appropriate lycra-related typo!I sometimes wonder if they get equally upset about people doing other sports in specialist sportswear - expect people to ski in the coat they wear to work?
nickfrog said:
NewUsername said:
Given that its a proven fact that people who cycle regularly are less of a burden on the NHS, the government should be subsidising the activity and transferring the cost onto those commuters who drive....
The ride to work scheme is a good fiscal incentive.J4CKO said:
I think those that get so angry should try it, things are a bit st at the moment and getting out for a ride is keeping me sane and relatively fit.
Am sat in front of a bank of monitors at home working, I know its not the same for everyone but I suspect an awful lot of folk are doing the same and never actually leaving the house. Finish work, have dinner, maybe a couple of drinks and sit on the sofa in front of the TV, its great for a day or two but months at a time ? no thanks, I need something to keep me sane.
Walked for an hour and a half last night listening to podcasts, night before, 20 miles on my bike, tonight will go out on the bike again, main limiting factor is my main light battery. Yes its dark, cold and wet but you know what, its real and generally, after about six the roads are really pretty quiet.
Cyclists without lights, anyone?t at the moment and getting out for a ride is keeping me sane and relatively fit.Am sat in front of a bank of monitors at home working, I know its not the same for everyone but I suspect an awful lot of folk are doing the same and never actually leaving the house. Finish work, have dinner, maybe a couple of drinks and sit on the sofa in front of the TV, its great for a day or two but months at a time ? no thanks, I need something to keep me sane.
Walked for an hour and a half last night listening to podcasts, night before, 20 miles on my bike, tonight will go out on the bike again, main limiting factor is my main light battery. Yes its dark, cold and wet but you know what, its real and generally, after about six the roads are really pretty quiet.
OpulentBob said:
J4CKO said:
I am around sixteen stone, am fifty next week and work in IT
I didn't know that when I wrote my post - it wasn't aimed at you specifically! 
And I cant help my job (pays ok) but I do need to lose some podge, if nothing else I feel fitter, dragging myself up hills, heart rate hitting 170 odd willl either kill me or do some good
OpulentBob said:
Castrol for a knave said:
Gweeds said:
Ladders said:
I ride a bike for commuting.
I ride a bike to socialise
I ride a bike for fitness to train for races
I ride a bike for fun
So I’m confused about whether I should be out on my bike riding or not according to a lot of people on here!?
Sounds like a few angry people on here could do with getting out on a bike to chill out and enjoy life for a change!
What amuses me though is there are a lot of vitriolic opinions from people into cars, even though some of the biggest petrol heads in the country are into cycles and cycling. Harry Meadon. Guy Martin. Jenson Button. Sir Chris Hoy. Valtteri Bottas. Etc etc
I guess you have to check with the selection of self-regarding idiots on this thread as to whether they, as drivers, consider your use of the road acceptable. I ride a bike to socialise
I ride a bike for fitness to train for races
I ride a bike for fun
So I’m confused about whether I should be out on my bike riding or not according to a lot of people on here!?
Sounds like a few angry people on here could do with getting out on a bike to chill out and enjoy life for a change!
What amuses me though is there are a lot of vitriolic opinions from people into cars, even though some of the biggest petrol heads in the country are into cycles and cycling. Harry Meadon. Guy Martin. Jenson Button. Sir Chris Hoy. Valtteri Bottas. Etc etc
Despite the fact that just about every single cyclist I know is either also into cars or motorbikes and pays as least as much to drive as said self-regarding idiots.
king road tax....get a car" as my mate and I pedalled into town. We got to the traffic lights and he was still going at it, so my mate fished his keys out of his pocket and held them under the old buggers nose
"How much f
king road tax do you think I pay on that" - as he held the keys to his Granturismo MC Shift in front of matey's face. He'd have wafted the keys to his 360, except they don't have his house key on.
Ares said:
Falconer said:
Foss62 said:
A lot depends on where they are going. Bridges and tunnels are rare and cycle lanes that have priority crossing roads, apparently non existent. Consequently many cyclists feel (and probably are) safer turning right or negotiating roundabouts with the traffic.
There are also numerous ‘cycle tracks’ with reversed priorities meaning that cyclists are supposed to give way at every side road for completely unknown reasons - put yourself in the position of a cyclist on one of these and you can see why the road might be an attractive choice...
I’m not saying all cycle tracks are fit for purpose, but the one I am familiar with definitely is and a lot of money has been spent on it. It even deviates from the road to avoid a hill. But the “proper” cyclists with their Tour de France fantasies still ignore it. There are also numerous ‘cycle tracks’ with reversed priorities meaning that cyclists are supposed to give way at every side road for completely unknown reasons - put yourself in the position of a cyclist on one of these and you can see why the road might be an attractive choice...
On to cycle lanes, Money doesn't equate to being fit for purpose. Cyclist will use a cycle lane that is fit for purpose. I'd bet you the air from all my tyres that if cyclists aren't using it, there is reason for it. Debris, obstructions, mud, junctions, runners/pedestrians, etc.
As I said above, there is one fit for purpose cycle lane near me, and it's far from perfect as it is busy AND only c5m wide....but pretty much every cyclist will use it for the 5km it runs alongside the A34.
ruprechtmonkeyboy said:
Well I also cycle, drive and also ride a motorbike. Just because someone might have a different opinion to you it doesn't automatically mean they are trolling 
oh the usual "I cycle too" riding a bike to a shop 1mile away once a month doesn't mean you cycle.
lycra has a purpose cyclists do not wear it for fun.
the s
t people get upset about here is crazy! some of you need to get a grip, if a cyclist gets you that angry I don't want to know how you deal with real problems in life.
Falconer said:
J4CKO said:
I think those that get so angry should try it, things are a bit st at the moment and getting out for a ride is keeping me sane and relatively fit.
Am sat in front of a bank of monitors at home working, I know its not the same for everyone but I suspect an awful lot of folk are doing the same and never actually leaving the house. Finish work, have dinner, maybe a couple of drinks and sit on the sofa in front of the TV, its great for a day or two but months at a time ? no thanks, I need something to keep me sane.
Walked for an hour and a half last night listening to podcasts, night before, 20 miles on my bike, tonight will go out on the bike again, main limiting factor is my main light battery. Yes its dark, cold and wet but you know what, its real and generally, after about six the roads are really pretty quiet.
Cyclists without lights, anyone?t at the moment and getting out for a ride is keeping me sane and relatively fit.Am sat in front of a bank of monitors at home working, I know its not the same for everyone but I suspect an awful lot of folk are doing the same and never actually leaving the house. Finish work, have dinner, maybe a couple of drinks and sit on the sofa in front of the TV, its great for a day or two but months at a time ? no thanks, I need something to keep me sane.
Walked for an hour and a half last night listening to podcasts, night before, 20 miles on my bike, tonight will go out on the bike again, main limiting factor is my main light battery. Yes its dark, cold and wet but you know what, its real and generally, after about six the roads are really pretty quiet.
https://brightside.bike/
An orange light that flashes sideways, great for junctions and roundabouts.
Oh and an Altura Nightvision hi viz jacket, bright yellow with reflective bits.
I do turn the big front one up to full sometimes, did off road the other night and a group of dog walkers I came up behind were wondering if they were about to be adducted by an alien spacecraft, I aimed it down and turned it to low when I saw them, they were highly amused when they realised it was a bloke on a bike.
As for cyclists with no lights, can get a set for a fiver that will make you visible, cant see by them when its properly dark but see quite a few, in black without any, they weirdly seem to not die all the time thoughm think they keep to pavements and are usually aware of the fact they cant be seen, but not always, still morons though.
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