And today's commuting highlight is...
Discussion
RizzoTheRat said:
Verdict? I quite like the idea as a commuter.
I'm on the Zero SR for a few days (reviewing), yesterday was giving it a spanking around Donington and next few days is being sensible and commuting. 116 lb-ft of torque...yes, that much.
25 mile motorway commute this morning with some congested bits so slower filtering used 30% battery. Happily sits at 70mph. On track speedo said in excess of 100mph, just.
It's weird having no noise, clutch or gears - refreshing though.
308mate said:
sjtscott said:
I'm guessing it was a little late and being sept only the more hardcore bikers will still be out at that time of night as its getting a little chilly for the posers LOL
When I head home on the highway east to Limehouse link/CW area its peak bikers around 5-6pm.
Personally you got the 3 wheelers summed up nicely - most are on their pretend bikes where the rules allow them ridden on car licenses and ride them like a narrow cars i.e. like a**holes
Your bike-ness, you really are the bikiest biker I know of, with and extra serving of "real biker" for good measure. I know this because every contribution of yours to this thread starts by pointing out someone else's sWhen I head home on the highway east to Limehouse link/CW area its peak bikers around 5-6pm.
Personally you got the 3 wheelers summed up nicely - most are on their pretend bikes where the rules allow them ridden on car licenses and ride them like a narrow cars i.e. like a**holes
t attempts to bike, often a pretend biker, not a real one like you and ends with a story of how you have in some way triumphed over their pitiful efforts to be as bikey as you or in fact, bikey at all.Teach me the ways...
wax on.... wax off....
Angrybiker said:
308mate said:
sjtscott said:
I'm guessing it was a little late and being sept only the more hardcore bikers will still be out at that time of night as its getting a little chilly for the posers LOL
When I head home on the highway east to Limehouse link/CW area its peak bikers around 5-6pm.
Personally you got the 3 wheelers summed up nicely - most are on their pretend bikes where the rules allow them ridden on car licenses and ride them like a narrow cars i.e. like a**holes
Your bike-ness, you really are the bikiest biker I know of, with and extra serving of "real biker" for good measure. I know this because every contribution of yours to this thread starts by pointing out someone else's sWhen I head home on the highway east to Limehouse link/CW area its peak bikers around 5-6pm.
Personally you got the 3 wheelers summed up nicely - most are on their pretend bikes where the rules allow them ridden on car licenses and ride them like a narrow cars i.e. like a**holes
t attempts to bike, often a pretend biker, not a real one like you and ends with a story of how you have in some way triumphed over their pitiful efforts to be as bikey as you or in fact, bikey at all.Teach me the ways...
wax on.... wax off....
308mate I provide 1x1 coaching for a reasonable fee, payment accepted in bitcoin or beer.I only give the true highlights of my journey where someone 'special' stands out. Everyone is given a reasonable chance/allowance first.
Seriously though what would I know 17years all year all weather year round commuting?? LOL 7 of those year East to Southwest London through the bandit country which is South London - If you think East London is bad (and it is) then South London round Kennigton/Oval/Stockwell/Brixton/Clapham is something else in lack of road standards.
I can tell within less then 2mins just how competent a rider is.. I have no issues with people not being of the same standard - I do have issues with clueless idiots who fail to realise there are any other bikers also sharing the road space.
sjtscott said:
Angrybiker said:
308mate said:
sjtscott said:
I'm guessing it was a little late and being sept only the more hardcore bikers will still be out at that time of night as its getting a little chilly for the posers LOL
When I head home on the highway east to Limehouse link/CW area its peak bikers around 5-6pm.
Personally you got the 3 wheelers summed up nicely - most are on their pretend bikes where the rules allow them ridden on car licenses and ride them like a narrow cars i.e. like a**holes
Your bike-ness, you really are the bikiest biker I know of, with and extra serving of "real biker" for good measure. I know this because every contribution of yours to this thread starts by pointing out someone else's sWhen I head home on the highway east to Limehouse link/CW area its peak bikers around 5-6pm.
Personally you got the 3 wheelers summed up nicely - most are on their pretend bikes where the rules allow them ridden on car licenses and ride them like a narrow cars i.e. like a**holes
t attempts to bike, often a pretend biker, not a real one like you and ends with a story of how you have in some way triumphed over their pitiful efforts to be as bikey as you or in fact, bikey at all.Teach me the ways...
wax on.... wax off....
308mate I provide 1x1 coaching for a reasonable fee, payment accepted in bitcoin or beer.I only give the true highlights of my journey where someone 'special' stands out. Everyone is given a reasonable chance/allowance first.
Seriously though what would I know 17years all year all weather year round commuting?? LOL 7 of those year East to Southwest London through the bandit country which is South London - If you think East London is bad (and it is) then South London round Kennigton/Oval/Stockwell/Brixton/Clapham is something else in lack of road standards.
I can tell within less then 2mins just how competent a rider is.. I have no issues with people not being of the same standard - I do have issues with clueless idiots who fail to realise there are any other bikers also sharing the road space.
We seem to have very similar experience and commute route!
sjtscott said:
Seriously though what would I know 17years all year all weather year round commuting?? LOL 7 of those year East to Southwest London through the bandit country which is South London - If you think East London is bad (and it is) then South London round Kennigton/Oval/Stockwell/Brixton/Clapham is something else in lack of road standards.
Clapham and Stockwell seem to be particularly bad for suicidal cyclists. There must be something in the air that makes them lose all sense of self-preservation.Angrybiker said:
I effing hate the A3. Now I do York road and Battersea instead. Longer route but so much less stress.
We seem to have very similar experience and commute route!
Indeed, I've been fortunate to only need to commute into central London the past 10 years after my old company was acquired and we moved to the bigger companies central london office after those 7 years in the Wandsworth/Putney area.We seem to have very similar experience and commute route!
I'd understand why on some parts you'd want to avoid the A3 - so yes York Road/Battersea make sense.
Whilst I don't do that much riding back on my original old route I still do occasionally and its not any better.
I tend to go most to just around Oval/Kennington because I frequent FWR fairly regularly for tyres/punctures and servicing.
Cbull said:
Being a northerner and not getting out much, I've never been to central London before. Just curious, if you Londoners have ever done the same route in the car, what are the time differences between bike, car & public transport?
Well it differs a lot depending on where you are, really. For me, front door to desk times are roughly:Bike (motor): 50-60 mins, Gets smaller if you leave later when the traffic has calmed down. Costs about £5 in petrol per day and £2.90 for parking; but parking is only in canary wharf because NCPs and street are free
Train: 70-90 mins Gets longer if you leave later because the trains are less frequent. Costs £13.00 fare per day.
Car: About 120 mins maybe more depending on traffic. And on top of your petrol you also have to include the £11.50 congestion charge and £25 for parking.
Edited by Angrybiker on Wednesday 20th September 13:49
Lee_sec said:
so... what would you commuting gods recommend to non riding gods to improve filtering / awareness - is it just practice / experience or are there things you see these people doing that us commuting novices here could learn from?
1. It's mostly practice and experience, but:2. Try to do journeys using the brakes only to come to a complete stop. This will both improve your forward planning and calm you down. Improving forward planning is the KEY. Once you have that you can open throttle in the right places with confidence.
3. When filtering try to keep straight as much as possible. The more you weave the more out of control you are and the more you look like a scooter rider who's trying too hard. You'll also be amazed how little you actually do need to weave. And when you don't weave you get through smaller gaps, make faster progress. If you're behind someone who's not weaving but making good progress then observe them.
4. Keep an eye on your mirrors. If it's been clear behind you for a while and all of a sudden you have a bike filling your mirror, the chap behind is probably going faster than you. There's no shame in pulling over and letting them past. In some cases they might well be going too fast for their ability but that's their problem.
5. Don't ever be pressured to filter faster. The more stressed you are the more you're likely to over-react at a sudden hazard and end up having a bad day. Your pace that day is your pace that day. You look like more of a pro when you look self aware enough to know that you're not 100% that afternoon and letting someone else past.
6. If the traffic you're filtering past is moving then it's less risk than when stationary. Stationary traffic = wilfully blind pedestrians crossing.
7. Look forward for gaps starting to appear between cars. Consistent gaps and moving cars = peachy.
8. Eagle eye for cyclists. b
ds never look before suddenly appearing in the filter lane.9. Always brake hover for all side roads. Never know who's going to do the famous last minute 'indicate as you turn' manoeuver.
Thanks for the insight Angry Biker. WOW, makes you wonder why people actually drive into the city centre if thats the case. A no brainer really.
Personally, mine is something like this..
26 miles (into Manchester via M56).
Car = (Leaving much earlier) 45 minute drive plus a 15 minute walk to work for free parking (else £5 p/d parking.
Bike = 45 minutes door to desk, free parking at place of work.
Public Transport = 1hr 50min. About 30-40 minute walk to the station. 1 hour train ride then 10 minutes to the desk.
As for filtering. I'm not great but not too bad at it in the dry. In the wet I personally struggle, confidence goes right down.
Personally, mine is something like this..
26 miles (into Manchester via M56).
Car = (Leaving much earlier) 45 minute drive plus a 15 minute walk to work for free parking (else £5 p/d parking.
Bike = 45 minutes door to desk, free parking at place of work.
Public Transport = 1hr 50min. About 30-40 minute walk to the station. 1 hour train ride then 10 minutes to the desk.
As for filtering. I'm not great but not too bad at it in the dry. In the wet I personally struggle, confidence goes right down.
Bike - 60 mins rain, hail or shine
Car - 90 mins in the morning, 2 hours+ in the evening
Train is just a nightmare as there is nothing direct and would involve going into London and then the tube back out or multiple changes.
So bike wins any which way you cut it.
Filtering confidence just comes with practice, Angrybiker wrote a lot of great tips above.
The comment regarding rain and filtering, I find the rain drops on my visor affect my peripheral vision and this then affects my confidence going for gaps and judging width, consequently I am slower.
For reference the police could have a word with you if you are filtering at more than 20mph+ than the traffic around you as they might deem it dangerous.
Car - 90 mins in the morning, 2 hours+ in the evening
Train is just a nightmare as there is nothing direct and would involve going into London and then the tube back out or multiple changes.
So bike wins any which way you cut it.
Filtering confidence just comes with practice, Angrybiker wrote a lot of great tips above.
The comment regarding rain and filtering, I find the rain drops on my visor affect my peripheral vision and this then affects my confidence going for gaps and judging width, consequently I am slower.
For reference the police could have a word with you if you are filtering at more than 20mph+ than the traffic around you as they might deem it dangerous.
Cbull said:
Thanks for the insight Angry Biker. WOW, makes you wonder why people actually drive into the city centre if thats the case. A no brainer really.
Personally, mine is something like this..
26 miles (into Manchester via M56).
Car = (Leaving much earlier) 45 minute drive plus a 15 minute walk to work for free parking (else £5 p/d parking.
Bike = 45 minutes door to desk, free parking at place of work.
Public Transport = 1hr 50min. About 30-40 minute walk to the station. 1 hour train ride then 10 minutes to the desk.
As for filtering. I'm not great but not too bad at it in the dry. In the wet I personally struggle, confidence goes right down.
I hate the rain too but I'm practised enough in it to be reasonably confident in myself. Trouble is when it rains it seems like a perfect excuse for cars and pedestrians to start behaving very erratically so I tend to go a lot more cautiously.Personally, mine is something like this..
26 miles (into Manchester via M56).
Car = (Leaving much earlier) 45 minute drive plus a 15 minute walk to work for free parking (else £5 p/d parking.
Bike = 45 minutes door to desk, free parking at place of work.
Public Transport = 1hr 50min. About 30-40 minute walk to the station. 1 hour train ride then 10 minutes to the desk.
As for filtering. I'm not great but not too bad at it in the dry. In the wet I personally struggle, confidence goes right down.
My commute is weird innthe sense that the morning and evening commutes are totally different, given times. Beckenham - Moorgate
Morning:
Motorbike - 25 mins, 11 miles
Pedal bike - 40 mins, 11 miles
Car - 40 mins
Train - 15 min walk, 5min wait, 30 min train and 15 min walk so 1 hour or so assuming no problems, only issue is I need the 6am train to get to work on time...
Evening:
Motorbike - 35-40 mins
Cycle - 45 mins
Car - 60-90 mins depending on traffic
Train - 1 hour 10 mins (assuming trains timed perfectly and no delays).
Costs:
motorbike - £3 petrol, free parking
Cycle - free
Car - £5 petrol, £10 congestion, £30 parking
Train - £12 (plus £15 of taxi's of can't be bothered to do the long walk)
Morning:
Motorbike - 25 mins, 11 miles
Pedal bike - 40 mins, 11 miles
Car - 40 mins
Train - 15 min walk, 5min wait, 30 min train and 15 min walk so 1 hour or so assuming no problems, only issue is I need the 6am train to get to work on time...
Evening:
Motorbike - 35-40 mins
Cycle - 45 mins
Car - 60-90 mins depending on traffic
Train - 1 hour 10 mins (assuming trains timed perfectly and no delays).
Costs:
motorbike - £3 petrol, free parking
Cycle - free
Car - £5 petrol, £10 congestion, £30 parking
Train - £12 (plus £15 of taxi's of can't be bothered to do the long walk)
2wheelsjimmy said:
Cbull said:
Cold and wet ride in. Not rainy though, just heavy fog. Praise the lord for Vee Wipes
camo waterproof jackets? Are they actually waterproof?
Just get an army surplus goretex jacket, ebay.camo waterproof jackets? Are they actually waterproof?
Angrybiker said:
Lee_sec said:
so... what would you commuting gods recommend to non riding gods to improve filtering / awareness - is it just practice / experience or are there things you see these people doing that us commuting novices here could learn from?
1. It's mostly practice and experience, but:2. Try to do journeys using the brakes only to come to a complete stop. This will both improve your forward planning and calm you down. Improving forward planning is the KEY. Once you have that you can open throttle in the right places with confidence.
3. When filtering try to keep straight as much as possible. The more you weave the more out of control you are and the more you look like a scooter rider who's trying too hard. You'll also be amazed how little you actually do need to weave. And when you don't weave you get through smaller gaps, make faster progress. If you're behind someone who's not weaving but making good progress then observe them.
4. Keep an eye on your mirrors. If it's been clear behind you for a while and all of a sudden you have a bike filling your mirror, the chap behind is probably going faster than you. There's no shame in pulling over and letting them past. In some cases they might well be going too fast for their ability but that's their problem.
5. Don't ever be pressured to filter faster. The more stressed you are the more you're likely to over-react at a sudden hazard and end up having a bad day. Your pace that day is your pace that day. You look like more of a pro when you look self aware enough to know that you're not 100% that afternoon and letting someone else past.
6. If the traffic you're filtering past is moving then it's less risk than when stationary. Stationary traffic = wilfully blind pedestrians crossing.
7. Look forward for gaps starting to appear between cars. Consistent gaps and moving cars = peachy.
8. Eagle eye for cyclists. b
ds never look before suddenly appearing in the filter lane.9. Always brake hover for all side roads. Never know who's going to do the famous last minute 'indicate as you turn' manoeuver.
I'd also add 10. understand and learn your best route - it may sound obvious but you might make easier/safer progress using a different route - this particular can work in London - try all available.
11. For the route you do take learn the specifics about where its best to filter position wise (use in conjunction to #3 above) or where you'll get a collection of random 4 wheeled user movements. i.e. looks out for special awareness biker danger hot spots
12. For London spot the minicab aka **** driver sticker front and rear and be prepared for some of the most random poor driving you'll ever see in your life. If they are moving slowly and not in a queue double danger!!!
Edited by sjtscott on Wednesday 20th September 15:01
sjtscott said:
Angrybiker said:
Lee_sec said:
so... what would you commuting gods recommend to non riding gods to improve filtering / awareness - is it just practice / experience or are there things you see these people doing that us commuting novices here could learn from?
1. It's mostly practice and experience, but:2. Try to do journeys using the brakes only to come to a complete stop. This will both improve your forward planning and calm you down. Improving forward planning is the KEY. Once you have that you can open throttle in the right places with confidence.
3. When filtering try to keep straight as much as possible. The more you weave the more out of control you are and the more you look like a scooter rider who's trying too hard. You'll also be amazed how little you actually do need to weave. And when you don't weave you get through smaller gaps, make faster progress. If you're behind someone who's not weaving but making good progress then observe them.
4. Keep an eye on your mirrors. If it's been clear behind you for a while and all of a sudden you have a bike filling your mirror, the chap behind is probably going faster than you. There's no shame in pulling over and letting them past. In some cases they might well be going too fast for their ability but that's their problem.
5. Don't ever be pressured to filter faster. The more stressed you are the more you're likely to over-react at a sudden hazard and end up having a bad day. Your pace that day is your pace that day. You look like more of a pro when you look self aware enough to know that you're not 100% that afternoon and letting someone else past.
6. If the traffic you're filtering past is moving then it's less risk than when stationary. Stationary traffic = wilfully blind pedestrians crossing.
7. Look forward for gaps starting to appear between cars. Consistent gaps and moving cars = peachy.
8. Eagle eye for cyclists. b
ds never look before suddenly appearing in the filter lane.9. Always brake hover for all side roads. Never know who's going to do the famous last minute 'indicate as you turn' manoeuver.
I'd also add 10. understand and learn your best route - it may sound obvious but you might make easier/safer progress using a different route - this particular can work in London - try all available.
11. For the route you do take learn the specifics about where its best to filter position wise or where you'll get a collection of random 4 wheeled user movements. i.e. looks out for special awareness biker danger hot spots
12. For London spot the minicab aka **** driver sticker front and rear and be prepared for some of the most random poor driving you'll ever see in your life. If they are moving slowly and not in a queue double danger!!!
Dakkon said:
For reference the police could have a word with you if you are filtering at more than 20mph+ than the traffic around you as they might deem it dangerous.
You can fix this by behaving yourself as needed Again this requires good observation and forward planning - there are places to make the best progress and places/times not toGassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff