Cycling - NLC

[Doc883]

That's a sore one although miraculously no serious injuries
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=pl ... NFaAqS2f18

[Dominic]

On a lighter note... http://www.thedailymash.co.uk/news/soci ... m_content=

[alicrozier]

Any suggestions for a sub 1k commuter bike?
Some big hills, fast bits and rough roads. 9 miles each way.

I can't see past a Boardman CX Team.
Currently 10% off plus British Cycling discount...

[ryallm]

CX bikes make great commuters - fast with the right tyres, but tough and compliant enough for our dire urban roads. You won't get a better bike than the Boardman for the money, although personally I hate mechanical disc brakes. Be prepared for constant rubbing and tweaking if my experience with mechanical Avid discs is anything to go by. I have been commuting on a Cube X Race for the last couple of years and it has been superb - probably a bit lighter than the Boardman, it has cantis rather than discs, and good components and wheels for the price. Also take a good look at the Kinesis Cross Light 5T http://www.fatbirds.co.uk/5602/products ... -bike.aspx Top notch frame and fork from relatively little known UK company, all for just under a grand.

Mark

[Dominic]

CX bikes make great commuters - fast with the right tyres, but tough and compliant enough for our dire urban roads. You won't get a better bike than the Boardman for the money, although personally I hate mechanical disc brakes. Be prepared for constant rubbing and tweaking if my experience with mechanical Avid discs is anything to go by. I have been commuting on a Cube X Race for the last couple of years and it has been superb - probably a bit lighter than the Boardman, it has cantis rather than discs, and good components and wheels for the price. Also take a good look at the Kinesis Cross Light 5T http://www.fatbirds.co.uk/5602/products ... -bike.aspx Top notch frame and fork from relatively little known UK company, all for just under a grand.

Mark

Well put that man!

I have been using my cross bike for commuting (as well as fun cycles)(did 400+ miles last month). Agree regarding the cable disc brakes.

I would suggest if you do get a cross bike, get a set of swalbe (sp?) touring tyres, with puncture protection. They are durable and very puncture proof (to date I have done several thousand miles on mine without a puncture [touches wood]). The tyres my bike came with wore out very quickly and had loads of punctures. DDtb & Lazydonkey have had the same experience.

I would also suggest looking for deals on last year's models - often you can get a very similar bike for half the price.

Finally, allow a decent budget for the other cycling gear; helmet, shoes (more important than many think) pedals, clothing, weather protection, pump, tools, tool pouch, water bottle, + carrier, lighting, mud gaurds (I have not had mud guards on my bike for about 4 months, but in the winter they are useful).

I would also suggest (although it may sound a bit ghey) if you are getting clothing / helmet etc, to get hi-viz stuff. From my experience commuting, you get given a bit more space and respect if other road users can see you better.

[ryallm]

Yep Schwalbe Marathons are the way to go. I have used 700 x 30c Marathon Racers for the last 8 months without a single puncture and they are still reasonably light and fast. Previously I was getting about a puncture a month commuting on Specialized Borough tyres.

Oh and yes, when I said mechanical of course meant cable rather than hydraulic discs. Hydraulic discs are only just becoming available for top end road bikes. All the mid price CX bikes use cable operated discs which are heavy and require constant adjustment - avoid!

Mark

[BiggestNizzy]

I haven't touched my cable operated disk brakes in 7 years.

[Corranga]

I would also suggest (although it may sound a bit ghey) if you are getting clothing / helmet etc, to get hi-viz stuff. From my experience commuting, you get given a bit more space and respect if other road users can see you better.

Absolutely this! There are too many idiot drivers out there. I'm commuting on my bike at the moment when the weather is decent. It's only 5-6 miles each way depending on route, but for my fitness that's enough!
I only have a high vis vest at the moment, but having gone out without it a few times, you really notice the difference.

Might be worth noting that Lidl / Aldi both have cycling gear in at the moment (Lidl from tomorrow).
There stuff is a bit hit and miss, but I've found their clothing to be decent enough for purpose, and it seems generally regarded as so on the web.
I think the tools are made of cheese, and the Lidl bike stand seems to get mixed reviews verging towards decent. Most who complain recommend a 100 quid plus stand, so considering it's only 30... (I'm considering picking one up tomorrow).

[Martin]

For the veteran bikers on here this will be nothing...but my mate and I cycled from Glasgow city centre to Balloch - about 22 miles all in and 2hrs at a leisurely pace. Had a 'few' pints and lunch up there and got the train back...cycled from the station to my house (about another 4 miles) and pretty done in...can anyone recommend another route from Glasgow which would be a 'step up' from this one...say 30 miles?

Martin

[woody]

Cycle to Troon on route 7 and train back again. Prestwick is a bit further but has better pubs when you get there, it's on the same Train line too.

[Martin]

I'll check out the Troon route tomorrow - cheers!

[Dominic]

There are loads of good cycles around the north of the city, and a lot of good stuff on old railway lines / canal path which means less dicing with the traffic. I will post some routes up tomorrow if I get a chance.

Dom

[Lazydonkey]

Falkirk Wheel is a nice cycle too - as long as you aren't on a road bike.

[Dominic]

Falkirk Wheel is a nice cycle too - as long as you aren't on a road bike.

I was going to suggest that. You can make that as long as you wish by adjusting your start point. There are also some eateries at the wheel.

[Martin]

My mate suggested this but I only have a road bike whereas he has a mountain bike