[Other Sport] Cycling geeks

[Bad Ash]

Full mudguards will help keep you and the bike cleaner, but often they don't fit on standard road bikes as there isn't enough clearance between tyres, brake calipers and the frame.

Put on some tyres suitable for winter: grippy in the wet, puncture protection (you're more likely to get a puncture in the winter as more things get washed onto the roads/paths and will have fallen from the trees/bushes over autumn), and possibly wider. I won't start the debate as to which ones to go for, it could double the size of the thread!

The bike will need more cleaning over the winter months as it generally gets dirtier in the wet, plus also you don't want salt and grit left on it, especially the drivetrain.

 

[Bold Seagull]

Yay. Just got an email from Planet X saying my bike is being built tomorrow! May even get it by the weekend, though that's probably a bit tight for them. Any tips on keeping one's bike an oneself in good condition during shitty winter weather would be much appreciated. I think I may have to avoid using it in wet conditions.

After cleaning (and during cleaning sometimes) I often give the bike a spray and rub down polish with a bit of GT85 (other water repellant lubricants are available). As a liquid repellant it goes some way in keeping the bike clean and making it easier to clean the next time it gets filthy.

 

[Stat Brother]

Talking of mudguards, does anyone know where my rear mudguard is?

I looked in the shed last night and only found my front one.

 

[Notters]

Talking of mudguards, does anyone know where my rear mudguard is?

I looked in the shed last night and only found my front one.

Is this it?

 

[banjo]

Is this it?

That's what your bike will look like if you ride it in the rain.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

Yay. Just got an email from Planet X saying my bike is being built tomorrow! May even get it by the weekend, though that's probably a bit tight for them. Any tips on keeping one's bike an oneself in good condition during shitty winter weather would be much appreciated. I think I may have to avoid using it in wet conditions.

Keep it inside.

You now need a winter bike, Notters, one that you don't have to be quite so precious about. Or two.

For the time being, I hope you haven't got rid of your old bike. If it's wet, that is the one that you should use.

I get very upset if my main bike get's wet (unless I am washing it).

 

[Stat Brother]

Don't be too despondent [MENTION=1320]Notters[/MENTION].

By virtue of the fact you're not from a northern wasteland like Horsham, you will find more days than you'd expect compatible with 'bestest' bike riding, if you're lucky.

Once the gunk of Autumn has cleared the roads and assuming we don't have another stooopidly wet winter it's unlikely to get so cold and icy it's dangerous.

You just need to make sure you're protected against the considerable difference in temperature.


Although Pogue is right, you are much better off buying another bike, go on you know you want to.
I certainly do.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

After yesterday's masterpiece, here are some more, wonderful pieces of Strava Art. Surely someone can work something out for the streets of Brighton?

http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest-news/rider-creates-massive-bike-strava-138881#

 

[Ninja Elephant]

I belted out a 33.2 mile cycle tonight, in 2:29:23. I rode from just west of the Marina, out to Seaford and then back to Newhaven and across to Lewes before heading back home again. I rode up the Bear in 9:34, which frankly killed me. But I got it done after 30 miles, which I'm happy with.

If I'm honest, I did it because my mind was in a dark place. I needed to get out on the street and I wanted to give Boris a bit of a run in the rain too. It was atrocious coming back from Seaford, belted by the hailstones and the sheeting rain, and then cycling in and out of the rain on the way to Lewes.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

I belted out a 33.2 mile cycle tonight, in 2:29:23. I rode from just west of the Marina, out to Seaford and then back to Newhaven and across to Lewes before heading back home again. I rode up the Bear in 9:34, which frankly killed me. But I got it done after 30 miles, which I'm happy with.

If I'm honest, I did it because my mind was in a dark place. I needed to get out on the street and I wanted to give Boris a bit of a run in the rain too. It was atrocious coming back from Seaford, belted by the hailstones and the sheeting rain, and then cycling in and out of the rain on the way to Lewes.

Good for you. Bear Road is always tough, and never gets any easier. You learn to avoid it eventually!

There is nothing better than going out for a ride when you are in a dark place - I was in one a couple of years ago after my dad died, for some time, and getting out on my bike is what brought me back. Cycling is good for your health, physically and mentally.

 

[Stat Brother]

If I'm honest, I did it because my mind was in a dark place. I needed to get out on the street and I wanted to give Boris a bit of a run in the rain too. It was atrocious coming back from Seaford, belted by the hailstones and the sheeting rain, and then cycling in and out of the rain on the way to Lewes.

Good for you, well done for ticking another cycling geek box!

There is nothing better than going out for a ride when you are in a dark place. Cycling is good for your health, physically and mentally.

Totally agree.

I wish I had the mental discipline to see it through.
The problem with being a glass half empty kind of chap is I'm only capable of doing the right thing about half the time.
For the other half of the time there's cake and toast, which eventually opens up a whole other can of worms.

 

[Notters]

I belted out a 33.2 mile cycle tonight, in 2:29:23. I rode from just west of the Marina, out to Seaford and then back to Newhaven and across to Lewes before heading back home again. I rode up the Bear in 9:34, which frankly killed me. But I got it done after 30 miles, which I'm happy with.

If I'm honest, I did it because my mind was in a dark place. I needed to get out on the street and I wanted to give Boris a bit of a run in the rain too. It was atrocious coming back from Seaford, belted by the hailstones and the sheeting rain, and then cycling in and out of the rain on the way to Lewes.

Bloody hell nicely done. Can't see myself ever doing a ride like that in that weather

 

[Bad Ash]

Bloody hell nicely done. Can't see myself ever doing a ride like that in that weather

Well, not until you have a new winter bike

 

[Notters]

Well, not until you have a new winter bike

I need to get some new tyres for my old bike anyway, as the rear one has a slash in the side (and they're 10 years old). I think I'll turn it into my winter bike. Just worried I'm going to be staring longingly at my Planet X until April. Think I'll keep it in the house too, the garage is too filthy and full of spiders!

 

[banjo]

Katy Bourne Sussex Pcc suggesting all cyclist to have registration plates. Thoughts ?

 

[Stat Brother]

Katy Bourne Sussex Pcc suggesting all cyclist to have registration plates. Thoughts ?

Here's a thought:-

Katy Bourne can do one.

 

[banjo]

Here's a thought:-

Katy Bourne can do one.

Yeah forgot to say..... So it's easier to prosecute cyclist.

 

[banjo]

http://www.theargus.co.uk/news/11520163.Make_cyclists_wear_identification_so_we_can_prosecute_them_for_their_misdemeanors_says_Sussex_police_boss_Katy_Bourne/

 

[Motogull]

I belted out a 33.2 mile cycle tonight, in 2:29:23. I rode from just west of the Marina, out to Seaford and then back to Newhaven and across to Lewes before heading back home again. I rode up the Bear in 9:34, which frankly killed me. But I got it done after 30 miles, which I'm happy with.

If I'm honest, I did it because my mind was in a dark place. I needed to get out on the street and I wanted to give Boris a bit of a run in the rain too. It was atrocious coming back from Seaford, belted by the hailstones and the sheeting rain, and then cycling in and out of the rain on the way to Lewes.

Nice one, apart from the rain bit.

Most people who get into cycling seem to get a bit addicted. I've certainly acknowledged the psychological benefit. Maybe the animosity is fueled by envy that cyclists are generally a happier bunch?

 

[Pogue Mahone]

Katy Bourne Sussex Pcc suggesting all cyclist to have registration plates. Thoughts ?

Thoughts are that we should be trying to encourage people out of their cars and on to their bikes. Anything that makes becoming a cyclist a pain in the arse will mean that people will not become cyclists.

That law in Jersey...14 year olds and under must wear helmets...falls into the same category in my eyes. In cycle-friendly countries like Holland, Denmark and Germany virtually no one wears a helmet. Car drivers' attitudes are way more respectful, so the helmets, generally, become unnecessary.

Don't get me wrong - I always wear a helmet, and I would recommend that all cyclists who do it as a sport do too. I wouldn't force the issue though. Those who do, in my mind, are focussing their safety fears in the wrong direction. It's all about the drivers!

Here's a thought:-

Katy Bourne can do one.

This.