When Cycling Active first launched it was aimed at beginners and 'more relaxed' cyclists. I remember reading a few articles about mountain bikes and hybrids as well as seeing suggested rides that were only suitable for MTB/Hybrid bikes. Since the 'new look' came in they openly admitted (in the editors column) they were targeting the sports/sportive cyclists. Much the same as every other road cycling magazine out there really.
For me there's a bit of a blur between 'Cycling Plus', 'Cycling Active' and 'Bikes etc' as they're aimed at the same cyclists, buying the same clothing and accessories, riding the same sportives on the same bikes. The only dedicated road cycling magazine that seems to set itself apart is 'Cyclist' and that's only because the articles go more in depth and the photography is far superior.
I let my Cycling Plus subscription lapse a while back and haven't bought it since, I've just let my Cycling Active one lapse this month as well, I'll not be renewing Bikes etc at the end of the year either. I'll definitely restart my Cyclist subscription when there's a good free gift for subscribers.
You might be able to tell by now I'm a prolific magazine subscriber, in my defence I take them to work and can normally get through two in a week.
Search found 64 matches
- 4 Aug 2016, 1:39am
- Forum: Does anyone know … ?
- Topic: Cycle Sport Magazine closes.
- Replies: 13
- Views: 3580
- 1 Feb 2016, 12:08pm
- Forum: On the road
- Topic: Main roads that don't allow cycling
- Replies: 51
- Views: 6669
Re: Main roads that don't allow cycling
pwa wrote:Banning cycling on an old road can produce the effect you describe, with no viable alternative. That needs sorting. The A449, which I mentioned earlier, is a newish dual carriageway, and cyclists can simply use the old roads (lanes) which still remain but have little traffic. No real inconvenience. It's a case by case thing.
I can only comment on the A19 as it's the only one I'm familiar with.
Any new roads built (with no intention of allowing cycling from the start) MUST have a practical alternative, either by design or using existing routes (as per your example).
Definitely a case by case thing, but each one has to be examined far more than the A19 was.
On a separate-ish note, the incident and the aftermath of the cyclist being killed on that stretch was absolutely terrible, it was dragged through the local press with the usual vitriol aimed at cyclists with many commenters saying the cyclist deserved it. The driver was cleared despite hitting the cyclist (who had lights and hi-vis on, confirmed by CCTV even though a number of motorists came forward and lied about it) who was riding on the margin and not in a 'lane'.
- 1 Feb 2016, 11:24am
- Forum: On the road
- Topic: Main roads that don't allow cycling
- Replies: 51
- Views: 6669
Re: Main roads that don't allow cycling
For me, cyclists being prohibited from any particular road will only be acceptable when a practical alternative is offered. By that I mean quite literally a segregated cycle/pedestrian route running alongside the road in question. It may not sound pleasant cycling alongside what is essentially a motorway but not every cyclist is out there for the enjoyment of the ride, some just want to get where they're going.
I don't live too far from the A19, if I felt the urge to cycle down to Teesside my options aren't particularly direct compared to if I chose to use my car/motorcycle. I could legally cycle down the A19 for quite some way (although I'd probably choose not to) but I'd get as far as the A689 junction and face the prohibition. The alternative from there as far as I can see is to divert through Billingham, which isn't the end of the world but it is still a diversion. At the other end of Billingham there's a shared use path that runs alongside the A19 for a bit until it reaches the Tees Flyover, motorised traffic can use the flyover but cyclists and pedestrians have to divert via Newport Bridge (when it's not being worked on), after that I'm not sure where to go to stay near the A19 as that's normally as far as I go. I assume you would have to cycle through Acklam and see where the local roads take you. I may give it a go on the bike sometime.
I don't live too far from the A19, if I felt the urge to cycle down to Teesside my options aren't particularly direct compared to if I chose to use my car/motorcycle. I could legally cycle down the A19 for quite some way (although I'd probably choose not to) but I'd get as far as the A689 junction and face the prohibition. The alternative from there as far as I can see is to divert through Billingham, which isn't the end of the world but it is still a diversion. At the other end of Billingham there's a shared use path that runs alongside the A19 for a bit until it reaches the Tees Flyover, motorised traffic can use the flyover but cyclists and pedestrians have to divert via Newport Bridge (when it's not being worked on), after that I'm not sure where to go to stay near the A19 as that's normally as far as I go. I assume you would have to cycle through Acklam and see where the local roads take you. I may give it a go on the bike sometime.
- 1 Feb 2016, 3:18am
- Forum: On the road
- Topic: Main roads that don't allow cycling
- Replies: 51
- Views: 6669
Re: Main roads that don't allow cycling
There's a stretch of the A19 from Wynyard to beyond Thornaby that is 'cyclists prohibited', this came about after a cyclist was killed by a lorry on that particular stretch. Banning cyclists instead of addressing the real problem was the cause of some discussion at the time but the was no real opposition unfortunately.
- 29 Jan 2016, 12:54am
- Forum: On the road
- Topic: Commuting - best lock for awkward fixing points?
- Replies: 16
- Views: 1398
Re: Commuting - best lock for awkward fixing points?
greyingbeard wrote:heavy chain with heavy padlock, often sold for motorbikes.
Or make your own if you can find a few feet of very heavy chain, large hosepipe to cover it, massive lock. ....
Second this, there's a lot of reasonably good ones within your £65 budget, various lengths available too.
That said, you mention the weight of various grades of lock, will you have to carry said lock often? Is leaving it at work not an option?
- 21 Jan 2016, 12:52am
- Forum: Touring & Expedition
- Topic: Recommend (or sell!) me a touring frame (disc 700c)
- Replies: 27
- Views: 2674
Re: Recommend (or sell!) me a touring frame (disc 700c)
Any use? £399 is their SRP, I'm fairly confident a Genesis dealer will do you a deal. Worth pointing out I have two Genesis bikes so might be a little bit biased.
http://www.genesisbikes.co.uk/bikes/adv ... 5-frameset
http://www.genesisbikes.co.uk/bikes/adv ... 5-frameset
- 20 Jan 2016, 12:00pm
- Forum: Helmets & helmet discussion
- Topic: Part of the look?!
- Replies: 67
- Views: 4196
Re: Part of the look?!
mjr wrote:... I know a few unhelmetted events but of course they are southern England and I'm not sure how far you want to travel. I could post/repost ones I know about to the events board on this forum if it would help - would it?
Thank you, I really appreciate the offer, it is a little bit out of the way for me although if there isn't much going on round here I might have to look further afield. I'm going to try the local cyclist 'hangouts', I saw a few groups setting off from 'The Cycle Hub' on Newcastle Quayside this weekend, most were helmeted but they seemed a bit more relaxed about their cycling in general. They weren't taking part in an 'event' as such but there's a good chance they know of a few 'more relaxed' cycling events in the area.
- 20 Jan 2016, 12:37am
- Forum: Helmets & helmet discussion
- Topic: Part of the look?!
- Replies: 67
- Views: 4196
Re: Part of the look?!
Steady rider wrote:I think that's the only option for me, it's no great loss for either party
Understandable.
In general terms could the following be useful or similar worded motions?
CTC AGM motion
The AGM requests the CTC to ask its legal advisors to provide a document that can be used to support individuals who prefer to ride without a helmet and take part in events that may insist on wearing a helmet.
another option
The AGM requests the CTC to ensure that all rides and events that the CTC promotes or are involved with does not insist on or are conditional on helmet wearing to take part in.
A proposer and seconder are required for CTC AGM motions.
In my particular case it may be a case of flogging a dead horse, the club have made it fairly clear how little they value the opinion of the CTC (to their disadvantage as far as I'm concerned).
I'm hoping to take part in a few organised events this year, I will be dismayed to find any 'helmet rules' whether I intend to wear one or not (I'm very much a fan of having a choice in the matter). Sportives are popular, but by their very nature tend to be of a sporting nature (I think there may be a clue in the title), so are likely to be mostly 'helmets to be worn' type affairs.
- 19 Jan 2016, 12:10am
- Forum: Helmets & helmet discussion
- Topic: Part of the look?!
- Replies: 67
- Views: 4196
Re: Part of the look?!
Graham wrote:Chiz : you need to find a different group. You are a heretic. No amount of rational argument, research papers, whatever will change their beliefs. Why bother ?
I think that's the only option for me, it's no great loss for either party.
- 18 Jan 2016, 11:45am
- Forum: Helmets & helmet discussion
- Topic: Part of the look?!
- Replies: 67
- Views: 4196
Re: Part of the look?!
Bicycler wrote:I speak from experience when I say that this will just get under your skin and reduce your enjoyment of rides.
It's already under my skin, the initial 'disagreement' and how quickly it escalated has really irritated me. Combined with the less hostile (but equally unhelpful) comments from other club members, the result is I feel I'll have to make a conscious effort not to bring it up again on a club ride.
- 18 Jan 2016, 11:18am
- Forum: Helmets & helmet discussion
- Topic: Part of the look?!
- Replies: 67
- Views: 4196
Re: Part of the look?!
mjr wrote:Steady rider wrote:Possibly put a motion to the CTC AGM naming the club and asking that the CTC approaches them seeking discussions and changes in their rules.
1. is the club in the opening post a CTC group or affiliate?
2. even if so, would CTC do anything? I've seen several CTC affiliates with "no helmet no ride" policies (or worse, but some have been covered in other discussions on this forum).
1. There's no mention of any CTC affiliation, where as the BC logo appears everywhere.
2. I think even with CTC input, they are unlikely to change their stance, although the 'helmet thing' has never been challenged before.
- 18 Jan 2016, 12:30am
- Forum: Helmets & helmet discussion
- Topic: Part of the look?!
- Replies: 67
- Views: 4196
Re: Part of the look?!
horizon wrote:This has been an amazing thread. It has tackled helmets full-on. Whether or not helmets are useful, at least this thread recognises that there is a huge amount of social and personal psychology involved with them, whatever one's final decision.
I only posted because I needed my faith in the wider cycling community restored. I wouldn't normally take such things personally but I seemed to have little option when I was the only one speaking out.
beardy wrote:I do see helmets in a similar way to neckties. It is a part of conformity to wear one even though they have no real use.
Scarily that fad has been going on for over 300 years.
I do my best to avoid wearing one of those too.
TonyR wrote:meic wrote:Time to google transactional analysis.
Also "motivated reasoning" and "cognitive dissonance". People will fight hard to not have the things they believe to be true invalidated and evidence just tends to harden their opposition and make their rationalisations more and more irrational.
It seems that was exactly what I was up against, I had to reign in my usual blend of light sarcasm and fun-pokery to try to prevent the row escalating, although ANYTHING I said seemed to fan the flames. Up until then every interaction I'd had with the club had been fairly pleasant, I'd seen the odd flare up but nothing on this scale.
- 17 Jan 2016, 11:39am
- Forum: Helmets & helmet discussion
- Topic: Part of the look?!
- Replies: 67
- Views: 4196
Re: Part of the look?!
Steady rider wrote:Does the club have a precise policy regarding the issue? I would be tempted to carry on and just ride without a helmet but respect riders regardless of helmet use or not.
http://www.ctc.org.uk/campaigning/views ... le-helmets◾Individuals should be free to make their own decisions about whether or not to wear helmets, with parents making these decisions in the case of younger children. Their decisions should be informed by clear information about the uncertainties over the benefits or otherwise of helmets.
Taken from the club website.
(insert club name) riders always ride with helmets, sorry no helmet no ride.
Riders who cannot or will not comply with the ride rules and general etiquette will be reported to the Welfare Officers whom will address this accordingly.
- 17 Jan 2016, 12:44am
- Forum: Helmets & helmet discussion
- Topic: Part of the look?!
- Replies: 67
- Views: 4196
Re: Part of the look?!
Ron wrote:Chiz wrote:I'm going to take a look around, I'll try not to hold anything against the club, they have their own way of doing things, as do I.
It would only be fair to the club to drop a note to their Chairman informing him/her that you were leaving due to the ill manners of a member in regard to helmet wearing.
I think I'll just be letting my membership lapse, it's due next month anyway. I think my reasoning will be clear, although I will probably email the chairman. Our ''disagreement' was quite public, even attracting the attention of the chairman, although all he had to say on the matter was that passions were running a bit high.
- 15 Jan 2016, 11:16pm
- Forum: Helmets & helmet discussion
- Topic: Part of the look?!
- Replies: 67
- Views: 4196
Re: Part of the look?!
mjr wrote:meic wrote:It could be time for an amicable separation on grounds of incompatibility.
Yep. South Shields is in a very populated area. It's only ten miles from Newcastle and closer to Sunderland. There must be a better group for you, or a latent demand for one which you could help start. I think NewCycling do occasional rides and there are/were some Friday Night Rides, plus (nods to forum sponsors) there are loads of CTC affiliates/groups on http://www.ctc.org.uk/local-groups
I'm going to take a look around, I'll try not to hold anything against the club, they have their own way of doing things, as do I.
Thank you to everyone for your wise words.