Cycling UK Forum

softlips wrote: ↑31 May 2023, 8:01pm

PeterJ wrote: ↑30 May 2023, 11:02pm Presumably you've come across this chap?

https://drsanjayguptacardiologist.com/

If not, it might be worth contacting him.

He doesn't do electrophysiology, he does imaging - unlike Richard Schilling previously mentioned (I've worked with both).

There are many excellent Electrophysiologists in Canada you can be referred to.

My suggestion was more in relation to the overall management of conditions like this. I'm not keen on the word, but Dr Gupta's approach could be described as 'holistic' and he may be helpful in offering a wider perspective.

However, re-reading the thread I'm not sure a wider perspective is what the original poster is looking for.

aegisgfx wrote: ↑30 May 2023, 11:04pm Yes I have seen his videos, but again I am in Canada and he is in UK so getting a consultation there might be impossible

I would imagine you could get his opinion on your experiences, ECG readings etc. I'd be surprised if he needed to physically examine you.

Presumably you've come across this chap?

https://drsanjayguptacardiologist.com/

If not, it might be worth contacting him.

I had a couple of instances of arrythmia. Went to GP who took it seriously as I have had a stroke in the past.

Had the 24 hour holter and a couple of ecgs but it didn't show up.

So the local hospital issued me with a Kardia device. If I have another episode I can record it immediately on the device and send the reading to the hospital via my mobile.

If your local cardiology department don't offer them for free you can buy one for £99 at Amazon.

I'll happily ride in the cold, but not in wind and/or rain. I've recently taken out gym membership, partly because of this and partly to strengthen my legs.

I've realised that when I'm cycling outdoors my legs are only putting in significant effort about 30% of the time (I like to take in the countryside) whereas 50 minutes on the stepper, stationary bike, treadmill and Nordic ski thingy gives me a proper workout.

Thank you again for all the suggestions.

It seems that the most sensible course of action is to take it to the LBS and see what the chap says.

I'll make sure I report back.

Have you spoken to your bank? You can get them to refund you if you paid by credit card and I believe that some will if you paid by debit card.

https://www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights ... Z2d4z3nT8q

Apologies if you knew this already.

gbnz wrote: ↑28 Sep 2022, 4:35pm

Nearholmer wrote: ↑28 Sep 2022, 3:41pm Almost certainly an age thing.

Yes, that's is why I hadn't booked it directly (I'm 50). But it doesn't circumvent the fact that the NHS have directly contacted a vulnerable patient by text, letter and now two emails, asking them to book a booster "asap", but then refuse to allow the patient to book it, when that vulnerable patient has contacted them to book it, as directly requested by the NHS.

I'm 50+ and in one of the 'vulnerable' groups (I've been eligible for a flu jab since 2016). I ticked the 'not sure' option in response to the clinically vulnerable question on the national booking website and it let me make an appointment.

If you're vulnerability is limited to the fact that you're over 50 then I guess it'll be a few weeks before you can book.

I agree that the discrepancy between texts/emails and the booking website is irritating.

mattheus wrote: ↑28 Sep 2022, 2:08pm Surely there must be a list of exclusions?!?

I'm not suggesting that "... while cycling ... " is likely to be on there, but I imagine driving is there, amongst other things. :-/

Yes, I did wonder about that - otherwise why bother with separate car insurance? A closer look revealed that they won't cover liability while using vehicles. Their definition of vehicles means cycling is covered.

531colin wrote: ↑29 Sep 2022, 1:13pm [quote=PeterJ post_id=1726580 time=1664434565 u

This is already an odd set-up.
You have an MTB chainset and a road F. mech. Normally these would be incompatible, because the chainline is different between Shimano MTB and road stuff. Either Ridgeback have specified a non-standard length BB unit, or they have been very lucky.
I'm assuming you have drop bar STI levers (combined gear and brake levers) because these work with road f. mechs. The cable pull is different for MTB front mechs.

The bottom bracket is a Shimano BB-UN55 according to the online spec.

Yes, the bike has drop bar STI levers.

Jdsk wrote: ↑29 Sep 2022, 8:56am And thanks for that detailed and exemplary response to the questions and advice. I'm always amazed by how many OPs don't do that.

PeterJ wrote: ↑29 Sep 2022, 7:56am 4. I'll be getting the work done by a very competent local bike shop. Budget is an issue and I'm very happy with the performance of the current setup other than the lack of a very low gear so I'm hoping for a low cost solution if possible.

I'm pretty sure that the experts here will come up with components that fit your needs and drivetrain and budget.

You need to decide who is going to buy the bits. It's usually cheaper for you to do that online and only pay the bike shop for labour. But it reduces risk if the bike shop supplies everything: if any of it doesn't work together then it's their problem.

Jonathan

Thank you.

I'm inclined to let the shop purchase the bits. He's always been very good value, and occasionally will give me a small part for free. And as you say, I'd prefer him to have full responsibility for making sure it all works - I'd imagine he'd be happier with this arrangement too.

It would be great if the forum experts could come up with a list of requirements I can hand to the shop.

Thanks again.

Thanks for all the advice and suggestions. In response to the various points:

1. I have a cranky knee at the moment, so although I intend to strengthen my legs, I want a gear I that doesn't involve me grinding my way up hills. I have relatively weak legs but excellent cardiovascular fitness, so spinning suits me.

2. Bike is a Ridgeback Voyage. The setup is:
Front: Alivio Chainset, 48, 38, 28 with a Sora mechanism.
Rear: Deore mechanism with an 11-32 eight speed cassette.

3. I do use top gear when I'm caning it along a downhill incline.

4. I want to be able to get up hills with a fully loaded bike. By 'hills' I mean anything you might find in the Peak District with the exception of Winatts. By 'fully loaded' I mean two rear panniers and a sleeping & thermarest on the rear rack.

4. I'll be getting the work done by a very competent local bike shop. Budget is an issue and I'm very happy with the performance of the current setup other than the lack of a very low gear so I'm hoping for a low cost solution if possible.

Thanks again. The depth of knowledge on this forum is really valuable.

I struggle to get up some steep hills, and my plans to do more cycle-camping will be limited to the flatter areas of the UK unless I can get better at this aspect of cycling.

I'm going to work on my leg strength, but it's also occurred to me that it might be worth replacing my lowest gear with something easier to push (is this called a 'granny gear'?).

My largest rear cog has 32 teeth. My smallest chain ring has 28 teeth. The rear set-up is Shimano Deore.

Is it just a matter of replacing the largest rear cog? How many teeth should I go for if I want to twirl my way up hills?

Thank you.

Nigel wrote: ↑24 Sep 2022, 6:39pm

PeterJ wrote: ↑24 Sep 2022, 8:52am

Psamathe wrote: ↑24 Sep 2022, 8:31am Check your home insurance. Mine covers 3rd {arty Liability whilst I'm out cycling. It's not an add-on, I don't pay extra for it; it's part of the standard policy (so debatably free).

Ian

Thank you. My home policy doesn't cover me unfortunately.

Are you sure ??? It is usually in the general liabilities section for the occupier and their family. It won't mention bicycles, but will exclude things like motor vehicles, power boats, etc.. Unless bicycles are excluded, you are very likely covered.



- Nigel

Ah. I've just had a look at the policy wording and you and Psamathe were right. There is a whole section called 'Personal Liability' which covers

'Liabilities arising from you occupying your
home and your personal liabilities as a private
individual in and away from your home.
We will pay up to £2,000,000 to cover your legal
liability for damages you have to pay if someone
makes a claim against you during the period of
insurance for:
> accidental death or illness of, or bodily injury
to, any person
> accidental loss of or damage to property'

Sounds like that's all I need in terms of cover.

Thank you for pushing me to double check this.

PH wrote: ↑24 Sep 2022, 9:40am

PeterJ wrote: ↑24 Sep 2022, 8:31am I guess I'm a bit hesitant because I've never heard of them......

Had you ever heard of Butterworth Spengler, Cycling UK's insurance provider?
Laka will be regulated by whoever the appropriate body are, a little digging will find they're underwritten (Or the excess is, it's a complicated business model) by the Zurich Insurance group, who you may have heard of.

Fair point. I've now done a bit of digging, having been burnt before by an outfit with a very slick website but little substance behind it.

The insurance side of Laka seems good, the legal side awful. For a quid a month the third party liability seems like a good deal.