Cycling UK Forum

My thanks to all contributors for the excellent suggestions.

Does anyone know how to avoid cramp or stop it once it starts? I often get leg cramp after rides. Stretching before and after, hasn't yet made much difference, nor has taking multivits. Grateful for any ideas.

I have had no success in finding a saddle that does not bruise my "seat bones" after an hour or two. I think this is partly because I am of a fairly hefty "rugby" build, and partly because i have to ride fairly upright (back damage). Does anyone have a recommendation for a saddle which i might find more comfortable? I'm well into middle age so typically my rides are 3 or 4 hours and speed isn't important. (Just as well).

I ride a hybrid currently fitted with Schwalbe Marathon Plus, 37-622 size. (700 wheels) These are rated at max 85 psi, but at that pressure offer no comfort. Does anyone know what would be the right pressure? I don't want to increase the puncture risk, which is why I got them in the first place, and I would like to keep rolling resistance down. With all my kit on and a saddle bag I guess I weigh 98kgs approx. Thanks in advance.

I have returned to cycling in middle age and would welcome advice on whether to go for cleats and road shoes on my hybrid bike. I would like to look the part of a "proper cyclist" rather than a bloke going down the shops on his bike - but I wonder if they would look a bit daft on a hybrid with a pretty upright riding position and straight bars. (back trouble rules out drops for me these days). Mainly though, I would ask if they make any real difference to how far/fast you go for the same effort. My current flat pedals that came with the bike (a Marin) are plenty grippy and my foot has never slipped on them even when standing.

Many thanks to all contributors; I have bought a Thule tow bar mounted rack and it has been excellent on a couple of 150 mile trips.

Many thanks to all those who have replied...very useful. I shall be the proud owner of a towbar and rack pretty soon !

Does anyone have recommendations / experience of towbar-mounted bike racks? Even with both wheels off, I can't fit my bike into my car. Plus I sometimes want to take two or three bikes. So I am looking into fitting a tow bar and rack (considering a Thule). Advice much appreciated as this is quite an expense and I'd like to make the right decision.

Does anyone have recommendations / experience of towbar-mounted bike racks? Even with both wheels off, I can't fit my bike into my car. Plus I sometimes want to take two or three bikes. So I am looking into fitting a tow bar and rack (considering a Thule). Advice much appreciated as this is quite an expense and I'd like to make the right decision.

I have a hybrid bike and for on-tarmac use, I changed the original wheels (700 x 35) for thinner faster ones (700 x 23). Does anyone know if I will get better puncture resistance on these "road bike" wheels or on my originals? In both cases I have Schwalbe Marathon Plus tyres fitted. Or is there no difference? I will fit the wider wheels whenever I expect to be on poorer surfaces. (But I'm not intending to ride on the rougher off-road surfaces.) Many thanks.

I'm looking into getting a folding bike, mainly for 30 miles of so leisure rides, including one-way rides in new territory.

I am interested in the <Dahon Vitesse D7 2010> which appears to stack up well against a much more expensive Brompton. I have heard conflicting opinions of folders generally. These views range from "brilliant, use it all the time" to one bike shop owner who said he wouldn't do more than about 6 miles on one, and I should stick to using my hybrid (Marin City) for leisure rides.

I'd welcome any opinions on how good the Dahon is and any snags encountered. I am quite heavily built, if that's relevant to anyone.

Many thanks,

Thanks Scott for a great reply. It sounds like it would be a good buy even though slower than my current road/hybrid bike.

Does anyone have any experience of good a Brompton is for leisure rides? (as opposed to short commutes for which it's intended)

I only do moderate distances (max say 40 miles) having returned to cycling in late middle age. I currently ride a Marin hybrid modified with 700 x 23 thinner faster wheels. It's great, fast and easy but I find it a hassle to take a full sized bike by car on the bike rack, so I can ride in new areas. I weigh 92kgs. Most grateful for any input on this.

Does anyone know a make of cycling jerseys that come in a large size? I am quite a big guy at 48 chest and cannot find any that come close to fitting. No longer in the full flush of youth (!), I am a casual rider, so don't need the really high performance gear you would wear to race. I just need to be warm, dry and conspicuous to cars. Many thanks

We plan to buy a surprise bike for a relative's 10th birthday. Therefore he can't be there when we choose it. Does anyone have any guidance on how to buy the right size? We will know his height, weight and inside leg measurements. The bike will probably be a hybrid, but may be a mountain bike. Thanks