Search found 175 matches

by Antbrewer
14 Jun 2023, 12:25pm
Forum: Electrically assisted pedal cycles
Topic: Transcontinental travel and incredible numbers of e-bikes
Replies: 45
Views: 6920

Re: Transcontinental travel and incredible numbers of e-bikes

It is 'good ' to see this old chestnut rear it's ugly head again. It was quite active a couple of yrs ago when I contributed a few posts on the side of the dreaded ebike .
Back in 2018 I toured through Austria and Germany on my Ridgeback touring bike and to my surprise saw maybe 60 to 70% of all age cyclists on ebikes. As I say a real surprise.. Then another tour a year later again in Austria and Germany this had risen to 80 to 90 % of cyclists using ebikes. Both in town and urban areas as well as in the country where I mainly cycled. During this period my ''activity induced asthma'' was having a profound effect on my ability in climbing any incline. This was not only on the bike but walking as well.
I decided before reaching home that I would research the ebike market. So in the March of 2020 I purchased a Cannondale synapse model.
I am 75 and I ride an ebike some of the time, I use my Claud Butler town bike everyday as it is flat where we live and my ridgeback tourer when i know the ride will be relatively flat. However the ebike has enabled my wife ( on her ebike) and myself to go much further afield.
We never ever use the car if using the bikes is possible.
I would say to those who condem ebikes and their use is to wait and see if and when they cannot ride a normal bike for health reasons what their thinking and comments will be then.
Some might say that the nickel and lithium argument re the ebike market is so insignificant to the wider issue on E cars and petrol and diesel usage against the benefits of increasing the cycling of many that wouldn't be able to is possibly a little fatuous???? Just a thought.

We now have a silly situation where ebikes are very much in the news with deaths and injuries occuring due on the whole to their misuse. Will this result in knee jerk reactions from the government with registration/ insurance etc etc ???? Time will tell.
by Antbrewer
10 Mar 2023, 11:34pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Decent bicycle bell required!
Replies: 35
Views: 2612

Re: Decent bicycle bell required!

One not to purchase
The Rockbros mini bell. This is battery operated. 3 different ineffectual rings.
I bought two at Christmas from Amazon for myself and my wife. Nobody takes a blind bit of notice. My wife gave up using hers and carried on using her traditional bell so I gave that one to my neighbour.
My bell is now used for a very different reason. On Valentines day my wife whilst on a dedicated cycle was knocked off her bike by a b_____ed in a black Audi that drove at speed across the path smashing her left knee. Fortunately no other injuries. Now at home having had extensive surgery and on crutches for the next 3 months. She uses this bell to attract my attention if I am in another room.
So it does have it's uses !
Anthony
by Antbrewer
23 Jun 2022, 5:46pm
Forum: Campaigning & Public Policy
Topic: Does saying "sorry" help?
Replies: 85
Views: 3807

Re: Does saying "sorry" help?

Phew! That's all done and dusted then.
I thought for a scary moment that that there was a hint by some of 'hit and run' being okay.
by Antbrewer
22 Jun 2022, 7:21pm
Forum: Campaigning & Public Policy
Topic: Does saying "sorry" help?
Replies: 85
Views: 3807

Re: Does saying "sorry" help?

Quote ''Some hypocrisy going on from certain posters on this thread.
If it had been a car/motorbike/HGV/van/bus driver he would have been vilified on here but it's OK because he's a 'cyclist'?
No.
It doesn't work like that.'' unquote
Totally agree..
by Antbrewer
22 Jun 2022, 7:16pm
Forum: Helmets & helmet discussion
Topic: Neil Oliver lidless
Replies: 95
Views: 27399

Re: Neil Oliver lidless

Yep that was me Al.
I have had a Cannondale synapse Neo 1 for the last two yrs. Certainly helps my late onset asthma

Still find Mr Crane and many others a pain in the neck!
by Antbrewer
22 Jun 2022, 3:47pm
Forum: Helmets & helmet discussion
Topic: Neil Oliver lidless
Replies: 95
Views: 27399

Re: Neil Oliver lidless

Hi mattheus
I'm not really apologising.

I too have cut the handle of my toothbrush when i was so much younger and cutting down weight in my backpacking days. Could I clean my teeth easily? No.
by Antbrewer
22 Jun 2022, 3:38pm
Forum: Campaigning & Public Policy
Topic: Does saying "sorry" help?
Replies: 85
Views: 3807

Re: Does saying "sorry" help?

Running away from an accident to a child is unforgivable at any time. A genuine accident is hardly wanton and deliberate where a quick escape might be required.
I cannot believe why anyone would not be concerned especially where a child is involved. Obviously we do not know all the facts of the incident but we all have a conscience. Shame on him
by Antbrewer
22 Jun 2022, 3:27pm
Forum: Helmets & helmet discussion
Topic: Neil Oliver lidless
Replies: 95
Views: 27399

Re: Neil Oliver lidless

Yes I know Nick Crane is cyclist and walker etc etc. I read all books years ago when he was with his cousin Richard and enjoyed them. However this thread developed into people and presenters and styles etc and he just gets on my wick with his style and umbrella. Sorry.

Can't believe you have had your ebike as long as you have Al as I believe it was on my comments that you went for yours.
Anthony
by Antbrewer
21 Jun 2022, 5:15pm
Forum: Helmets & helmet discussion
Topic: Neil Oliver lidless
Replies: 95
Views: 27399

Re: Neil Oliver lidless

This thread could be endless. I agree with so many previous posts. One chap that drives me nuts is ''Look at my face'' Nicholas Crane. I think he must own the company with the camera rights whatever. The landscape he is in will always far more interesting than his flipping face with an unopened umbrella in his rucksack. But he has his face in the lens all the time.
Totally agree with the comment 'When it comes to physics, I far prefer Jim Al Khalili to the other usual suspect (whom I find unwatchable).'

Caroline Quentin and Susan Cullman and many many others might be good at what they should be doing but it sure isn't presenting a travel program to me. AND I am not difficult to please.
Prof Fry and her cancer program was very necessary and sadly revealing. Having worked in that environment and also having sat on that chair with all the details of chemo , risk, death etc etc thrown at me and wondering what the blazes to do when faced with so much info at that most vulnerable moment it really hit a nerve.
Not fond of Julia Bradbury generally but boy was she brave.
As I said this could run and run.
by Antbrewer
8 Dec 2021, 12:05pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Along For The Ride with David O Doherty
Replies: 49
Views: 2746

Re: Along For The Ride with David O Doherty

I tend to agree with a mix of most of what has been said.
Good to have anything on the box regarding bikes within reason. However it can be tedious with the 'ford' crossing for instance. That was just daft. Also it does depend whether one likes the people involved . The first chappy on a Brompton was fine and missed Grayson Perry. However last night with Mel Giedroyc leaves me a trite cold. I just get fed up seeing the same people presenting whatever all the time. Probably be an unknown couple called Ant and Dec next.
Save us please
by Antbrewer
5 Oct 2021, 6:10pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: CTC type plastic Bike Bags Lidl
Replies: 16
Views: 1861

Re: CTC type plastic Bike Bags Lidl

Today I noticed a bike bag in Aldi. This seems very substanstial indeed and more so than the ones in our local Lidl store. The Aldi ones have a handle and I think would be very useful by comparison with the CTC plastic bags available

Pity I am not about to fly off anywhere soon.
by Antbrewer
4 Oct 2021, 10:31am
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: CTC type plastic Bike Bags Lidl
Replies: 16
Views: 1861

Re: CTC type plastic Bike Bags Lidl

I have seen the bike covers they are presently selling. These are for covering bikes in transit as on the back of a car or just protective covers from the weather.
I am not sure that they would be as tough as the CTC plastic bags which I have used a few times while taking the bike on airlines. I may be wrong but they certainly don't look the same thickness in the packet on display in Lidl
by Antbrewer
21 Sep 2021, 12:39pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: A sad,sad loss.
Replies: 15
Views: 2322

Re: Sad news

This is very sad news indeed. I have followed this lovely inspirational man on youtube for a couple of years watching all of his videos and cannot believe that we will not see his wonderful clips anymore. I would often just watch his travels instead of the TV.
Such a humble and gentle man but with a determination and strength not seen in many on a bike.

Truly a great loss
by Antbrewer
23 Aug 2021, 6:22pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: What Goes Round - Panniers
Replies: 65
Views: 3520

Re: What Goes Round - Panniers

I am still using a 22yr pair of Halfords panniers though somewhat worn out now. One at least every day on my town bike. However I have last week taken delivery of a lovely pair of Ortlieb back rollers. A joy to look at and to handle. A lovely two tone colour blue.
I have obviously read lots on bike packing over the last 2 to 3 yrs ( maybe more I don't know) and all the super expensive frame bags, saddle bags etc. These help to reduce wind resistance and are large enough to pack a family tent for 6 people, stoves and a wardrobe of clothes etc etc. That comment might be a little OTT but the speed I cycle these days wind resistance is of little interest to me and I can carry all I need in two bags on the rack over the back wheel and a bar bag. I am sure we all strive for the lightest weight achievable.
As long as folk can get their bikes out and pack whatever they need wherever on the bike then everyone is happy.. The new Tailfin set up I read about the other day looks great but not large enough by miles and I haven't the cash or inclination to purchase a new set up.
It is great to see new innovations all the time and long may that last.
by Antbrewer
16 Aug 2021, 2:44pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: cycle touring books
Replies: 57
Views: 2725

Re: cycle touring books

I don't think this book has been mentioned here. But I came across this book and downloaded it on my kindle
'Far sweeter than honey' by William Spencer.
The account of his bike ride from Hertfordshire to India in 1970. One of the best ( and I have read many such bike travel books) books I have read. All the nitty gritty which is sometimes glossed over. Very readable
His story rings many bells with me as my wife and I on foot and hitchhiking went on a similar travel in 1970 for 6 mths.
Recommend it