Cycling UK Forum

They were irritated by the lack of consideration, there was no reason not to single out for a brief period to let a car through, why be deliberately provocative? We have to share the roads, lets be nice to one another, why not?

To the guys who enjoy not singling out when there is a car behind, (and two the two guys who did so and blocked my workmates sons first driving lesson for two miles between Greens Norton and Farthingstone) - please don't do this. It irritates motorists beyond belief (especially because they think it's illegal) and I get it in the neck from my workmates because I'm a known cyclist and therefore culpable by association.
Cheers 'Stradageek'

Plagued for years by cold feet and agree with most of the advice given. I use thermal insoles to isloate the cleats, thin-ish socks so that the shoes aren't too tight and restrict circulation, then, most importantly, dress up so that I'm a little over-warm (even a little sweaty). Cold feet are largely caused by the body shutting down circulation at the extremeties to conserve body core temperature. If there is heat to spare, the circulation stays operative and feet stay warm. In seriously sub-zero territory, after many hours, I have found that getting off and walking for a minute or two will also soon get the circulation going.

Now I'm never put off by the cold and and it's great to be able to go out on those fantastic clear frosty winter mornings.

PS I'm now a recumbent rider, which is supposed to make matters worse, but, interestingly, I've noticed no difference

Cheers

Stradageek

Following a 'Velovision' report (Dec 08) and forum reviews I purchased a Fenix L2D (about £40) and the little Velcro rubber mounting bracket. Results are fantastic, in '90 min burn-time turbo mode' I can fearlessly descend unlit country hills at well over 30mph. Takes two recharageable AA batteries, best accessory I've ever bought

A 'tandemed coupled Kettwiesel pair' not only allows one of us to freewheel but also allows us to select different gears. Hill climbing is vastly improved over our old standard upright tandem as a result (I prefer to spin, she to slog it out). Stopping to admire the views is also easier and the stoker can now see where we are going rather than just looking at the pilots back. There's also the standard recumbent advantages into a wind and in terms of comfort, just a bit more rolling resistance at speed (5 wheels rather than two!).... then there's the cost!

Alan D wrote:T'is fixed
Took it to my LBS, they straightened the drop-out and also the slightly bent mech. Runs nice-n-sweet now. And it only cost seven squids.

Happy days, unfortunately took mine to the dealer and an hour later despite straightened drop out and new mech the problem couldn't be solved. I balked at changing chain/block/cables (again)/arm and shifter and now just tweak the gripshift after dropping to 6/7/8 and it settles and holds. I can live with it.

Just be sure to post the solution when and if you find it, I'm all ears! My SRAM X7 system has had much the same problem from new, I need to pull up (twist grip shifters) very slightly after dropping from 6-7 and 7-8 to get the chain back in line. More cable tension just means I rattle on 2 and 3. And I've experimented endlessly with cables/cable routing, spring tension , alignment etc. without success (everything recommended by the late great Sheldon Brown). 50 years of cycling and tinkering with bikes and this is the first time I've tasted defeat!

There is always the Corsa 24, it weighs next to nothing and is designed for smaller riders. It was after riding a Corsa 24 that I was sold on Bacchetta's, just couldn't quite afford one. Still love my Strada however!

Hi, I have a Bacchetta Strada and can honestly say that after a year or two developing good recumbent legs I now ascend pretty much as fast as I did on an upwrong - and I'm a harsh critic, I like climbing hills. I think it's all about a stiff frame and a direct chain line, I'm amazed how good a climber the kettwiesel is, again stiff frame and direct chainline.

I just wondered how many people listen to an ipod or other mp3 player when they are riding?

Absolutely never, I see with my ears. A good example occurred on a tandem ride, we were approaching a pinch point and I could hear a distant car accelerating to cut ahead, I had time to produce a 'strategic wobble' and listen to the subsequent braking/deceleration knowing that we were now safe to proceed. I didn't even have to look behind. With a nice twist of irony I always assume an extra defensive riding position if I hear the 'thump thump' of a car stereo behind, knowing the driver will be oblivious of all around him.

Three sad but very plausible reasons, scary!

Should I be flattered that so many politicians are so deeply concerned for my welfare as a cyclist that they want to protect me from unwittingly doing something 'dangerous' like not wearing a helmet or do I sense that making those 'free as a bird' cyclists suffer the level of legislation and restriction necessarily imposed on motorists is a likely vote winner?

Apologies if this is an old topic and/or I've just wokem up in a cynical mood

If you could PM the details that would be really appreciated, many thanks

Hi, My niece (15) and occasional commuter cyclist Dad are planning to cycle the above C2C by road, to raise money for a volunteering trip to Kenya. Can anyone tell me where I can find a detailed route that follows quiet roads and is direct-ish? CTC routes has a nice sceneic route which may do, but I can't find any other suggestions.

ericonabike wrote:As an aside, does anyone else admit to secretly wishing that any one of the three categoroers above would actually collide with an oncoming car? Not in such a way as to cause personal injury, but just to damage both vehicles. Sometimes the dark mood creeps up on me....

Sadly, as I discovered this morning, the average driver will avoid such an accident by simply cutting back in on the cyclist instead. His wing mirror nearly took my head off (recumbent rider)!

Hey ho, probably need to take more assertive line through blind bends. Maybe I'll ride a foot to the left of the middle of the road rather than a metre out from the kerb.

Still, I live to ride another day!