Cycling UK Forum

I rejoined as I wanted to book a CTC tour and will probably continue to pay my subs as I'm now enjoying the feeling of community associated with being a member (honestly I am). In terms of value for money - or do the benefits equal the cost - then that is an individual decision but I feel that the legal advice and 3rd party insurance probably justify the cost alone. IMO the magazine is a reason NOT to renew rather than an incentive and if it was possible to reduce my subs and not take the mag I would select that option

Sorry to be argumentative, but I think twizzling was invented by the Teddy Boys of the 60's but they didn't seem to be taking as much care to avoid neckers!!

I thought e numbers were bad for me - I'll have to have a rethink!

I love this ...... I'm sure it will fill the bill for you and the staff at the shop make the buying a pleasure - almost like being fitted for a made to measure suit

http://www.condorcycles.com/agio.html

Unless your teenager is atypical, I'd opt for a bike that enjoys being left outside, abused, lent to friends, rained upon and so on . . . or am I just being a little too pessimistic?

I realise that I have not disclosed a great deal of personal information on my profile but I have listed a couple of items - I'm retired, I live in the vicinity of Newcastle upon Tyne. Many members exercise the option not to disclose but I often would like to know more about some of the correspondants whose posts hint at interesting lives, occupation and backgrounds. How do people feel about this - I guess the absence of info gives a clue to your views or is it that the majority have not thought about updating their profiles? I also understand that there is a need for security in matters of the internet but I don't think there is any undue risk here

Of course I recognise that there's also truth in the old say 'a stitch in time saves nine' and therefore my bikes are looked after!

Very interesting and informative replies, thanks. I enjoyed my ride and am looking forward to another. With some of the achievements reported above, I feel motivated to stretch (or test) my boundaries!

I'm approaching the end of my 50's and yesterday I rode from coast to coast across Northern England in one go - 100 miles exactly (I circled the streets at the end to complete the exact century) I'm pleased with my self as this was the first time I've ridden that far but I'm not seeking praise. Obviously tired, I felt suprisingly good at the end and have been pondering since about how long I could have gone on. To give you an idea of my pace, it took about 8 hours. Do any of you long distance riders have experience of pushing the limit - what happens and what are the warning signs that the tank is almost empty.

There's a good old saying which suggests that if it ain't broke, don't fix it. I'm sure there's a psychological diagnosis called something like maintainance fetishism!!! Some of you seem to clean your chains as often as the rest of us wash our shorts. What's in that southern air that makes you constantly tinker? A dribble of chain lube and a pump or two of air now and again and Bob's your uncle. Just watched stage 8 of the TDF - none of those riders jumped off to service their bikes at the end

Regardless of how noble one's motives may be, I believe that in general when we cycle we are cyclists,when we walk we're pedestrians and drive we're motorists and never the twain shall meet so to speak to the extent that the needs of each group will always be incompatible. By this I mean that there seems to be a degree of character shift present in us all whereby a mild mannered cyclist or walker turns into a road hog and a walker or motorist resents the presence of bikers. That said, we are in the main mature and well meaning adults who may curse others under our breath at times whilst nodding and smiling politely. Such is the basis on which society exists. In short patience is a virtue - let us cyclists accomodate the needs of walkers and steer carefully around horse manure in the spirit of cooperation . . . . . . . . but we must never cease to shout at motorists with all our volume when they transgress!!

Some years ago my wife and I sampled tandem riding courtesy of a local hire shop who provided a tandem for the day along with tuition. We went on to buy one. Does anyone know of any similar opportunity vis a vis recumbents? (North of England area). I would love to try a 'bent and if I liked it then work on the financial comptroller with a view to aquiring one. Thanks Notwithstanding that they are apparently the 'work of the devil'

I agree with all the above and particularly wonder at the number of cyclists who, especially in the autumn and winter, do not fit guards and then proceed to get themselves wet and dirty before sitting in cafes etc. This is not to disregard to advantages already discussed about protecting other cyclists and the bike itself. In my view the absence of mudguards is a greater faux pas than that of one pannier or riding whilst mobile phoning!

Spark 303 - go on holiday to Hawai - you'll fit in well with those shirts. I like them!

By gum ... another gap in my knowledge. The piece is very interesting but I wonder if motorists are always the same colour - or do they change according to external influences. I feel that at times I fit into several of the categories in a single day