Cycling UK Forum

I toured for years on a 20 year old unmodified Specialised Rockhopper. Did look into changing the front shock for an extended Surly fork but it was such a faff I didn't bother. Added mudguards, a rear rack with 2 large panniers to take my stuff. Tent and sleeping bag strapped to the top of the rack. I tended to use the train to get to Mallaig or Oban and this setup was ideal. You cant take trailers onto the train unless you can flat pack it.

No doubt a tourer would be ideal but there is no reason why you can't use what you have.

Just after nine so had a front light, rear light and flashing lights on my rucksack. They told me that with oncoming traffic headlights I was a danger. They asked why I wasn't wearing a hi-viz vest and a helmet. Told them I have cycled for some 40+ years without either and wasnt going to start now. They told me to get off the road and cycle on the pavement as I was a danger to other road users.
I did as they instructed. Just as well as they had pulled into a side street a couple of hundred yards ahead to spy on me. Must have been a slow night for them. So helmets and hi-viz are not legal requirements. Can the police force you wear them if they deem you are a danger.

I got knocked off my bike a couple of weeks ago. Had it all in glorious HD on my cam. Taxi driver handed himself in. Police decided there was no criminal intent so no further action. Didnt even look at my video. What's the point.?

What you boys drinking/smoking? I need to get meself some.

Will you be computer warriors sending out emails in anger/disgust via Twitter/Facebook?
Will you be taking a more proactive role by turning up to events in numbers to take control and lead?
I'm not sure my subscription is being well spent. How long have you been in existence? Scotland and maybe the UK has the worst infra in Europe. Why is that? What have you been doing all this time? Don't bother rhyming off your 'achievments. Not good enough. I don't feel safe cycling on the roads despite your 100+ years in existence.

Any bike with a rack an two panniers. Bung everything into your panniers and put the tent and sleeping bag on your rack. Take as little as possible. Take a two man tent that you can sit up in but as light as possible but enough storage for your stuff out of the rain Plan on camping 5 days and hostelling 2 so that you can wash your clothes. Take lots of underwear and socks. Best time of my life.

Apols for replying to my own post but also seen a couple of bakfiets withs kids strapped in. So proud. Offered to take my two but they weren't keen. They are in their mid twenties I suppose.

I use Schwalbe CX Pros on my steel Genesis Croix de Fer. Never had a puncture and deliberately ride over fairies and nails. Come ahead.

Good point about the trains. I think that's what the want us to do. Leave your bike at your local them get a hire bike at the other end. Absolutely no problem with this. It works so far because it's all new so there's plenty of rentals available on the other side.

Cycling into Glasgow on a lovely, sunny day. Me and the bike. Wonderful. 3 guys from the local CC club caught up like extras from Robocop. You know the sort of thing: helmets, glasses, gloves. cameras, gps computers, protective clothing and stuff. Adverts on bikes. Talked to one of them briefly who was disappointed I wasn't wearing a helmet. Told me 'they' were in talks with the police and that the police would soon be introducing a £30 fine for cyclists not wearing a helmet. Why do these people think they can speak for other cyclists because they are in a CC? I'm 50 this year and have never wore a helmet. What is it with this country that so called experts need to tell you how to behave. Precisely the reason why I don't belong to a CC.

Got a row off the wife. '{FFE - family-friendly edit }' she exclaims. 'Can you not at least pretend to eye up the cyclists?'
Do I need help?

I was hoping my next mid life crisis (there's been a few) was going to involve a Harley Davidson but it turns out to be a Vanmoof. Are these bikes as good as they look? Is it just a posing machine or would I be able to commute 15 miles there and back. Whose got one of these lovely creations?

So pleased to see these Bullitt cargo bikes in Glasgow delivering stuff. They really look the business and hope they are successful. What a pleasant alternative to white van drivers. More please.

Really impressed with the quality of these bikes. An excellent alternative to taking my own bike on the train which is not popular during rush hour. The best thing, methinks the bus and taxi drivers have been warned to give PLENTY of space for these bikes. Not had one incident in the past week or. They don't want the bad press to be the first to run over a Weegie Wheeler! Is this the same elsewhere? Bath, London etc, I'm just loving this honeymoon period.

Had a Rockhopper for ever. When it came to replacing I opted for a CX bike. Shoved some Mavic wheels on along with Schwalbe Pro tyres. It really is fabulous offroad and I often use it to commute 15+ miles every other day. Love it. The bike's a steel Croix De Fer.