Cycling UK Forum

The era of the private car is over. To think it can be sustained in any form would be madness in the face of human extinction. The resources that are burned up in production and running requirements are enormous and if these had to be paid for no company would be profitable. That was why I asked the question in the first place as the car will have to go.

I asked a question about the CHOICE of going car free which is a choice for most people on here I would imagine. After so many answers I thought today "What if I didn't have a choice"? There are millions of weary and downtrodden people around the World who don't. Instead I should consider myself lucky and get on with my life and stop bothering the great people on here with, on second thought, stupid questions that ultimately are irrelevant.
Thom

What great replies. Thanks everyone for taking the time and effort to write such great advice and reasons. I will attempt to do it as much as possible. Have bus pass but not much good in rural Ireland as one needs to be close to main roads. Great to know others are already doing it and have been for years.
Thom

Hi all,
does anyone here use a bicycle as their sole means of transport? As lifelong cyclist and car/motorcycle owner I'm thinking of going bicycle only though it may be a little more difficult at my age (68) Any thoughts? Has anyone already done this?

Just as I was thinking of changing my 8sp for something new and fancy you come along with this post and destroy all my excuses. Thank you very much. You have saved me from fashion and a sizable wad that I will now spend on a cycle tour.
Thom

Is the online outlet paying the same level of tax as the LBS or are they shifting profits to an offshore tax haven or moving their finances through channels that are designed to eliminate their contribution to your NHS, education,police, roads and all other public services that everyone depends on? Thats the first thing I would ask.

Giant Escape with disc brakes.

Anyone cycled from Devon/Cornwall area to Wales or vice versa? Hints and tips on routes etc would be most welcome as I'm planning this tour for next year.

Android box for tv e.g. https://www.tonbux.com/ and download Mobdro app and all channnels for free, of course it is not free as the internet provider has to be paid.

Mobdro

Excellent reply Brucey and I know it doesn't really matter what the UCI does but the narrow definition of a bicyle( diamond frame etc) and banning all other forms from competition has I believe unduly influenced the sales and development of the bicycle esp here in Ireland and also in the UK. If, for example, recumbent bicycles had been included in that definition, I wonder what we term the "road bike" of today might look like.
Thom.

Road bike definition these days seem to mean actual race bikes rather than a bike that is used on the road. Why drop bars if you are not racing. Why group rides if you are not training for a race? The UCI definition has destroyed progress in the design and popularity of bicycles as transport. Laid back or Recumbent bicycles are far more comfortable and safer. Hydraulic disc brakes are the best and most reliable available. Modern "road" bikes are really only suited to racing within the rules of the UCI and are completely impractical elsewhere.

"And since I've got a car I've never got wet, been knocked off it, wore myself out..."
Yes very true, and if only the car had rim brakes it would be perfect
Thom

Since I got a bike with disc brakes I have never had a cable snap, never adjusted anything. zero rim wear, no grab or wet weather issues, controlled stopping power that far exceeds any rim brakes. The bike has been used all year round for thousands of miles, on and off road. When discs are approved for racing then watch what happens to the market for rim brakes.
Thom