Cycling UK Forum

Mick F wrote: Shimano at that level? Good stuff? I doubt it.

Having had problems with a worn front deralier I replaced it experimentally with a seriously cheap Shimano job from Halfords. It didn't look pretty but worked perfectly for years.

Simon L6 wrote:
And, once again, he's not interested in what's in front of his eyes - a trait he shares in this respect, with the LCC. Apparently it's an 'utter disgrace' that there isn't a cycle lane on the Embankment. Why? It's one of the most popular cycle routes in the city, even where there is a shorter, quieter alternative (Lupus Street) with a cycle lane (handily placed in door range). If it works, don't fix it.

Sorry Simon I am not clear on this : Assuming Embankment means Victoria Embankment (Westminster - Blackfriars ) how is Lupus street an alternative ? It was nice on the London Freewheel though.

Two problems with cushions - aiming for the gap can squeeze you into the door zone of parked cars. (CID does suggest controlling parking but local councillors will be scared of that ). The other arises when you have snow cover. Hit the side of a cushion and you are neatly flipped over.

ITIYM St John's Road. - Yes this certainly works despite the fact that every time I go through there is at least one illegal vehicle. Critical mass of pedestrians ?

Are you suggesting that we drop CTC and spend our time campaigning for Friends of the Earth ?

George Riches wrote:&
Ways must be found to satisfy the desires of local communities for safer streets. We recommend that local authorities be given the powers and resources to introduce 20-mph limits much more widely.

unfortunately followed by :
Flexibility is required to avoid the prohibitive costs associated with some approaches. The balance of engineering measures, technology, policing and community influence should be a local matter. Systems, however, must not rely on high levels of fines or draconian enforcement.

Why not ???

George thanks for this which included such gems as :

[To date, there is insufficient evidence to suggest a change in Rule 64 of the Highway Code is needed and it is therefore not TfL’s intention to pursue this aspect]
• Nearly 90% of cyclists at six sites surveyed cycled across Zebra crossings

One wonders what TfL would regard as sufficient evidence as to the need to change a rule which is not backed by law and is ignored 90% of the time.

Mick F wrote:Couldn't agree more.

Education is what the dosh should be spent on, not cycle lanes!

Educate the drivers
Educate the cyclists
Educate the pedestrians
Educate all the rest

As a retired teacher I am touched by your faith in education.
Actually the cycle lane seems to have challenged the OPs mother which is a good start and hefty fines for violating it might well encourage learning.

I have had an older version of the Thorn Club Tour for about six years and have used for touring and general utility including carrying a bag of fence post concrete. No problems at all. (apart from the powder coat concealing the frame number )

Another vote for Lincolnshire. NCN routes provide pretty traffic free routes into Lincoln itself (and with the amount of traffic in Lincoln they are useful) which could be built in as a rest day with plenty to see in pedestrian mode. Free cycle maps from county council.

The proper position for a Brooks gives the sensation of sitting in the saddle rather than on the saddle.

Hmm - when a Brooks is worn a bit the sitz bones area sags down below the back of the saddle. If you don't want the front of the saddle rubbing delicate bits should you tilt the saddle forward to compensate ?
I remember the saddle I had years ago treated with neats foot oil as more comfortable that the current one treated with proofride. This may just be poor memory or deteriorating bum !

Done - and copied to uk.rec.cycling

If you book in advance trains can be affordable -eg £13 from Plymouth to London with free bike reservation. (http://www.nationalexpresseastcoast.com) gives you the chance to book bike spaces online and has no extra charges.

Flash your passport in the Tourist Information Office in Ravenna (Italy) and you are given a key to unlock one of a series of yellow bikes for the day. OK they are heavy, single gear and have solid tyres but if you are suffering from cycling withdrawal symptoms....

About time some of the smaller tourist tows in this country caught up.

Surely the answer is "it depends". When I am popping to the shops I don't wear one. When I am going out playing (second childhood ! ) on my mountain bike and likely to fall off, I do.

downsman wrote:
A short run at highly dangerous speed won't be stopped by these cameras.

If enough longer distance drivers are keeping below 20 then that will make it difficult for anyone else to go much faster. It will be a matter of having plenty of cameras (and digital cameras are getting pretty cheap these days).