Cycling UK Forum

Is there a knack to opening up the spindle with the tool Colin suggested. I’ve often struggled to get the plastic tool to open the pedal spindle.

As alluded to above, I’m also of the view that Alfine wheel removal isn’t a big issue. Sure there is one, possible two, extra steps to get the wheel out, but this may add approx 30 extra seconds. There is of course the need to carry a spanner, but that isn’t that arduous when carrying other commuting clobber.

Besides, good picture resistance tyres should minimise wheel removal.

I am a runner and cyclist and find cycling about 15-20% easier for the same timeframe. Cycling up hills is marginally more difficult than running up them, but one gets a chance to recover downhill.

I find running a better all round workout and more efficient time wise. Less clobber to wear and bike to maintain.

Not seen RLJ as per all of the above reasons.

But…I have seen impatient cyclists crawl a bike length forward to the give them an edge when traffic stops or lights turn green. These were in the minority.

I love it. I consider it type 2 fun.

I’ve been exercising for most of my adult life and was a long distance cycle commuter pre-COVID. I’ve become accustomed to what others would deem ‘suffering’.

I get a warm glow from having shaken off poor weather, sleep deprivation and other challenges.

There is nothing like leaning the bike against a tree and lying down on a piece of grass to rest after a hard section. Or the first mouthful of food (doesn’t matter what is) when I’m hungry.

I once read a book by a former SAS soldier who said after a 30 mile hike in a jungle with a heavy backpack, they would be responsible for foraging and cooking their own food. He said boiled nettles never tasted so good.

After a two year break due to a back injury, I’m looking forward to a week’s tour next month. I’ll be B&Bing this one as I’m with a small group.

Streetlights wrote: ↑9 May 2022, 7:11am Hi
Does anyone have a recommended route for Dieppe to Caen and/or suggestions of the best place to cross the Seine?
Thanks very much
Jason

Not sure it’s the best place, but I crossed via Pont du Normandie bridge. There is a cycle lane, though only segregated via a white line. I rode across it in July and it was busy with tourist cars and motorhomes, but they were very courteous. The surrounding countryside at either end is rather nice and there are plenty of quiet roads.

Forgot to add - if you wish to avoid the coast and are prepared for a slightly longer route, you could cross at Pont de Brotonne. This is bang in the middle of a National Park and is much quieter. Also has a segregated cycle lane.

Not necessarily a new purchase, but an old spoke bent into a U shape is great at holding opposing sections of a chain as you join the ends.

I struggled for years until I saw this little tip somewhere.

sussex cyclist wrote: ↑6 May 2022, 5:47pm

simonineaston wrote: ↑6 May 2022, 8:50am After much pondering on this subject, I think the answer is: a bench vice!

Really wish I had one of these. Alas no place to put it.

You don’t necessarily need a bench. A foot or so of roofing beam will do if the vice is mounted in the centre. It’s also more portable this way.

Wire wool or green scourer (dry and preferably new) to get most rust off.

Then T Cut or The Pink Stuff Paste (more readily available in houseware shops) to finish off.

Then needs to be sealed to stop it recurring. You could use metal polish (apply regularly) or clear lacquer.

Hope the OP gets better quickly.

But, as others have pointed out, The Fridays have a dedicated website that gives plenty of information on the type of cycling it involves. It’s not head down/buttock up type up cycling, though many who ride and lead rides are experienced audaxers.

I also got very cold on one of their rides. It was late September and we had transitional weather - warm during the day and cold at night.

Helps to carry extra layers and to sit behind a couple of big riders to reduce windchill.

Indeed, Trangia is the best all round stove for someone doing proper cooking.

If you go down this route, there is a massive delay with orders. Camping has become fashionable due to staycations and Trangia just can’t seem to meet demand. I have items ordered in Jan21 that are still awaiting delivery. Yes, 15 months - a billy pot. Other items, ordered at the same time, arrived in Oct21.

I think the full route details will be published in May.

As well as all of the above, I love the counter culture of cycling. The ability to navigate dense urban areas by riding through small snicketts, paths and alleys.

The ability to ride to the entrance of a shop, and lock the bike to a nearby railing/post (try that Mr SUV owner).

The ability to be discreet. A car makes lots of noise, a bike glides quietly.

A car costs pounds, and bike loses lbs.

Since this is in the touring section...the ability to sneak off into a field at dusk and set up tent. No parking issues to resolve.

simonineaston wrote: ↑20 Mar 2022, 6:21am Funnily enough I was talking to a chum on Friday and he described how he used to go and sit in a graveyard and enjoy the peace and quiet, back when he lived in Stoke, the reason being that it was one of the nicer parts of town.

Prior to the pandemic, I adjusted my commute to go through a cemetery to avoid a main road intersection. It was my favourite section of the commute. I'd often stop in the grounds, sit on a bench and just enjoyed the tranquility from the surrounding hustle and bustle.

I work with spreadsheets for a living so setting one up for mileage, purchases and major works was a doddle. It helped me track when things needed changing.

I started offsetting my bike commutes against the purchase price of bikes and accessories to understand the break-even point. It took me just short of 3 years commuting full-time to recover my investments.