Cycling UK Forum

SO399914

for a cycling specific forecast try metcheck:
http://www.metcheck.com/V40/UK/HOBBIES/cycling.asp

I have had standard Marathon 1.5's on my commute bike since last October - run them at 100psi, ride 130 miles per week on flinty cr@ppy roads - no failures, very little signs of wear. Previously had Conti's, Nimbus, Hutchinsons - all had puncture and cutting problems. Marathons roll well too at 100psi. Have them on our tandem - again no problems. Highly recommended and cheap from Spa Cycles.

stayed at Dolgoch last July with my 18 yo son on a welsh tour. Great location - gas lights & shower, friendly volunteer warden. Met a group of Rough stuff riders who were surprised my lad was riding a 39/23 as his climbing gear given the nearby monster hills. Great bunch. The YHA say they want to give kids the opportunity to explore yet here we have a brilliant hostel in a wild area. My son thought I was joking when I said it had no electricity. He loved staying there and meeting riders from another generation who thought 7 speed was excessive!

Shame on the YHA management for closing these gems. They are planning to close Capel y Ffin as well.
As YHA members is it possible to vote out the current management before they totally destroy the YHA?

take care with mucoff - unless they have changed the formula it does a good job of removing paint if left unrinsed.

Finish Line do a pleasant citrus smelling, diodegragable degreaser. A pair of rubber gloves and a little white spirit on a tooth brush works wonders.

Whatever you use makes sure you rinse off especially from tyres, rims and paintwork.

Have fun

YES

Peter
All year round commuting is possible (and mostly enjoyable!) with a little planning. My daily commute is 12-14 miles each way (depends on whether I take the "quiet route"). During the winter months I ride a Rockhopper hardtail with rack, mudguards, Marathons (100psi!), lumicycle headlamp, led flashers front & back, and some great wheels built by SPA cycles. I carry my change of clothes in a pannier. I have the use of showers and changing room. In summer I ride a road bike and get my clothes in a saddle bag. Recommend it.

I have been using Specialized Sonoma's (3 velcro straps) since Christmas having worn out some ShimaNo shoes. Pleased with them - stiffer sole than ShimaNo, easy to walk in, look OK too.
Would recommend them. Also recommend spd's - sooo much better (and safer) than toe clips.

I would not give them my money. They pay losy wages, screw supliers to the wall, build huge developments that encourage car journeys and to top it all they are now moving back onto th high street having put individual local shops out of business.
When you want a bike repair and your LBS has gone bust take your bike to TESCO and see if they will fix it.
Support your local bike shop

Having lived in the Netherlands I have to disagree with the better food - the food is cr@p

Had good online service from Ribble, SPA, Chain Reaction.
Wiggle never have it in stock.
My LBS is good too. (10% CTC discount makes it competitive)

I recently bought a Blackburn super bright 4 led - runs constant, 2 flashing 2constant or 4 flashing. Very visible and lights the way enough to get you home on unlit roads. And it has a funky 60's shape. Recommended