Cycling Thread - All Peddlers and Pedallers welcome.

[VivaLeBeaver]

Have started a new thread as the other one is very nearly full.

Hello - just saying erm, hello! Joining thread as I'm a mountain biker/general cyclist type person! Although missing riding at the moment due to first baby (8 weeks)...

sticky I work in a bike shop and people do that to us all the time! Unless you're confident mechanically please do take it in and get it checked - if they couldn't get you the bike you wanted they should understand why you went elsewhere, and on the bright side are still getting your business for servicing/repairs etc :)

Hi, Shminzo congratulations :)
sticky - think you just have to brazen it out. And explain if they say anything...

Went for a nice ride today. Only 3 and a bit miles but that is the furthest ds3 (only just turned 3) has managed without the Trailgator. And he didn't whinge once!

He had great fun on his new bike (which I built myself from scratch to blow my own trumpet!) and he found the 16 inch wheels rolled much more easily over the tree roots and rocks - he was even deliberately heading towards rocks to wheelie the front wheel over

Can I I join I cycle 8 miles a day to and from work every day (total 16 miles a day) as we don't have a car its my version of a car not sure how I'll take the english winter on a bike as I moved to england 5months ago (from scotland) so I hope temps doesn't drop too low as I struggle with the cold.

Welcome Shminzo and pink! And congratulations on the baby, Shminzo! Have you started looking at child seats for your bike yet?

Notinthe, well done DS . No way DD would have coped at 3.
And did you just say you built his bike from scratch?? Now I am impressed! Please explain.

As for my bike situation, thanks all for the advice. My current idea is to get a spanner, tighten the stem (as it really is the only thing that needs doing), then take it for a first service in one month's time after I've 'run it in'.

Does that sound reasonable? Or am I just trying too hard to avoid the embarrassment, and I should really take it in even before riding it. It's sat there, all shiny and lovely in the garage, and it's even bright and sunny today .

Shminzo, I feel a bit better to hear you say it's common in your bike shop. That's the way I looked at it - I may not have bought the bike from my LBS but they will be my go-to maintenance people.

pink - good call! it was minus 5 up here this morning.

sticky does this help?www.llbean.com/customerService/assemblyInstructions/images/110408_Bike_Assembly_Threaded.pdf

If that helps then your plan sounds reasonable.

I did build his bike. I did a couple of bike maintenance courses through the local women's mtb club. Then I decided the best way to learn was to get stuck in. I bought a cheap second hand bike with an aluminium frame from ebay (£16!) and then bought bits and pieces to build it up. It was good fun and I've learnt a lot. I can try to put a photo on my profile.

Shminzo - if I've done anything glaringly obviously wrong break it to me gently! ;)

www.llbean.com/customerService/assemblyInstructions/images/110408_Bike_Assembly_Threaded.pdf

Right, have put a photo on my profile of ds3's bike. You can't really see it very well and ds3 gets in the way a bit.

Shminzo you're probably the perfect person to ask about bike racks for cars - what would you recommend/warn people to steer clear of? We have a Skoda Fabia estate.

Ooh, good question, Champagne! Shminzo, you are going to have your hands full here! . I was considering the Saris (www.wiggle.co.uk/saris-bones-3-bike-rack/?lang=en&curr=GBP&dest=1&utm_source=pla&utm_medium=base&utm_campaign=uk&kpid=5360069246), mainly because it's plastic and rubber so I'm hoping it won't scratch the car. But I hear it's no use with drop-frame bikes.

Notinthe thanks for the link. I have looked at that and similar instructions online but what I need to know is so basic it does not seem to be anywhere. But then I had a brainwave: I rang the online shop - doh! Unfortunately, I got sidetracked and didn's ask the right question so will take a look tomorrow and ring them again.

By the way, I cannot click on your name to take a look at the pic. Is it me? I can click on other people's names though.

Oops forgot I namechanged a while ago and didn't make a profile. I have clicked to make it public but it's not working :(

Working now? :)

Yes, it is thanks!

The bike looks ace, and your DS looks very much the part, really enjoying himself. He looks very confident on the ramp too - can't believe he's only just 3 (or maybe that's because I am comparing him with DD who is a bit of a latish bloomer for some things). Give yourselves a clap!

Aw, thanks for looking. He is a bit of an early bloomer bike-wise. I think it comes from being a fourth child. I have done a wee video on you tube if anyone would like a look.

This will totally out me so I am off to change my name...

Thanks, just took a peak!

What a great little film! He looks just too cute in his little balance bikes. I just can't get over how well he handles himself on two wheels. That boy has a cycling future I tell you!

Hello, can I join for advice?
I'm starting a new job in cheltenham and the parking is a nightmare. Was thinking of bunging my bike in the back of the car, parking where there is a free car park, and cycling the last 1.5 miles.

I'm a couch potato with ankle/knee problems. Biking is probably easier on my legs than walking...I think!

On my shopping list so far is a high vis jacket...hoping to get one off ebay for cheapness. I've bought some super lights already. Got a helmet, lock and rucksack. Um, what else? Gloves?

I'm a bit daunted by the traffic I have to admit.

Check Aldi/Lidl for cycling stuff like gloves and jacket - they sometiimes have them as specials.

Glad you liked it, sticky ;)

Welcome, Butter.

Cycling is just great. Apart from getting you fit you get to be outdoors some of the time! But for a 1.5 mile trip I would think it would be quicker to walk, if you take into account having to negotiate traffic, taking the bike out of the boot and put on your gear.

As for essential equipment, yes to helmet, something high vis (a cheapy vest will do). Gloves are a must this time of year, and a waterproof jacket if you intend to cycle in all weathers. Lights also essential for after dark if you haven't got any. Have fun!

Hi Ela

By the way, my bike is all sorted and ready to go.

Called the shop again, who were again very helpful and confirmed I only had to tighten the top stem bolt. In fact, the hardest bit was to adjust the adjustable handlebars. Not sure I've got them right yet, but I'll have to go for a short spin to find out. But work is getting in the way today !

Happy to get wait a few weeks for first service after bike has bedded in, as Ridgeback only use dealers that will send the bike fully assembled and tuned up. So, happy sticky .

:)

Thanks :)

I see your point about it being a faff getting stuff out of the car. But I have a Touran so I can just take the seats out and don't have to bother about taking a wheel off so it will fit.

Also, because my ankle is bad, anything I can do to take the weight off it will help. I'm looking at a potential ankle fusing in later life.

I'm driving an hour to get to cheltenham already. So hopefully this should cut down the time a bit... Maybe.

My brother inlaw suggested I get one of those kids scooters...!

Apologies, but car racks not my area - can recommend Thule as a brand but there endeth my helpful advice in afraid :(

Notinthemiddle - li'l bike looks good to me! Forks are on the right way around at least ;)

Butteredsidedown - when I worked in Hereford I used to park on the edge of town then cycle the last 3 miles. Think it was actually quicker then driving! Was nervous of traffic initially but after a couple of times got used to it and loved it, best part of the day :) Lights and reflective clothing a must. Waterproofs and mudguards if cycling all weathers. Cycling in traffic - be assertive, hold a good road position, never assume a driver has seen you! Have fun :)

...by reflective I mean high-vis! Although reflective is as important as lights for cycling in the dark IMHO. Car lights tend to drown out the humble average bike light Personally would have lights on even in daylight for cycling in town.

Yep, I'm going for a sexy yellow waterproof. I've promised myself I'll wear my helmet too even if I get helmet head. I'd rather have bad hair than a head injury.

Any ideas where would be a good place to ask about racks, Shminzo? bike shop or garage?

sticky someone else said Saris Bones to me - anyone on here used one?

I have a Thule 9708 HangOn 4-Bike Towball Rack

It is good apart from there isn't really space for 4 bikes. What sort of bike rack are you looking for?