I wonder how Paul feels about a sub forum for cyclists and cycling issues (which of course will overspill into driving and road safety as well - but perhaps we do need a general two wheeled section for motor and push bikes - just a thought) given that a lot of us ride bikes and mindful of the "us and them" gulf which seems so prevalent and really does undermine road safety.
Anyway - thought I'd post up some general tips for planning a great day out on the push bike and a fave ride around my way (also a wicked drive
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This post is to with how to choose a bike and be safe - so road safety biased.
Right - well lot of people seem to choose the wrong bicycle. Lot of accidents caused by choosing the wrong push bike and many drivers just do not understand the different types and even what these bikes are actually capable of with the right rider on board. (Mad Swiss mob are also hoons on a bike as well.
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By way of explanation:
Types of bikes
Racers - self explanatory - light, precision built, multigeared and you can really get some speed on these.
You need some flesh on your backside though - cobbles
Tourers - narrow wheels, drop handlebars and multigears. Ideal for cycling holidays and long distance commutes and days out.
Wasted on short journeys though - you never get through the gears!
Mountain Bikes - designed for a bit of rough as well as an urban jungle. You can cycle up steps on these!
without any - er - upsets!
Nice springy tyres and smooth ride. Not for a speed demon though.
City Bike - related to the mountain bike but combines some of the racer inas well. This bike hates off road riding - for tarmac tracers.
Hybrids? Cross countryand these are town and country. Favoured by commuters on whole as upright frame means fairly comfy. You can also ride up steps on these with some practice.
More expensive than the mountain bike itself though.
Utility bike - probably the best commuting type bike as you have an upright position and normal clothes don't get tangled as much. But not a good looking bike.
Traditional Bike - ah - ideal for the lazier cyclist - everything is fitted - mudguards, lights and basket - only it does not go very fast and a bit of a frumpy bike really.
Folding bikes - well great for putting in the boot - but basically you look a right prat on one!
Right - decided on a bike? I'll get Gatsomate and Paulie on a bike yet
Cycling with kids
.... this is a
nightmare You can get child seats (Mad Doc tested one and fell off!
- he prefers a trailer as do I. It's safer for balance and you can get the kid to help pedal on hilss!
on a trailer bicycle which you attach to the rear!
Preparing your bike for a ride
Basic routine - check the wheels for a borken spoke. or excess play in the bearings. You'd be surprised how these feature in mishaps.
Check the tyres for pressure and slow punctures, tread- another reason why cyclists can come croppers.
Ensure brake blocks are firmly in place and not worn and that cables are not too slack.
Lubricate hubs, pedals, gear mechanisms and cables and esnure your lights actually do work and that you have a spare battery in case.
Check the bell and saddle is tight.
Your bike has needs the same loving care as your car!
Preparing yourself
Well - we don't really need all that lycra really. It's obvious advantages are the stretchiness, lightness and range of colours and I will admit that that lyrcra can be comfortable once you are used to the feel of the wear. Mad Doc may manage to look OK in his - but I don't think my lycra shorts do that much f to offset my knobbly knees and scars from grappling with felons! If you get gravel rash as well
So any casual, practical and comfortable clothing will do basically. Jeans tend to rub so I'd go for cycle legings or non baggy track suit bottoms. (Hopefully cycling lurkers can add their preferences here.)
I also wear fingerless gloves.
In summer - Mad Doc, self and the rest of the Swiss riff raff wear padded cycling shorts or padded undies under conventional shorts and in winter thermal tops and wind/waterproof jackets in colours which make us VISIBLE AT ALL TIMES! At night - reflective strip or sash really helps if you don;t want to wear "lurid"!
Planning your ride
Calculate how long it will take to drive to your start point (or ride there) and think about the terrain you will cover - hilly? off-road? watering holes? picnic spots? unforeseen stops as we all come across those places where you just have to stop and take a look -see and planned places of interest.
What ot take
Map holder - fixed to handlebars.
handlebar bag for drinks and sweeties
back pack or panniers for your picnic? Bag should include a basic tool and repair kit. set of Allen keys, adjustable spanner, and a small screwdriver as minimum basics. Wrap these in a rag which doubles as hand wipe and if you can take spare inner tube as easer than fixing a puncture and in the police kit), universal brake/gear cable, nuts and bolts.
Food - cereal bars, chocs, fruit, water, first aid kit (mini version) rout cards, fold up map of area, change for pay phones and toilets and camera and mobile phone - and I guess you'd be red for the off!
Have I missed anything? What would you add? Perhaps our more seasoned cycling members would like to come in on this. Especially with how they cope with kids.