Cycling advice required.

[DJ OD]

Due to my recent car accident, and there being a distinct lack of money in my piggy bank (The bastard) I am considering cycling to work.

My work is about 3.5 miles from home. I have not ridden a bike to work before. In fact the last time I was on a bike it was a BMX and I was 10...

I'm going to borrow a bike first before I go jumping into the whole thing feet first and see how I get on with it.

I have a few questions to the cyclists of DF...

The weather is a changing. I have no problem with the cold but how do you get away with arriving to work without getting soaked to the bone in your work attire?

What is the best bike to buy for my purpose? It's only going to be used for my work commute, I will use my GF's car for other trips. I'm sure I won't need a race quality bike or a bike that can go up a mountain and has 200 gears. And what other crap do I need to buy?


DJ OD

[headsortails]

A 3.5 mile ride will take you about 20-25mins I would.

As for the nasty weather you have 2 options, try and waterproof yourself or just get wet. I go for the get wet option - its not that bad. Just change into dry clothes when I get to work. I choose that over waterproofing because cycling in full wp gear isn't that pleasant on long rides, but you will probably be ok over a 3.5m ride.

The best bike for your travels would be a tourer, very comfortable and practical, but just because it is the ideal option doesn't mean other options aren't fine. I ride 20m each day and have done it both on a compact road bike and a hardtail MTB. I would suggest you get a MTB (very hardy) or a tourer/MTB hybrid. Don't buy a BMX .

As for accessories you'll need gloves, pump, spare inner tube, packback or rack and pannier.

If you can change at work, in a WC cubicle or better, then you may want to consider some cycling attire - padded lycra shorts. I wear padded cycling bib shorts and short sleeved jersey/t-shirt spring/summer, and padded cycling bib tights and long sleeved top in autumn/winter.

[BertRoot]

Don't cycle in your work gear as you will be a sweaty cunt when you get there and will stink by lunchtime. I have some waterproof strides but usually wear my work pants if it isn't raining. You can get decent breathable pants for about 30 quid. I think mine are Cannondale ones that were about 60 quid that I got in a half price sale. Buy yourself a reasonably thin waterproof coat s you can layer up under it if needs be.

As far as bikes go I have a hardtail mountain bike that is reasonably light but soaks up bumps on the front end due to the suspension. I only have 8 gears as I didn't bother with front gears as for most of my riding I don't need any more.

As for 3.5 miles taking 20 - 25 minutes I would be gutted if that were the case. I used to do 4.6 and it took me anywhere between 12 and 18 minutes. Work harder as it will keep you fit.

[headsortails]

As for 3.5 miles taking 20 - 25 minutes I would be gutted if that were the case. I used to do 4.6 and it took me anywhere between 12 and 18 minutes. Work harder as it will keep you fit.

I asked around about DJO's general health and weight and I was advised he shouldn't cycle at all. I was just trying to be kind.

If he hasn't cycled in years and not wanting to be shagged when he got to work I think 20mins would be fair at first. You're right though somewhere around 15mins should be typical.

[DJ OD]

I asked around about DJO's general health and weight and I was advised he shouldn't cycle at all. I was just trying to be kind.

If he hasn't cycled in years and not wanting to be shagged when he got to work I think 20mins would be fair at first. You're right though somewhere around 15mins should be typical.

Buhahaha! You bastard! Who told you I was lard arse!

Hell I'll be happy to just get to work on a bike!

Like I say i'm gonna borrow one first and see how I get on with the whole thing. That said I may still do it, as I could lose a few pounds.

What specific budget price cycle do you guys recommend? Are where to buy? Halfords I assume are muppets, as they are with everything.


DJ OD

[BertRoot]

Depends on your budget mate. If you are willing to spend a couple of hundred there are lots of good uns knocking about.

[crashtestmac]

You could go for somthing like this
http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/ebwP...c002910m005712

I has an enclosed hub and is virually maintainance free...

And get some tyres with Slime in to help prevent punctures. Do not pay less that £250 for a bike it will be shit. Look at a GT avalance if you want a decent cheap bike... Or Giant or Specialised

Crash

[crashtestmac]

Also find out if you can get a cycle to work discount, i got a £750 bike and will only pay about £450 it but it is tax free and deducted from salery at source....

Crash

[BertRoot]

Cycle to work scheme is an awesome way of buying a bike if your company support it. Mine are a multinational with over 150k employees and don't though.

Agree on the GT Avalanche though. I would always buy GT. I own 2 Zaskar LEs.

[Legal Eagle]

Hey

Join Costco, they sell great bikes at unbelievable prices.

If you decide in 6 or 12 months, its not for you, you can return the bike for a full refund, under their return policy.

They also sell accessories periodically at great prices again.

Regards

Legal Eagle

[QfanatiQ]

I used to cycle 7 and now it is 3.5 each way.

If you do not have changing and shower facilities at work get some light weight breathable materials for water proofs.

In terms of suffering form the cold, do you mean generally or joints? I tend to wrap up my knees and have some artic style gloves. This was the best buy for me, keep me comfortable. When you get going the lightweight outer shoudl be fine, i woudl doubt you will need a heavey coat.

A mask (the tyep that are meant to filter out crud (but do not)) are also good at keeping face warm. Somethign over the ears, i use a scarf over my head, then my helmet (steady boys) and then wrap that around.

Even when i was cycling on scotland (highalnds) i coudl end up having frost on the crease of my trousers, rest of body in light weight was fine.

I think you will be fine with 3.5 miles, very short, i even walk to work as thats so short.

Bike wise go for whats comfortable, hey if you enjoy the BMX grab another, i still have and occasionly use mine, loads of fun. I woudl have thought a bigger road biek woudl be better. I personally prefer mountain off road bikes and tyers, i never got on with thinner road tyers myself.

Good luck, Q

[cassy34]

Aldi sell some v cheap decent quality bike gear every now and again. Keep an eye on their website.

[QfanatiQ]

Aldi sell some v cheap decent quality bike gear every now and again. Keep an eye on their website.

Cheers, thats good to know, some bkike stuff is increbly pricey. My lightweights (nearly 8 years old) are in need ot replcaement, and i must say, i was not happy at the rpices in the biek shops.

Q