http://www.whycycle.co.uk/whycycle_forum/index.php Tue, 07 Sep 2010 10:56:13 +0100 Phorum 5.2.7 http://www.whycycle.co.uk/whycycle_forum/read.php?1,7239,7239#msg-7239 http://www.whycycle.co.uk/whycycle_forum/read.php?1,7239,7239#msg-7239
I've had a read through some of the forum trying to check if my question has been asked already, and I cant see it has (but i'm a bloke which means I wont have looked that closely), so ....

At coming up to 50, ive decided to get fit again and have chosen cycling as the way to do it.

The bikes that seem to fit the bill are hybrids, or road bikes. My question is why would I choose one over the other? - forgive this next bit if it seems daft - one seems to be more comfort orientated, the other seems built to go a bit faster - but both would get me fitter if I used them. From research so far if you want to go from A-B quicker and ride longer distances choose a road bike - but wont a hybrid go just as far (allbeit not as fast)?

I'm aiming to spend up to £400 if anyone has any tips on whats a fair buy for this money.

Thanks in advance, L.S.]]> Lien Sdrawde The WhyCycle Forum Tue, 07 Sep 2010 09:16:18 +0100 http://www.whycycle.co.uk/whycycle_forum/read.php?1,7237,7237#msg-7237 http://www.whycycle.co.uk/whycycle_forum/read.php?1,7237,7237#msg-7237 Wide skies The WhyCycle Forum Mon, 06 Sep 2010 22:55:20 +0100 http://www.whycycle.co.uk/whycycle_forum/read.php?1,7235,7235#msg-7235 http://www.whycycle.co.uk/whycycle_forum/read.php?1,7235,7235#msg-7235
I've found the Dahon LOS XL which looks perfect with 24" weels and lots of gears, but it costs a small fortune. So now I'm looking at the Briza D3 which looks almost as good but has only 3 gears. Do you think that will be sufficient for my commute? I've not really cycled since I was a tean ager and I'm really not sure what I need.

http://uk.dahon.com/bikes/2010/briza-d3d7

Or if anyone has any good suggestions of other models or makes that aren't going to make me bank-rupt then that would be amazing!

Thanks in advance

Tamsin]]> Tamsin The WhyCycle Forum Tue, 07 Sep 2010 09:25:44 +0100 http://www.whycycle.co.uk/whycycle_forum/read.php?1,7230,7230#msg-7230 http://www.whycycle.co.uk/whycycle_forum/read.php?1,7230,7230#msg-7230 price around 400£ or less.
Thanks for looking
All the best Glen.
Ps high all]]> Deathwalker1701 The WhyCycle Forum Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:32:42 +0100 http://www.whycycle.co.uk/whycycle_forum/read.php?1,7228,7228#msg-7228 http://www.whycycle.co.uk/whycycle_forum/read.php?1,7228,7228#msg-7228
My bike has quick release wheels and while I have seen bikes locked to street furniture with the front wheel removed and chained along with the rear I'm a bit reluctant to do that as it means the fork legs are resting on the ground. Are there long cable or chains that will go through both wheels whilst in situ, are of a relevant standard and possibly alarmed as well?

TIA
Simon.]]> Simon The WhyCycle Forum Thu, 02 Sep 2010 14:32:12 +0100 http://www.whycycle.co.uk/whycycle_forum/read.php?1,7224,7224#msg-7224 http://www.whycycle.co.uk/whycycle_forum/read.php?1,7224,7224#msg-7224 Ron The WhyCycle Forum Tue, 31 Aug 2010 18:30:17 +0100 http://www.whycycle.co.uk/whycycle_forum/read.php?4,7221,7221#msg-7221 http://www.whycycle.co.uk/whycycle_forum/read.php?4,7221,7221#msg-7221
The Lancashire Loop Cycle Challenge is back for its sixth year and 2010 is going to be the biggest so far!

Take your pick between three routes; a family-friendly 18 miles, 50 miles or 100 miles, each taking you on a tour through the heart of beautiful Lancashire countryside, picturesque villages and stunning valleys on Sunday, September 26th.

There is going to be more than 250 cyclists taking part and we want you to be one of them! Simply register online for £15 (non-refundable) and we ask you to raise a minimum £45 in sponsorship. If you are cycling the 18-mile family route, a family of four (two adults, two children) can register for £30 with a minimum sponsorship of £70. Please contact us to register a family.

Each of the three routes are circular starting and finishing at Cockerham Village Hall, near Lancaster. The 18 miles is flatter and more suited for cyclists with children, while the 100 miles is solely for experienced cyclists ascending 5,000ft! Start times are 8am for 100 miles, 10am for 50 miles and 12pm for 18 miles. Full information about the day will be included in your registration pack or you can CONTACT US for further details.

Please note: you can register on the day, but will need to pay a £18 registration fee.
website
contact info: 0161 798 1600 info@medequip4kids.org.uk]]> sarahsuthers Cycling Events Wed, 25 Aug 2010 15:58:52 +0100 http://www.whycycle.co.uk/whycycle_forum/read.php?1,7217,7217#msg-7217 http://www.whycycle.co.uk/whycycle_forum/read.php?1,7217,7217#msg-7217
I am looking to buy a new hybrid bike. Most of my riding is along roads, but I might go across the occasional field, and like the idea of a bike having a reasonable off-road capacity in case I ever get time to do any leisure riding....

When I tell shop owners this, they give me conflicting advice, though I think more suggest that a suspension fork wouldn't help very much unless I was going off-road a lot and would add a lot of weight to the bike which would make road cycling less easy; and that I should get a decent hybrid without suspension forks because that means that more of the price can go on better quality components.

Does that sound right? I tried a Giant shop - I really didn't like the feel of the bikes, but on a test drive, the bike with suspension forks really felt more comfortable even for road riding - as if it was absorbing the bumpiness of the road - though I don't know whether it would "weigh me down" on longer journeys. I also tried the Specialized Crosstrail, which felt extremely comfortable (I think it was the position of the saddle), but I was only able to ride it around a car-park, so I had the same question about that - and lifting the bike, it did feel quite heavy. The owner suggested the Globe Velo as being a better version of the Crosstrail for the price, as long as I could live without the suspension, but I haven't managed to find anywhere where they are in stock.

Any thoughts/advice about whether the suspension forks would be a benefit of a hindrance would be helpful.

Thank you.

Guy]]> Guy The WhyCycle Forum Sat, 28 Aug 2010 11:26:24 +0100 http://www.whycycle.co.uk/whycycle_forum/read.php?4,7213,7213#msg-7213 http://www.whycycle.co.uk/whycycle_forum/read.php?4,7213,7213#msg-7213
Just to let you know, we have a cycle sportive which we hope you'll all be able to take part in!
The Macc Monster is a brand new cycle sportive on Sunday 10th October.

It's 100km with over 7000ft of climbing which I'm sure will interest many of you!

If you would like more information on KidsCan the link is here, but getting you all interested in the cycle is more important right now!
The website will be going live today for you to have a look around, but you can also view the route on [url=www.maccmonster.co.uk]The Macc Monster Website![/url] - Places are £25 and can be paid by PayPal

You can also follow The Macc Monster on Twitter by clicking this link!

Although this event is in aid of KidsCan Children's Cancer Research Centre, sponsorship is not required. Should you want to raise any we are more than happy to send you the materials.

Thanks again!
Chris]]> KidsCan Cycling Events Thu, 02 Sep 2010 13:14:19 +0100 http://www.whycycle.co.uk/whycycle_forum/read.php?1,7210,7210#msg-7210 http://www.whycycle.co.uk/whycycle_forum/read.php?1,7210,7210#msg-7210
Does any of this ring true? Has anyone else found this and what advice can you offer.]]> Stuart The WhyCycle Forum Mon, 23 Aug 2010 12:59:16 +0100 http://www.whycycle.co.uk/whycycle_forum/read.php?1,7209,7209#msg-7209 http://www.whycycle.co.uk/whycycle_forum/read.php?1,7209,7209#msg-7209
I need to buy a new bike to replace a stolen Ridgeback Speed. I have tried a few (including a couple of Giant's, which really didn't feel very good), and a Specialized Crosstrail, which felt much better and more comfortable - but of course it's difficult to tell on a short test-ride.

Is this a good bike - quality, durability, comfort over the longer term, weight, etc??? And is there really any advantage of the lockout fork over the standard suspension fork (it seems to be a lot more expensive, and most of my riding is on roads, with the occasional ride across a field or something like that)?

Any thoughts on this bike - or any preferable alternatives - would be very welcome.

Thank you

Guy]]> Guy The WhyCycle Forum Thu, 19 Aug 2010 14:00:29 +0100 http://www.whycycle.co.uk/whycycle_forum/read.php?1,7207,7207#msg-7207 http://www.whycycle.co.uk/whycycle_forum/read.php?1,7207,7207#msg-7207 I am looking for a new hybrid, mostly because I'm getting fat and need to get out more. I'm after something nice with a bit of bling, discs and suspension forks are about my limit. I've seen a Dawes Discovery 401 on Flea-bay for around the £300 mark, it's apparently from a reputable seller and comes in a box. I'm technical anyway, but will the instructions be OK with all the recommended torque settings and the like or is it really worth the extra to get it pre-built from a bike shop? Secondly, it comes with RST Neon forks with "remote lockout" Briefly searching for these forks, mostly to find out wot the blazes remote lockout is I find that most forums slate RST's. Maybe they're all downhill fiends rather than potter around the local villages types.

Anyhoo, the gist of this is, is the bike in question a good bike and will it be OK to buy off the 'net without having actually seen it and then have to assemble it?

Ta,

Simon.]]> Simon The WhyCycle Forum Tue, 31 Aug 2010 11:20:32 +0100 http://www.whycycle.co.uk/whycycle_forum/read.php?1,7204,7204#msg-7204 http://www.whycycle.co.uk/whycycle_forum/read.php?1,7204,7204#msg-7204
Thanks]]> shellyanddean The WhyCycle Forum Mon, 16 Aug 2010 13:18:05 +0100 http://www.whycycle.co.uk/whycycle_forum/read.php?1,7197,7197#msg-7197 http://www.whycycle.co.uk/whycycle_forum/read.php?1,7197,7197#msg-7197 Alan The WhyCycle Forum Sun, 15 Aug 2010 17:12:18 +0100 http://www.whycycle.co.uk/whycycle_forum/read.php?1,7193,7193#msg-7193 http://www.whycycle.co.uk/whycycle_forum/read.php?1,7193,7193#msg-7193 Geocalico The WhyCycle Forum Fri, 13 Aug 2010 21:35:41 +0100 http://www.whycycle.co.uk/whycycle_forum/read.php?1,7183,7183#msg-7183 http://www.whycycle.co.uk/whycycle_forum/read.php?1,7183,7183#msg-7183
Ive got a problem with my bike and before i take into a cycle shop to have it looked at would appreciate a bit of knowledge regarding bike maintenance etc.
I ride a giant cypress lx to work 5 days a week virtually all year, a round trip of say 13 miles.Ive had the bike nearly 3 years now and so far its been a pleasure to cycle.
Now my problem which has just arose is that when im in a highish gear and cycling from a standstill or travelling up an incline the chain slips off onto a lower gear.I have no real idea of the mechanics of bikes just the basics of changing a tyre,cleaning and oiling etc.
Could anyone give me a few ideas whats is wrong,i could be totally wrong but thought it may be that the chain needs replacing or links being removed but im just guessing and have no idea really.
Could someone be able to give me a few pointers please.
Thanks in advance for any feedback off here.]]> ccfc The WhyCycle Forum Sat, 07 Aug 2010 14:59:26 +0100 http://www.whycycle.co.uk/whycycle_forum/read.php?1,7178,7178#msg-7178 http://www.whycycle.co.uk/whycycle_forum/read.php?1,7178,7178#msg-7178
Useful resource site!!!

Just looking at the section on security – couple of points I would like to add – maybe this is worth expanding to a full topic as it is an important subject??

Security about town
My tip is look for council bike lockers rather than just chaining to a lamp post. Most city centres have them (some need your own padlock, some a refundable £1) These are normally solid metal (normally pretty battered) but offer great security and keep your seat dry!! You will normally need to carry a padlock with you though. If you check out youtube and search for “bike theft” there are a number of videos where as an experiment people have carried bolt cutters and snipped off bike locks in busy shopping
centres and ridden off on bikes totally unchallenged.

If you are a regular town rider a top tip is to buy or colour your bike in such a way/colour as it’s either:

A: so distinctive no one would dare steal it, as it stands out a mile.
B: make it sooo ugly that no one would want to steal it. Ribbons, pink basket etc.

Security on a ride/about town.

I always carry a combination zip lock such as this from wiggle
They weigh nothing and sit in your top pocket – great for a quick lockup when you pop into the shop or the loo!


Security at home

Something I am very aware of – I have been the victim of high end bike theft twice.
After the 2nd time I did some (a lot) of research into bike lockers for the home. This is a very small/new market so there is not much choice. Check out the industry magazines such as ride and websites such as bike radar for reviews. I personally have a metal bike storage unit from www.asgardsss.co.uk which I have been very happy with and has beaten 3 attempted breakins already. Hold 4 bikes and riding gear.

|Hope that helps?]]> gopherP_9 The WhyCycle Forum Fri, 06 Aug 2010 10:22:48 +0100 http://www.whycycle.co.uk/whycycle_forum/read.php?3,7176,7176#msg-7176 http://www.whycycle.co.uk/whycycle_forum/read.php?3,7176,7176#msg-7176 2 rides: Easy: 12 miles - some short steep climbing - 1 short downhill section (you can walk)
Intermediate 25 miles a lot of steep climbs some fast downhill, some road

All welcome on Sun or week evenings!!]]> gopherP_9 Suggested Rides Fri, 06 Aug 2010 09:37:29 +0100 http://www.whycycle.co.uk/whycycle_forum/read.php?1,7173,7173#msg-7173 http://www.whycycle.co.uk/whycycle_forum/read.php?1,7173,7173#msg-7173
I don't wear a helmet because I cycle mainly on the towpath and if I feel unsafe I slow down or stop. Also when I was a student and we were all on bikes no-one had a helmet and no-one got hurt, also they look daft. Am I right or wrong? Happy to take advice.]]> Mrs A The WhyCycle Forum Sat, 28 Aug 2010 11:40:47 +0100 http://www.whycycle.co.uk/whycycle_forum/read.php?1,7163,7163#msg-7163 http://www.whycycle.co.uk/whycycle_forum/read.php?1,7163,7163#msg-7163
I am looking for a good hybrid bike for £300-400. Anyone got any suggestions for a shortlist to test-drive?

I found my old bike (Ridgeback Speed - 2005) to be a little shakey off-road or going down-hill fast. Would like something a little sturdier, but at least as light.

Impossible to make sense of all the choices available online and make a reasonable comparisson. Even in the same brand, it is difficult to tell the difference between, say, the Raleigh Urban/Voyager/Elan/Pioneer.etc. Is it really usually the case that the more expensive a bike is from the same manufacturer, the more comfortable and well-made it will be????

Are any of those models any good? Is the Ridgeback Velocity likely to be much better than the Speed?

Any thoughts or recommendations would be very welcome.

Thank you

Guy]]> Guy The WhyCycle Forum Fri, 06 Aug 2010 15:20:28 +0100 http://www.whycycle.co.uk/whycycle_forum/read.php?1,7160,7160#msg-7160 http://www.whycycle.co.uk/whycycle_forum/read.php?1,7160,7160#msg-7160
Unless the 2010 is a lot better than the 2005 (which I found was wobbly on rough surfaces or when going downhill fast), I want to get a different hybrid bike, but there is very little on the web to help me choose.

Does anyone have any suggestions of bikes that I should ask to try out? I know it is a question of how you feel on the bike, but there must be some that are notoriously comfortable, strong, light and stable? Happy to add some more money to buy a better bike if that is necessary.

Any suggestions???? Otherwise, I will be going along blind to Halfords or another bike shop if I can find one, and not knowing what I am doing.... Would like to have a shortlist before I start.

Thanks

Guy]]> Guy The WhyCycle Forum Tue, 03 Aug 2010 09:29:15 +0100 http://www.whycycle.co.uk/whycycle_forum/read.php?1,7138,7138#msg-7138 http://www.whycycle.co.uk/whycycle_forum/read.php?1,7138,7138#msg-7138 I'm gonna start doing my masters in September, and thinking about buying a bicycle, u know, to see london, save transport expenses and, of course, to stay in a good shape! Many people r complaining about gaining extra weight here in UK!! Can anyone suggest any bike shops? I'm new to london. I'm ready to spend around £300-400 for a good-quality bike for long-term. The thing is I'm looking for such shops, where you can buy stylish beautiful bicycles, accessories like a busket in front for my uni stuff, where you can also choose nice hemlets. Most of shops I've been to offer very limited design for their bicycles:(((( I'm not a professional cyclist, but sporty enough.
So, what I'm looking for is:
1-good quality
2-good speed
3-stylish
There should be such places IN LONDON!!!
If u know any places like that, please let me know!!!
Cheers,
Tina]]> tina The WhyCycle Forum Mon, 09 Aug 2010 12:55:01 +0100 http://www.whycycle.co.uk/whycycle_forum/read.php?1,7123,7123#msg-7123 http://www.whycycle.co.uk/whycycle_forum/read.php?1,7123,7123#msg-7123 I'm a female attempting to buy a new mountain bike and am becoming very confused-there are so many and they all have very confusing specifications and I can't work out which is better!
I cycle a lot-along the canal, through woods and on road. I have an inside leg measurement of 29" so figured I'd need a bike size of 17/18".

I don't know whether to get a women's specific one or not? I've been told that the spec is generally not as good as on men's ones? At the moment I'm looking online at a women's Claud Butler Trailridge and a men's Land Rover Experience Comp. Any advice on either of these, or other suitable bikes would be greatly appreciated. My budget is no more than £250 ideally, (not a lot for a decent bike I know).

Thankyou!]]> lucy The WhyCycle Forum Thu, 29 Jul 2010 11:45:03 +0100 http://www.whycycle.co.uk/whycycle_forum/read.php?1,7084,7084#msg-7084 http://www.whycycle.co.uk/whycycle_forum/read.php?1,7084,7084#msg-7084
Thanks]]> rasp67 The WhyCycle Forum Thu, 05 Aug 2010 17:13:59 +0100 http://www.whycycle.co.uk/whycycle_forum/read.php?1,7060,7060#msg-7060 http://www.whycycle.co.uk/whycycle_forum/read.php?1,7060,7060#msg-7060 Bellabob The WhyCycle Forum Tue, 20 Jul 2010 13:27:47 +0100 http://www.whycycle.co.uk/whycycle_forum/read.php?1,7053,7053#msg-7053 http://www.whycycle.co.uk/whycycle_forum/read.php?1,7053,7053#msg-7053 Pioneer has a buckled front wheel and tyre is marked 700x35g (or it may be c) What size wheel would I need?

I would appreciate thoughts and advice please esp on likely costs.]]> rasp67 The WhyCycle Forum Sun, 18 Jul 2010 18:45:51 +0100 http://www.whycycle.co.uk/whycycle_forum/read.php?1,7045,7045#msg-7045 http://www.whycycle.co.uk/whycycle_forum/read.php?1,7045,7045#msg-7045 However I cannot decide between a more advanced hybrid like a Trek FX 7.5 or 7.6 (at a push) or the Giant CRS. Am also thinking it may be worth going for a racing bike such a Giant Avail 3/4 or Dash 2/3 or Trek 1.2 WSD.
I realise that I will have to try out a number of bikes to see which is most comfortable, however I am a bit concerned as I have problems with my neck and think perhaps a bike with drop handle bars would leave you inclined to lean forward, am I correct in this assumption or would the flexibility of hand resting places on the drop bar bike allow you more options for comfort whilst cycling?
Alternatively a flat handlebar road bike like the dash might provide a higher seating position, but seems to be slightly more expensive, is there any reason for this there, does not seem to be much difference to my untrained eye in the specs?

If you can give me any assistance or guidence I should be obliged.

Daisy]]> Daisy The WhyCycle Forum Fri, 23 Jul 2010 18:34:29 +0100 http://www.whycycle.co.uk/whycycle_forum/read.php?1,7042,7042#msg-7042 http://www.whycycle.co.uk/whycycle_forum/read.php?1,7042,7042#msg-7042
I've been searching the Internet to find out what the Maximum User Wight is for the CycleOps Fluid 2.
Apparently this trainer has a Lifetime Warranty, which is why I'm going for this rather than the Elite Fluid.

Thanks for any help.

Sesame]]> Sesame The WhyCycle Forum Thu, 22 Jul 2010 20:01:55 +0100 http://www.whycycle.co.uk/whycycle_forum/read.php?1,7037,7037#msg-7037 http://www.whycycle.co.uk/whycycle_forum/read.php?1,7037,7037#msg-7037 so can you advise me as to the size of tyre i need in in the new sizing i,e in metric .]]> bodger The WhyCycle Forum Sun, 11 Jul 2010 20:35:10 +0100 http://www.whycycle.co.uk/whycycle_forum/read.php?1,7027,7027#msg-7027 http://www.whycycle.co.uk/whycycle_forum/read.php?1,7027,7027#msg-7027 horlics The WhyCycle Forum Fri, 09 Jul 2010 12:06:30 +0100