Cycling - NLC

[Lazydonkey]

I think they look sh1t..... sorry to say

Makes me like it all the more

[BiggestNizzy]

I think they look sh1t..... sorry to say

Makes me like it all the more

It looks like something my Granny would use.

[vxc]

I just bought a bike through cycle to work, they gave me upto 1000, so i got a bike for myself and girlfriend,
Got my self a last year model of marin california b17 and she got a soecialised,
Enjoying it and waiting to travel to places to get some nice routes in. I spent around 900 as i did cycling before and knew i would like it anyway, so didnt want to buy cheap to buy another later.
I think a decent bike does make the difference and you definetly can notice on a heavier bike when tired

[woody]

I think they look sh1t..... sorry to say

Makes me like it all the more

What does Dom know about design anyway?

How so sh*t Dom? It is, IMO, very fit for purpose. The design as a whole has a lot of pretty clever touches. The single speed or 8 speed hub gears, drum brakes and chain with a good guard mean it will need very little maintainance compared to a normal bike; ideal for city commuting and quite possibly more suited to canal paths in reality that what we're using. Not as fast obviously, nor all that capable off road. Men have bought quite a significat % of the bikes built.

You can probably tell I really like them too . Waiting on word back for them about a long term test of one... and stuff.

[PhilA]

Scott, u cycle to work? impressive.
What direction do u take?

[gorrie]

I only recently got back in to going for a ride (to get me out the house at lunch times).
Most of the cycle routes around me are through woods & I quickly realised that my 15yr old Rigid bike, despite still being in great condition, was not really suitable.
Didn't want to spend silly money on a bike though, so I bought one of the B'Twin models from Decathalon... pretty well built from what I could see. Was going to buy a Carrera for around £300 from Halfords, but the bikes in Decathalon just seemed better to my untrained eye. They also give a free service within 6mths, if you can be bothered taking it back for them.

[ryallm]

I have become a bit of a cycling addict too in the last couple of years after a prolonged lay off due to a knee injury. Cycling to work most days at the moment in training for the Etape Caledonia the week after next (5000 riders, 80 miles on closed roads). In the market for a new carbon bike and have tried several: Pinarello Rokh, Cannondale Synapse, Focus Cayo Evo, Specialized Tarmac. Was about to order a Synapse HiMod, but Trek have just launched the new Domane which looks fab so I am going to have to try that. The kit is very seductive

Mark

[s29ttc]

Thanks for all the help guys. I was looking at the cyclocross style bikes as they seem to be quite versatile. I believe I would mainly use on the roads however that may change once I get into it. I'll have a look at some sites and gum tree. I think might be best to go for a cheapish half decent bike whether that be second hand or not and take it from there. If anyone has a half decent bike sitting about not being used and would like to swap for a small fee let me know.

[s29ttc]

I think they look sh1t..... sorry to say

Makes me like it all the more

What does Dom know about design anyway?

How so sh*t Dom? It is, IMO, very fit for purpose. The design as a whole has a lot of pretty clever touches. The single speed or 8 speed hub gears, drum brakes and chain with a good guard mean it will need very little maintainance compared to a normal bike; ideal for city commuting and quite possibly more suited to canal paths in reality that what we're using. Not as fast obviously, nor all that capable off road. Men have bought quite a significat % of the bikes built.

You can probably tell I really like them too . Waiting on word back for them about a long term test of one... and stuff.

Have to say couldn't see myself riding that

[scott_e]

Scott, u cycle to work? impressive.
What direction do u take?

Hey Phil.

I moved into Broughty Ferry from Wellbank so it may not seem as impressive as it frst sounds Its almost 10 miles (20 mile round trip per day) and its really simple. Just a few mins down to the coast and follow the cycle path along the Tay from Broughty Ferry, into the security gates at the port and out the other side to City Quay, past Apex, under bridge , past Hilton , around discovery, along Riverside to the rail bridge , past airport and then the Tech part. Almost a straight line , almost totally flat but very exposed to the wind. Its amazing , half the office on bikes now we should get some low carbon foot print award really recommend it. Filling up the car every 6 weeks or so now , hardly use it at all its great.

Good to hear from you.
Scott

[PhilA]

Scott, u cycle to work? impressive.
What direction do u take?

Hey Phil.

I moved into Broughty Ferry from Wellbank so it may not seem as impressive as it frst sounds Its almost 10 miles (20 mile round trip per day) and its really simple. Just a few mins down to the coast and follow the cycle path along the Tay from Broughty Ferry, into the security gates at the port and out the other side to City Quay, past Apex, under bridge , past Hilton , around discovery, along Riverside to the rail bridge , past airport and then the Tech part. Almost a straight line , almost totally flat but very exposed to the wind. Its amazing , half the office on bikes now we should get some low carbon foot print award really recommend it. Filling up the car every 6 weeks or so now , hardly use it at all its great.

Good to hear from you.
Scott

aha, i know where u mean. just put my bike in for a "service" today. I used to cycle along that path every weekend - need to get a badge for the port again.
loved it... went from the grassybank out to carnoustie and back.
when the bike is back, am gonna get into it again.

20 years ago i was "mad keen road cyclist"... changed days, but its amazing how you start to get back into what u like after a while doing other stuff... tho i prefer the cycle paths now as cars hurt

[Mr Momo]

I have become a bit of a cycling addict too in the last couple of years after a prolonged lay off due to a knee injury. Cycling to work most days at the moment in training for the Etape Caledonia the week after next (5000 riders, 80 miles on closed roads). In the market for a new carbon bike and have tried several: Pinarello Rokh, Cannondale Synapse, Focus Cayo Evo, Specialized Tarmac. Was about to order a Synapse HiMod, but Trek have just launched the new Domane which looks fab so I am going to have to try that. The kit is very seductive

Mark

Ryan - what number are you starting off at the Etape ?

Scott - should be plenty of good secondhand bikes as all the bike nutters trade-up. I'm enjoying road biking at the mo,but you can have ahell of a laugh on a mtn bike - get yourself a couple of mates to go out with you.

[johncam]

Hi Scott,
I would avoid a cycle cross bike if you are predominately riding on the road. You want something that is reasonably light and nimble to give you all the benefit of the effort you are putting in. Cross bikes are designed for stability over rougher terrain (more relaxed geometry) and to an extent being carried on your shoulder which means they don't handle as well on the road, with the addition of disc brakes / cantilevers, more frameset material and heavier wheels and tyres etc. you will be carting about a good couple of pounds in weight you simply don't need.

To give you a car analogy, buying a cross bike is like buying a soft-roader… Think of them as the Land Rover Free Lander of the bike world... i.e. not brilliant on or off road.

Modern factory built road wheels take a lot of abuse and tyres are a lot more durable these days. From the last time I met you, you are quite a slight guy so you will be fine from a durability point of view.

If you are on a modest budget (say under £1000) then you will be looking at a good aluminium frame with a carbon fork which should still give you a road bike around 20lbs in weight or less and will be a great starting point to assess whether you actually like the sport. It may be worthwhile looking at second hand kit to stretch your budget further - for that money you could get a very reasonable older carbon bike.

If you are near Paisley then pop in and see Robert in Dooleys Cycles (my club’s sponsor) and I'm sure he will sort you out with something. Tell him I sent you

Cheers,

John

P.S. If you are determined to buy something exotic then go Titanium rather than carbon fibre - see my signature

[woody]

Scott, my dad's just off the phone to me, talking about something completely unrelated he mentioned he takes the beginners ride with Walkers club on a Thursday evening. It's an easier pace and less hilly route than others they do apparently, think they set off from the shop.

[pete]

I've hardly been on my bike this year (too busy) but I should make more of an effort now the weather is better.

Some good short rides from yours - MTB in Craufaudland is challenging, the smuggler's trail Woody mentioned is a hoot. (Watch out for dogs).

With Millie we like to go to Irvine station, then cycle path down to Troon (or beyond) and train back to the car in the (free) Irvine station car park.

Glasgow is a good one too, A77 cycle path all the way to the city centre then train back to Killie... About 25 miles but the last stretch through the city is all downhill

Don't listen to Shug - my roadbike and Suzy's carbon road bike cope with the A77 just fine.

As for buying a bike I'd say secondhand is best if you are on a budget. And you can always sell em later for what you paid if you want to upgrade.

Get bike, ride bike, smile. Everything else comes later. If you find MTB is for you you can rent at Glentress for 25 quid a day before you commit to buying something.