Cycling to work

[Basher]

I know the weather's getting a whole lot colder but I've been considering this for a while now. To save on fuel costs and also to get rid of the love handles.

Not a long commute, around 5 miles each way but a bit of a climb on the way home.

Liking the look of a mountain bike but understand a hybrid type bike would be a better option due to lighter weight, less drag etc.
Been scouring the "bay" and everyone wants a bucketload of cash for them. Any other places to look at for reasonably priced push irons. Don't want to spend much as it could be a case of trying then giving up. If I do get on with the idea, then obviously I'd be looking to upgrade some time later.

Anyone out there with any advice/experience of cycling to work and cycling for pleasure?

 

[DelB]

Check out anything from the B'Twin range at Decathlon. They seem to get great reviews. I'm looking at buying a B'Twin Triban 3 road bike, when funds allow.

 

[USER1999]

Cycling in the dark is dangerous, however many lights you wear. I used to do this, festooned with lights like a Christmas tree, and had any where up to 4 near death experiences every day. 14 mile commute into London, along major roads. Don't do it any more. Not worth it. I'm a decent cyclist too, have ridden for years, don't shoot lights, etc. drivers just don't look out for you.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Braver man than me. Cyclists seem fair game for some motorists these days. Add in the wet and slippery roads, especially when the leaves come down and it is a risky old game

 

[Val]

Check out anything from the B'Twin range at Decathlon. They seem to get great reviews. I'm looking at buying a B'Twin Triban 3 road bike, when funds allow.

Well big fella, you know your bikes and if you reckon they are decent then they will be.

 

[Lump]

Cycling in the dark is dangerous, however many lights you wear. I used to do this, festooned with lights like a Christmas tree, and had any where up to 4 near death experiences every day. 14 mile commute into London, along major roads. Don't do it any more. Not worth it. I'm a decent cyclist too, have ridden for years, don't shoot lights, etc. drivers just don't look out for you.

Mentalist Londoners is your problem, not riding your bike like a civil human being.
Gaz, worth checking if your company is signed upto the cycle to work scheme?

 

[USER1999]

Car drivers look you in the eye, pause, and then pull out on you. They just do. It's the way they are.

That said, one in four round here has no tax, or mot. Probably no license either if it comes to that.

 

[MegaSteve]

That said, one in four round here has no tax, or mot. Probably no license either if it comes to that.

Only one in four? I was advised by someone in the know that at a recent[ish] roadside stop and check exercise... All but one of the vehicles checked with a Polish connection was impounded for not having correct insurance :angry:...

Both my lads cycle to work regularly... One only lives two miles from his workplace but he takes a big loop to stretch ride out to 15+ miles... Where they work showers are available which is a big plus... Don't fancy the ride into work myself straight up the A40 doesn't appeal in any way... Stick to occasional ride out to get a paper or to pop over to the Lido with the grandson...

 

[HomerJSimpson]

The hospital I work at is doing a cycle scheme alongside the local council which has to be applauded. As I live 10+ miles away there is zero chance of me ever doing it. Aside from the time it'll take I'll be fit for nowt when I get there.

 

[HotDogAssassin]

It's definitely worth finding out if you can join the 'Cycle to Work Scheme' through your employer. It means that you can buy a bike and then pay for it in monthly instalments out of your pay pre-tax, saving you a lot of money.

 

[tallpaul]

The C2W scheme savings aren't quite as good as they used to be. If your company runs it its worth reading the small print wrt to transfer of ownership costs at the end the lease period. What's your budget?

 

[hamshanker]

I would say ur better off going down to ur LBS,you can see bikes in the flesh and try them out for fit and feel.
Also alot of shops now offer 0% finance depending on the price of the bike depends on the length of the finance term..

 

[mouth]

I'd skip the MTB or hybrid stage and just go for a road bike because that's what you'll end up with anyway. It becomes addictive. I ride 5 miles each way 3-4 times a week if I can and try for 15-20 miles on my day off.

Oh, if you thought Golf was expensive for gear you're in for a real shock mate.

 

[Imurg]

I used to cross Aylesbury twice a day for about 8 years to and from work. It was a breeze. Had a few close calls but nothing horrific and always stayed on the bike.
These days, doing the same route - Not a chance in Hell would I even try in the Rush Hour. The amount of traffic has doubled in the last 10 years and most of the drivers haven't got a clue.
I'd stay in the car or walk.....

 

[Rooter]

The C2W scheme savings aren't quite as good as they used to be. If your company runs it its worth reading the small print wrt to transfer of ownership costs at the end the lease period. What's your budget?

The scheme I am in in, the transfer fee is 3% of the value if the bike is under 500 quid. So my £499.99 specialized hardrock sport costs me about £22 per month for a year, then £15 at the end of the scheme.

I only commute 2.5 miles each way when I am in the office, saving a fortune on fuel on my big 4x4!

Things to look for if you go new,

Try and get a MTB with 29" wheels (slang is a 29'r) simple physics, bigger wheels = faster for less effort.
If you get a bike with front suspension (don't buy full suspension) get one with fork lockout. This allows you to lock the forks travel when going uphill, so you don't lose power in the suspension travel.

Good luck!

Oh, buy a lid and some lights too! (These can be tax efficient too, if you buy at the same time as your bike!)

 

[slicer79]

I've been thinking about doing a bit of cycling myself. Bit of weight needs to be lost and it would benefit the golf as well.
Have looked a little and bike prices seem high, haven't seen too many cheap ones. I'd be looking at the hybrid option as well.

 

[hamshanker]

I've been thinking about doing a bit of cycling myself. Bit of weight needs to be lost and it would benefit the golf as well.
Have looked a little and bike prices seem high, haven't seen too many cheap ones. I'd be looking at the hybrid option as well.

Buying a bike is like buying clubs,you've got the cheaper end of the scale where the bike will be slightly heavier with cheaper components (ie,gears,brakes,wheels) and if you get into it you will be upgrading in 12 months time for a lighter n better spec bike,ive done it....so it is worth forking out that little extra for decent bike if ya can...

If you look around now there will be deals on this years bikes,but i always advise friends etc to get down to LBS,cos you can get 3-4 makes with same size frame but the geometry will be slightly different and when sat on the bike you will feel which 1 suits you best,cos u may be reaching to far forward on 1 bike or sat up to straight on another which you wont know if you internet buy...

 

[Adi2Dassler]

Check out anything from the B'Twin range at Decathlon. They seem to get great reviews. I'm looking at buying a B'Twin Triban 3 road bike, when funds allow.

That's a great shout, thanks.