The Cycling Chat Thread

[Cid]

Fair enough but I also want to get rid of the front chainset anyway. It is the last thing that I can lose some weight off the bike with, except me, obv.

eta: also, on that hub, one side is freewheel and the other is brake. Can I make them both freewheel? I very nearly killed myself trying out the brake side lol.

Ah right, I though you were doing it properly and riding fixed /blatant snobbery. Yes, you can switch it to freewheel... I think freewheel sprockets are more limited in teeth number (because they need to get the mechanism in). Still should be able to get 16t though. I’ve not done this in ages, so will leave it to weepiper or someone else who remembers exactly how flip flop hub compatibility works.

e2a: Personally I’d keep one side similar, or maybe a tooth lower than what you’ve got, then the other side run a 16t. It’s counter-intuitive but if your rear is 20t, changing it to a 16t will have significantly more effect than changing to 54t up front.

 

[bmd]

Thanks Cid and beesonthewhatnow. weepiper, you're the pro bike mechanic here, if I came to your shop and said all this, what would your advice be on top of what has already been said? Anything else I need to know please?

 

[weepiper]

Thanks Cid and beesonthewhatnow. weepiper, you're the pro bike mechanic here, if I came to your shop and said all this, what would your advice be on top of what has already been said? Anything else I need to know please?

It would be to put a smaller freewheel on to achieve a higher gear if you really want that. Although bear in mind that the fewer teeth on your freewheel, the faster it will wear, because the chain load is not spread over so many teeth. So a small freewheel will wear all the drivetrain faster than a big one. You probably can't put a freewheel on both sides of your flipflop hub because the thread is different for a freewheel and for a fixed sprocket.

 

[bmd]

So, what's the way to go faster on a fixie? Just pedal more? That can't be the answer! Can it?

 

[beesonthewhatnow]

So, what's the way to go faster on a fixie? Just pedal more? That can't be the answer! Can it?

If you ultimately want to go faster the answer is to fit it with some gears

 

[a_chap]

Instead of a smaller rear sprocket you can use a bigger chain wheel.

I'm trying to find a photo of the fixed wheel bike that Steve Abraham used on the 2001 edition of London Edinburgh London - that bike had a chain ring the size of a dinner plate.

I recall it because the bugger overtook me on the climb over Yad Moss

 

[DownwardDog]

So, what's the way to go faster on a fixie? Just pedal more? That can't be the answer! Can it?

No. Once you're out of your optimal zone on cadence you're actually producing less power. The power band for cyclists is quite narrow - 82 to 94rpm for most people - which is why bikes have gears.

 

[Mation]

Almost went into the side of a van, earlier

I was going straight ahead across a junction. Lights very green. Two vans on the other side of the road waiting to turn right.

There was a gap in the traffic ahead of me, so the first van turned, which was fine. But then the second one suddenly launched into the turn, in front of me, after I'd gone past the still very green light. I guess he thought he'd make it before I got to the middle of the road, though I've no idea why.

I had to veer right, into the outside lane, as well as brake quite hard in order not to hit the middle of the fucking thing. We both came to a halt in the middle of the road, about a foot apart. He stopped there for a few seconds and then drove off, leaving me in the middle of the junction.

By that stage the lights had changed, but fortunately no one one either side going perpendicular to me had moved, even though their lights were now green, waiting till I'd got back in lane and across to the other side.

I don't think I did anything wrong, and that hasn't happened to me before. Pretty sure the guy was just a fucking arsehole, but if I was at fault I should probably find out how!

Is there something else I should have done? Does that happen often?

 

[Cid]

Almost went into the side of a van, earlier

I was going straight ahead across a junction. Lights very green. Two vans on the other side of the road waiting to turn right.

There was a gap in the traffic ahead of me, so the first van turned, which was fine. But then the second one suddenly launched into the turn, in front of me, after I'd gone past the still very green light. I guess he thought he'd make it before I got to the middle of the road, though I've no idea why.

I had to veer right, into the outside lane, as well as brake quite hard in order not to hit the middle of the fucking thing. We both came to a halt in the middle of the road, about a foot apart. He stopped there for a few seconds and then drove off, leaving me in the middle of the junction.

By that stage the lights had changed, but fortunately no one one either side going perpendicular to me had moved, even though their lights were now green, waiting till I'd got back in lane and across to the other side.

I don't think I did anything wrong, and that hasn't happened to me before. Pretty sure the guy was just a fucking arsehole, but if I was at fault I should probably find out how!

Is there something else I should have done? Does that happen often?

It’s always hard to tell from a recollection of a stressful event, but very likely you did nothing wrong... the problem is that that’s not much consolation if some arsehole does injure you.

Aways cycle defensively... which is not timidly. Make sure you’re visible, keep your road position, give yourself space around larger vehicles etc. It’s a tricky balance mind you.

 

[Cid]

Oh and also hope you’re feeling ok...

 

[Badgers]

Solidarity with Mation

I went into an SUV a couple of weeks ago. Bloody sore but somehow the bike and motor were fine.

 

[Mation]

It’s always hard to tell from a recollection of a stressful event, but very likely you did nothing wrong... the problem is that that’s not much consolation if some arsehole does injure you.

Yes. exactly.

Aways cycle defensively... which is not timidly. Make sure you’re visible, keep your road position, give yourself space around larger vehicles etc. It’s a tricky balance mind you.

I do this, massively helped by my cycle confidence training. I've got just as much right to be on the road as anyone else, so I'm happy doing what I need to, in order to be safe (rather than timid).

Thinking back, if I'd been going a bit more slowly, I'd have had more time to brake. I was going at ~12-13 mph, having slowed down before the junction from about 15-16 mph.

Obvs it's hard to say anything about this particular instance, but is that generally too fast for a junction? Other cyclists are always whizzing past me, so perhaps I'm picking up bad habits.

Soz if these are daft questions. I need to go through anything I'm learning in some detail.

 

[Mation]

Oh and also hope you’re feeling ok...

You answered the question I asked, which was helpful.

But thank you! And yes, I'm fine

 

[sleaterkinney]

Almost went into the side of a van, earlier

I was going straight ahead across a junction. Lights very green. Two vans on the other side of the road waiting to turn right.

There was a gap in the traffic ahead of me, so the first van turned, which was fine. But then the second one suddenly launched into the turn, in front of me, after I'd gone past the still very green light. I guess he thought he'd make it before I got to the middle of the road, though I've no idea why.

I had to veer right, into the outside lane, as well as brake quite hard in order not to hit the middle of the fucking thing. We both came to a halt in the middle of the road, about a foot apart. He stopped there for a few seconds and then drove off, leaving me in the middle of the junction.

By that stage the lights had changed, but fortunately no one one either side going perpendicular to me had moved, even though their lights were now green, waiting till I'd got back in lane and across to the other side.

I don't think I did anything wrong, and that hasn't happened to me before. Pretty sure the guy was just a fucking arsehole, but if I was at fault I should probably find out how!

Is there something else I should have done? Does that happen often?

From what you say you had right of way so he was at fault.

It’s just something you have to keep in mind, there are bad drivers out there and make allowances for that, but at the same time be assertive - it’s a balance you have to keep.

 

[Bahnhof Strasse]

From what you say you had right of way so he was at fault.

It’s just something you have to keep in mind, there are bad drivers out there and make allowances for that, but at the same time be assertive - it’s a balance you have to keep.

There are bad drivers, lots of them. There are also fairly decent drivers who cock up occasionally. Two wheeled travellers often pay a much heavier price than four wheeled folk. Gotta have eyes everywhere and assume that every car/van/truck is about to do something stupid that could hurt you. The very best thing you can do is make eye contact with drivers, easier said than done though.

 

[weepiper]

Ride as if every driver is a homicidal moron out to kill you, is my advice. Then you will usually have plenty of time to react and take evasive action. Never ever put yourself on the inside of a large vehicle, and if a large vehicle puts you on its inside by overtaking, be ready to jump off into the pavement if you have any doubts. The incident you're describing Mation sounds like a textbook example of a driver looking for a car coming the other way rather than looking for a bike. They didn't see a car so their brain has told them there's a gap in the traffic and they can turn.

 

[Orang Utan]

There are bad drivers, lots of them. There are also fairly decent drivers who cock up occasionally. Two wheeled travellers often pay a much heavier price than four wheeled folk. Gotta have eyes everywhere and assume that every car/van/truck is about to do something stupid that could hurt you. The very best thing you can do is make eye contact with drivers, easier said than done though.

It's often better to look at the car's wheels rather than the driver's eyes

 

[bmd]

No. Once you're out of your optimal zone on cadence you're actually producing less power. The power band for cyclists is quite narrow - 82 to 94rpm for most people - which is why bikes have gears.

Yes, I did think that was possibly the answer. Gears are annoying to set up and maintain. I will have to get over that.

 

[bmd]

From what you say you had right of way so he was at fault.

It’s just something you have to keep in mind, there are bad drivers out there and make allowances for that, but at the same time be assertive - it’s a balance you have to keep.

I always think that the worst drivers on the road are car drivers because they feel very safe. I drove a motorbike before I got my car licence and I can still remember marvelling at how safe I felt in the car.

 

[sleaterkinney]

There are bad drivers, lots of them. There are also fairly decent drivers who cock up occasionally. Two wheeled travellers often pay a much heavier price than four wheeled folk. Gotta have eyes everywhere and assume that every car/van/truck is about to do something stupid that could hurt you. The very best thing you can do is make eye contact with drivers, easier said than done though.

Their eyes met across a busy road and nothing could ever be the same again.

It is true, there’s something about eye contact that makes you more aware there’s another person there. It’s really useful if you’re in front of a lorry at a stop. I make a point of turning around and making eye contact with the driver so I know they’ve seen me.

 

[Mation]

Ride as if every driver is a homicidal moron out to kill you, is my advice. Then you will usually have plenty of time to react and take evasive action. Never ever put yourself on the inside of a large vehicle, and if a large vehicle puts you on its inside by overtaking, be ready to jump off into the pavement if you have any doubts. The incident you're describing Mation sounds like a textbook example of a driver looking for a car coming the other way rather than looking for a bike. They didn't see a car so their brain has told them there's a gap in the traffic and they can turn.

This also happened yesterday, a lorry putting me on its inside by overtaking just after we'd both turned right and just before we both turned left (going round Marble Arch, if you know it).

I dropped back and let him go first, because fuck that, even though he stayed in the outside lane.

Thank you for putting the being ready to jump off option explicitly in mind. I hadn't thought of it specifically. Though I realise I do similar as a pedestrian.

I've noticed myself assessing garden walls and street furniture for suitability to jump over or dart behind, I think in response to some semi-conscious 'unpredictable oncoming driver' alerts, probably due to an increase in news reports of drivers mounting the pavement in various contexts.

 

[Winot]

This also happened yesterday, a lorry putting me on its inside by overtaking just after we'd both turned right and just before we both turned left (going round Marble Arch, if you know it).

I dropped back and let him go first, because fuck that, even though he stayed in the outside lane.

Thank you for putting the being ready to jump off option explicitly in mind. I hadn't thought of it specifically. Though I realise I do similar as a pedestrian.

I've noticed myself assessing garden walls and street furniture for suitability to jump over or dart behind, I think in response to some semi-conscious 'unpredictable oncoming driver' alerts, probably due to an increase in news reports of drivers mounting the pavement in various contexts.

What was your route round Marble Arch out of interest? In other words, where were you coming from and going to?

One of the other cyclist tips is to avoid dangerous junctions. Sometimes it’s not possible though.

 

[sleaterkinney]

You can cycle in Hyde park.

 

[magneze]

Almost went into the side of a van, earlier

I was going straight ahead across a junction. Lights very green. Two vans on the other side of the road waiting to turn right.

There was a gap in the traffic ahead of me, so the first van turned, which was fine. But then the second one suddenly launched into the turn, in front of me, after I'd gone past the still very green light. I guess he thought he'd make it before I got to the middle of the road, though I've no idea why.

I had to veer right, into the outside lane, as well as brake quite hard in order not to hit the middle of the fucking thing. We both came to a halt in the middle of the road, about a foot apart. He stopped there for a few seconds and then drove off, leaving me in the middle of the junction.

By that stage the lights had changed, but fortunately no one one either side going perpendicular to me had moved, even though their lights were now green, waiting till I'd got back in lane and across to the other side.

I don't think I did anything wrong, and that hasn't happened to me before. Pretty sure the guy was just a fucking arsehole, but if I was at fault I should probably find out how!

Is there something else I should have done? Does that happen often?

Sounds like you were completely in the right.

Unfortunately you have to assume that drivers can't see you. Or can see you but think they'll get away with it because they can do it with other cars - entirely forgetting the subtle difference in damage resistance of metal and human flesh.

 

[Bahnhof Strasse]

 

[Cid]

View attachment 262089

And to think I said an ebike wouldn’t get you fit.

 

[Sweet FA]

I went mtb'ing here today: Swinley Forest trail centre guide - MBR

Never done it before - my hands and arms ache more than my legs. Excellent fun though; a bit like skiing in that: you're never more than a shift of body weight away from hospital & sometimes going much faster is key. Unlike skiing: wherever you come off, you're going to hit something. Mainly a tree.

Also had a satisfying sunny afternoon on Monday taking all the 'touring' bits off the bike, changing tyres etc. Bike did really well for its weight and age. I'm fucked.

 

[Bahnhof Strasse]

I went mtb'ing here today: Swinley Forest trail centre guide - MBR

Never done it before - my hands and arms ache more than my legs. Excellent fun though; a bit like skiing in that: you're never more than a shift of body weight away from hospital & sometimes going much faster is key. Unlike skiing: wherever you come off, you're going to hit something. Mainly a tree.

Also had a satisfying sunny afternoon on Monday taking all the 'touring' bits off the bike, changing tyres etc. Bike did really well for its weight and age. I'm fucked.

My mum lives 10mins cycle from Swinley, it's a cool place. And the similarities between skiing and mountain biking are clear, a full body work out for those who get their kicks hurtling down hills, mtb, as with skis. You have your fun, then ache. Having bought an e-mtb I have been out nearly every day for three weeks and ache all the sodding time, lost 1/2 a stone so far though...

 

[Mation]

What was your route round Marble Arch out of interest? In other words, where were you coming from and going to?

One of the other cyclist tips is to avoid dangerous junctions. Sometimes it’s not possible though.

I came out of Hyde Park onto the south west corner of Cumberland Gate, and then went right and left to get onto the Edgware Road.

What would you recommend?

 

[Winot]

I came out of Hyde Park onto the south west corner of Cumberland Gate, and then went right and left to get onto the Edgware Road.

What would you recommend?

If you go further west in the park then turn north there is a cycle route (with dedicated traffic lights) across Hyde Park Place into Stanhope Place. You can then turn right (along Seymour Street I think) onto Edgware Road.