Cycling OSers

badgermonkey

Since getting a new bike 6 weeks ago I have been trying to find more ways to make the most of having it - it's certainly helped with our shopping as we can only transport a fixed amount now so we need to be careful when menu planning.

Any other cycling OSers out there? How has having a bike helped/hindered you?

Baileys_Babe

Helped: increased fittness

Hindered: not being able to make the most of BOGOFs

seraphina

I live too far away from work to cycle now but my one piece of advice is to invest in the best tyres you can afford. I used to commute in London and for the first few months I was constantly repairing punctures - I replaced the original pair with a pair of more puncture resistant touring tyres!

I really miss cycling - it's such a good way to get about!

squeaky

Check the chic shopper thread - there's a trolley there that you can tow behind your bike - and I always had saddle bags added to my bikes to help with shopping. Safer by far than hanging bags on the handle bars.

shoperholicnot

I started cycling to work about 6 months ago, saves me in the region of £80 a month at the moment, I also use it for general transport not just for commuting. I have found it has actually helped me with shopping, on the way home i always go past sainsburys, so whatever i need i can nip in, get it and no more hassle of lugging bags home on bus or train. going shopping on the way home before used to be such a hassle. Most of the stuff I stick in my rucksack, the rest, but not too much, on the handlebars, but i tie the bags up really tight so that they dont dangle neer the wheel. I dont do one big shop anymore.

shoperholicnot

it has also helped with fitness and my stress levels. i used to really hate travelling on London Underground, now I hardly ever go near a train station, have noticed that when i get to work I am much more relaxed now, and I get home quicker in the evening!

badgermonkey

I bought a pair of pannier bags from Argos for £15 - not the best looking but hold a surprising amount!

I sometimes take it to work on the train but it's a pain having to get changed (don't want to get mud on my nice work clothes and I can't cycle in heels). I find it annoying to try and work out where on the train I can put my bike - some of them don't have a proper bike bit and I have to sit at the end of the carriage feeling like I'm blocking everyone's way.

Dobie

Sometimes Lidl have panniers for £5. They need stiffening with a bit of card or something but they're ideal for carrying heavy loads. Mine have carried all my clothes for a weeks cycling tour from the Midlands to Scotland & across Eire. Brilliant. Cycling holidays are a very OS way of holidaying too.
I agree with shopperholicnot that bikes are fantastic for fitness & a great stress reducer. Although I work too far away to commute by bike, half an hour's ride when I get home & the stress of work has completely gone.
Helps you sleep well too.
I get withdrawal symptoms if I don't get out a few times a week.

thriftlady_2

I have a gorgeous bike,a Pashley Princesshttp://www.pashley.co.uk/products/classic/princess_classic/splash.htmlThey are really expensive new,but I got mine at a bargain price of £250 :eek: By chance saw an advert for a second-hand one which turned out to have never been used. I use it for shopping trips when I don't have a lot to get.The basket is really roomy.I also cycle to school with my kids.Haven't done much cycling this winter but when spring eventually arrives I'll be out on it much more.I love it to pieces,makes me feel like a land girl !

Pashley are based in Stratford Upon Avon,and they make all the work bikes for the Royal Mail and police force.

stumpjumper

I'd love to live close enough to work to commute by bike. ATM I've only got my rather expensive mountian bike here which is only really suitable for off road use (no reflectors, mud tyres etc..) so unfortunately I can't use it for shopping as I don;t want to leave £2k's worth of bike outside. I'm in the process of building up an older bike as a shopping hack but just haven't had the time to finish it lately.

nabowla

I'd love to own a Pashley with a proper wicker basket on the front for my shopping. Oh well, maybe one day.........

I recently collected my bike from my parents and am supposed to be in training for a three-day cycle ride that I'm supposed to be doing at the end of May. I was doing really well in January but have hardly been on my bike since then. Really must get it out this week and start cycling again.