Cycling - tips and advice?

danandjens_worldtravels

Hi,
I have just started cycling to work (via the train) and have read some good tips that I thought I would share, I would also appreciate some as I have discovered some small issues.

So my top tips (some of these are off the Sustrans (?) leaflet)
- if you wear a skirt hook up the access with a peg to stop it getting in your way
- don't cycle too fast, so you don't get sweaty (obvious but I was going as fast as I could at first rather than enjoying the trip)
- use a basket/pannier rather than a ruck sack, again less sweaty

Problems
- I have bruises on my inner thigh (I am riding a mans cycle and think this has been caused by the cross bar) any ideas how i can prevent the bruises?
- laddered tights, again they were caught on the brake cable clip attached to the cross bar, I know not a problem common for men but someone may have a solution, its not very MSE to have to keep buying tights!
- clothes on my back ride up a little and leave the small of my back exposed and cold. I know cycling tops have longer backs but is there any way around this to avoid buying one?

Ken68

Hi welcome, nice to see another cyclist on board. Are trousers out of the questions. With clips, cool man cool.
Agree about the panniers/basket. Safer. And a windcheater for the back, ventilate as you go.

This is a ride I did in 1987. The clothing is ideal, snag free, wind and shower proof. Shoes are stiff enough for riding and also walking about.
Are you intending to world travel?? may be on a bike.

danandjens_worldtravels

ha ha so the name give it away! Been doing a bit of worldtravelling, not by bike and home for a little while.

Trousers are great, and I use either an elastic band or bulldog paper clip for the ends. Still a problem with the back draught. With a wind blocking coat too, a bit too hot and sweaty inside for just a small chilly area.

Great pic, remember I am arriving at work and only have to do a few miles so its smart cycling for me!

Ken68

Oh difficult, smart and not sweaty. When I commuted years ago on a train always wore a raincoat to protect office suit, even in summer. So perhaps something like that, jacket or top in the pannier. Protection from splashing motorist too.
Very green you are, does it cost to take a cycle on the train nowadays? Think the charge was once £3 per journey but as far as you like.
And isn't there a tax break for cycles somewhere!!!for you or the firm.
Some of our politicians bike.
You're not Boris are you, or DavidCallMeDave ??

paulwf

OP I'm glad you're enjoying cycling. If you continue commuting then the best option may be to buy a bike that suits you, so go for one with a step through frame to avoid the bruises. Also wearing leggings then changing at work would resolve any clothing issues, and would certainly be an advantage if it rains on the way to work. Some people leave a few office clothes in their locker/desk so they don't have to commute with them every day.

When bikes arrive at bike shops they come boxed and some have lengths of foam "pipe lagging" around the frame to protect it. You could ask a shop for a piece of this and tape it round your frame to avoid bruising/snagging. It won't look glamorous but it would work for now.

Fire_Fox

Are you bruised actually on your inner thighs (i.e. legs) or are they high up (backside near your lady bits)? If the latter that is normal and seems to stop happening with practice - problem with spinning classes in the gym too, you can get gel padded seat covers but they don't help much.

Mids_Costcutter

Bike for All is a good web site for advice, it's a joint initiative of the Bicycle Association and the Department for Transport to promote cycling:

http://www.bikeforall.net/index.php

Information on cycling to work and tax-free bike buying.

Regarding the bruising on your inner thighs, sounds a bit strange unless it's just getting on and off the bike? I'd suggest visiting a good local independent bike shop near to you and asking them to check your riding position, saddle etc.

danandjens_worldtravels

actually on my legs! I paid a bit more attention to my 'technique' today and it seems when i stop, pause etc I always go to the left, and so my right leg hits the cross bar, guess I must have been doing it a little too harshly. I may try the padding idea though, imagine the other train commuters wondering why i need a padded bike :rotfl::rotfl:

I seem to have done well on the bottom bruises, but its an old mans old fashioned bike and so has a lovely comfy seat, as far as these things go.

Ken69, no its free to take a bike on the train, so thats good!! And no, i'm not in charge of anyone, except and barely myself.

If i do keep going with the cycling, then yes my list so far is lady cross bar and lighter. Love the basket though so that has to stay!