cycling?

xzibit

I recently bought a bike. It was in halfords for £79 and it seems decent enough. Looks like a much more expensive bike. I would also suggest borrowing a bike first though.

vodkabarbie

Thanks everyone for your help! :beer:
Unfortunately it seems I won't be able to take my bike on the train after all, but there is a well observed bike rack at the station I can use.
I've managed to arrange a long loan of a bike so I can give it a go and will be following up all the useful links you've given me...thanks again.

crox

Here's my 2p worth.
Cycling to work is fantastic, especially when you get to go past queues of cars!!!

But a few things to remember, just because the station bike rack is visible doesn't mean it can't be nicked from, if they've got the bottle they'll take the bike. I had mine nicked from outside the main door of a college once and I swear people walked past it every few minutes, now I use 2 locks (a solid d-lock, easy to open with a car jack or a biro in some cases, and a cable lock, easy to open with bolt croppers) so far so good not lost a bike since!!!

If you haven't ridden for a while I'd do some trial runs to see how it goes, I do 8 miles each way and it can be a killer!

As you're going to use it for commuting you could be entitled to a bit of help from your employer if you do decide to take to it and you want to buy your own bike.
Try these sites: http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_susttravel/documents/page/dft_susttravel_038228-01.hcsp#P25_1607
and
http://www.evanscycles.com/ride2work.jsp

Last but not least, if you're likely cycle in the dark, please be bright and be seen :A

crox

Knew I'd remember something else after I'd pressed submit!!!

As your commuting you'll find it easier if you have the tyres pumped up hard, I've get a track pump for the job and it makes a big difference!

Also if you do get your own bike hard tails are better for commuting, rear suspension loses some of your hard work to the springs...

wickychoo

Hi Vodkabarbie, well done on the green and DFW idea! It will save you a fortune in gym fees too

My advice as a cyclist (I live in oxford so its mandatory) is that a cheap bike can be ok (got mine for £25 from a car boot) as can second-hand bikes (often cheaper and just as good as new) the only thing you need to make sure is good - aside from the workings obviously - is the saddle. I bought a better, squishy saddle for mine and the comfort for my bum was immediate!

Also, I know it may not be very DFW and may not be practical, but you could invest in a folding bike and take it with you to/from work. When I commuted I saw *loads* of people with a briefcase in one hand and a folded bike in the other. Either that or following crox's advice and get 2 locks is good, as is not cleaning/disfiguring your bike in some way so it looks less pinchable. Common ways to do that here is covering the frame in black electrical tape and getting it a bit muddy and not cleaning it off.

HTH

Mrs_Sparkle

Cycling is fab! I've reluctantly given up as I'm 4 months pregnant and it got less comfortable but I used to do a 6 mile each way commute in London. To my shame I've never cleaned my bike so it's never been nicked.

You've had some excellent advice here and I would add- ride defensively, i.e. assume that no one can see you and will cut you up at junctions, not leave you any space between you + pavement etc and then you're prepared for when that does happen! Also, watch out for pedestrians walking out in front of you- my only collision so far was with a bloke who stepped straight in front of me- and then had the nerve to shout at me I might add.

Well done you and have fun when you whizz past everyone in the rush hour...

Annie_Fanny

Cycling is FABBAROONEY!

I cycle about 6 miles to work and it makes me feel wonderful - mentally and physically!

I hope you give it a go OP as many people seem to talk about it but not many do it

Greenwellies_2

Hi,

I began thinking about cycling about 4 years ago. I got a brand new bike on a B1G1F offer, and it cost me £100.
It was great, I got used to it, and 'upgraded' my bike to a nicer one.

I would recommend getting wither a cheap new one, or a very cheap second hand one, and make sure if you get a second hand one, you get it serviced to make sure you'll be safe on it.

Don't forget to wear a cycle helmet, perhaps get a lightweight jacket for heavy rain, lights (you can't have too many of them!!) a puncture repair kit, a couple of locks - don't waste your money on cheap ones and a water bottle

A thought for when you have decided that it's something for you....
pannier racks (back packs give you a sweaty back) and wrap around glasses if you go through parks (flies in eyes not good)

And don't forget, you'll need to freshen up when you get to the office and have a change of clothes.

Defo ride defensivly!

Although what I have written may sound very negative and not exciting, I love cycling. The only time I don't cycle is when it's very windy as I have poor balance, rain doesn't bother me

I hadn't cycled for 18 months+ until about 6 weeks ago, and I estimate I have saved £60 on petrol, and about (guessing) 300 miles on the car. I went out in the car Wednesday (for a food shop) and was shocked to see I had 1/2 a tank of fuel!

I really hope you take on the challenge, but weigh up all the pros and cons. Don't forget when it's snowing you might not want to cycle.

Oh on the plus side, I bet you get to work faster!

Good Luck

GW:T

Batfink

Some people here really put me to shame. I've been saying 'oh no, I can't cycle to work as its 10 miles each way'. I hardly ever manage to even drive economically as the first person that cuts me up I feel the urge to floor the accelerator

I pass some cyclists on the by-pass sometimes, they must be beyond the brave/stupid category I'm sure.

Good luck to you anyway, I wish I had the nerve to join you all!

Phil x

vodkabarbie

some great advice here, thanks to all!
now to wait for the bike I've managed to wangle on permanent loan...