Talk to me about bicycles

**Permalost** · Posted On: 1/28/2013 2:04pm

Originally Posted by ChenPengFi

Perma, have you tried any of the Armadillo tires from Specialized?
I like those way better than Gatorskin + Tuffy and they will cost you about the same as the Gatorskins.

I haven't, and probably won't get around to it for quite a while. When my Gatorskins are worn through the stock tires are still brand new, so I'm set for a while. Why are they better?

**ChenPengFi** · Posted On: 1/28/2013 2:22pm

Why are they better?

Mainly no foreign object in the tire; i've seen tubes cut/chafed by the liners and they can be a pain to line up properly.
They also disintegrate eventually.

The puncture resistance is off the charts for the Armadillos, i've had large nails deflected by the built in liner.

It's basically got a liner built in, with a Kevlar fabric/fiber matrix under that.
So convenience and greater overall puncture resistance.

**Fuzzy** · Posted On: 2/01/2013 8:41am

Well, here she is:

Of course it turns out that I can't ride a bike at all anymore and will have to relearn like a kid.

**scipio** · Posted On: 2/01/2013 9:38am

Hi Fuzzy

You might want to have a look at the attached to plan your commute. It’s the TFL cycle route planner.

http://cyclejourneyplanner.tfl.gov.u...T2?language=en

I regularly commute across London from Slough – central London isn’t too bad – the outskirts are God awful. The planner in the link is quite good at giving you some quieter routes across town.

Other than that pretty much what everyone else says, wear lights, high vis clothing and look over your shoulder when you pull out.

Good luck.

**Permalost** · Posted On: 2/01/2013 1:03pm

Another bit of advice: don't try to race an old bearded man or a hipster. They'll end up beating you and you'll feel weaker than an old man or hipster.

Originally Posted by scipio

wear lights, high vis clothing and look over your shoulder when you pull out.

This is a bicycle discussion sir, take your perversion elsewhere!

**Eddie Hardon** · Posted On: 2/01/2013 4:46pm

To the OP, take Dave's advice. Seriously.

I have cycled to work (Centre Point, Northumberland Avenue, the Borough, Whitehall for over 25 years. I use a Claude Butler Majestic and 2 years ago had it completely re-built. I use panniers etc and Crash Helmet, Hi-Viz Jacket, Cycling Shorts, Cycling Shorts, Cycling Gloves. Also a ****-Off ABUS Granit U-Lock.

I've also had a beautiful polish-framed MARIN hybrid. Wonderful. Some bastard nicked it, lock and all. I had secured it but hadn't locked it to a railing. I was visiting the doctor.

I have NEVER worn headphones of any description. In Old London Town, you need your Hearing. I always look over my Shoulder (Lifesaver) and watch all traffic. I rarely get into trouble with Drivers because they won't see your point of view even if they've come close to killing you. "Sorry mate, I didn't see you". No, you wouldn't with:
- Wayne (HEART) Tracey - across your window top cutting down your visibility
- Fluffy Dice hanging from the Rear View Window
- Changing a CD
- Chatting on the mobile
- They own the road. OK, a bit flippant that one.

Finally, I love Dave's bike. BikeP0rn at its finest.

**Eddie Hardon** · Posted On: 2/01/2013 4:48pm

Originally Posted by Permalost

Another bit of advice: don't try to race an old bearded man or a hipster. They'll end up beating you and you'll feel weaker than an old man or hipster.

Er, that might be me. It certainly reads like it ;-)

**Rock Ape** · Posted On: 2/01/2013 5:59pm

Originally Posted by Eddie Hardon

Finally, I love Dave's bike. BikeP0rn at its finest.

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**Fuzzy** · Posted On: 2/09/2013 8:36am

Alright guys, so I'm now at the point where I'm not falling off and/or destroying my bike every time I climb on it, and I managed to ride on a quiet road a little while ago.

I'm still really nervous about riding in traffic and feel really uncomfortable with cars around me. How do fix?

**Eddie Hardon** · Posted On: 2/09/2013 10:36am

Find out if there's a bike scheme near you. This will usually be an experienced cyclist who can guide you whilst you build your confidence. Your local bike shop will probably have some leaflets on this or may be able to advise. Simpsons in Kentish Town (Queen's Crescent) have lots of free gizzits including Cycle Maps for London.

You could also go riding on Sundays, which tend to be quieter for traffic.

Be careful with clipless pedals. If you over-tighten, then you will fall over when you get to traffic lights and want to put your foot on to the Road. (Yes, I've done it....)