Pedal Power Thread

A few years since we did any bike riding but these are our bikes although i don't think the batteries will be any good now

biketip 013.jpg
 
Not really been on this site for a while thought I'd have a browse and stumbled on this thread.
Cycling has always been a big part of my life.

This a quick pic from the peaks with our mtb's I also ride road bikes and fortunate to live in a nice part of the country for both. IMG_20200530_113157.jpg
 
Hi

Need some bike storage help from the experts please.

Need a way of storing 3 bikes in a garden shed, is something like this fine:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hardcastle...=9045971&hvtargid=pla-469976137137&psc=1&th=1

They are just standard kids bike and an adult bike.

Thank you
i bought some of these last year and a great way of storing bikes. Just searched eBay and they seem to be expensive atv the moment. I named to get 4 for £8. Search forb
4 wall mountable Storage Hook Bike Rack Space Saving
 
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I could really do with a bike rack like that to sort the bikes out in the back of the house.
 
Hopefully getting to the forest this weekend for the first time since March, Usually ride off piste trails in the Forest of Dean and surrounding area. Bike is a Kingdom Vendetta, Also have an Orange Five, Orange speedwork for commuting and manmade trails and just bought my first road bike a new 2018 Felt VR3 which at £1200 off list was a good buy imo. Here is a site I used to get my Felt bike and a few other bargains.
https://www.bikebargains.co.uk/

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I’m treating myself. I’ve sold a motorbike and am buying a Specialized Levo SL electric mountain bike.

I always thought electric MTBs were horribly heavy and ponderous, but the SL (“super light”) is a different thing altogether. It’s got a smaller motor and battery, making it lighter, but it still packs a punch. It’s also very agile and responsive on the downhills.

I tried the “full fat” Levo but it just felt too heavy. I also tried a Whyte e510 which was nice but also felt ponderous. The SL is on a different planet. You need to work for it, but the revelation for me was on my first demo ride of the SL. Basically, all the crap bits of mountain biking are reduced so you can do uphills much more easily, and do many more downhills as it doesn’t take so long to go up. I got back to the shop and said “take my money”. Just need to wait for mine to come in now - 2 weeks, and supply is scarce. And they aren’t cheap, but it’s my money and I’ve worked for it, so I’l have it.

Today I borrowed the demo SL again and did 21 miles of Peaslake/Surrey Hills trails. It was bloody brilliant - best biking day of my life. I still expended 1200 calories, covered some decent ground, and had a blast. Some jumps, some failed berm railing, some drops, just fantastic. Set off with 95% battery and finished with 20%. You can get range extenders too if you want.

My local bike shop is Ace Bicycles in Guildford by the way. Brilliant team in there - recommended.
 
Hey guys, does anyone know where I can buy cycling shorts - you know the padded variety - for someone with a 50" waist?

At 65 years of age and 19+ stones I am getting back in the saddle for the first time in about 30 years. I've bought a used hybrid bike and given it a damn good service, which it obviously hadn't had for quite some time, so it's running sweet and I'm looking forward to regaining some fitness so I can head out on longer rides. Before I do that though I really want some padding around the nether regions :)
 
Hey guys, does anyone know where I can buy cycling shorts - you know the padded variety - for someone with a 50" waist?

At 65 years of age and 19+ stones I am getting back in the saddle for the first time in about 30 years. I've bought a used hybrid bike and given it a damn good service, which it obviously hadn't had for quite some time, so it's running sweet and I'm looking forward to regaining some fitness so I can head out on longer rides. Before I do that though I really want some padding around the nether regions :)


Maybe of some use: (I use them)

 
Hey guys, does anyone know where I can buy cycling shorts - you know the padded variety - for someone with a 50" waist?

At 65 years of age and 19+ stones I am getting back in the saddle for the first time in about 30 years. I've bought a used hybrid bike and given it a damn good service, which it obviously hadn't had for quite some time, so it's running sweet and I'm looking forward to regaining some fitness so I can head out on longer rides. Before I do that though I really want some padding around the nether regions :)

Hi Steve, I am 73 and a long time cyclist. I still cycle approx 100 miles a week in and around the Yorkshire Dales.

Kudos to you for “getting back in the saddle” and taking steps to improve your fitness. However, a cautionary word ! for ‘gentlemen’ of a certain age it is always a good idea to have a word with your doctor before starting an exercise program. Good luck and remember ‘small steps’ to begin with and build up gradually.
 
Hi Steve, I am 73 and a long time cyclist. I still cycle approx 100 miles a week in and around the Yorkshire Dales.

Kudos to you for “getting back in the saddle” and taking steps to improve your fitness. However, a cautionary word ! for ‘gentlemen’ of a certain age it is always a good idea to have a word with your doctor before starting an exercise program. Good luck and remember ‘small steps’ to begin with and build up gradually.

Hi Roy,
I have discussed this with my GP and she is okay as long as I "take it steady". My problem is, when I was younger I was a very competitve cyclist - an Army champion no less - and I find it very difficult to just ride gently. I chose a hybrid rather than a road bike in the hope that the lower gearing will force me to slow down and put less strain on the legs and heart but right nowe I am so out of condition it ain't really working :) I hope I'm still riding when I get to 73 :)
 
Morning,

Looking for a comfortable seat for my bike please. I am on the large side and the one that is on the bike at that the moment is not comfortable.

Have seen various on amazon but any first hand suggestion on what to get and what to look out for, especially ones that are not very expensive?

Thank you
 
Morning,

Looking for a comfortable seat for my bike please. I am on the large side and the one that is on the bike at that the moment is not comfortable.

Have seen various on amazon but any first hand suggestion on what to get and what to look out for, especially ones that are not very expensive?

Thank you

I would say that its a very personal thing, what is right for one maybe wrong for another, like build, and seating position.

Even then, it can take a few weeks to get used to a new saddle. I would try you local bike shop for advice and to touch and feel.
 
I would say that its a very personal thing, what is right for one maybe wrong for another, like build, and seating position.

Even then, it can take a few weeks to get used to a new saddle. I would try you local bike shop for advice and to touch and feel.
This is good advice. Bike seats can be very problematic; even a subtle difference in design and shape, can be the difference between comfort and torture. But another consideration is the type of riding you do; if it's mostly a short pootle to shops etc, then a fairly wide, well padded saddle can be ok. These can end up being torture devices on longer rides, as they don't support your pelvis very well, despite all that padding. Saddles come in various widths to suit pelvis widths; women's saddles are general a bit wider to accommodate the wider (on average) female pelvis. I've actually found a 'womens' saddle to be amongst the comfiest though, and I'm not particularly wide. So it can be quite random as well.

For longer rides, consider some sort of padded shorts/liners, as these will give an extra layer of padding, and provide more long distance comfort.
 
I’m treating myself. I’ve sold a motorbike and am buying a Specialized Levo SL electric mountain bike.

I always thought electric MTBs were horribly heavy and ponderous, but the SL (“super light”) is a different thing altogether. It’s got a smaller motor and battery, making it lighter, but it still packs a punch. It’s also very agile and responsive on the downhills.

I tried the “full fat” Levo but it just felt too heavy. I also tried a Whyte e510 which was nice but also felt ponderous. The SL is on a different planet. You need to work for it, but the revelation for me was on my first demo ride of the SL. Basically, all the crap bits of mountain biking are reduced so you can do uphills much more easily, and do many more downhills as it doesn’t take so long to go up. I got back to the shop and said “take my money”. Just need to wait for mine to come in now - 2 weeks, and supply is scarce. And they aren’t cheap, but it’s my money and I’ve worked for it, so I’l have it.

Today I borrowed the demo SL again and did 21 miles of Peaslake/Surrey Hills trails. It was bloody brilliant - best biking day of my life. I still expended 1200 calories, covered some decent ground, and had a blast. Some jumps, some failed berm railing, some drops, just fantastic. Set off with 95% battery and finished with 20%. You can get range extenders too if you want.

My local bike shop is Ace Bicycles in Guildford by the way. Brilliant team in there - recommended.
Nice. I've seen a fair bit of hate aimed at electrically assisted bicycles, particularly from 'mountain bikers'. But for me, anything that gets people out riding bikes, is good. A friend bought an electric Brompton, and rides the 4 miles or so to and from work each day now, which she simply wouldn't do on a standard bike. She's lost weight, is fitter and healthier, even from just a short distance.

I rode my (non assisted) MTB up around Epping Forest yesterday. Was a right blast, really good fun. Can't beat a bit of off road biking in good weather!
 
Seriously considering getting back on my bike. It's old now, I bought it in 2002 but it's in very good condition considering. It's a GT XCR4000, full suss that I used to downhill a lot back in the day, mainly at an old quarry in Wales. It will need new cables as the shifters don't work properly but it should be ready to go after a checkover. I also have a Giant Boulder Alulite that I built myself but that needs a bit more work. I used to cycle a minimum of 150 miles a week, up to the quarry, which was 7 miles from home, up and down it a few times, then back home. The Giant was great for the hill tracks in the Brecon Beacons as it is a hard tail. I brought both bikes with me when I moved to Scotland but have hardly used them since.

The pounds are piling on, so I really should take the advice of my Wife and "get on my bike", she keeps telling me that for some reason. I'm sure she has my welfare at heart. ;)
 
GT XCR4000
Ah, with the mental 'i-Drive' system. I worked in Halfords in 2000, and we sold those. I've still not worked out how they actually worked! :LOL:

Get the bikes sorted, and get out riding them. Can't believe you're not out MTBing, if you live in Scotland!!!
 
Ah, with the mental 'i-Drive' system. I worked in Halfords in 2000, and we sold those. I've still not worked out how they actually worked! :LOL:

Get the bikes sorted, and get out riding them. Can't believe you're not out MTBing, if you live in Scotland!!!

Got mine from Halfords in Merthyr Tydfil. It has the I drive. Apparently, you sit on the bike and line the red dots up using the spring adjuster, which should take some of the bounce out of the rear for normal riding. I never really bothered with the I drive, I set it once for my weight when the bike was new at the time but never adjusted it as the weight came off.

My main reasons for not riding so much these days are time, I'm kept busy most days and also, photography wasn't a thing for me back then.

We have some great forest trails right here at home and if you Google the Chris Hoy Cycle Way, that is almost literally on my doorstep. I just need to find the motivation, which has been sadly lacking with MTBing for a while now.
 
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I just need to find the motivation, which has been sadly lacking with MTBing for a while now.
No I can understand that. I used to MTB far more than I do now. I used to travel more to do it, but haven't been anywhere but Epping for a couple of years now. Epping's fun, it's great for loads of tight foresty singletrack, but it's nice to ride other places too. I love North Wales, but haven't been there for a couple of years. Having people to ride with helps loads for motivation, cos it becomes a social thing. Bit harder atm. My 'crowd' drifted apart, people moved, had lifestyle changes etc. But the Lockdown™ has made me realise that if I don't enjoy it while I can, I may never get to enjoy it again. Just get out there, and ride! You'll love it.
 
No I can understand that. I used to MTB far more than I do now. I used to travel more to do it, but haven't been anywhere but Epping for a couple of years now. Epping's fun, it's great for loads of tight foresty singletrack, but it's nice to ride other places too. I love North Wales, but haven't been there for a couple of years. Having people to ride with helps loads for motivation, cos it becomes a social thing. Bit harder atm. My 'crowd' drifted apart, people moved, had lifestyle changes etc. But the Lockdown™ has made me realise that if I don't enjoy it while I can, I may never get to enjoy it again. Just get out there, and ride! You'll love it.

Thanks for the gee up, already thinking of going out to the workshop and checking my GT over. The Giant needs a lot more work but not beyond repair.

I was mainly a sole rider, I like my space but I did have a buddy who came out with me on weekends. He moved away from The Valleys to Nottingham not long after I got the GT. Then I moved here in 2005 and that was more or less the end of MTB for me. The bikes are still sitting there though, just waiting. One other problem is that I passed my test on a 600cc version, it's a lot easier. :LOL:

I'm sure you're right, once I'm back on it, it will be like I've never been away, cue sore bum and aching thighs/calves, for a while at least. (y)
 
I think I will have to get the turbo trainer out again. We live next to busy main roads and I don't have the time to mix it with traffic. The turbo bike is based around a Gazelle Champion Mondial 653 frame which was supposedly an ex TVM team frame from the late eighties (I bought it in 1993 from an ex pro). I still have a mountain bike, Shogun aluminum framed time trial bike and a decent road bike kitted out with Shimano Ultegra.
 
She still looks good, put some air in the tyres, they're not even cracked, oiled the chain, brakes are fine, ready to go.

Shifter cables are a little spongey, a squirt of WD might sort that but they're more than likely stretched, which will mean new ones.

Anyway,

DSCF8166tp.jpg

off to look at a decent cycle computer now.
 
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Morning,

Looking for a comfortable seat for my bike please. I am on the large side and the one that is on the bike at that the moment is not comfortable.

Have seen various on amazon but any first hand suggestion on what to get and what to look out for, especially ones that are not very expensive?

Thank you

As said already by Simon, they're very personal. I used to prefer a medium width longer perch like the On-One Bignose, (presently OOS): https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/SAOOBNES/on-one-bignose-evo-saddle
And I also liked the SDG Bel-Air: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sdg-Bel-Air-Unisex-Adults-Multicolor/dp/B07CMHJZHS or with Ti rails for extra comfort: https://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/1...-air-20-ti-alloy-rail-saddle-blackorange.aspx

My son who works as a MTB guide and coach prefers a short version of the style with a gap in the centre - all the pressure goes on the 'sit bones'. He's on the bike all day, and it works for him, but I find them a bit wide (and they're also expensive): https://www.wiggle.co.uk/ism

There's also the longer type with a gap: https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/SASMASDS/san-marco-aspide-dynamic-supercomfort-saddle

FWIW it's better to have a slightly firmer saddle. Counter-intuitive, but once you toughen up a little then it will provide better support instead of you squashing through the foam to the base. If you really are big then that Ti-railed Bel-Air could provide a bit more comfort.
 
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FWIW it's better to have a slightly firmer saddle. Counter-intuitive, but once you toughen up a little then it will provide better support instead of you squashing through the foam to the base.

:plus1: Exactly this, something I have to go through again but it's well worth it. (y)
 
I always like to see cycling threads on non-cycling forums as it shows how popular riding is. I rarely post anything as it’s a bit like a bus mans holiday as I work in the trade for a company called BETD Components and we manufacture gear mech hangers mostly but we also do lots of other parts and we also own and make Middleburn parts now.
I have access to many bikes but my own wheels are my well sorted Santa Cruz Bronson which I’ve owned a few years now. Does everything I need without the need to upgrade to the latest greatest next best thing.05121CAA-2029-4492-AA15-D1E444C67972.jpeg
 
I just need to find the motivation, which has been sadly lacking with MTBing for a while now.

This was me as well. A bit like cameras, a new bike stimulates and motivates. Plus, my eMTB takes away a lot of the crappy stuff like going up hills. Going up hills is now a joy. I still work at it and my heart monitor tells me I’m putting in plenty of effort and power, and you get up them quicker so you can do more of the fun downhill stuff. It’s absolutely transformational.

A quick up date on my Specialized Levo SL for you. It is, literally, epic. I absolutely love it. It is treading a fine line between agility and electric assistance. It rides like a normal MTB for all intents and purposes, yet goes up hills twice as fast. It’s gorgeous to ride. I’ve been out far more than every before because it’s just so brilliant. A ”full fat“ eMTB would be too much I think, so the SL is just perfect for me - you get a proper workout and have a huge laugh with it.

CC361B21-56AF-4378-817F-5D7E020F86E6.jpeg

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I've not looked back since getting my eBike - absolutely love it and one of the best purchasses I've ever made.
 
...you should look back, particularly before signalling and moving to the centre of the road to turn off to the right ;) #lifesaver
 
...you should look back, particularly before signalling and moving to the centre of the road to turn off to the right ;) #lifesaver


Indeed! It was an instant fail on the motorbike test not doing a lifesaver (y)
 
Wish that "the dutch reach" was the same on the car driving test, tbh... Having been doored at least 3 times over the years (that is 3 that made contact, can't think how many near misses there were...)
 
Wish that "the dutch reach" was the same on the car driving test, tbh... Having been doored at least 3 times over the years (that is 3 that made contact, can't think how many near misses there were...)

Not sure a 'like' was appropriate for your post as it certainly isn'tgood news you've portrayed but i agree with what you say. (y)
 
I have a Dawes Super Galaxy I’m not using.
I took the drops off and and fitted cross bars.
Not used it a lot. Comes with Spa (Harrogate) handbuilt wheels and schwalbe marathon tyres.
Also a brooks sprung saddle.
overall it is in very good nick.
Any idea of value and where should I sell it?

Also, has a a front wheel dynamo.
 
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Wish that "the dutch reach" was the same on the car driving test, tbh... Having been doored at least 3 times over the years (that is 3 that made contact, can't think how many near misses there were...)


I physically can't do a Dutch reach (fnurkled shoulder) but as a biker, I always do a lifesaver look before opening the door.

Been almost doored once on the bike - by a passenger in a car that was stopped on the wrong side of the road so she would have seen be if she'd had her eyes open. Door came open just as I was alongside the front of the car and I just had time to get my foot off the left peg to shut it before anything else hit it. Must have given her a shock - made me jump a bit!
 
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