reluctant cyclist

[gaijingirl]

My mental arithmatic ain't too good but if you go at about 15mph or higher, it would take about 35-40 minutes wouldn't it?

If you constantly rode at 15mph (ie never stopped at lights or anywhere else for that matter) - you'd do 7.5 miles in 30 minutes.

 

[beeboo]

I just did a triathlon on Saturday

ooh, hope it went well!

 

[Mrs Miggins]

I do 4.5 miles in 20-30 mins depending on traffic etc. so 9 miles would be more like 40-60 mins for me! 40-50 mins probably being the average.

And talking of heavy panniers, I carry about a stone in extra weight on my commute in locks and work clothes which I was astounded at when I weighed myself with all my kit

 

[gaijingirl]

ooh, hope it went well!

It was good! I did one 10 days ago and one on Sat - really just for training for the big one next Sunday - which is 2x the distance!

I'm pretty pleased with how it's going but when you see the really serious athletes you realise you're in a different league.

And I still hate running!

 

[heinous seamus]

Learn how to do wheelies. They're the ultimate tool for keeping muppet drivers away from you. Front wheelies may look impressive but they won't make anyone give you a wide berth.

 

[ShiftyBagLady]

wheelies my arse

just a quick question would the 18" frame be too big for me?

 

[Crispy]

wheelies my arse

just a quick question would the 18" frame be too big for me?

depends on the wheel size and other frame geometries. The only way to know is to get on one in a shop.

 

[Meltingpot]

wheelies my arse

just a quick question would the 18" frame be too big for me?

The rule I remember is that you should be able to put both feet flat on the ground, and comfortably, when sitting on the bike.

 

[ShiftyBagLady]

i was going to put in there that i know its silly question
i do have to order it online as i cant get into a shop to try it out everything ive read says that it will be about 1" too big which is a shame as i really like that one;it has a basket ans everything.
i will go safe though and buy the one i know will fit, the foldable. it will suit what i need it for and i can always get another one in future
so it looks like im a cyclist

 

[Orang Utan]

i do have to order it online as i cant get into a shop to try it out

You need to get it from a shop - you have to try before you buy

 

[Mrs Miggins]

You need to get it from a shop - you have to try before you buy

Yes!! I nearly spent £500 on a bike that seemed fine even when I was sitting on it in the shop - as soon as I tried to actually cycle around, it was clearly to small. Definitely try out first!!

 

[Miss-Shelf]

you'll love it like what they've all said^^^^

liberating exciting free(ish) lots of endorphins

ride on the pavement to get you going with your offspring - just get going anyway you can till you get your confidence up.

won't be long before you're queen of the roads

(everyone starts from the begining - it can seem exposing and vulnerable - that eases up in time)

 

[Hoss]

But I've just ordered a bike this weekend, so I can cycle to and from work - 9 miles each way right through town!

.

hi Beeboo, i cycle 9 miles each way to/from work, east dulwich to earls court and it takes me on average 40 mins, 35 on a good day if the traffic is not too bad and if i really hoof it.

and i stop at red lights. I reckon if i didn't i could do it in 25-30mins.

 

[Hoss]

and shifty, like all the others have said, once you build up your confidence and get used to the way the roads work you'll love it.

just try not to get too angry with some of the apparently moronic drivers that you will encounter - they are after all much bigger than you!

 

[Orang Utan]

ride on the pavement to get you going with your offspring - just get going anyway you can till you get your confidence up.

NO!
It's well out of order - wheel it to the park and practice riding there!

 

[Geri]

wheelies my arse

just a quick question would the 18" frame be too big for me?

Unless you are quite tall it probably would be.

I am 5ft 2" and have a 15" frame.

 

[Hoss]

NO!
It's well out of order - wheel it to the park and practice riding there!

absolutely.

 

[Orang Utan]

Especially if you are new and likely to veer off sudddenly

 

[ShiftyBagLady]

so its alright for me to veer off under a car
theres no way id let a five year old ride on the road, i will ride next to him on the road once ive practised but im not going on a road until i can do so competently

 

[Orang Utan]

so its alright for me to veer off under a car
theres no way id let a five year old ride on the road, i will ride next to him on the road once ive practised but im not going on a road until i can do so competently

No - practice in the park!

 

[Miss-Shelf]

do whatever it takes to get you and your boy(?) cycling safely

 

[Orang Utan]

do whatever it takes to get you and your boy(?) cycling safely

Of course, I'm just saying that you can't ride on the pavement

 

[Miss-Shelf]

ok compromise solution - get competent yourself then walk him to the park?

 

[ShiftyBagLady]

its the summer hols so i cant really practise without him.
i will practise riding up and down my hallway, then my street and then the we'll brave the road, but not the big old roads near kennington park, we'll go to a different park i think
i will have to brush up on where i can and cant ride to save OU spitting at me in the street.
sneering elitist indeed

 

[spanglechick]

its the summer hols so i cant really practise without him.
i will practise riding up and down my hallway, then my street and then the we'll brave the road, but not the big old roads near kennington park, we'll go to a different park i think
i will have to brush up on where i can and cant ride to save OU spitting at me in the street.
sneering elitist indeed

it's not a spitting/sneering issue - it's a safety issue. a park is much safer for absolutely everyone concerned, than the pavement. your five year old crashing into a pedestrian is unlikely to hurt all but the most frail, but a full sized adult on a much bigger bike can certainly break limbs. it isn't fair on the pedestrians.

actually, i'd look for an empty carpark or a quiet cul de sac - but i don't know where you'd find one of those.

 

[ShiftyBagLady]

i take your point but an inept cyclist on the pavement is far less dangerous than an inept cyclist on the road surely?

i will practise in the park, pedestrians there are fair game, no?

 

[Orang Utan]

its the summer hols so i cant really practise without him.
i will practise riding up and down my hallway, then my street and then the we'll brave the road, but not the big old roads near kennington park, we'll go to a different park i think
i will have to brush up on where i can and cant ride to save OU spitting at me in the street.
sneering elitist indeed

I didn't say I was going to spit at you! That's unfair. It's just that a young kid can't go on the road and he can't go on the pavement either - it's unsafe on both, unless you live in a really quiet cul-de-sac or something

 

[Geri]

i will practise in the park, pedestrians there are fair game, no?

Yes, 10 points for each one hit

 

[Orang Utan]

i take your point but an inept cyclist on the pavement is far less dangerous than an inept cyclist on the road surely?

i will practise in the park, pedestrians there are fair game, no?

Yep, play tenpin bowling with them, but it's sporting to ring your bell first

 

[Orang Utan]

i take your point but an inept cyclist on the pavement is far less dangerous than an inept cyclist on the road surely?

Yes, but it's still unsafe, for you and others