Cycle commute!

Just started after moving to Cambridge, something like 25% of people here bike to work so the drivers are all good with the bikes.

Just got a Specialized Centrum Elite as my ride is only 2miles each way so no need for a real road bike.


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bullit in head said:
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this is my commute bike...10 miles each way.
the bike was an appollo Ramage circa 1997, but with a few upgrades/changes....
schwalbe city jet slicks, campolio (sp?) 43/53 front chainset, seatpost rear rack 40 litre sadle bags.....numerous lights......pedal clips
looking at getting tri bars as well..and a proper shock but cant find a 150 mm to my liking. but might invest in a street bike instead.


bullit
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Mate i wouldn't bother upgrading it any further. Save the cash and get a proper commuter. A decent hardtail commuter probly weighs about at least 2/3rds what that apollo does. Steel rear end ***!

Edit...looks like a full steel frame :|
 
Apparently i qualify for the cycle to work scheme thing, although i do do about 30 miles a day, most of which is motorway so i wont be cycling to work. Might get a nice xc bike though, just cos i can.
 
kieranv said:
Apparently i qualify for the cycle to work scheme thing, although i do do about 30 miles a day, most of which is motorway so i wont be cycling to work. Might get a nice xc bike though, just cos i can.
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I'm not sure but i think we can get staff discount on them aswell. Tempting though.
 
Yeah, chris was running Ross (i think?) through it tonight, he's getting a GT agressor or something like that.

And an orange prestige came in today for someone.
 
I cycle about 8 miles on a specialised globe sport disc - tis a hybrid.

takes me about 1 hour cos i have only just started and it is a bit hilly, but im enjoying it and i cycle come rain or shine. hoping to improve my time to around 40 mins.

any advice on how to improve my speed? - might get some thinner tyres one day
 
daven1986 said:
I cycle about 8 miles on a specialised globe sport disc - tis a hybrid.

takes me about 1 hour cos i have only just started and it is a bit hilly, but im enjoying it and i cycle come rain or shine. hoping to improve my time to around 40 mins.

any advice on how to improve my speed? - might get some thinner tyres one day
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I went from 50 minutes+ to 32 on my MTB (knobbly tyres and poor gears!)doing the same 9.1 mile journey in less than a week. (17mph+ average) Just keep on riding!! You will find you improve quickly. I am lucky because I happen to have a reasonably high level of fitness already and transferring it to the bike seemed to happen quickly :)

My tops tips!!

1- Make sure you pay attention to traffic signals, and try to time your approach so you dont have to stop/start too much on your journey.

2- Make sure you have a good saddle.

3- Dont carry more than you really need.

4- Keep setting goals, helps keep things interesting

I just started to use a road bike, but after the first two rides on it, i was hating it! I still managed just over 35mins on one leg, but my ride home was nightmarish. Lots of little things going wrong meant stopping and fixing things a lot during the trip. I made some changes tonight, and will see how i fair tommorrow, i want to break the 30 minute barrier before wednesday next week :D
 
This is a MOTORS forum! :mad:

Malt_Vinegar's legs do not make an engine / motor.

Mods, delete this crap & punish him severely please. :)




;):p:D
 
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I MADE IT! Small wheels and knobbly tyres aint the best combo for road cycling but it wasn't too bad, although an embarassing 7.7 miles in 50 mins but the route is hilly.

I've not ridden for 18 months and even then It was for about a week, so im happy with myself. I didn't eat/drink before I set off like the idiot I am too. that might have helped. My arse feels like its been invaded too. I need a better saddle!!
 
Nearly a happy bunny today.
My Wheels, cassette, chain, rear mech, pedals and brake calipers turned up first thing this morning. But no front mech :( Should be here next week though.
 
Dup said:
I MADE IT!
*snip*
My arse feels like its been invaded too. I need a better saddle!!
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Good work chap :D

I refer to point 2 in my earlier post :) I actually run a saddle cover from tesco ontop of my already plush saddle. It seems to really make it that much more comfortable. It was only a few quid too, and just slides over the top. Might be a cheaper alternative to buying a new saddle!
 
rickchild said:
Just started after moving to Cambridge, something like 25% of people here bike to work so the drivers are all good with the bikes.
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watch out for the taxi drivers, they will happily run you into the curb!

rickchild said:
Just got a Specialized Centrum Elite as my ride is only 2miles each way so no need for a real road bike.


08CentrumElite_UK_l.jpg
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Sweeeeeeet!!

although i wouldnt want to leave that anywhere in cambridge, bits/it would go missing for sure!
 
My communitying bike at my old job:

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Used to work in a bike shop :) So it was either that or the BMX :)

Or if i wanted a challenge :)

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Used to have a Trek 1400 but i kept jumping off curbs ect... snapped frame.. didn't trust it after. and 24" bikes are more fun :)

Then i stupidly sold them both, miss them like hell :(
 
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-TA- said:
watch out for the taxi drivers, they will happily run you into the curb!

Sweeeeeeet!!

although i wouldnt want to leave that anywhere in cambridge, bits/it would go missing for sure!
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Yeah will watch out, I keep it in the house at night and we haven't had a problem with bikes at work (Got a bike shed), but went for this beast anyway, boy it's heavy :D

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Feel like bumping this thread as today I did a "recce" of the route I'd have to take if I cycled to work. It was 11.6 miles each way and tbh it was easier than I was expecting! Unfortunately it'll probably be harder in rush hour, so I will drive it first and see how busy it is!

I do enjoy cycling though, and really need to get fit, so cycling to work one or two days a week will help this greatly as well as save money!

Only thing is I'm not really "geared up" bike-wise... I have a bike, and that's about it. A relatively cheap one from Halfords but it's quite good with road tyres on.

I assume the wise thing to do is invest in a helmet, and some reflective/waterproof clothing? I have a rather bright LED rear light for when it's dark.
 
I was looking to start this, about 4 miles into work, but I cant really afford to spend more than £150 on a bike :(
 
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