I didnt think there were any hills in englandshire?
Also, that site has ruined my blue perception
OcUK forums looks so greyish and faded now Road Cycling Essentials
- Thread starter Matutu
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Also, that site has ruined my blue perception
OcUK forums looks so greyish and faded now 
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Suspended
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When does registration close? I'm up for it if my ankle returns to full fitness in time. Are you in kent, can you host?
I live in Buckinghamshire, so can't host but happy to organise and bring some supplies. Should we start by taking firm interest? You'll need to register yourselves, but let me know once that's done and we can swap contact e-mail addresses etc.
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Post a reminder here in late Dec/early Jan. By then I'll know if my ankle is up to it
Will do
Will do
Could you host a cycling weekend? I could for a few people (not much room), if people are interested. Not great cycling around here, lot of flatness, but some routes can take in some nice rolling hills.
Looking to pick up a set of clipless pedals and shoes!
Opinions of these: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-pd-m545-free-ride-pedals/
or should i go with http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-pd-m520-pedals/
i do like the idea of being able to nip to the shops in my trainers rather than having to use my cycling shoes everytime i get on the bike.
and could anyone find me a decent cheap pair of shoes to go with the pedals ?
Opinions of these: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-pd-m545-free-ride-pedals/
or should i go with http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-pd-m520-pedals/
i do like the idea of being able to nip to the shops in my trainers rather than having to use my cycling shoes everytime i get on the bike.
and could anyone find me a decent cheap pair of shoes to go with the pedals ?
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Soldato
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I always recommend the m520s to someone starting out just because they are cheap and they are double sided. You should be able to ride them with trainers (I do).
I have Shimano A530 pedals on one of my bikes, it's nice having a proper platform to use when wearing trainers. I have a pair of Shimano M424 pedals on my commuter bike, and I dispute the claim that you can ride on them in normal shoes. The binding does push flat, but only with quite a bit of force. This means that you need very hard soles or otherwise you'll feel the metal through your soles, which isn't pleasant.
What about crank brothers pedals? (candys, or smartys if you can find them anywhere)
They come with clip on platforms so you can ride them with trainers if you want.
They are also really easy to get in and out of so perfect for somebody new to clipless.
They come with clip on platforms so you can ride them with trainers if you want.
They are also really easy to get in and out of so perfect for somebody new to clipless.
Soldato
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Random question about cycling etiquette/general practise
On my weekend ride it was my first time riding in a lot of traffic and also first time in a small group - when approaching stationary traffic/red lights, what should the practise be? I tended to slow down v early as I would in a car and coast towards, but the people I was with would always fly past and brake last minute. This struck me as a bit.. odd, but they would complain if I was at the front and start to slow!
On my weekend ride it was my first time riding in a lot of traffic and also first time in a small group - when approaching stationary traffic/red lights, what should the practise be? I tended to slow down v early as I would in a car and coast towards, but the people I was with would always fly past and brake last minute. This struck me as a bit.. odd, but they would complain if I was at the front and start to slow!
It depends on your group I guess. I've never been in a group (even drafting) that hasn't slowed with a reasonable distance to the stopping point in order to stop, as a group, safely.
Soldato
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I'd rather slow early. More chance that the lights will change and I can speed up again without needing to stop, unclip etc. That's what most experienced riders I've ridden with do too.
Soldato
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The cycling video we produced for Confused.com has gone live now and it's amazing the amount of fuss it's kicked up about helmets and the amount of people who think it's pointless wearing one.
I know they don't protect against everything but even if it saves 1 life or prevents 1 in every 100 head injuries then surely they're worth it?
Edit: Oops. YouTube page for reference:
I know they don't protect against everything but even if it saves 1 life or prevents 1 in every 100 head injuries then surely they're worth it?
Edit: Oops. YouTube page for reference:
Last edited:
Soldato
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That's what I thought - I rarely unclipped and it saved effort! I'll point this out to them next time
Interesting vid - especially about pedestrians! If drivers think cyclists are frustrating, try comparing a week driving to cycling!
it is in the event of a crash, but there is research to suggest that you're more likely to HAVE a crash if you ware one! something to do with car drivers thinking you'll be ok if they pass with 2cm clearance (but forget to account for wing mirrors).
Soldato
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Helmets are the difference between a few scratches and a few hours in A&E waiting for stitches. They are not the difference between walking away from a car accident and ending up 6' under.
Helmet test standards are whether the helmet can protect the head from a stationary 2m fall and no more.
As has been mentioned there is evidence to say that helmet users have more accidents and also that helmet users suffer more neck injuries as a result of rotational forces when the helmet catches tarmac.
Common sense is usually anything but although I wear my helmet ever time I go out.
Anyone who thinks a cyclist wearing a helmet can be passed closer than a cyclist without one is retarded.
Research sounds like Bovine excrement to me
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