The Cycling Thread

[maviczap]

My frame has bosses for a rack at the top of the seat stays, ive bolted a cheapo LED light onto one of these. Gives it a nice solid base out of the way of the seat and saddle pack,

[Adam Ef]

Originally Posted by carelesschucca

...would you guys think about wearing a Proviz 360 waterproof jacket? I'm thinking about one as in the next few months most of my riding will be in the dark.

They're amazing for visibility. My friend has the gilet and he glows. I'd suggest trying them on before you buy though. They come up very large. I'm normally a Large in most jackets, but a small Proviz was about right for me and even still slightly baggy! Feels about as baggy as the XL Gore jacket I have for deep winter to allow a few layers under.

[Adam Ef]

A study done a while back (that I've forgotten the link to) showed that one of the most recognised things you can wear cycling was reflective ankle clips / straps or have reflectors on pedals, as the up down reflective movment was immediately recognised by the largest number of people as someone being on a bike, so they could judge probable speed etc. Scary how many people (especially elderley) didn't see lights /jackets etc!

I use the Respro ones..

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/...cE8aAvvm8P8HAQ

They're hi-viz one side and reversible with scotchlite reflective on the other. Also useful for holding in my baggy waterproof trousers when I wear them for torrential commutes.

[DJ123]

Whilst browsing the BHF rides I found some good perks of becoming a member British Cycling:


https://www.bhf.org.uk/get-involved/...ership-package


Ride membership costs £32 and £4 of this will come to us. Your membership will include:

• 12 months membership
• Weekly newsletter with exclusive content on routes, bike maintenance and event news
• 12% off bikes, equipment and clothing at online cycle retailer, Wiggle
• 10% discount at Halfords stores nationwide
• Priority access tickets to major UK cycle events
• Liability insurance and legal support from the British Cycling specialist team
• 40% discount off cycling magazine subscriptions, including Cycling Plus.

[Adam Ef]

CTC membership also has some good benefits. Public liability insurance, legal helpline and access to legal team in case of accidents, plus 10 to 15 percent off a lot of shops. One year I bought a new waterproof in Cotswold Outdoor and the 15% discount more than paid for my membership.

They used to have a Wiggle affiliated discount online shop too but that seems to have disappeared.

[pookie]

if you are a member of a cycling club you can join for free for the first year
https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/clubs/membership

[carelesschucca]

I've been thinking about joining a local club, but RCCK's website doesn't inspire me and I don't want to turn up and hold them all up. I suppose there are other clubs in my area that I could take a look at.

Well I'm taking a short day today at work to fit a new chain and get out for a ride.

[pookie]

you're not the only one that finds local clubs less than inspiring. Its worth popping down for a chat and I'm sure they do introductory rides. You are probably more than capable of riding with them but I find the categorisation a bit discriminatory to new members. Plus the pack mentality and riding clobber a bit ott. And its not my colour . Still my Chongching express is plenty fast for me

I need motivation as much as I need mudguards this time of the year!

BC is worth joining for the insurance and excellent legal help if you get ****ted by a motor.
CTC is a bit fogey-ish and geared towards the more tourer/campaigner type whereas BC is the NGB with over 100,000 members and a genuine force when it comes to influencing government policies.

I've been working in cycling professionally for about 10 years now, 5 of those for BC. Funny thing is I hardly get on my bikes these days and gave up racing pretty much in 2011. When your hobby/passion becomes your work things change.

[Adam Ef]

CTC is a bit SPD sandals I agree.

British Cycling organise loads of family cycling stuff too, that you can go to without being a member. We had a great day out riding around the Castle Combe circuit last summer. Amazing being able to ride that with kids. Great fun.



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