23 Sep 10
Originally posted by sonhouseI'm afraid i'm one of those weird people who actually likes climbing hills. I cycled 2500kms across Europe in 2008, taking in the Pyrenees, The Massive central and the Alps along the way. 🙂
I imagine it would go completely against your principles but you could consider a single speed bike but attach one of those little motors to get up hills, even an electric motor with batteries, little solar cell pack on it to charge up when it's parked.....
- Joined
- 18 Jan 07
- Moves
- 12477
23 Sep 10
Originally posted by MarinkatombFixed-gears are great for the track, when all you have to do is get up speed and never take sharp turns or break for traffic; or when you're twelve and all you have to do is drive to school or to the tuck shop. For a serious commute, I would never consider them. That said, you don't have to have the latest Japanese wonder with thirteen blades on the front cog and seven on the back one. A bog standard three-speed Sturmey Archer will usually do just fine.
My bicycle has recently died and will cost a fortune to repair and i'm seriously considering getting a single speed bike. However, i'm concerned that i might be mad. How practical are they in London? Anyone have experience? 🙂
Richard
23 Sep 10
Originally posted by Shallow BlueThe problem is a tend to thrash the pants out of my bikes within months. I'm actually drawn to a single speed simply to avoid constantly having to undertake mechanical repairs. I think i'm actually totally sold on this idea now, it just looks too nice. 🙂
Fixed-gears are great for the track, when all you have to do is get up speed and never take sharp turns or break for traffic; or when you're twelve and all you have to do is drive to school or to the tuck shop. For a serious commute, I would never consider them. That said, you don't have to have the latest Japanese wonder with thirteen blades on ...[text shortened]... the back one. A bog standard three-speed Sturmey Archer will usually do just fine.
Richard
23 Sep 10
Originally posted by ChessPraxisHaha, i might sound like i've been through loads but in actual fact i've only owned two in the last 7 years. The first one sat outside for a while and got stolen, this one, we'll have to see. It needs a lot of work and isn't really worth enough to go and spend loads of money repairing it...
What do you do with your discarded bikes?
23 Sep 10
Originally posted by MarinkatombCheck into free-cycling in your area, it's a good way to get rid of things, and not filll up the landfills.
Haha, i might sound like i've been through loads but in actual fact i've only owned two in the last 7 years. The first one sat outside for a while and got stolen, this one, we'll have to see. It needs a lot of work and isn't really worth enough to go and spend loads of money repairing it...
23 Sep 10
Originally posted by ChessPraxisI might just hold onto it, it needs a new cassette at the back and might be simple to repair. The only problem is you usually need to replace the gearing at the front and the chain as well as they all wear into each other. If you just replace one part then the chain will skip and can come off when you change gears. It would cost about £100 to sort out and i only spent £100 on it in the first place so i'm a little reluctant to bother. Couple that with the fact i need new break pads and the back wheel has a couple of dodgy spokes that really should need replacing (rather than constantly being adjusted as i currently do) and it seems pretty clear a new bike is in order. I must have spent £50 on travel in the last two weeks since i've been bikeless, i can't really justify that sort of money when i'm used to travel being free. 🙁
Check into free-cycling in your area, it's a good way to get rid of things, and not filll up the landfills.
24 Sep 10
Originally posted by MarinkatombAnd I thought I was great, riding my motorcycle to the top of Pike's Peak, Colorado🙂
I'm afraid i'm one of those weird people who actually likes climbing hills. I cycled 2500kms across Europe in 2008, taking in the Pyrenees, The Massive central and the Alps along the way. 🙂