Things I've learnt from commuting

[AlanD]

First things first, the comming winter.  Find out what the winter conditions are.  I do not know UK weather very well but sure they do not get as much snow as here but it I also do not think it is uncommon.  Despite the snow issue, if the have lots of moisture they will propably sure have icy conditions on the road which might pose a problem in many ways.  One of which obviously cycling and ice surfaces are not normally a good combination.  Also here in Germany they treat the roads with salt to help prevent ice on the roads.  You might want to look into buying a cheaper bike for the commute that might rust a bit (read second hand bike).  Should the salt and ice not be a problem then you will most propably look into buying good winter kit and cloting.  Would be interresting to know what the distance is you will cycle.  Believe me you cycle a lot slower in very cold conditions.  So what would take you 30 minutes could take you 35-40 minutes.

I think they do salt the roads here also and there is not snow all the the time so not too common. I will need some winter clothing for sure as its gets freck cold and lights as it gets dark early. Here is a link to the route:

 

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/The+Crescent,+Wood+Lane,+Treeton,+Rotherham/B+O+C+Ltd,+Bawtry+Rd,+Brinsworth,+Rotherham+S60+5NT/@53.3962628,-1.3788208,14z/data=!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x4879761e2c631f49:0xa55770fbb00afd3a!2m2!1d-1.3441171!2d53.3834443!1m5!1m1!1s0x487977b0cf6358db:0x7699cb8b4344e2cb!2m2!1d-1.3838762!2d53.4077828!3e1?hl=en&authuser=0

[AlanD]

a friend who lived that neck of the woods a long time ago swore by "sealskin" sock in winter.

 

#JUSTSAY, not the #SEALCLUBBINGSEALSKINSOCKS

A quick google and they look pretty cool. Windproof, waterproof, thermal....etc...pricey too...£30 odd a pair..

Edited August 31, 2017 by AlanD

[Velouria]

I am convinced that there is a motorist's Whatsapp group or something where all motorists on my route into work decide how they are going to drive for the day. Today was one of those days where every second person was driving like a moron, SAPS policeman included.

 

And other days my commute will be boring and incident free. Like they all agreed to drive properly for a change.

 

What do I have to do to get on that Whatsapp group???

[Bateleur1]

I think they do salt the roads here also and there is not snow all the the time so not too common. I will need some winter clothing for sure as its gets freck cold and lights as it gets dark early. Here is a link to the route:

 

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/The+Crescent,+Wood+Lane,+Treeton,+Rotherham/B+O+C+Ltd,+Bawtry+Rd,+Brinsworth,+Rotherham+S60+5NT/@53.3962628,-1.3788208,14z/data=!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x4879761e2c631f49:0xa55770fbb00afd3a!2m2!1d-1.3441171!2d53.3834443!1m5!1m1!1s0x487977b0cf6358db:0x7699cb8b4344e2cb!2m2!1d-1.3838762!2d53.4077828!3e1?hl=en&authuser=0

 

Lights are a given.  It is getting darker earlier quite rapidly and also the sun is getting up later as well.  I will propably start using my lights in the next 2-3 weeks as now it is just light enough when I leave for work.  But we are still almost two months away before the clock changes for daylight savings when you will gain an hour in the morning.  Evenings are fine but the moment the clock changes you will need the light again.

 

I was all pumped up to gear myself for commuting all year but realised I would be spending quite a bit of money on gear and then in my case I will still have to deal with the ice and the snow. So bugger that. 3 months a year I will use the train and rather save the money and buy a good virtual trainer for the winter.  I hit the deck in Feb in on Ice.  You come down very hard very quickly.

[Bateleur1]

I am convinced that there is a motorist's Whatsapp group or something where all motorists on my route into work decide how they are going to drive for the day. Today was one of those days where every second person was driving like a moron, SAPS policeman included.

 

And other days my commute will be boring and incident free. Like they all agreed to drive properly for a change.

 

What do I have to do to get on that Whatsapp group???

 

Maybe sell your bike .. 

[AlanD]

Lights are a given.  It is getting darker earlier quite rapidly and also the sun is getting up later as well.  I will propably start using my lights in the next 2-3 weeks as now it is just light enough when I leave for work.  But we are still almost two months away before the clock changes for daylight savings when you will gain an hour in the morning.  Evenings are fine but the moment the clock changes you will need the light again.

 

I was all pumped up to gear myself for commuting all year but realised I would be spending quite a bit of money on gear and then in my case I will still have to deal with the ice and the snow. So bugger that. 3 months a year I will use the train and rather save the money and buy a good virtual trainer for the winter.  I hit the deck in Feb in on Ice.  You come down very hard very quickly.

Well theres another point of is it worth commuting in the dead of winter. I wont know until my first winter here arrives.

[Velouria]

Maybe sell your bike .. 

 

But then how will I be the smug cyclist that rides past them when they are stuck in traffic?

[Bateleur1]

But then how will I be the smug cyclist that rides past them when they are stuck in traffic?

 

Well we can't have our bread spread both sides.  Either be the smug or get on the whatsapp group.  Me ... I prefer being the smug and seeing their faces while doing it.

[Velouria]

Well we can't have our bread spread both sides.  Either be the smug or get on the whatsapp group.  Me ... I prefer being the smug and seeing their faces while doing it.

What if I try - *gasp* - to befriend a motorist, and find out what's going on in the group, while still being able to be smug. I might even be able to convince the motorist that bike riding is quite cool. We get to be smug a lot, about many things.

[ChrisF]

Also remember, a vehicle's indicator is just an abstract ideal it means nothing in the real world.

 

Had a LEKKA commute this afternoon !!!

 

Wanted to cycle, but had to get home fast .... So I pushed my limits a "bit" .... 73% of the time in heart zone 3, average of 25km/h, including properly slowing down for robots and stop streets !

 

 

At the one robot I slowed down, and positioned myself a few meters BEHIND a new beemer, and looked over my shoulder to make sure I was safely ahead of the next car - made eye contact and got the nod that they were giving me a gap .... CHECKED, no indicator on the beemer ....

 

JA, you know what happened.  LEFT he goes.

 

Having kept a safe distance I just smiled and got on with my ride.

 

 

MY lesson for the day - keep a safe distance, expect some drivers to be danger to all around, and get on with enjoying the ride  

[AlanD]

First things first.

 

SAVE THE TRANCE!

• Get a cheap as chips commuter bicycle that you will not miss if stolen or damaged.
• Mud guards, a highly underrated item on a commuter...if you can get full mud guards then you really score.
• A nice big shinny bell and lights

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/bobbin-beat-gloss-black-hybrid-bike/

https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBHOLQDBM/holdsworth-la-quelda-steel-single-speed-drop-bar-mens

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/kona-rove-al-2017-hybrid-bike/

 

you get the idea for commuting

 

Once you have settled in and the finances are looking good .... a nice steel long travel HT might serve you well in the winter months

What about getting a "cheap" wheel set with some more commute friendly tires for the Trance? As for getting stolen, it doenst happen as much here (not to say that it cant but less likely)

[Hairy]

Yo

 

Don't be overly confident re the not being at as much risk being stolen in the U.K.

 

I forget to mention the bicycle subsidization offered in the U.K..... is this still active and can you qualify as a South African for it.

 

There is an English chap we have acquainted in CT who used this very successfully in the U.K. To buy his commuter bikes....reckons with the discounts from certain brands, the tax break and zero interest over a good many months, the payments are minuscule.

 

Think your employer needs to submit some paperwork and this germs the ball rolling.

 

Instead of buying the cheap wheels and tires rather buy a used bike to commuter or rigid mtb....you also need to factor fork and shock servicing, pivots and bearings taking a beating, your headset and dropper post also seeing some action in adverse weather conditions.

 

Been commuting many years now and have learnt to keep things simple and economical on the commuter.....hence ss bikes work best for me.

[cfcjim]

I think they do salt the roads here also and there is not snow all the the time so not too common. I will need some winter clothing for sure as its gets freck cold and lights as it gets dark early. Here is a link to the route:

 

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/The+Crescent,+Wood+Lane,+Treeton,+Rotherham/B+O+C+Ltd,+Bawtry+Rd,+Brinsworth,+Rotherham+S60+5NT/@53.3962628,-1.3788208,14z/data=!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x4879761e2c631f49:0xa55770fbb00afd3a!2m2!1d-1.3441171!2d53.3834443!1m5!1m1!1s0x487977b0cf6358db:0x7699cb8b4344e2cb!2m2!1d-1.3838762!2d53.4077828!3e1?hl=en&authuser=0

It's grim oop north.

 

 

 

Rain and wind all through November. No daylight until 0830, light dissolves at 1545.

 

You'll need good lights and use layers of clothing.

 

And the roads do get salted so keep the Trance well away.

 

Bike thievery is very common in the UK so be aware.

 

You'll love it!

[AlanD]

Yo

 

Don't be overly confident re the not being at as much risk being stolen in the U.K.

 

I forget to mention the bicycle subsidization offered in the U.K..... is this still active and can you qualify as a South African for it.

 

There is an English chap we have acquainted in CT who used this very successfully in the U.K. To buy his commuter bikes....reckons with the discounts from certain brands, the tax break and zero interest over a good many months, the payments are minuscule.

 

Think your employer needs to submit some paperwork and this germs the ball rolling.

 

Instead of buying the cheap wheels and tires rather buy a used bike to commuter or rigid mtb....you also need to factor fork and shock servicing, pivots and bearings taking a beating, your headset and dropper post also seeing some action in adverse weather conditions.

 

Been commuting many years now and have learnt to keep things simple and economical on the commuter.....hence ss bikes work best for me.

I see what you saying. Once i have the job and worked out a transport plan with the wife then will look for a commuter bike and find out about the subsidy.

 

Thanks

[Velouria]

So - riding into work this morning, I'm busy cruising in my bike lane, past a whole bunch of cars that are stuck in traffic (I don't think I was being smug yet - it was still early on in the ride), when one car decides to sneak up the inside, into the bike lane, RIGHT in front of me, without even checking mirrorrs etc. You know that move where your bike goes one way and your body goes the other way? Like a Matrix move on bikes? Well that was me dodging the car. The result was that I was practically floating over the bonnet of the car, so I took the opportunity to snack it as hard as I could. My hand is still tingling! And then the car hoots at me with indignation!

[Bateleur1]

So - riding into work this morning, I'm busy cruising in my bike lane, past a whole bunch of cars that are stuck in traffic (I don't think I was being smug yet - it was still early on in the ride), when one car decides to sneak up the inside, into the bike lane, RIGHT in front of me, without even checking mirrorrs etc. You know that move where your bike goes one way and your body goes the other way? Like a Matrix move on bikes? Well that was me dodging the car. The result was that I was practically floating over the bonnet of the car, so I took the opportunity to snack it as hard as I could. My hand is still tingling! And then the car hoots at me with indignation!

 

You put a few studs in your cycling gloves.  Next time leave a few scratch marks.  

 

The other day on my commute to work some idiot decided to park is car over a cycle lane at a intersection as I was approaching.  Before I got to him there were already people at the corner coffee shop screaming at him to move his vehicle off the cycle lane.

 

There is this one intersection on one of my routes that I often have cars who sneak into the cycle lane to pass other turning cars.  Normally I would just look at them and most would appologise but you do get the odd idiot who thinks it is his right.  However this is where it becomes fun here in Germany.  You can laugh at him and irritate him and should he show aggression you can actually report him to police.