Pepper spray - anyone used it?

[nolipoli]

We've been talking about carrying pepper spray ever since some loon in the Cradle wanted to f&$! us up for daring to ride on his road. Two of us riding either side of the yellow lane (hardly 30cm either side). He shoots past and hoots, we raise our hand to apologise, he gives us the finger, we give him the finger and he slams on breaks and jumps out his suped up Ford Fiesta waving his arms and hurling abuse at us before thankfully coming to his senses. I'm not saying I condone the use of pepper spray but there's some nutter's out there and besides fighting back with a plastic juice bottle, sometimes just the threat of pepper spray will make people think twice before crossing the 'stupid' line

 

Out of interest, how come you weren't both on the left side of the line - as in, inside the cycle lane?

[DIRT EATER KZN]

Nah, I'm actually a good guy, just don't mess with me.

The neighbour was in an adjoining complex used by a Platinum Mine for their personnell, with only a 5 foot wall seperating our houses. The oke was a bit of a tappit (or as they say of Miners, "a Torchkop" ) He moved shortly after that.

i have two neighbours across from me who dont seem to understand that in a complex you have other people living in close proximity very inconsiderate mofos when it comes to noise the swine often falls asleep in his car after a hard night drinking leaving his garage open im so going to let him have it next time i leave on at 4 in the morning for a ride

[WayneO]

Has anyone used the Guardian Angel Pepper gel yet?

Any feedback, and maybe a comparison to current pepper sprays in the market.

http://peppergun.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/guardian_angel_ii_w.jpg

[wanderwoman]

I use it when I run, it is "handy" as it can use it immediately if required in self-defence. Luckily I have never needed to use it (I think here is a grammar problem - sorry!).

I am not sure whether you can get to it fast enough on a bike? Would like to know as I am planning (out of circumstance) a few solo mtb rides.

[kandui]

Muggers generally come at you from behind. You'd need to have puffadder like reflexes to react, keep your balance as you're being pulled off the bike and grab your spray.

You might be able to use the spray once you've been relieved of your bike and are involved in a stand-off with the muggers.

 

What I would think is a far more effective weapon is a whistle. Sounds silly, but here's why.

 

You get mugged and are unhurt and the muggers are exiting with your bike. Follow them at a safe distance (100m or so) in open terrain. When you get to a populated area or a road, use the whistle to draw attention to yourself and the muggers.

Should the muggers see you following and make a run at you, you still have the 100m between you and can retreat. They are more interested in escaping with your bike than trying to get at you again.

Rather than staying put at the scene of the incident, why not try and follow and keep track of where your bike is going.