|
Post by carlott on Aug 13, 2007 14:36:25 GMT
I have a bike I bought way back with the intent of getting fit. Sadly it has done no more than 20 - 30 miles whiling away its life in the garage or shed. Now Tiglet is dropping heavy hints that we ought to get out and about to get fit.
My question is what tyres should I go for as the ones supplied are the really knobbly ones and I would prefer something with a little (well a lot really) less rolling resitance?
Also what bike for Tiglet as she has not got one. Not wanting to spend a lot in case she does not get on with it.
We will likely be riding roads and occasional towpaths - if feeling adventurous the Monsal Trail and Manifold Track in Derbyshire/Staffordshire look inviting.
Ta
|
|
|
Post by Glen B Ogle on Aug 13, 2007 17:56:51 GMT
I found some MTB tyres in Halfords that have a smoothish centre portion but still the outside knobblies. They certainly are a lot better on the road and would be fine for towpaths*. Only slight problem can be a bit of a sudden break-over when you corner quickly but I've never found it a problem (don't got that fast). * You will of course get your BW cycling permit, won't you? www.waterscape.com/cycling/permit.htmlIf so you and me will probably be the only people with them, and I can't find mine so will have to download another one! Glen
|
|
|
Post by carlott on Aug 13, 2007 18:45:06 GMT
I found some MTB tyres in Halfords that have a smoothish centre portion but still the outside knobblies. They certainly are a lot better on the road and would be fine for towpaths*. Only slight problem can be a bit of a sudden break-over when you corner quickly but I've never found it a problem (don't got that fast). * You will of course get your BW cycling permit, won't you? www.waterscape.com/cycling/permit.htmlIf so you and me will probably be the only people with them, and I can't find mine so will have to download another one! Glen Many thanks for the advice. Yes I have a permit somwhere Tiglet did a bit of part time work for BW a few years back. As you say very few bother but partly because so few know they need one.
|
|
|
Post by tigerlily on Aug 13, 2007 22:44:58 GMT
I didn't know I needed one!
do you need a permit to walk the towpaths, too?
Carl, Halfords do a good selection of cheap bikes. Mine was in the sale at Easter for £120 or so, is now £199. It's a town and trail bike, so has decent enough tyres for roads and bridlepaths and is reasonably comfortable.
They have loads of different tyres too. You might want to look at Kevlar tyres if you are changing yours.
|
|
|
Post by Glen B Ogle on Aug 14, 2007 17:11:58 GMT
Don't worry - no permit needed for walking on towpaths!
They're "experimenting" in London with not needing them for cycling - seems pretty pointless to me. Either you require them or you don't, and so few people even know about them they are fairly pointless!
I actually downloaded mine when I was cycling to a particular event - more to wind friends up than anything.
Glen
|
|
|
Post by carlott on Aug 14, 2007 20:19:42 GMT
Don't worry - no permit needed for walking on towpaths! I actually downloaded mine when I was cycling to a particular event - more to wind friends up than anything.Glen You access the net whilst cycling - much respect man, well impressed
|
|
|
Post by Glen B Ogle on Aug 15, 2007 18:10:27 GMT
Memo to self - reread what you just wrote BEFORE hitting send! :-)
Anyway, you know what I meant.
Glen
Pedants Rule - or to be more precise exhibit some of the traits of traditional monarchist management systems.
|
|
Hugh L B Fayed
TOG
You're not meant to be reading this, it's a soliloquy.
Posts: 615
|
Post by Hugh L B Fayed on Aug 18, 2007 19:40:46 GMT
Carl, Have always found continental tyres very good for all sorts of riding. Link to what I think may be a suitable tyre, www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=18897and chain reaction cycles are very competitive for all bike parts and postage is included in their prices too. Not sure what your definition of not too much for a mountain bike is... but something like the Trek 4500 for £350 (Evan's cycles) is a great deal with decent components for the money and has a nice ally frame that can be upgraded. It will also be re-saleable so you will be able to get some money back should tiglet not want to continue. If you can find a trader that sells second hand bikes there are some good deals to be had. I would avoid a full suspension bike that costs £70!
|
|
|
Post by oldslacker on Nov 19, 2007 23:44:41 GMT
Don't get posh!
I commute by bike on a regular basis - up to 20 miles a day. My bike is a Halfords Apollo - basic £80. It comes with the horrid bumpy tires that are making you grumpy - why??? they grip the road! I upgraded it with a suspension seat to protect my important parts, and took out Halfords cover (£30 for 3 years) - labour is free, they just charge you for parts,eg. inner tubes £4.99. Mike the Bike in Reading Halfords is an endless source of cycle wisdom, and can change a tyre in 30 secs.
I have a rack and panniers for carrying shopping in a balanced way. Keep your tyres pumped up, and you won't get punctures too often. Halfords do a good foot pump for £6.99. There is some green goo you can investiate for pumping in to avoid punctures; but it's no substitute for regularly pumping up!
Sustrans is a good source for traffic free maps, but as far as I'm concerned they are run by Lycra Biker idiots who don't care about real commuters with panniers. On route 4 I can't get through the styles!
Good Luck!
|
|
Axle Grease
TOG
You can squeeze my oil can 'til the lube runs down my leg.
Posts: 999
|
Post by Axle Grease on Dec 1, 2007 7:21:43 GMT
I have a bike I bought way back with the intent of getting fit. Sadly it has done no more than 20 - 30 miles whiling away its life in the garage or shed. Now Tiglet is dropping heavy hints that we ought to get out and about to get fit. My question is what tyres should I go for as the ones supplied are the really knobbly ones and I would prefer something with a little (well a lot really) less rolling resitance? Also what bike for Tiglet as she has not got one. Not wanting to spend a lot in case she does not get on with it. We will likely be riding roads and occasional towpaths - if feeling adventurous the Monsal Trail and Manifold Track in Derbyshire/Staffordshire look inviting. Ta
Carl, there is a new government scheme out there to encourage people to cycle to work. Your company, the one you or she work for, buys the bike and claims back the VAT. Then they sell it to you, out of your pre-tax wages, over a certain pre-agreed period interest free. This also covers accessories such as tyres, lights and helmets.
*Halfords Clicky*
Other cycle shops are also taking part in this offer.
[/i][/b]
|
|