Cycling Thread

[Wormius]

Originally Posted by Temporary_User

I leaned into a turn too much and my pedal nailed the road. Now my bike makes a little noise when I pedal. Not too much, but I don't know if I should be looking at something. I have 0 knowledge of bicycle maintenance. What should I be looking for and at?
I tried pulling at things and nothing appears to be too loose.

All the time or just at a certain point in the revolution of the crank/pedal? Maybe a bearing broke?

[habernac]

Originally Posted by bossy22

Article the other day on Craig Stappler.

http://blogs.calgaryherald.com/2012/...e-tour-divide/

Craig is one of the nicest people you'll ever meet. Can't wait to talk to him about his ride.

[Bill Bumface]

Originally Posted by Temporary_User

I leaned into a turn too much and my pedal nailed the road. Now my bike makes a little noise when I pedal. Not too much, but I don't know if I should be looking at something. I have 0 knowledge of bicycle maintenance. What should I be looking for and at?
I tried pulling at things and nothing appears to be too loose.

Did you have your inside pedal at the bottom of the stroke, or did you somehow pull off a full on Moto GP turn on your road bike?

[Temporary_User]

Originally Posted by hulkrogan

Did you have your inside pedal at the bottom of the stroke, or did you somehow pull off a full on Moto GP turn on your road bike?

The former

[Bill Bumface]

Originally Posted by Temporary_User

The former

Well I'm assuming by your story you stayed up, so that's good news. Definitely could have done something messed up with your crank/bottom bracket or possibly just damaged your pedal. Try pedaling with only one foot clipped in at a time to eliminate that possibility, then check for play in your crank.

[jschick88]

Originally Posted by Otto-matic

Would anyone be up for a CP bike ride to Canmore later on in the summer?

This would be something I might be interested in doing. I am a beginner at biking. I bought my bike 3 weeks ago and have been using it a fair bunch.

[habernac]

Rode Highwood Pass today. Had a blast, even with the 20km of rain at the end and a flat 4 km from my car.

[Coys1882]

Had a pedal snap off the crank this AM on the way to work. Had to ride from Anderson to my office near the golf dome with one leg!! haha.

[Wormius]

Originally Posted by Coys1882

Had a pedal snap off the crank this AM on the way to work. Had to ride from Anderson to my office near the golf dome with one leg!! haha.

Hopefully clipless pedals, or that would have really sucked.

[Northendzone]

Originally Posted by Coys1882

Had a pedal snap off the crank this AM on the way to work. Had to ride from Anderson to my office near the golf dome with one leg!! haha.

What, you don't pack an extra pedal/crank arm???

[Coys1882]

Originally Posted by Wormius

Hopefully clipless pedals, or that would have really sucked.

luckily they were. It was quite funny to look down and see the pedal that broke off still stuck to my shoe!

[StormShadow]

Good afternoon cyclers.

I am here to ask for a quick bit of advice. I have had enough of two things in my life; driving in traffic to work and, my treadmill. Thus, I have decided to become a bicycle commuter. I have a route planned (around 15km) that will keep me on pathways or low traffic roads. I also know very little to nothing about cycling. I have a budget of about a 1000 dollars and intend to buy my bike at the end of sept (hopefully when things are on sale).

Ive only been to one store so far (Cyclepath) and found them very helpful. The gentlemen recommended a Norco Indie 3 for me (http://www.norco.com/bikes/urban/urb...ormance/indie/). Which seems like the right thing for me. I like that it seems simple and has tires a bit fatter than the the ones on the tour de france looking bikes (though my fear of skinny tires may be unfounded). Does anyone have any experience with this bike or with Norco products in general?

He also suggested a pair of cycling shorts, a pump, lights, and a reflective jacket. I have a good helmet already.

I appreciate any advice anyone can offer.
Thanks

[Northendzone]

Looks like a good rig, but buying one is a personal choice.

The sales guy is on the right track with the stuff you will need. Of course you will also want to buy a patch kit, and be comfortable that you know how to use it. I would also pick up a multi- tool as well, just in case you need to tighten something en-route.

You will also need to look around for the right backpack for you, you may also want to go with a bike rack and panniers. And a lock.

Test your route between your house and the shop and find an alternate route, just in case.

You may also want to look at fall clothing since the temps are dropping.......

[Bill Bumface]

Buy all your gear at MEC unless you like donating money to bike shop owners.

[Coys1882]

My opinion and that's all:

1. Don't bother with patch kits - tubes at MEC are $2.99 and with practice (and you should practice) you can change one and be on the road again in 5 minutes.

2. Buy cycling shorts without a doubt.

3. Don't be afraid of 23c tires (this is based on my experience as a NON winter commuter) - less friction means more speed, but the higher PSI also increases your chance at a flat. I don't find them any more squirrely on well paved roads than 28c or 32. Regardless which size you go with - get slicks.

4. Do you have a place to shower? If so - try to keep shoes and clothes there so you don't have to haul them everyday. If you do - roll your clothes instead of folding them. Less creases that way.

5. Be mindful of the traffic and the fact you're a guppy swimming with sharks. Right of way means nothing in a battle between a bike and a car. You'll lose.

6. Be respectful for the drivers. They spent time getting past you - don't cruise to the front at a red light so they have to do it again. Get behind the car in front and wait your turn. I also like to move over to the far left side of the right hand lane so people can still turn right if needed.

7. Get lights for front and back and get a backpack with some reflective striping.

8. Watch youtube videos and learn how to maintain your bike - you'll save a ton of dough. (I wish Pylon was still here - I wanted him to do a CP repair class)

9. Buy new clothes - you'll lose weight dude. I have an 18.6 km ride one way - my garmin/HR monitor tells me it's 1200+ calories burned there and back. If you can pull that off three times a week you'll love the results.

10. Like HulkRogan said - MEC is your friend. They have great gear and staff and it's all well priced.

Keep us updated on how things go - I love hearing stories about people doing this!! It's a mini subculture - all the commuters I pass give the nod, smile or wave.

[Northendzone]

I hear what you saying about the tube, but I'd still carry patches as well. Otherwise, lots of great tips.

[RougeUnderoos]

Originally Posted by StormShadow

Ive only been to one store so far (Cyclepath) and found them very helpful. The gentlemen recommended a Norco Indie 3 for me (http://www.norco.com/bikes/urban/urb...ormance/indie/). Which seems like the right thing for me. I like that it seems simple and has tires a bit fatter than the the ones on the tour de france looking bikes (though my fear of skinny tires may be unfounded). Does anyone have any experience with this bike or with Norco products in general?

IMO (not expert by any stretch) if you are going to ride in the winter you want a bike with some burly tires and maybe front suspension.

[StormShadow]

I appreciate the rash of responses and helpful comments. I work outside and am used to being outside during long periods of low temperatures. That being said, i am not worried about stopping my commute due to cold weather. Ill get some wind breaking gear to handle that. What will probably stop me will be poor visibility or road conditions due to winter storms. Ive seen enough of the way people drive in winter to know its suicide to be on a bike those days.

Originally Posted by Coys1882

My opinion and that's all:

1. Don't bother with patch kits - tubes at MEC are $2.99 and with practice (and you should practice) you can change one and be on the road again in 5 minutes.

2. Buy cycling shorts without a doubt.

3. Don't be afraid of 23c tires (this is based on my experience as a NON winter commuter) - less friction means more speed, but the higher PSI also increases your chance at a flat. I don't find them any more squirrely on well paved roads than 28c or 32. Regardless which size you go with - get slicks.

4. Do you have a place to shower? If so - try to keep shoes and clothes there so you don't have to haul them everyday. If you do - roll your clothes instead of folding them. Less creases that way.

5. Be mindful of the traffic and the fact you're a guppy swimming with sharks. Right of way means nothing in a battle between a bike and a car. You'll lose.

6. Be respectful for the drivers. They spent time getting past you - don't cruise to the front at a red light so they have to do it again. Get behind the car in front and wait your turn. I also like to move over to the far left side of the right hand lane so people can still turn right if needed.

7. Get lights for front and back and get a backpack with some reflective striping.

8. Watch youtube videos and learn how to maintain your bike - you'll save a ton of dough. (I wish Pylon was still here - I wanted him to do a CP repair class)

9. Buy new clothes - you'll lose weight dude. I have an 18.6 km ride one way - my garmin/HR monitor tells me it's 1200+ calories burned there and back. If you can pull that off three times a week you'll love the results.

10. Like HulkRogan said - MEC is your friend. They have great gear and staff and it's all well priced.

Keep us updated on how things go - I love hearing stories about people doing this!! It's a mini subculture - all the commuters I pass give the nod, smile or wave.

I wanted to say a particular thanks to this Coys and respond.
1. I intend to get a hand pump at home for tire pressure maintenance. Do you use those compressed air canisters to blow up your tubes when you change on the fly?

2. Protecting the junk

3. I think ill stick to the tires the bike comes with for the first while. Is it safe to change out into different tires on the same bike later? My terminology is sub-par... im assuming the 23c etc numbers refer to the tire width

4. There is a gym nearby where I can shower if need be but, like I mentioned earlier, I work outside. No dress cloths for me. I also work with an honest person who will inform me quickly if I stink

5. This reminds me of my visit to Europe when I met up with a friend of mine who lives in Amsterdam (for those that dont know, amsterdam has more bicycles than people. Literally three story parking garages overflowing with bicycles). She told me the rules of the road there "1. Be confident with the right of way 2. The tram(think LRT) always wins"


The equipment and the MEC suggestions are also very much appreciated.

As far as vehicle traffic goes...
Ive been keeping a mental note of the things I dislike bikers doing when im driving and I intend to avoid doing those. I will post an update when I get some gear (probably toward the end of sept) and how my ride is going.

One last quick question... since im biking fairly early in the morning.
If I come to a red light that requires a vehicle to activate the sensor to change the light should I just run the light or move over and hit the pedestrian walk button? Not sure what protocall is in such a situation.

Again... I appreciate all the help. Bought by 3 year old daughter one of those pedal-less Strider bikes. She loves it. We live right near fish creek park... cant wait to take her out there and ride with her.

[flylock shox]

Originally Posted by StormShadow

One last quick question... since im biking fairly early in the morning.
If I come to a red light that requires a vehicle to activate the sensor to change the light should I just run the light or move over and hit the pedestrian walk button? Not sure what protocall is in such a situation.

Breaking the rules is one of the reasons bike riding is great. Just go when it's safe to go.

I'd agree with pretty much everything that you've been advised to do so far (with the possible exception of the cycling shorts - not necessary if you've got decent sports draw's). Wet weather gear is pretty much essential (lots of overlap with windbreaking gear here) and in particular rain booties if you're going to be riding in the rain or slush.

As for your budget, expect to add about $300-$400 to the cost of the bike just in getting your kit together. Rack, panniers, good u-lock, jacket, pants, booties, gloves, lights, allen-key set, portable pump - that'll pretty much get you there. Don't cheap on the big-ticket items either, as you'll just end up having to replace them later. Much better to go high quality right out of the gate if you think you'll be riding quite a bit.

You'll probably want to do about $100 bucks worth of further alterations once you've had time on the bike too - things like grips, handlebars, saddle, seatpost, and tires can all be switched out easily based on your personal preferences.

Good for you for making the switch to two wheels - you won't regret it, and it will save you about 3 months of your life as a consequence of exercise and the absence of road rage.

[squiggs96]

Originally Posted by flylock shox

Breaking the rules is one of the reasons bike riding is great. Just go when it's safe to go.

No. This is the attitude that makes drivers and pedestrians hate cyclists. There are rules of the road. Follow them whether you are walking, biking or driving. Stop signs, traffic lights, lanes, etc. are there for a reason.