advise?

Sesshoumaru

Hi folks! I'm thinking of cycling into work, but it is a bit far away. It's a 23km journey from suburbia to the centre of Dublin where I work. At the moment I make that journey on my motorcycle in 30+ minutes. With the fine weather I was thinking of trying that by bicycle.

Problems: Haven't cycled in years and not very fit!

If this isn't a crazy idea what bicycle would be suitable for that journey? I was in Halfords yesterday and the range of bicycles and accessories is bewildering! Any help much appreciated!

Acoustic

stay away from halfords

seriously


go to a local bike shop best people to help you

my opinion , its not mad at all , if only more people tried it

anyway , id say your best bet is a hybrid

a mix between roadbike and mountainbike

zzzzzzzz

Sesshoumaru wrote: »

Hi folks! I'm thinking of cycling into work, but it is a bit far away. It's a 23km journey from suburbia to the centre of Dublin where I work. At the moment I make that journey on my motorcycle in 30+ minutes. With the fine weather I was thinking of trying that by bicycle.

Problems: Haven't cycled in years and not very fit!

If this isn't a crazy idea what bicycle would be suitable for that journey? I was in Halfords yesterday and the range of bicycles and accessories is bewildering! Any help much appreciated!

I'd start off slow - i.e. maybe do it one day a week and go from there.

Or even get out for a few spins in the evening/weekends before you start commuting. Then start doing it once a week and go from there.

Otherwise you'll likely end up hating the bike.

As acoustic suggested - Local bike shop is your best bet, and they'll advise you on what you should be looking at - don't go to halfords.

scottreynolds

23km is fine -- I do 15km no bother I'd like more... As the other guys said. Take it easy at first once twice per week then three times.

blorg

23km is a long commute. Build it up slowly so you don't get completely put off. For that sort of distance I would consider a road bike (e.g. drop handlebars.)

07Lapierre

Sesshoumaru wrote: »

Hi folks! I'm thinking of cycling into work, but it is a bit far away. It's a 23km journey from suburbia to the centre of Dublin where I work. At the moment I make that journey on my motorcycle in 30+ minutes. With the fine weather I was thinking of trying that by bicycle.

Problems: Haven't cycled in years and not very fit!

If this isn't a crazy idea what bicycle would be suitable for that journey? I was in Halfords yesterday and the range of bicycles and accessories is bewildering! Any help much appreciated!

I say " go for it"! I'm commute 50klm 3 times per week (25 each way). I commute from north co. Dublin to Kilbarrack. Its a great feeling to pass by all these people stuck in traffic. The commute takes about 55minutes and its great, especially with the curent weather. I'm very fortunate in that i have shower facilites in work, which means i bring 3 days of clothes on a monday and then I cycle in every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. I then bging everything home to my lovely wife on Friday . Regardless of your fitness level, you should try it at least once. You'll be amazed how quickly youe fitness improves. Buy the best bike you can afford as its an "investment". (Its also motivation to us it!). Most good bikes don't include pedals. I suggest you put flat pedals. This will allow you to use normal walking shoes (unless your already used to clipless pedals). Later, if you stick with it, get clipless pedals and shoes.

Once you've decided on the route, make sue you have a change of cloths, ideally you will need shower facilities as you will sweat quite a bit. I also suggest you invest in good cycling shorts, why? ..your arse will appreciate the investment

Go for it! try it at least once! good luck and tell us how you get on.

DePurpereWolf

Is there a shower at work?
Yes? Go for it, 23 km is doable in an hour depending on traffic, roads and hills.

About bicycles, stay on this forum for a while so you know what the bike-shop owners to ask.
I wouldn't say anything bad about Halfords because I'm not allowed, but a store like that would generally know **** about bicycles. Only buy there if you know what you are looking for.

For a 46 km commute I would not go for a city bike, but more sportier, a more leaned over position. I wouldn't go straight for a road bike because it can be hard on the lower and upper back for first time cyclists.
So something in between a city bike and a road bike. A hybrid if you will, but hybrids come in different shapes and sizes.

So check the forum and see what you like.

fenris

That is pretty close to what I have done this year, my commute is Bray to city centre (24km each way), takes an hour give or take a couple of minutes either way. I started thinking about an electric bike and ended up with a Giant Defy 2.5!

The drop handlebars are great for getting out of the wind and giving a variety of hand positions. to make them more traffic / noob friendly I put a set of mini brake leavers (€20) up on top of the bars near the stem, this gives me brakes when I am sitting up high to get a view over the traffic.

Take things handy to start with, I drove most of the way (Ballally LUAS stop) and cycled the rest at first, this gave me a chance to get myself organised and to build my confidence - even though I though it was my fitness I was building at first!

I then found that within two weeks I was cycling the full way with just one intermediate distance trip (Loughlinstown). Other things that made a difference were some isotonic in my water (ohh yeah water is good) and making sure that I had everything organised at both ends - takes away all of your excuses!

Cycling two days in a row for the first time was a bit of a shocker - 1.5 hour home instead of the usual hour and that bone deep heavy leg feeling where they just didn't want to move and feel like they belong to someone else.

Apart from that just go for it and welcome to the world of serious credit card abuse!

Sesshoumaru

Thanks for all the helpful suggestions. We do have shower facilities in work. So I don't mind breaking into a sweat. I think I will give it a go, maybe once a week to start out. Monday and then a Friday if I feel up to it

How much should I budget for good safety equipment and gear?

Oh and are disc brakes safer and more effective than those "V" brakes? I was looking at those and wondering do they really stop a bike fast?

DePurpereWolf

Real quick answers, there are some good topics about brakes.

Good disc brakes are the best. However, if there are no major hills on your trip you don't really need them. V-brakes with good pads will stop you in time. Capiler brakes (look like V-brakes, are different) are better than V-brakes.

Disc brakes are heavier and cost more so you'll have to figure out if it is worth it to you. If the biggest drop is a mere 10%, V-brakes will work fine.
I only wished I had better brakes when I go down a 20% drop ending in a T-junction.

Safetygear:
Helmet, because your wife will insist, 60?
Good lock, 100 yoyos.
Spare tubes and little pump for on the way. 30?
Big pump for at home, 30.

lukester

Sesshoumaru wrote: »

How much should I budget for good safety equipment and gear?

Oh and are disc brakes safer and more effective than those "V" brakes? I was looking at those and wondering do they really stop a bike fast?

Safety equipment? You're cycling, not rock climbing

If you choose to wear a helmet, you'll pick one up for E30-40 online or in shops.

As for gear, it's really up to you, you could cycle in anything. A pair of padded shorts and a cycling jersey will be more comfortable, you could get both for about E60.

You don't need disc brakes, heavy and more expensive, and really intended for coming down mountains.

I'd definitely consider a road bike for that distance commute.

Lumen

For a long commute, I'd give very careful consideration to your choice of bike.

You don't want something that wears out after a couple of months.

edit: and I'd want something with a proper rack. Carrying weight on your back for any distance is unpleasant.

Jawgap

Thought I'd chip in with some advice.

First, I'd go for it, the chances are you'll enjoy it and be startled at how quickly your fitness improves.

Some of the other thigs I'd suggest (in no particular order) are:-

1. See if your employer is participating in the Cycle to Work Scheme - saves you money and saves them money.

2. Sit down and work out a budget. Work out how much you'll save by cycling - probably not much if you're using a motorbike but seriousness aside, this figure is important for when you are looking at stuff online then you can justify feeding any potential addiction that develops in relation to cycling:)

3. Buy the best you can afford - cheap bikes and cheap kit will let you down and spoil the experience. Quality gear lasts longer, saves money in the long run and enhances the experience. Have a look through some of the other threads here where people have either sought advice or posted up details of bikes they were thinking of purchasing for them to be given a virtual tyre kicking.

4. Consider your route to work - following the route you take in a car or on a motorbike isn't always the best for cycling - getting a little bit off the usual beaten track might make for a slightly longer cycle, but it can also be very enjoyable. There's lots of routes you can take a bike on that you can't take cars or even motorbikes on e.g. the some of the canal and river paths, parts of the Phoenix Park etc

5. Start easy and work up to it. The first time I started commuting by bike I cycled in, then took the bus home in the evening. Bussed it in the following morning and cycled home in the afternoon.

6. I'd also consider buying your other half / partner / gf / wife a bike or encourage her to get one even if it's just for leisure spins in the evening or on weekends - it makes the "how-much-was-that-jersey?" conversations a bit easier!!

Good luck and enjoy.

Ghost Rider

You're quite right to think about safety. I recommend a helmet (make sure you try it on first) and a high visibility vest. The latter has saved my skin far more times than the former, but if I ever do land on my head, I reckon I'll be glad for the thousands of occasions my helmet went untested.

You're also legally required to have a front and rear light. There are many of these around but, whatever you get, I recommend getting rechargeable batteries and a charger too.

Finally, this is more about security than safety, but unless your bike is going to be kept indoors somewhere secure, you will need locks. And I mean that in the plural. Two locks of different kinds is the sensible option - usually a u-lock and a decent, thick cable lock. I have spent €100 on one single lock in the past but you should get away with spending €40-€50 on a decent u-lock and €30 or so on a cable (e.g. http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=8482).

Sesshoumaru wrote: »

How much should I budget for good safety equipment and gear?

thebouldwhacker

Sesshoumaru wrote: »

Oh and are disc brakes safer and more effective than those "V" brakes? I was looking at those and wondering do they really stop a bike fast?

Oh Jebus... here we go again.:D


OP, I'd do a few evening miles during the week too, it'll give your body time to adjust. If you are only doing one long spin a week it will take you a while to build up and you will prob hate it.

I wouldn't buy my first (or any) bike from Halfords (dont let kona hear you) but make sure you get a pair of padded cycling shorts. You'll needed them:D

lukester

Ghost Rider wrote: »

..a high visibility vest...has saved my skin far more times..

Not having a go at you, but how do you know it has saved your skin?

Sesshoumaru

On Safety: I was actually thinking full face helmet! Elbows and knees seem like critical areas, so those need to be armored IMO. If you fall off your hands are the first thing you put in front of you, so decent cycling gloves also seem sensible.

Probably won't go with the full face helmet idea. I see children wearing them riding bicycles in my estate, but I have never seen an adult wearing one. Also I have to bear in mind the distance I have to travel and that my body is essentially my engine, can't bear so much weight

I didn't realise that disc brakes had been much discussed in the past. I don't want to dig up any arguments Just wondering was there a consensus on how effective the rubber pads on the wheel rims were?

I'll probably come across as a safety geek asking this, but does anyone use a bicycle fitted with LED turn signals and brake light? I haven't spotted any on bicycles before. Seems to me a good LED assembly should be very light and should definitely increase visibility on the road.

TinyExplosions

This guy does...

Lumen

Sesshoumaru wrote: »

...full face helmet! Elbows and knees seem like critical areas, so those need to be armored IMO..disc brakes...LED turn signals and brake light

These things may all seem like a good idea, but are not.

Jawgap

Sesshoumaru wrote: »

On Safety: I was actually thinking full face helmet! Elbows and knees seem like critical areas, so those need to be armored IMO. If you fall off your hands are the first thing you put in front of you, so decent cycling gloves also seem sensible.

Probably won't go with the full face helmet idea. I see children wearing them riding bicycles in my estate, but I have never seen an adult wearing one. Also I have to bear in mind the distance I have to travel and that my body is essentially my engine, can't bear so much weight

I didn't realise that disc brakes had been much discussed in the past. I don't want to dig up any arguments Just wondering was there a consensus on how effective the rubber pads on the wheel rims were?

I'll probably come across as a safety geek asking this, but does anyone use a bicycle fitted with LED turn signals and brake light? I haven't spotted any on bicycles before. Seems to me a good LED assembly should be very light and should definitely increase visibility on the road.

I think you're letting yourself be overly influenced by your motorcycling thinking!!:)

A decent cycle helmet is a must in my view, although others may disagree, so it's probably down to a matter of personal choice.

In a sense, you're right - on a bike the body is the engine and like any engine cooling is going to be an issue, but proper cycle specific gear can help with that.

I doubt you'll need disc brakes - caliper or "V" brakes should be more than enough to stop you. Disc brakes may offer sharper and shorter stopping, but this mightn't be necessarily a good thing as you'll still have momentum and if you stop too quickly you'll pitch forward and even over the handlebars.

LED turn signals and brake lights - bit of a waste of time. I doubt motorists would notice them or have any regard for them. On a bike you're not the equal of a motor vehicle so it would be a mistake to cycle like you'd drive. Hand signals are more visible and more in line what other road users expect of cyclists.

If you're unsure about it, borrow or hire a bike for a day or two and go for a few spins on a weekend or evening after work.

Raam

Sesshoumaru wrote: »

I'll probably come across as a safety geek asking this, but does anyone use a bicycle fitted with LED turn signals and brake light?

We should really start a campaign to insist that these are sold on all new bikes.

Jawgap

TinyExplosions wrote: »

This guy does...

He'll need it if he keeps jumping lights!

Sesshoumaru

Lumen wrote: »

These things may all seem like a good idea, but are not.

Well I can understand a full face helmet is heavy and can also reduce environmental awareness. But why would wearing some sort of protection around your knees and elbows be bad? Why also would a decent LED brake light and possibly integrated turn signals not be useful? A lot of cyclists I see have a little blinking red light on themselves or the bike, but during daylight hours I don't think it really helps.

Raam

Sesshoumaru wrote: »

Well I can understand a full face helmet is heavy and can also reduce environmental awareness. But why would wearing some sort of protection around your knees and elbows be bad? Why also would a decent LED brake light and possibly integrated turn signals not be useful? A lot of cyclists I see have a little blinking red light on themselves or the bike, but during daylight hours I don't think it really helps.

Our protection is our ability to ride safely and avoid getting into crashes.

lukester

Sesshoumaru wrote: »

Well I can understand a full face helmet is heavy and can also reduce environmental awareness. But why would wearing some sort of protection around your knees and elbows be bad? Why also would a decent LED brake light and possibly integrated turn signals not be useful? A lot of cyclists I see have a little blinking red light on themselves or the bike, but during daylight hours I don't think it really helps.

If you get into cycling you'll understand how this is not really relevant. As someone who also rides a motorbike, the mindset is totally different. Having said that, I don't wear high-viz on a motorbike either

Lumen

Knee and elbow protection: only useful if you expect to crash (e.g. mountain biking). If you're only going to fall off your bike once every few years, the inconvenience outweighs the risk of a little bit of road rash.

Brake light: how is this useful on a bike? If you are braking for the car in front, the car behind will see it's brake lights. If you are braking to turn, you are clearly indicating that anyway.

Turn indicators: only useful if you are missing at least one arm.

Sesshoumaru

Raam wrote: »

We should really start a campaign to insist that these are sold on all new bikes.

I don't want to derail my own thread with a safety argument, but I'm not really into telling people what they should or shouldn't do. Just for me it's a personal choice influenced by events in my life, like spending 2 weeks in St James hospital after a car pulls straight across my path

blorg

@Sesshoumaru- if you really want a pair of indicators I have an brand new unopened set of Bicygnals that I will let go at a discount (retail is £40 so say €25?)

Note I don't have these on my own bike as I don't belive in them, I think motorists expect a hand sticking out. Maybe they would be useful at night I guess IN CONJUNCTION with hand signals (they have integrated front and rear lights also.)

Sesshoumaru

blorg wrote: »

@Sesshoumaru- if you really want a pair of indicators I have an brand new unopened set of Bicygnals that I will let go at a discount (retail is £40 so say €25?)

Note I don't have these on my own bike as I don't belive in them, I think motorists expect a hand sticking out. Maybe they would be useful at night I guess IN CONJUNCTION with hand signals (they have integrated front and rear lights also.)

http://www.bicygnals.com/Bicygnals_ind_info%203.html

Is this the model you have?

Ghost Rider

Obviously, and trivially, nobody can say with 100% certainty that any outcome would have been different had one of the conditions changed. My judgement is all I have to go on. That said, I've been in many situations where, at the last minute, drivers have noticed me before doing something stupid like pulling into a cycle track. My feeling is that such late-but-critical realisations are attributable to the visi vest.

Also: on the odd occasion that I forget my visi vest, I've observed a lot more of what I'd consider high-risk driving near me. I think it's less likely that the motivations of drivers on those days are different than that they simply haven't seen me.

When wearing a visi vest, it's far easier for drivers to notice you in the periphery of their vision. Without one, unless the driver is looking right at you, you're just another undifferentiated blob. This applies particularly to views in mirrors.

As a driver myself, I'm convinced visi vests make a huge difference to cyclists' visibility. I'm delighted to see most cyclists are using them these days - or a lot more than, say, 10 years ago at any rate.

lukester wrote: »

Not having a go at you, but how do you know it has saved your skin?

Sesshoumaru

Raam wrote: »

Our protection is our ability to ride safely and avoid getting into crashes.

Totally agree! However for me I am just aware that being the most careful rider in the world doesn't guarantee your safety. My thoughts are along the lines of a last defensive line. Which would be what your wearing, which at a minimum for me would be at least a good helmet.

DePurpereWolf

Sesshoumaru wrote: »

Well I can understand a full face helmet is heavy and can also reduce environmental awareness. But why would wearing some sort of protection around your knees and elbows be bad? Why also would a decent LED brake light and possibly integrated turn signals not be useful?

I can't believe I'm reading this.

I'm a bad example, I come from bicycle heaven NL so I never wear any protection on short distances. for 23 km I would put on a helmet.

Cars don't use blinkers, so why should you. They're useless, just use your arms, they will see that ten times better than a small blinking LED. The idea is that you drive around cars, not cars around you, you can't trust them that they would have seen you.

Only kids fall on their elbows and knees.

In the 15 years that I've been cycling I might have fallen 10 times, once on an icey patch, and nine times because I was being an idiot. (biking without hands and eyes closed comes to mind, my record is 4 seconds, biking on a frozen lake also springs to mind, it's great until you need to turn around.)

With normal use of a bike you will never ever fall by your own hand (unless your a kid, or a stupid adolescent like me). It is more likely that a car will cut you off, or hit you.
Those protection pads won't do anything against that but to slow you down and make me laugh my behind off when you pass by.

lukester

DePurpereWolf wrote: »

biking without hands and eyes closed comes to mind, my record is 4 seconds, biking on a frozen lake also springs to mind it's great until you need to turn around

I LOL'd at that, nearly ROTFLMAO'd too

blorg

Sesshoumaru wrote: »

http://www.bicygnals.com/Bicygnals_ind_info%203.html

Is this the model you have?

Yes.

Sesshoumaru

http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=38&idproduct=24234

Is this the type of machine you would need to do a 23km commute?

http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=38&idproduct=23602

This one also looks very similar. To someone who knows next to nothing about bicycles they both look the same. I don't necessarily want to buy the most expensive bike, but neither do I want something that will let me down. Will I see or notice much of a difference between a €1000 bike and a €500 bike say?

TinyExplosions

blorg wrote: »

@Sesshoumaru- if you really want a pair of indicators I have an brand new unopened set of Bicygnals that I will let go at a discount (retail is £40 so say €25?)

Note I don't have these on my own bike as I don't belive in them, I think motorists expect a hand sticking out. Maybe they would be useful at night I guess IN CONJUNCTION with hand signals (they have integrated front and rear lights also.)

You can't sell a present Blorg -that's bad karma right there!

Sesshoumaru

Jawgap wrote: »

4. Consider your route to work - following the route you take in a car or on a motorbike isn't always the best for cycling - getting a little bit off the usual beaten track might make for a slightly longer cycle, but it can also be very enjoyable. There's lots of routes you can take a bike on that you can't take cars or even motorbikes on e.g. the some of the canal and river paths, parts of the Phoenix Park etc

My commute is from Celbridge to the Stephens Green area of the city. I've actually been giving a great deal of thought to the route. Don't suppose there is anyone else on here who cycles from Celbridge?

I'm wondering how safe is it to cycle on a dual carriageway? would I be crazy cycling along the dual carriageway past Liffey Valley shopping centre and over the M50 interchange?

Alternatively I was thinking the back roads to Lucan/Clondalkin, coming onto the Naas Road and then turning down Davitt Road to head for the canal.

blorg

Sesshoumaru wrote: »

http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=38&idproduct=24234

Is this the type of machine you would need to do a 23km commute?

http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=38&idproduct=23602

This one also looks very similar. To someone who knows next to nothing about bicycles they both look the same. I don't necessarily want to buy the most expensive bike, but neither do I want something that will let me down. Will I see or notice much of a difference between a €1000 bike and a €500 bike say?

Either will do the job, the Lapierre just has better components. I am not sure it is quite so critical on a flat bar bike, shifting seems to work better on them even with cheaper components. Wheels on entry-level Giant bikes can be a bit unreliable while Mavic Aksiums on the Lapierre are very good by contrast.

@Tiny- I am not going to put those lights on my Litespeed.

Raam

blorg wrote: »

@Tiny- I am not going to put those lights on my Litespeed.

Who got them for you?

07Lapierre

Sesshoumaru wrote: »

http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=38&idproduct=24234

Is this the type of machine you would need to do a 23km commute?

http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=38&idproduct=23602

This one also looks very similar. To someone who knows next to nothing about bicycles they both look the same. I don't necessarily want to buy the most expensive bike, but neither do I want something that will let me down. Will I see or notice much of a difference between a €1000 bike and a €500 bike say?

The short answer is YES you will notice the difference between them. Cyclesuperstore will let you take the bike for a spin before you buy so just ask them. I prefer the lapierre ( Well i would wouldn't i? ) but both bikes would suit. Just depends on how much your prepared to spend.

With regard safety equipment, helmets, indicators, vests etc. If you really want all this stuff go fot it. BUT remember, you posted looking for advise. My advise is you need a bike, helmet and cycling shorts. After that, the rest is optional and a personal decision. I personally think knee pads/shin pads are excessive. A full face helmet, Knee pads, shin pads, Hi visability vest, while cycling 23klm in traffic in this weather? crazy! BUT its your choice, if you feel safer.. go for it!

TinyExplosions

Raam wrote: »

Who got them for you?

A relative -that's what makes it karmically worse to sell them on -if it was one of us, then fair game, but there was love in that gift!

-also, I'd love to see them on the litespeed, even for one day

ROK ON

Sesshoumaru wrote: »

My commute is from Celbridge to the Stephens Green area of the city. I've actually been giving a great deal of thought to the route. Don't suppose there is anyone else on here who cycles from Celbridge?

I'm wondering how safe is it to cycle on a dual carriageway? would I be crazy cycling along the dual carriageway past Liffey Valley shopping centre and over the M50 interchange?

I often cycle home from Wicklow on this road (Lucan/Liffey Valley).
You have a bus lane as far as the Liffey Valley turn off for the M50.
It is a great road surface and fantastic for cycling.
Now your 1st difficulty will be where the road turns left for the M50. This is where the bus lane ends, and you will need to be 2 lanes to the right in order to stay on the dual carriage way and head to town.
The cars/trucks take the M50 so fast that it is often not possible to get across the lane confiently/safely. I have never seen traffic here slow for a bike. So wait for a gap or take the bike path by the pedestrian bridge over the m50 and into Palmerstown.

Once in Palmerstown, you can continue on the dual carrigeway as far as Heuston (in a bus/cycle lane), or if you want head to Chapelizod and up by the Phoenix Pk.

Given that you are heading toward Stephens green, I would think that you are best at some stage heading toward Kilmainham/Thomas St/Kevin St.

Hope that helps.

petethedrummer

Don't get too hung up on knee pads, indicators and full face helmets. You wouldn't put all that stuff on to go 1km to the shop. So just think of your commute as 23 back to back spins to the shop.

zzzzzzzz

blorg wrote: »

Either will do the job, the Lapierre just has better components. I am not sure it is quite so critical on a flat bar bike, shifting seems to work better on them even with cheaper components. Wheels on entry-level Giant bikes can be a bit unreliable while Mavic Aksiums on the Lapierre are very good by contrast.

@Tiny- I am not going to put those lights on my Litespeed.

Use them racing later! Have you not seen days of thunder???

He's going right, he's going right.. nooooo HE'S GOING LEFT!

DePurpereWolf

petethedrummer wrote: »

Don't get too hung up on knee pads, indicators and full face helmets. You wouldn't put all that stuff on to go 1km to the shop. So just think of your commute as 23 back to back spins to the shop.

It doesn't make sense at all.
But I like it.

davgtrek

a few things on safety gear. a full face helmet would be unbearably hot and overkill when you'll be happy averaging 15mph to work.
as for accessories. LIDL/ALDI is your bet. buy all the gear, shorts, helmets, glasses you can and you'll save a fortune.

the main difference between a €500 & €1000 bike that you would notice should be weight. as for components theres a lot of gear gloating that comes with cycling. you want reliability and durability in ireland.

i would also suggest that you consider a fun side to the task.
eg. try mountainbiking ( many clubs around that do beginner spins especially in dub "www.mtbireland.com" ) or join a local cycling club etc. then the cycle to work would be good mid-week training to having fun on the bike at the weekend. That would be far better motivation for ya in the crappier weather etc.

i would not jump in with a €1300 bike as if this does not work out the you will have wasted good money and bikes have poor second hand value.

why not check out a few bike forums "buy & sell" sections and get a decent second hand bike for about 4-500.

that way if you think this is great and are willing to go for it after a while you'll know what you want in a bike and then get your good bike ( for weekend ) and still run with hacker for work spins and if its robbed or mangled in a pothole big deal.

good luck

DePurpereWolf

I wouldn't send someone out to buy a good second hand bike if he has admitted he doesn't know much about bicycles.
It's difficult to buy your first bike, it is more difficult to buy a good second hand bike from somebody online.

Jawgap

ROK ON wrote: »

I often cycle home from Wicklow on this road (Lucan/Liffey Valley).

Once in Palmerstown, you can continue on the dual carrigeway as far as Heuston (in a bus/cycle lane), or if you want head to Chapelizod and up by the Phoenix Pk.

Given that you are heading toward Stephens green, I would think that you are best at some stage heading toward Kilmainham/Thomas St/Kevin St.

Hope that helps.

If you're going to go through Chapelizod - I'd recommend the bike path along the south side of the river - one of my favourite cycling stretches, esp in the morning. That takes you into the park there and out at Islandbridge - swing right and zip down the canal - turn left at Leeson Street and there you are!

thebouldwhacker

I'm calling shenanigans!!!

This thread has to be a windup....:pac:

neonman

I'm cycling around the same distance as yourself 22-24km each way into work. I only started a couple of weeks ago and I'm already hooked.

the bike i'm using is http://tinyurl.com/prlcmy

I cycle from Clontarf over to Citywest via the city centre. On my way home I go down the canal just to mix it up a bit.

I'm cycling 3 days a week, I think 5 just starting off would be madness and you'd burn out very quickly.

Monday= Cycle
Tuesday= Car (rest day)
Wednesday= Cycle
Thursday= Car (rest day)
Friday= Cycle

Any questions fire away but I'm no expert as I'm only starting out. But this cycle forum/community is great for information and help.

Neon

Sesshoumaru

thebouldwhacker wrote: »

I'm calling shenanigans!!!

This thread has to be a windup....:pac:

why?