Off Topic Thread 3.0

Neil3030 wrote: »

A lot of Dublin fans moaning about the allocation of tickets for the final on Sunday, that a lot of fans who had gone to matches all year couldn't get tickets. But am I right in saying the attendance should be 50:50, so it's just how these things go?

A lot of tickets get allocated to other county boards and clubs etc. And most would tend to give them to the county they know or like more instead of back to HQ if they aren't being used by themselves.

It really shouldn't effect overall the amount of tickets fans get but it definitely would move people from their normal spot. Ie a thousand hill 16 tickets could have gone to the county boards of Connacht and Ulster teams and they went to clubs and boards in mayo with them.

And Galway people would have kept them just to piss off Mayo and Dublin people at the same time.

Watched Hunt for the Wilderpeople on Sunday with the wife. Really enjoyed it, probably the best comedy I've seen this year with some truly hilarious and very quotable moments.

Emilee Bitter Ginseng wrote: »

I'm sure there's a few cyclists on here, I'm going to get a bike with the B2W scheme which I will hopefully use to commute (about 8km each way), can anyone recommend what type of bike to go for? Looking at a hybrid or a road bike but veering towards a hybrid. Any accessories that are essential? Is there such a thing as a lock that will stop the bike from getting stolen from my front garden if chained to a gate?

Get two locks and get heavy ones that you leave at the gate, if it's at the front of the house it's a real "crime of opportunity" so try and lock it up where it's not visible at all or at the back of the property. One lock for back wheel and rear chassis and one for front. Cant' stress enough, spend good money on good locks that are heavy.

As for the bike, giant brand hybrid bikes are not expensive and reliable. There are a wide range but I'd go for something that you are comfortable with, is sturdy and doesn't require heaps of maintenance (Don't go mad getting something with a **** ton of gears).

For accessories I'd get a front and rear mud guard. Hand pump and replacement tubes with clips and get someone to show you how to replace the tube. As you will be on the road I'd get the thicker kevlar tires which are more expensive but will last longer.

Get a good powerful front light and a good powerful rear light and most importantly get a good quality well fitting helmet.

Get the guys in the shop to size the saddle for you.

Keep at home a larger pump (the one you hold in place with your feet) and at least once a week top up your tires. It's a short easy job that massively reduces the chance of puncture.

I think that's about it, I got "bull horn" extensions on the handle bars which I find quite comfortable on a hybrid bike. Mine got stolen so I'm on a road bike now which is great if you want to go that way, the hybrid is better for a new cyclist and you could take it up on trails if you wished. PM me with any queries.

Emilee Bitter Ginseng wrote: »

I'm sure there's a few cyclists on here, I'm going to get a bike with the B2W scheme which I will hopefully use to commute (about 8km each way), can anyone recommend what type of bike to go for? Looking at a hybrid or a road bike but veering towards a hybrid. Any accessories that are essential? Is there such a thing as a lock that will stop the bike from getting stolen from my front garden if chained to a gate?

No lock is impregnable. Locks are deterrents and time wasters mostly.

As much as possible, position your bike next to a better looking bike or one with a worse lock.

Having two different types of locks (one cable, one U) makes it much more unlikely that the thief has all the tools required.

The front garden bit is a problem imo. No better location available?

Mud guards essential for Ireland!

awec wrote: »

Whether they have showers or not don't cycle in the clothes you'll have to wear all day anyway.

You'll want warm gear because for 9 months of the year it'll be cold, maybe pick up a cycling jacket when you get the bike.

Personally I'd recommend cycling shorts with padding (leggings for winter unless you're a tough cookie) but I understand a lot of people are wary of wearing lycra.

I bought my bike in Fitzcycles in Stillorgan, very helpful lads. Some shops will only sell certain brands etc.

I have a hurricane-proof golf jacket, probably isn't that warm but can put something on under. Also have thermal tops and leggings from a past life so no problem sticking them on under shorts.

Cheers for all the help folks. Dublin bikes are great and all but finally will be able to cycle all the way to my house.

Deleted User wrote: »

Definitely worth asking the landlord / business if they'd mind if they'd permit you to install a ground/wall anchor out the back.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Brute-Force-OF439-Security-Anchor/dp/B00126FWT0

Being visible in the one spot all the time is less than ideal. Always bear in mind that if someone really wants to steal it, they will be able to if they have enough time. Locks are really only for preventing opportunistic thieves.

fwiw, if there are showers at work, I used to just cycle in shorts and t shirt rain hail or snow. Less to get wet.

Didn't think of that, cheers, I would imagine they wouldn't have a huge issue with that.