Beginning in London

nsj wrote:
...........

Quoted message said:

Firstly, there's me. Reasonably unfit, 6'5", 15.5st, early twenties,
doing a nine 'til half five job, swilling beer, and buying a
Travelcard every month. I've not cycled since someone robbed me of
my last one about six or seven years ago.

The 6'5" bit is the only unsual bit there :-)

/snip

Quoted message said:

I live near West Acton station, and work near Latimer Road station.
Looking at the London Cycle Network map, finding my way to Uxbridge
Road will allow me to go through Acton down to Shepherd's Bush, where
I can turn off up towards Latimer Road station just after the
roundabout. But my only experiences of the overground route of the
Uxbridge Road come entirely from drunken late night trips on the
Night Bus. But I do have a feeling it is quite hilly -- in both
directions -- particularly through Acton centre. If this is so, can
anyone suggest an alternative route that might be less strenuous for
a beginner?

Hills won't be a problem if you get a bike with a wide range of gears,
seriously. Just spin up them in a low gear. Sorry I can't remember how
hilly Acton is. I tend not to remember because I have a bike with some
low gears :-)

Quoted message said:

My second set of questions pertain to equipment:

I'm quite a big bloke. What do all these frame sizes mean?

This was discussed in another thread very recently, have a browse through
all the recent messages. As far as convential road bike frames measured
in the convential way goes, you could probably do with one larger than 60
cm. If buying a new bike, you'll need the largest size, no question about
it -- that's if the largest one is large enough.

Quoted message said:

What's
lightweight but inexpensive? Probably looking for the best trade-off
ratio, I suppose -- but leaning towards inexpensive. We're probably
talking a project budget of a couple of hundred quid for the whole
thing. Second hand is certainly an option. Would rather get
reasonable second hand kit than [censored] new stuff.

That'll be the case when total budget is £200.

Quoted message said:

Where is a good
place to look to buy (either new or s/h)? Are there any pitfalls to
look for when buying second hand? What kind of cycle would be best
suited to what I want to use it for?

There aren't too many large second-hand bikes around at any one time, but
still you could ask local bike shops if they have any. Or perhaps find
someone who knows more about bikes to check out those advertised in your
local newspaper (or elsewhere).

Quoted message said:

My third (and final) set of questions are about London:

As a pedestrian, London is quite intimidating. It seems the rules of
the road that were observed in the parts of the world in which I grew
up simply don't seem to exist here. Is cycling in London (either
where the cycle lanes are or not) as intimidating as it is for a
pedestrain to get across a zebra crossing? As a non-driver, is
embarking upon cycling in London without any non-quiet-suburbian
experience a considerable risk?

I'm not sure cycling in inner London is any more dangerous than in the
burbs or outside London. Yes it's busier, but speeds are lower (speed of
both other traffic and yourself).

Best of luck with your bike hunting and cycling. I'll make one
prediction: you will enjoy it.

~PB

nsj said:

With the warm weather having started, I figured cycling to and from work
(rather than a tube/bus combination) would help matters. No need to buy a
Travelcard, expend some of those excess calories, and not be able to go for
a couple of pints after work. There's somewhere sheltered and secure to tie
a bike up at home and at work, and there's also a shower at both places!

Great

Quoted message said:

My first set of questions arise about the route:

I live near West Acton station, and work near Latimer Road station. Looking
at the London Cycle Network map, finding my way to Uxbridge Road will allow
me to go through Acton down to Shepherd's Bush, where I can turn off up
towards Latimer Road station just after the roundabout. But my only
experiences of the overground route of the Uxbridge Road come entirely from
drunken late night trips on the Night Bus. But I do have a feeling it is
quite hilly -- in both directions -- particularly through Acton centre. If
this is so, can anyone suggest an alternative route that might be less
strenuous for a beginner?

Not that hilly really. It will get much easier as you do it. In less than
two weeks you'll not find the slight hills any problem at all.

Quoted message said:

My second set of questions pertain to equipment:

I'm quite a big bloke. What do all these frame sizes mean? What's
lightweight but inexpensive? Probably looking for the best trade-off ratio,
I suppose -- but leaning towards inexpensive. We're probably talking a
project budget of a couple of hundred quid for the whole thing. Second hand
is certainly an option. Would rather get reasonable second hand kit than
[censored] new stuff.

You have two options. Go to a good local bike shop who will point you in the
right direction. Or find a friend who knows what they are doign and get them
to help find you a good second hand one.

Quoted message said:

Where is a good place to look to buy (either new or s/h)?
Are there any pitfalls to look for when buying second hand? What kind of
cycle would be best suited to what I want to use it for? What's the current
standard/certification to look for in safety helmets?

EN something or other. Don't rely on it to do any more than protect you from
minor bumps and scratches (ie, just what the manufacturers say).
Don't forget good lights (at night), good reflectives and to cycle
positively. Far more important than a helmet.

Quoted message said:

My third (and final) set of questions are about London:

As a pedestrian, London is quite intimidating. It seems the rules of the
road that were observed in the parts of the world in which I grew up simply
don't seem to exist here. Is cycling in London (either where the cycle
lanes are or not) as intimidating as it is for a pedestrain to get across a
zebra crossing? As a non-driver, is embarking upon cycling in London
without any non-quiet-suburbian experience a considerable risk?

Maybe. If you have a few quid (and it really is very few) then getting a
session with someone like Patrick Field (London School of Cycling) or
similar would be money well spent. They'll take you through your commute and
give you useful training on coping with London traffic.

Having grown up in London, I don't find the traffic much of a problem, it is
just a case of being positive and staking your claim to your road space (OK,
maybe not as easy as it first sounds).

...d

nsj said:

Nick.

Awesome, you'll love cycling to work. Just take it slow and steady and
start with only one or two days per week.

If you can stretch your budget a little, and the bike's available in
your size, a Decathlon Triban got a good Cycling plus writeup. In any
case, go visit several different bike shops and try out different bike
types to see what type suits you and which ones are comfortable.
You'll get good advice at most local bike shops too.

As for dealing with the traffic in London, a *must read* book is
Cyclecraft by John Franklin. That book is very very good and will help
make dealing with and cycling in traffic a pleasure.

nsj said:

With the warm weather having started, I figured cycling to and from work
(rather than a tube/bus combination) would help matters. No need to buy a
Travelcard, expend some of those excess calories, and not be able to go for
a couple of pints after work. There's somewhere sheltered and secure to tie
a bike up at home and at work, and there's also a shower at both places!

My first set of questions arise about the route:

NSJ, the people to help are the London Cycling Campaign.
The website is http://www.lcc.org.uk
On the site there are loads of leaflets about cycling.
No-one will try to make you join the LCC, and if you give them
a ring they will give you advice.

Find out who your local LCC group are, and ask about a 'Bike Buddy'.
That is someone who volunteers to ride along with you for the first
few mornings, showing you the route.

Also ask your local LCC group about cycle training.
Many boroughs in London have funds for free cycle training for adults -
this is on-road training, not a circuit round a school playground.
See below - you get it free.

Quoted message said:

My second set of questions pertain to equipment:

I'm quite a big bloke. What do all these frame sizes mean? What's
lightweight but inexpensive? Probably looking for the best trade-off ratio,
I suppose -- but leaning towards inexpensive. We're probably talking a
project budget of a couple of hundred quid for the whole thing.

For frame size, I don't know.
But stand over the bike - make sure there is sufficient clearance between
vital bits and top tube!
I would up the budget ever so slightly, and take the Jubilee Line to
Decathlon at Surrey Quays. They have some decent city bikes at that sort
of price.

Actually, for your commute how about looking for a hyrid?
Ridgeback are a good make, and maybe look for a secondhand one of them?
Let's be honest though that a hundred quid is at the very low end of
cycling.
Spend a bit more and you will enjoy it, and be likely to keep it up.

What are the group's opinions on these from Evans:
http://www.evanscycles.com/dept.jsp?dept_id=1001&subdept_id=1205

Quoted message said:

My third (and final) set of questions are about London:

As a pedestrian, London is quite intimidating. It seems the rules of the
road that were observed in the parts of the world in which I grew up simply
don't seem to exist here.

Get the cycle training.
http://www.cycletraining.co.uk/

Your LCC group is http://www.ealingcycling.org.uk/
Click on the training link - there is free training from Ealing Council.

Apologies if this comes through twice.

Y

Apologies if this comes through twice.

I would say the best bet is to go to a decent bike shop
local to you. (Choir - good LBS in Acton?)
Look at hybrid bikes, especially Ridgeback.
Plug for the LCC - join the LCC and you get a 10% discount on
new bikes from many shops.

If you venture further afield for a new or second hand bike,
remember that the surface Tube lines allow you to carry your bike
with you (outwith the rush hours). Lines with escalators do
not allow bikes.
So if you go to Decathlon you can get the East London then the
District Line back.

And to the choir, yes I know that a bike can be ridden across
London. But it may be a bit daunting for a beginner.

About cycling from Acton to Sheperds Bush. There's only really one hill and thats coming from SB to Acton, and even then it only lasts for a couple of hundred yards. Although there is a 'cycle lane' marled all the way along the Uxbridge Road (I cycle it all the way to Uxbridge) don't expcet it to be available for use as there are to many parked cars along it you'll be lucky if you actually see it. Having said that the build up of traffic is usually so much that you'll be cycling past cars most of the way. There seem to be quite a few cyclists going into twn that way so you should be able to tag along with some of them particulalry when you start out, as we are generally a friendly bunch.

In 2 years of cycling along this stretch of rioad I haven't had any problems (don;t get me stsrted with Southall thgouh :-() Just keep your eyes and ears open for the usual lunatics and mad bus drivers (the 607's are the worst).

And finally odo ewhat others have suggested and contact LCC, again a nice bunch of people.

Bryan

Oh, and wouldn't it be worth joining the CTC? I did on recommendations
from people here.

http://www.ctc.org.uk/

LSMike said:

Oh, and wouldn't it be worth joining the CTC? I did on
recommendations from people here.

http://www.ctc.org.uk/

Absolutely and unequivocally, yes.

--
Dave...

Bryan said:

In 2 years of cycling along this stretch of rioad I haven't had
any problems (don;t get me stsrted with Southall thgouh :-()

Indeed, Southall is a cyclist's nightmare. The Acton route is fairly
normal though, although obviously very busy. I've had no real problem
cycling in that area, and as you say the motorised traffic is often
either stopped or at a crawl.

--
Dave...

Pete Biggs said:

nsj said:

I live near West Acton station, and work near Latimer Road station.
Looking at the London Cycle Network map, finding my way to Uxbridge
Road will allow me to go through Acton down to Shepherd's Bush, where
I can turn off up towards Latimer Road station just after the
roundabout. But my only experiences of the overground route of the
Uxbridge Road come entirely from drunken late night trips on the
Night Bus. But I do have a feeling it is quite hilly -- in both
directions -- particularly through Acton centre. If this is so, can
anyone suggest an alternative route that might be less strenuous for
a beginner?

Hills won't be a problem if you get a bike with a wide range of gears,
seriously.

Depends very much on the hill (and the gears)! Even with a range the width
of the Amazon, i wouldn't look forward to cycling up Highgate Hill.

However, another poster made it sound like the hill isn't that bad.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

As a pedestrian, London is quite intimidating. It seems the rules of
the road that were observed in the parts of the world in which I grew
up simply don't seem to exist here. Is cycling in London (either
where the cycle lanes are or not) as intimidating as it is for a
pedestrain to get across a zebra crossing? As a non-driver, is
embarking upon cycling in London without any non-quiet-suburbian
experience a considerable risk?

Not a considerable one. I'm sure someone around here has stats, but i've
cycled to work for a year, and i haven't been killed once.

It certainly can be scary, though. The trick is to have the right attitude
- abandon all fear of death and you'll be fine. Seriously - if you cycle
like you're afraid, always hugging the gutter and shying away from cars,
you'll get treated like dirt by the cagers. Ride with a bit more
confidence and assertiveness, and keep your speed up, and they'll show you
some respect and keep their distance (well, mostly; there are psychos
everywhere, and some areas have more than their fair share - any road
leading to Tottenham, IME). Give lorries a wide berth if you can, though,
at least if they show any sign of moving faster than a crawl (quite rare
in London traffic).

One thing i think nobody's mentioned, but which is absolutely vital, is to
get hold of a bike map - you can pick these up free at tube stations,
which carry the local map, and major railway stations, which have the
complete set. They're basically the A-Z map on a fold-out sheet, with
coloured lines showing various cycle routes. Ignore the bike lanes (in
blue) - they're usually on the busiest streets and full of parked cars
anyway - take advantage of the segregated routes (green and brown) where
you can, and plan the rest of your route on the basis of quiet streets (in
yellow). Big main roads, even without cycle lanes, are,
counterintuitively, often okay at busy times, since the traffic isn't
moving and you can nip past it. Essex Road, for example, is a doddle. And
don't forget that you can use bus lanes; as long as you're reasonably
quick, you can stay ahead of the buses, since they have to stop every few
hundred metres.

Anyway, after a few runs to work, you'll get an idea of which roads you're
comfortable cycling on, and you can plan your route accordingly.

Quoted message said:

Best of luck with your bike hunting and cycling. I'll make one
prediction: you will enjoy it.

See sig!

tom

--
Get a bicycle. You will certainly not regret it, if you live. -- Mark Twain

Nick
from memory your route isn't too hilly, and, apart from actually
getting though Acton, is fairly okay.

It's like this - I was in the same position as yourself, almost
identical actually, and when I started cycling the 4 miles to work I
had to stop off half way through for a fortifying ciggie at Ealing
Hospital. Now I do it in 14 mins. Yes, the first few days will be
hard. Yes, people in cars occasionally drive too close, but you've
got a nice run, so enjoy it.

Don't pay too much attention to the London Network - you need to find
all those little shortcuts.

Personally I would cut through the network of small roads to the North
of the Uxbridge Road, where the traffic isn't so manic. When the
speedhumps start slowing you down you know you are ready to transfer
onto the main road. Just watch out for hidden junctions, and people
pulling out without looking. Also, the A40/Great West Road has off
road cyclepaths, and is straight and fast, just not very attractive.

Dont' forget to use your gears, they are there for a reason.

Have fun
Steve

Simon Brooke said:

Second hand may be the best option, if £200 is what you want to spend.
Don't get me wrong - there are some good bikes for under £200 - but you
will also need a lock, and rainwear. And cheap bikes tend to be heavy.

When I returned to cycling a spent about £175 (inflated to today's
money) on a minor brand bike from the LBS. It was perfect for the
purpose of getting me back into cycling without lashing out too much
cash. There's always something extra nice about buying and riding a new
bike and I reckon there are suitable machines out there for less than £200.

Sure, you'll have to add lights, a rack, maybe mudguards, a lock etc but
once you're up and going you're saving £5 a day (or whatever a travel
card costs).

Thanks for all your advice, folks. I'm in the same boat as NSJ (but
commuting from NW6 to EC4), and have been trawling through this group
looking for good words.

I was a bit scared of the idea at first, but I'm quite looking foward to
it now 🙂

Now I've just got to get me a bike.... Cycle Surgery in West Hampstead
looks worth a shot, methinks. Anyone got good/bad experiences of them,
or the other Cycle Surgery stores?

nsj <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...
can anyone suggest an alternative route that might be less

Quoted message said:

strenuous for a beginner?

I think I would be tempted to do the Uxbridge Road too - but I was
interested to see that the computer for the Transport for London
Journey Planner suggested a route (36mins !) going north and making
use of DuCane Road (outside Wormwood Scrubs) and the TfL Cycle Maps
show a convenient link going under the Westway roundabout. However to
get there the route included a few hundred metres along Western Avenue
(I don't remember a cycle lane and without it I might feel
vulnerable.) There is a pedestrian link crossing Western Avenue - but
I suspect it is a bridge and I wouldn't fancy lugging the bike over
it.

If you are an Ealing Borough resident I'd also suggest taking up the
free cycle training (quite possibly personalised for your own journey,
as I understand it).

Good Luck,

Tim

Abe said:

Thanks for all your advice, folks. I'm in the same boat as NSJ (but
commuting from NW6 to EC4), and have been trawling through this group
looking for good words.

I can only echo this. Thank you very much to everyone who has responded.

It's a refreshing (and welcome) change to read friendly, helpful,
intelligent replies to newsgroup posts these days.

Best wishes to all,
Nick.

--
Now Playing: Massive Attack - Unfinished Sympathy [192kbps mp3]

Tim Henderson said:

nsj <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...
can anyone suggest an alternative route that might be less

Quoted message said:

strenuous for a beginner?

I think I would be tempted to do the Uxbridge Road too - but I was
interested to see that the computer for the Transport for London
Journey Planner suggested a route (36mins !) going north and making
use of DuCane Road (outside Wormwood Scrubs)

I hope you like nose to tail traffic then.. This has to be one of the
most congested roads in London, being somewhat narrow for serving a
major hospital (and a prison as well).

Quoted message said:

and the TfL Cycle Maps
show a convenient link going under the Westway roundabout. However to
get there the route included a few hundred metres along Western Avenue
(I don't remember a cycle lane and without it I might feel
vulnerable.) There is a pedestrian link crossing Western Avenue - but
I suspect it is a bridge and I wouldn't fancy lugging the bike over
it.

IIRC it is a pelican.

Quoted message said:

If you are an Ealing Borough resident I'd also suggest taking up the
free cycle training (quite possibly personalised for your own journey,
as I understand it).

The traffic is heavy but slow moving. Be positive, be clear and be
aware. (And be happy, it is so liberating doing London on a bike instead
of any other form of transport escept walking).

...d

nsj said:

Abe said:

Thanks for all your advice, folks. I'm in the same boat as NSJ (but
commuting from NW6 to EC4), and have been trawling through this group
looking for good words.

I can only echo this. Thank you very much to everyone who has responded.

It's a refreshing (and welcome) change to read friendly, helpful,
intelligent replies to newsgroup posts these days.

Good luck and do let us know how you find it..

...d

Tim Henderson said:

nsj <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...
can anyone suggest an alternative route that might be less

Quoted message said:

strenuous for a beginner?

Ooh, my patch...

Quoted message said:

I think I would be tempted to do the Uxbridge Road too - but I was
interested to see that the computer for the Transport for London
Journey Planner suggested a route (36mins !) going north and making
use of DuCane Road (outside Wormwood Scrubs)

Avoid DuCane Road. It's got lovely chicanes all the way along - there
are bike bypasses but the buses use all the road to get through them
as fast as possible.

I think you have to use Uxbridge Road some of the way because of the
West and North London lines getting in the way. Lynton Rd, across Horn
Lane, and down Grafton/Goldsmith, then Burlington Gdns if level
crossing gate down, otherwise diagonally across Acton Park to reach
Uxbridge Road, is what I'd try first. I think Grafton is uphill, but
there are no other significant hills - just gentle slopes. The hill to
avoid for now is between Steyne Rd and Gunnersbury Lane on Uxbridge Road.

There's a cycle route parallel to and north of Uxbridge Road east of
here, but you'd have a detour both ends - not worth it.

Shepherd's Bush is OK eastbound; more of a pain westbound.

Quoted message said:

and the TfL Cycle Maps
show a convenient link going under the Westway roundabout. However to
get there the route included a few hundred metres along Western Avenue
(I don't remember a cycle lane and without it I might feel
vulnerable.)

This stretch is not much fun - 3 narrow lanes, just before/after it
turns onto a motorway.

Quoted message said:

If you are an Ealing Borough resident I'd also suggest taking up the
free cycle training (quite possibly personalised for your own journey,
as I understand it).

Recommendation strongly seconded. You'll pay a fiver towards the first
lesson, but will get 2 lessons if you need them. Best to get the bike
first and get used to it off-road somewhere - maybe Masons Green Lane.
Arrange training on 0800 093 6454 (Ealing residents/workers only).

Colin McKenzie