How many on here are regular cyclists? Probably went 30 years without riding a bike (gave it up after getting a driving licence in my teens), but took it up again around 10 years ago. After finally getting rid of my car in late 2015 when I finally realised that owning one in London was more hassle and expense than it was worth, my Specialised Cirrus hybrid bike is now my primary form of transport. Can be a bit hair raising at times in Central London, but it is my usual way of travelling to work. Far prefer it to the grind, discomfort and stress of a bus or tube in the morning and evening.
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Been cycling 10 miles into the west end and back most days for the last 15 years. Despite being knocked off a couple of times (dozy drivers, unaware school kids) it’s still the only way to crowbar some exercise into a busy working family life. I’ve just had my Canondale in for service and overhaul for last 2 weeks and I can feel the brain fogging up. The exercise keeps me sane and… thanks to Wim, I’ve learnt to love the freezing winter rides too.
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I never drove so I’ve been cycling all my life…
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Yes.
Probably the least amount of cycling at the moment but…done every kind from a short daily commute to organized racing on and off road. I took it up when I was 19 as just a year of booze and the odd friends spliff had started to ruin me.
It’s mostly just a 6 mile run to keep some fitness now. I’m more of a gifted runner fitness wise and results wise in a race.
I live in one the most deprived city areas in the country so cycling round here for transport is for the poor rather than a health and mindset choice.
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Love cycling as much as Waltham Forest hates cars, so it kind of works out alright.
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I used to commute by fixed gear. Still have it, nice Cinelli. Just have two bikes (Cinelli Gazetta and a carbon Orbea road bike) now down from seven at the height of my madness (a track bike, a Cinelli Mash fixed, a carbon road bike, a single speed 26" wheel parts bin special, an On One 29er, a vintage Moto Becane 10 speed racing bike and a hardtail MTB)
Don’t ride as often as I once did, but still love riding fixed gear.
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Two years ago, my cousin convinced me into buying his road bike, it was the best decision ever. Currently I have cycled for 7600km this year. BTW I am currently based in Ohrid, on a beautiful lake and cycling here is a dream.
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When I worked in London I went everywhere on my little Brompton, not just commuting but to meetings etc, just the best way to get free exercise. Nowadays I need to make an excuse as I rarely need to leave the house, but I still love that feeling of speed + freedom that only a bike gives you.
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I grew up biking quite a bit, long distance, racing, mountain, etc. Wife did not. A friend runs a used shop and he sorted us out during Covid. She’s gotten more comfortable and we’ve been doing longer rides. Seattle is a glorious urban environment to bike around in.
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Never bothered with driving so cycle everywhere. I have an office job sitting down most of the day so its a good way to get exercise
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Nice to see that there’s other people here who have never bothered with driving.
I’ve been a fair weather cyclist this year although I’ve still fit in some great rides. I had a look at cycling in Ireland the other day. Just getting ideas for a tour next year. It will be my first visit. Maybe somewhere between 3 and 5 days.
If anyone’s cycled there or has any tips, let me know.
yesss! I dont drive so always bike as much as possible. Biking and eating less bread is my diet. I just roll a chromed out flip-flop (free wheel because to scared to ride fixed) beater with skinny bars and It seams to work. Wifey says I should ride something more grown up, so I’m just gonna get a front cargo rack and keep rolling haha.
During lockdown we went halves on a Christiana e-mod with our neighbour. It’s super handy, but I’m always paranoid of taking up the whole lane.
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My 20+ year old Raleigh City bike been repaired for a spruce up ( brake pads were down to the metal)
Try to cycle local whenever I can, my local has a big cycle lock frame near
I did have paniers & would go shopping with them but was a bit Kevin from Motherland !
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Its the best transport in central London
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Back to my apartment on the lake that I use as a time to do a lot of endurance training and just mentally recharge. Here’re a few pics from this week.
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I spent a few days near Pogradec last year.
The other side of the lake from you?
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Exactly. If you come close again, you can drop me a message
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Definitely
Did a bit of downhill and xc racing in my youth. I have been trying to get back into riding but i don’t enjoy road/gravel/cyclocross really. I have a Santa Cruz Hightower already, which is great, but i just got one of the new era of “superlight” ebikes.
It’s been pretty amazing for chucking in my car if the weather looks nice and then going to knock out a bunch of downhill laps without ruining yourself. 8 laps of steep trails where i could only do maybe 2 or 3 before, plus i can fit it in during my workday sometimes.
Means i can probably get my daughter to come and ride with me as well, cos she won’t have to moan on the uphill bits. I am a partial convert, cos my other bike is basically just the non ebike version of this, and is way more fun to chuck about. Quite a lot of really great downhill trails near me, and i can now ride way more of them in one session.
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