I caught the cycling bug and it is your fault!

dewei

I last seriously used a bike as a university student to do a mile or so to attend lectures. That was 15 years ago! Since then, I have been using the car to commute. I live in Birmingham and work in Coventry but I also have to go to Warwick and Stratford a few times a month.

What has been the tipping point?
Rising petrol prices, worsening traffic jams, difficulty to park and no time to go the gym.

I have been reading the bikeradar and acf forum websites assiduously – a real eye-opener! It has been great to learn about the dangers of trucks, buses, roundabouts, T-junction, primary vs secondary road position and about the myriad cycling gear/accessories. Nothing better than the real experiences of the cycling community.

I spent weeks reading all the commuting threads, reading my old Cyclecraft book, planning routes on Google maps/ bikely.com. After much deliberation, I bought a folding bike, Dahon Cadenza just after Christmas. Purists will wince at a folding bike! However, it is one of the bigger folding bikes with 26” wheels that just fold in half. That gives me the flexibility to go on all trains in the West Midlands including Virgin Pendolinos without need to book (which is a pain).

With my first ride to test the bike, I was hooked! The exhilarating feel of freedom, speed and fresh air…(well sometimes…car fumes are a reality). I started doing local errands by bike and trips on local canal towpaths to get some confidence back.

My initial plan was to commute twice a week. 2.1 miles from home to Birmingham New Street station and 4.4 miles from Coventry station to Walsgrave where I work. There was a vague plan to try the whole 26 miles some time in the summer when I would be stronger …

My wife was absolutely against the idea (dangerous etc). This was round early January when the forum topics were about the half a dozen or so cyclists that got killed within a fortnight and the multiple near misses of the various forum members … I was really wavering then.

Then my car developed engine noise and needed repair. I took the plunge and not looked back. I used the car only four times in the last month. Today is my 6th consecutive bike/train commute. On Monday. I cycled from Warwick to Stratford-upon-Avon (25 miles – lovely countryside ) and back. On Wednesday I did the 26 miles from home to work in 2hr24min (need to improve on that but muddy canal towpath is awkward). If I can cut the time to below 2 hours, I will aim to make that a weekly ride.

I used to dread the 5 min walk in the cold from the car park to my office. Now, I actually enjoyed the crisp frosty mornings we had a few days ago. Well, I would never have a year ago that I would start commuting in the middle of winter.

The hard-nosed will ask about the money aspects! Well, I have bought a 2 months season ticket which is equivalent in price to 3 weeks car commuting (£124). I could save £150 per month and repay the cost of the bike and equipment in under 4 months!

THANK YOU FORUM MEMBERS!

(also posted on acf forum)

Mog Uk

Welcome to the club.........

Once you've started, you just can't stop......

Random Vince

just avoid the ring road and you'll be fine

keep an eye out for me doing about 15-20mph on an old orange road bike wearing a blue jacket :P

Adamskii

Good isn't it and a good time of the year to start. I enjoy almost every aspect of cycling to work, even the variable British weather. Although -4 earlier in the week was a real challange, it makes you feel alive.

Richrd2205

dewei
Congrats on your conversion: it's a revelation isn't it?
Where are you in Brum? I used to commute from Longford to near the airport/NEC & there are some great routes that involve very little traffic (& no towpaths!) If you're in the North of Brum, I can give you the routes I used to use. My commute was the only time in 6 years of staying in the Midlands that I felt as if I was in the middle of nowhere (I only have to ride about 8km now for the same effect).
You're 2h24 for the 26 miles will improve in no time as you get some miles into your legs...

dewei

Richrd2205

Thanks for your offer.

I commute from Augustus Rd, Edgbaston to Walsgrave Hospital (so near Longford). This is the route I used:
http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Ed ... alsgrave-4
As you can see, it is a south route. I'd been very interested to go more northwards. i'd been playing on bikely earlier and I must say I cannot see anything easy. the NEC to Edgbaston section is also awkward. When I plan routes, I am looking for the shortest route avoiding as much as possible large roads, roundabouts to the benefit of cyclepaths and towpaths.

Well, I have learnt in the last 4 weeks what many of you have said all along: cycle pathe are slower, inconvenient if not downright dangerous. Towpaths are good for leisure ride but not for a fast commute. It is also amazing how mych the quality of tarmac on roads can affect your speed and comfort.

How's Glasgow for bicycles. I was at Edinburgh Uni and have been to Glasgow quite a few times. A very underrated city.

cee

dewei wrote:

How's Glasgow for bicycles. I was at Edinburgh Uni and have been to Glasgow quite a few times. A very underrated city.

Thats very true...glasgow is underrated.......it is THE best place in the workd if you want to be stabbed, whipped with the buckle end of a belt and/or kicked to death!

More likely to be kicked to death in Glasgow than shot to death in New York

Richrd2205

Dewei
I've plotted the route from Coleshill that I used to use & it's here:
http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Co ... ve-commute
It should be OK & the Coventry end is certainly preferable to the Coventry section on your route IMO. I'm not sure how difficult it'd be for you to get to Coleshill, but you could come through Hampton in Arden & Meriden & join the route there, unfortunately, that misses some of the pretty bits of the route. There's one section of really poor quality road just North of the M6, but I used to do it on a road bike, so it's no too tricky. I really can't help with the Brum end since I've never cycled there.
Glasgow's actually a really good city to cycle in: my rate of near misses from numpty drivers fell by about 50* when I moved. There are still idiots on the road, just that there are a lot fewer of them.
Cee, why does this sort of post always come from someone in Auld Reekie? If you know anything about Glasgow, you'll know how stupid your comparison is. If you don't, it's prob best to keep quiet, no?

sunday_rider

Hi dewei
I read your post with interest for two reasons. I live in South Birmingham (selly oak) and for the last 6 months I've been thinking of getting a Cadenza. Did you get your cadenza in Brum, is there somewhere that services Dahons in the City?
I've got a few questions. How do you find it? I know some folks have found problems with the cadenza hinge.
It sounds that you've had no problems on the trains. You seemed to have had a very positive experience and I'm tempted to get the cadenza in addition to my sunday bike

spring91

dewei wrote:

I commute from Augustus Rd, Edgbaston to Walsgrave Hospital.

Wow! I'm very impressed. Our routes cross for about a mile from balti land until the Ackers centre (dry ski slope) but mine is a measly 5-6 miles each way every day. I'm 9 to 5 so unlikely to see you. I started 3.5 years ago, mostlly off road but didn't tell my wife when I switched to just road because it's shorter and faster.

What are the facilities like for cyclists at Walsgrave hospital?

attica

You're one of us now!

Welcome Dewei

dewei

Thanks everybody for your encouragement!

Richrd2205

Thanks for that route. I have been devising a northern route (on bikely.com)and I have been wondering about some of the roads you have used. Turning back south to Meriden would be an option. Alternatively, I'll have to find a way to go to Coleshill from Edgbaston. Is the Birmingham Road (crossing under M6 and M42 )from Coleshill towards Stechford OK for bike commuting? In any case, with a West Midlands season ticket it will be fun to ride to back from work from different train stations from Nuneaton to Coleshill Parway to Warwick!

spring91
You probably know that there is the new University Hospital at Walsgrave and the old hospital has already been pulled down. There are enough bike stands and some of them are sheltered from the rain. There are no specific bike lanes on the hospital site but the left hand lane is left free for buses and ambulances. There are shower facilities next to the ward areas.

sunday_rider

I bought my Dahon Cadenza online from
http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/id36864.html
I was nervous buying a bike online but it was much cheaper at £399 delivered instead of £599. There were some on sale on e-bay at £ 349+ delivery a few weeks ago. Before buying, I have had the chance to check that model at a LBS in Coventry. The bike arrived just before Xmas from JE James. I needed to some minor assembly: front wheel, handlebar and seatpost and clip on SKS mudguars. Bike otherwise tuned up to go. I intend to get my bike serviced at Harborne Cycle Surgery. They do sell Dahons but do not have the full range.

Just to clarify...I bought the 2007 model. Cadenza has changed every yeay recently. Have a look at the Dahon site if you have noy yet done so. 2006 model has a more conventional hinge with an obvious hinge and lever. 2007 model looks like a 'hybrid' city bike with the lock-jaw hinges (only visible from near) on the top and down tubes This has to be operated with an Allen key ( I have a Topeak minitool on my keyring). Likewise, the handlebar only comes off after operating two Allen bolts. 2008 Cadenza comes in several versions and I have not really looked at them.

I had also a good look at the Airnimal Joey. It has very good reputation for ride and handling. They are twice as pricey as the Cadenza and not so easy to fold. the front wheel needs to be removed and attached to the rest of the bike with velcro (dirty fingers every time). Not for daily train commuting.

What is my experience with the Cadenza hinge? Much better than I expected. It will take just a wee longer than a conventional hinge (time to get my keyring in and out). Problems: The hinges became loose on my first bike ride, I was on a canal towpath and my heart was pounding! I was not carrying an Allen key with me.I still managed to ride back home with the front and rear wobbling sideways!! There is a second Allen bolt for each hinge that needs adjusting - I did not read the manual completely. Since then I always carry the minitool and check the bolts every so often. It has recurred 3 times in 300 miles. I guess if i checked the bolts before each ride, there would be no problem at all.

Hinges will always be the weakest points of a folding bike and realistically I expect trouble in the long term. But my first 300 miles have been surprisingly pleasant. Excluding the few occasions above, I feel I am riding a bike with a normal frame.

A few problems: Some wheel spokes came loose within the first few miles. I knew to look for this problem after reading some of the other bike forum websites. I now have a nipple key to tighten the spoke tension and I have not have to readjust it in the last 2 weeks. I have scraped the frame whilst folding, Watchout for the position of the pedals! The chain is a bit loose and has come off the chain wheel on occasions. There are 2 magnets that will keep the 2 bike halves together when folded. Someone complained in a forum that they came loose and fell off. Mine were solidly screwed on but I removed them and use velcro if needed.

All in all, I have no regrets (yet) with the bike but I'd like something faster if and when I can do the 26 miles commute on a regular basis.

Why do you need a folder? What trains do you need to use?
London Midland services in the West Midlands have no restrictions on bikes of any kind. No need for folders or booking. Cross-country have bike spaces at one of the train ( still not sure which end) if you do not want to fold. they need booking but at this time of the year are mainly empty. I have had no problem with Virgin pendolinos. one guard, had to let me in when he saw that my seemingly normal bike folded into half!!

To conclude, the Cadenza is a good buy. Remember that it is still quite bulky when folded. At least twice the volume of a Brompton or small Dahon. I am happy because when I ride it looks and feels like a 'normal' bike.

I'd be happy to chat to you or even to meet up. PM me.

Richrd2205

Thanks for that route. I have been devising a northern route (on bikely.com)and I have been wondering about some of the roads you have used. Turning back south to Meriden would be an option. Alternatively, I'll have to find a way to go to Coleshill from Edgbaston. Is the Birmingham Road (crossing under M6 and M42 )from Coleshill towards Stechford OK for bike commuting? In any case, with a West Midlands season ticket it will be fun to ride to back from work from different train stations from Nuneaton to Coleshill Parway to Warwick!

Dewei
From memory (which is a little stretched), I think that the Birmingham Road can be quite busy & a little hairy. I've plotted out the route I'd have taken to the A45 here: http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Co ... o-Solihull (there's a wee bit of a U near Marston Green than can be cut through on bike but not by car if memory serves, so the map won't let me follow the route properly). That route is the one that everyone took, so is a bit of a rat run, but not too bad & I've cycled it on a number of occasions. The turn off/onto the A446 is a bit hairy, but not awful & that's the only nasty bit. I have no idea after that except that Hobbs Moat Road is OK...

Advice on cycling from Nuneaton to B'ham: don't! There's no way to go without encountering roads with lots of really fast obnoxious drivers. The quiet roads out of Nuneaton go North through to South East, none of which are very helpful unless you want a 100km commute. Cov to Nuneaton is bad enough (A444 or double the distance for the pretty, quiet route), but to go to B'ham, you'd have to take at least one road that's not too friendly in a car.

You might want to invest in a basic GPS to do these routes, unless you're familiar with them, since there no that easy to memorise (I found the way to Coleshill first time without error, but was fairly familiar with the area, the urban bit is easy to memorise once you've done it a couple of times, but I'd not like to find it first time...) That or taking them one day when you can afford to get lost a few times & it doesnae matter if you're really late!
Shout if you want further info & I'll try to answer.

johnnyc71

Dewei - I've cycled the road from Coleshill to Stetchford (both ways) on a regular basis - it's not too bad - but some fast moving traffic. The rounabout just before Coleshill is a good one to dismount on (during rush hour anyway)

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&hl=en ... &z=17&pw=2

and the same goes for this one here (when approaching from Stechford)

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&hl=en ... &z=17&pw=2

I usually just ride around them and take extra care - but always take primary position.

Are you the same Dewei from bikejournal? If so I notice your miles creeping up!

snakehips

Great to hear your story , but don't just tell us about it.
Tell all the non-cyclists you know , spread the gospel!

Snake

cee

It wasn't me.....

No-one saw me do it and you can't prove anything! :roll: :roll:

dewei

I have a more subdued fortnight until the last 2-3 days. I was on-call with early starts and late finishing (but did enjoy the calm and little traffic at 7am), my right Achilles tendon was inflammed ( poor foot positioning on the pedal, trying hard not to let my foot slip until the toes are pushing the pedal) and just a bit tired. But now I feel back in shape.

I had a great time discovering the canals within central Birmingham and today I commuted from home in Edgbaston, B'ham to Walsgrave, Coventry in 1 hr 54min ( chopped off 30mins compared to my first attempt). Maybe 10 mins of improvement is due to halving the canal towpath section but I am chuffed. Target for the next few weeks: 26 miles in 1hr 30min!

Richrd2205 and johnnyc71 thanks for your suggestions. I am planning a north B'ham/Coventry route soon.

Bikejournal - cannot wait to log my miles everyday. there was a time i was zooming up when I was backdating and inputting earlier rides. johnnyc71 your are just a few miles away Never thought thought that Bikejournal would make me that competitive.

Anyway everybody...Enjoy today's sunshine. Ride these extra miles. It will be stormy in the next few days. :x

johnnyc71

Congratulations Dewei - you are now at the top of the table. I might just have to nip out and do a quick 1.5 miles!

dewei

I had a 32 miles ride from home to Stratford-upon-Avon. Shortcuts I found on Google maps turned out to be horrible mud/gravel tracks. Well, that was part of the adventure! But I was late for work. :oops:
Commute today is local ...Only 2 miles each way. I'll have to add some extra loops at either end, weather permitting.