I just started commuting 4 days ago...

kyanos

...and I still have a ot to learn!

First of all hello to everybody, this is my first post around here!

I am originally from Portugal and I am used of cycling in the sunshine (just for fun and not that often), I have now bought a bike from a friend and still don't have much equipment. What do you recommend for the rainy Welsh weather? (lately it is strangely sunny which lets me go riding without fear of rain but i know that it won't stay like this for very long).


By the way, my bike is just a standard one with an old Kona frame and Rock Shox suspension forks, I was asking myself what is the main difference between disc brakes and the normal ones? Are they worth the investment?

Thank you in advance.

ansbaradigeidfran

Hi there!

I only have a week and a half more experience, and haven't been out in any heavy downpours. The upper body kit I've put together is a flashy yellow reflective 'waterproof' jacket, and an optional fleece jacket (not that I've needed it yet) worn over my usual clothes. The waterproof does a good job of killing the wind that I get along the coast near Colwyn Bay, and I'm sure it helps with the rain too (although I've only been out in drizzle so far).I've found gloves to be a real plus for comfort, as well.

In the 'bottoms' department, I'm not the best role model to follow. All I have in my wardrobe that fits me are jeans (I'm a strange size), and the crotch seam is quite uncomfortable on a ride of more than ~20 minutes. They also get rather damp and clammy in the rain (but seem to dry off okayish). These guys and gals are telling the truth when they say get some proper cycling trousers/shorts.

I believe the main advantage of disc brakes is that they're further from the ground, and don't get so much mud and spray on them in wet weather. If you commute through a few fields, they're a good idea. They do need a special mounting point on the fork, though. I don't think they're worth the investment, but I'm really tight with my money.

Oh, if you're going to be out early, or coming home after 5pm, you will need lights at some point this winter. If you're pedalling on well-lit streets, some basic (flashing) LED lights should be fine for people to see you. If you're going along dark country lanes, you'll want something stronger so that you can see where you're going as well.

kyanos

Thanks for the fast reply!

I got really interested in that upper body reflector waterproof you have, may I know which brand it is. I don't think this weather will last long and I can't believe on the sunshine there is today!

Thanks for clearing me on the disc breaks, I don't think I'm going to get some then!

Jen J

I'm an old hand at this biking lark. I started at least a few weeks ago.

I won't offer any advice, as I'm completely clueless, but I do commute in work clothes, as it's only a mile and there are no showers at work, but I really hate it. If it didn't take me longer to change clothes than it does to commute, I'd probably wear preoper stuff.

I have to wear stupid ankle bands, or tuck my trousers into my socks. As I work for a fragrance company and everyone is quite image conscious, I'm not really fitting in these days...

ansbaradigeidfran

kyanos wrote:

Thanks for the fast reply!

I got really interested in that upper body reflector waterproof you have, may I know which brand it is. I don't think this weather will last long and I can't believe on the sunshine there is today!

It's sunny over here too (although the clouds were very dark first thing). The jacket doesn't have a brand per se: it's one I bought from Aldi when they had a lot of cycling equipment in three weeks or so ago for £13: http://www.aldi.co.uk/uk/html/offers/58_7172.htm. I don't know if any shops will still have them around, though. Someone else may be able to suggest where some other cheap ones can be found (expensive ones go up to £200).

kyanos

ansbaradigeidfran wrote:

It's sunny over here too (although the clouds were very dark first thing). The jacket doesn't have a brand per se: it's one I bought from Aldi when they had a lot of cycling equipment in three weeks or so ago for £13: http://www.aldi.co.uk/uk/html/offers/58_7172.htm. I don't know if any shops will still have them around, though. Someone else may be able to suggest where some other cheap ones can be found (expensive ones go up to £200).

Wales is getting sunny, in some years time you'll never know!

I might as well have a look at Aldi's here in Cardiff, that price seems really nice or my budget! Thanks again!

simon_e

ansbaradigeidfran wrote:

The jacket doesn't have a brand per se: it's one I bought from Aldi when they had a lot of cycling equipment in three weeks or so ago for £13: http://www.aldi.co.uk/uk/html/offers/58_7172.htm. I don't know if any shops will still have them around, though.

A colleague has one of these, it's very dayglo and seems very good value and packs down pretty small. Only thin so not sure how long it would resist heavy rain but unbeatable for the price. Add a thin fleece underneath on cold days. Aldi also had suprisingly good winter gloves for about £3, if they have any left I'd suggest picking up a pair. I have two, so if one gets wet I can use the other pair the next day.

A jacket that fits and shrugs off rain is a good investment, but you'll get hot quickly no matter how good it is. Best to try a couple on and see what you like. Altura, Endura and Polaris are a few of the good clothing brands but sometimes a cheap jacket from an outdoor shop works well enough. Everyone's different....

I'd also recommend puncture-resistant tyres (but still carry an inner tube, pump and repair kit), a good set of lights plus spare batteries, a multitool for bolts and screws that come loose or need adjusting on a ride.

Which part of Wales are you in kyanos?

sc999cs

Disk brakes tend to be far more powerful than V brakes so should stop you quicker. Easier to lock the wheels and go over the handlebars as well! The jury is still out about if high powered brakes are needed during normal commutes. I doubt if you need them.

The distance you commute should help work out what clothes to wear. For a short commute you can wear normal work clothes with water proof over trousers if wet. For longer distances (and this is your call) cycling shorts will make the ride a lot more comfortable. You can either get wet legs or again wear cycling over trousers if needed.

kyanos

Thanks to everyone that replied me back! I still haven't been in Aldi but will be going there real soon now!

Simon E wrote:

I'd also recommend puncture-resistant tyres (but still carry an inner tube, pump and repair kit), a good set of lights plus spare batteries, a multitool for bolts and screws that come loose or need adjusting on a ride.

I still have to learn how to change a tyre/inner tube... don't have a clue on how to do ti... Is there any place where I can learn online? I have a profile track kind of tyre, it runs good on road and dirt, but I don't have a clue if it is puncture-resitant...

Simon E wrote:

Which part of Wales are you in kyanos?

Right now I am living in Cardiff. But still I don't know much place on where to cycle freely around Cardiff, except for the Taff Trail.

AndyManc

kyanos wrote:

...What do you recommend for the rainy Welsh weather? .

A Sheep tied to the head should soak up the worst of it and they make a nice wooly coffee table once you are back home :P

sc999cs

kyanos wrote:

I still have to learn how to change a tyre/inner tube... don't have a clue on how to do ti... Is there any place where I can learn online? I have a profile track kind of tyre, it runs good on road and dirt, but I don't have a clue if it is puncture-resitant...
.

Park Tools Website is usually a good place to look for basic tips and instructions.

ansbaradigeidfran

kyanos wrote:

Right now I am living in Cardiff. But still I don't know much place on where to cycle freely around Cardiff, except for the Taff Trail.

Depending on whereabouts you are, Cosmeston Park on the other side of Penarth may be a good choice: I've seen many cyclists on the paths there (my Father lives nearby). Mind the horses, though! OS maps show a bit of the old railway in southern Penarth designated as a cycle route, if you're on your way there. There are some quiet roads out near St Fagans too, depending on what time of day it is.

Hope this helps.

simon_e

I still have to learn how to change a tyre/inner tube... don't have a clue on how to do ti... Is there any place where I can learn online?

Google it to start with.

Right now I am living in Cardiff

Cardiff is the only city I've ever liked visiting. You might find some info here:

http://www.cardiffcyclingcampaign.org.uk/
http://www.cyclecardiff.org.uk/
http://www.cardiff.gov.uk/content.asp?n ... ry_id=2865

Anonymous

Hi kyanos,

There's all sorts of vids on the BikeRadar video player.

This one's on repairing a puncture - absolutely essential if you're commuting.

http://www.bikeradar.com?clipId=76

Ta, and enjoy the commute!

kyanos

Thank you to all of you for your answers! I am sorry I haven't replied sooner but I have been really busy at work.

Those links are very much appreciated and the Cosmeston tip is also very good, I often go there for a walk and to get rid of the excess bread I have lying about.

The video link was exactly what I was looking for but haven't found! Thank you so much!

salsarider79

If you are riding more than 5 miles its not best to ride in work clothes, but rather proper cycling kit.
I've been doing over 100miles a week for the last 18months(ish), but have not commuted until about 6 weeks ago. Obviously I am oldhand now.
I ride about 10miles each way and so can offer these small recommendations:
1. Take a pump, tyre levers and tube with you
2. A multi tool helps enormusly
3. Take water and food, its better than having a

The best thing about disc brakes is that you don't ruin your rims. With 'V' Brakes, you have a piece of rubber rubbing on your rim. After a few years, the rim will be worn and you'll need a new one. Disc brakes mean that rims last a lot longer, as you don't have something rubbing on them. They are only worthwhile if you do a lot of miles and in all weathers.