Some questions please, starting cycle commute
Sprockety
Posts: 25
Hi all,
This is my first post for a very long time, Ive now been given permission to buy a new bike through the Cyclescheme so thats all on order
Because of various disabilities I am going for a Raleigh Velo Trail with a change of tyres to hybrid ones as they come with mountain bike tyres. Its one of the few electric bikes that have a true torque sensor to give me a pedal assist bike that will enable me to get to work without triggering serious asthma, yet still be able to cycle. Most electric bikes have three preset speeds and when you start to pedal they kick in at the chosen speed even if that shoots you forward. The Raleigh doesnt do this, it gently brings in the motor whilst you are cycling so it feels a bit like you have a tailwind and flattens all the hills for you. For my and my various issues this is the best way for me to be able to cycle. Once the pannier is on the battery you cant actually tell its there. http://www.raleigh.co.uk/ProductType/ProductRange/Product/Default.aspx?pc=1&pt=198&pg=7609
However I do have some questions
I have got to insure the bike, I have tried to put it on my household insurance, however it would cost me £10 a month and wouldnt cover me if the wheels (the front one has a motor in it) were taken. Can anyone suggest me a company that will insure an electric bike that will insure the parts as well as the whole. I will have two gold standard locks on it, including through my Brookes saddle, but still would rather have it all covered. I know that Cycleguard only insures the whole bike.
Has anyone got any really good recommendations of gold standard locks that arent too heavy please, I have watched several youtube videos that showed even the Kryptonite ones getting sawn through! I know I need two of different types, however the weight its going to have to be the deciding factor. I work in a rural primary school and will only do other leisure/pleasure rides as well in South Cheshire, so not really a hotbed of crime, but the bike has to be safe. Because of the cost of the bike I want to go for gold standard ones, or at least one silver and one gold.
I have got an Altura Night Vision Evo jacket in red, at this time of year its too hot and I really HATE the nylon flappy tabard/waistcoat thing that you seem to be able to buy everywhere. Can anyone suggest any decent hi vis gilet that would suit a size 20 (yes cycling is also to lose weight) woman that wont make me feel like a boil in the bag fish and has at least one pocket for my inhaler. I know it would probably have to be a mens one. As I work in a primary school I have to set a good example with hi vis but I do have some sense of style.
Thank you
This is my first post for a very long time, Ive now been given permission to buy a new bike through the Cyclescheme so thats all on order
Because of various disabilities I am going for a Raleigh Velo Trail with a change of tyres to hybrid ones as they come with mountain bike tyres. Its one of the few electric bikes that have a true torque sensor to give me a pedal assist bike that will enable me to get to work without triggering serious asthma, yet still be able to cycle. Most electric bikes have three preset speeds and when you start to pedal they kick in at the chosen speed even if that shoots you forward. The Raleigh doesnt do this, it gently brings in the motor whilst you are cycling so it feels a bit like you have a tailwind and flattens all the hills for you. For my and my various issues this is the best way for me to be able to cycle. Once the pannier is on the battery you cant actually tell its there. http://www.raleigh.co.uk/ProductType/ProductRange/Product/Default.aspx?pc=1&pt=198&pg=7609However I do have some questions
I have got to insure the bike, I have tried to put it on my household insurance, however it would cost me £10 a month and wouldnt cover me if the wheels (the front one has a motor in it) were taken. Can anyone suggest me a company that will insure an electric bike that will insure the parts as well as the whole. I will have two gold standard locks on it, including through my Brookes saddle, but still would rather have it all covered. I know that Cycleguard only insures the whole bike.
Has anyone got any really good recommendations of gold standard locks that arent too heavy please, I have watched several youtube videos that showed even the Kryptonite ones getting sawn through! I know I need two of different types, however the weight its going to have to be the deciding factor. I work in a rural primary school and will only do other leisure/pleasure rides as well in South Cheshire, so not really a hotbed of crime, but the bike has to be safe. Because of the cost of the bike I want to go for gold standard ones, or at least one silver and one gold.
I have got an Altura Night Vision Evo jacket in red, at this time of year its too hot and I really HATE the nylon flappy tabard/waistcoat thing that you seem to be able to buy everywhere. Can anyone suggest any decent hi vis gilet that would suit a size 20 (yes cycling is also to lose weight) woman that wont make me feel like a boil in the bag fish and has at least one pocket for my inhaler. I know it would probably have to be a mens one. As I work in a primary school I have to set a good example with hi vis but I do have some sense of style.
Thank you
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Comments
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Yikes, wearing a jacket in weather like this is going to be making things much harder for you! This is shorts and t-shirt weather!
Try this for unrestrictive hi viz, if you really feel you need it: http://www.amazon.co.uk/High-Visibility ... B0015M49S6 It's not 'cool' but it instantly says "cyclist". Same goes for reflective/hi viz ankle bands. The up/down motion tells drivers that there's a cyclist up ahead long before their lights illuminate you.
As for the locks, if it's lightweight then it won't be very good. Can you leave the locks at work? I use a Kryptonite New York Mini and an Abus armoured coil thing. Different types of lock require different tools to break, so you make the bike much more resistant to theives by having one d lock and one chain than having 2 D locks or 2 chains. Have a look at this: http://www.lfgss.com/thread17938.html0 -
Nothing really to add other than good for you and best of luck in finding an insurer... have you tried picking up a cycling mag and trying the ones listed in the classifieds or adverts throughout?
Anyway, well done on taking your first step and best of luck!
J0 -
Good for you. I cycle with (mild) asthma and it has helped it no end. One thing to watch for though is overheating. That can set me off wheezing. With regard to hi viz jackets i go for the lightest waterproof item available and layer up under that.0
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Thats a good point about overheating. I had quite a serious asthma attack in the summer after helping to put down a large tent, humidity, plus heat plus strenuous activity = trouble.
Just want to be seen, yet not look like a complete dork!0
