Cycle commuting through the floods

[middleagecyclist]

Did anyone get caught cycle commuting in the recent UK flash floods? Luckily I didn't but I wondered what depth of water would you be prepared to cycle through?

Surely this cannot be considered sensible? Never mind the potential sewage in the water, the hidden detritus and the open manholes. What about damage to the BB and hubs?

 

[Andrew_Culture]

Great photo though!

 

[Moodyman]

I have disk brakes so could get away with it so long as the water level was below the hub/BB.

But I'd carry my bike through any deep puddle because you still get water into your tyres.

 

[SavageHoutkop]

My bike's a Brompton with hub gear so no more than c. 10-15cm deep and I try to avoid splashing even then.

 

[locker]

I wonder how my electric bike would have faired in this weather?

 

[wiggydiggy]

Its a noverlty innit!

I wouldnt take my current bike, but if I had a old BSO I'd be tempted to give it a go at that depth just for fun

 

[gambatte]

When Sheffield got flooded a few years ago, I couldn't get out of the industrial estate where I worked. Traffic was gridlocked. At the same time, I'd received a call from Decathlon to say my new commuter bike was ready. I could have walked over, picked it up and rode home. It might have been interesting at the free 6 week service, or for any subsequent claims under warranty?
Luckily (?) it was all a moot point as there was a raging torrent called 'The River Don' between me and my steed, which had already damaged bridges.
I eventually got home OK, the traffic cleared about 1am and a couple of us shot off, north, out of the city.
The bike?
Picked it up a few days later, it's still my commuter.

 

[I like Skol]

I rode my old bso mtb through waist deep water when I was a teenager as the old railway track/path had flooded near to where I used to live. I have done similar antics in 4x4's (at private sites with water above the steering wheel inside and out!) when I was older (much older) but as has been said already, it's just for fun and not particularly sensible. If it was a matter of essential transport where the overriding factor was to get there as opposed to a 'bit of fun just to prove it can be done'. then I would always suggest avoiding such a hazard.

 

[gaz]

Would want to try that on a recumbent *blurp blup*

 

[BentMikey]

But I'd carry my bike through any deep puddle because you still get water into your tyres.

You must have some very strange tyres!!!

 

[RaRa]

Would want to try that on a recumbent *blurp blup*

Up periscope!

 

[tyred]

I hope he had his overshoes on or he will get his feet wet.

 

[I like Skol]

Oh, I've just cottoned on. Is this day 6 of the Craption Competition? In which case....

Chains a bit slack!

EDIT 15:55 29/06/12 - Keep those likes coming, I reckon I could win this one!

 

[Moodyman]

You must have some very strange tyres!!!

Clever git.

Perhaps not so much with high PSI road tyres, but I've ridden by MTB through puddles and found water getting in-between tyre and rim.

 

[Strick]

I hope he had his overshoes on or he will get his feet wet.

Damn! Beat me to it.