Cycle-related things I learnt this year...

[Disgruntled Goat]

• I'm not as fit nor as fast as I thought I was
• Components are never as light as the manufacturers claim
• 'Bonking' is very unpleasant
• Bike reviews aren't worth the paper/pixels they are written on. They lie. Always try for yourself
• How to strip one frame and build another frame up
• Don't kid yourself that you are going to save money by switching your old gear onto your new expensive frame. I DOESN'T HAPPEN
• When buying a new frame/bike always follow your heart, not your head. You only live once
• Some people take comments about their bike very seriously.
• Some people take their riding very seriously and appear not to enjoy what they are doing
• The fixed thing seems curiously silly yet appealling
• Cars turn left without looking or indicating even if there isn't a road to go up
• Being hit by a car hurts the day after
• How to make a personal injury claim

So it's been an education. Can't wait for next year.

What have you learnt this year?

 

[Bigtallfatbloke]

I learned what I now know about cycling this year. But above all I learned that if I dont give up I cant fail.

 

[Disgruntled Goat]

Like, profound.

 

[Crackle]

I learned to up my cadence and save my knees.

I also learnt to be of 'the moment'. Is that Zen?

 

[Disgruntled Goat]

NO, riding a fixie is

 

[Crackle]

NO, riding a fixie is

I fear that will not save my knees !

 

[fossyant]

As a long term cyclist..... riding a bike is good...get out of that car and ride a bike again.... since August.....lost over 2 stone and am now as fit and weigh as much as I was when racing 12 years ago .....

Keep at it all of you....get on that bike...... but most importantly....chill !!! Sh1t happens........!

 

[Fab Foodie]

A 10% incline for 22 km in 100 degrees F sunshine is too great for me.
A 10% descent for 22 km in 100 degrees F sunshine is great!

You can cycle too much and performance drops.

The best roads are ridden with good friends.

 

[alecstilleyedye]

how to swap a bottom bracket over etc.

 

[mondobongo]

That a Road Bike is so much faster than an MTB.

 

[Bigtallfatbloke]

How to fix a puncture
How to set up my saddle and bars etc
How to cycle up hill and into a strong wind
How to respond to ****wit drivers
A lot about cycle camping
A lot about gear and clothing
That things happen for a good reason when on tour
About eating and hydration for long rides
How to stop in an emergency
how to ride with spd cleats
LBSs often don't know their stuff
Hi Vis clothing is a must
Bad weather riding can be fun
How to cook in a tent
Don't ask directions from a drunken motorist
How to solve numb nuts syndrome
About reach
How to protect my position on the road
How to survive attacks by M&S lorries
How to make a complaint to police about dangerous drivers
How to get the most out of those SPD moments
Night riding in the fog is fun but dangerous

...just for starters

 

[Dave5N]

That 'cross is bloody hard work!

 

[tdr1nka]

I predominantly learnt a lot about;
Tadpole trikes, disc brakes, dressing like a Christmas tree when out riding
and I'll throw in the joy of being out on the road under my own steam once again!

Happy New Year Each!

T x

 

[buggi]

i learned that it is possible to keep your legs turning for 6-8 hours per day for 4 days in a row, and that i am capable of riding to Paris on a bike. and very capable of getting drunk at the other end.

 

[Aperitif]

The pleasure that is a workstand. The best eighty squids that I have passed over Argos' counter. For my total convenience! (Not that convenience either you lot!)