ever changed your mind

[alecstilleyedye]

when i first returned to cycling and found myself on the cyclingplus forum, i did used to wonder what was the point of people filling their shed with all manner of bikes, when a decent road bike with a triple chainset can go anywhere on tarmac (rider fitness permitting), and a decent mtb could do the same off road. co-incidentally, i had one road bike and one mtb at the time.

now, i've four road bikes (still only the one mtb mind) and i need them because:

• the alu/carbon bike, which was originally my only bike, had too many upgrades to be used for commuting. so
• i built up a steel frame for commuting using the old parts for the other bike. but
• i fancied a fixed wheel project, having learned a bit about fixing bikes so i acquired an old track bike. but
• the old track bike is far too rare and beautiful to be ridden terribly often. so
• i acquired another old steel framed fixed wheel bike for riding whenever.

i now understand the n+1 formula completely…

 

[fimm]

I'm far more sceptical about the benifits of helmets than I used to be.
















I'm sorry, I know, I just broke the thread... :-(

 

[gbb]

I've changed my mind about a couple of matters, usually raised in commuting regarding 'safe' riding or style.
Perhaps i fire from the hip sometimes, but i've read many posts re riding distance from kerb, door zones etc...and having ridden a bike for decades, i have aquired my own style which has never led to an accident. That style is not really 'the safest way to ride' sometimes. I'll usually get into a 'arguement' about it on here, stick to my guns...then usually find i'll modify my style a bit and probably ride a little safer.

Firing from the hip...i usuallly think longer now about what i'm saying. My style is appropriate to me. Its done me ok. BUT, there's newbies and less confident riders reading what you say. It's probably better to err on the side of caution sometimes for their sake.

Mind...looking at some videos posted here, and suggestions made re safe cycling...i'm still convinced that sometimes it brings you MORE into conflict with traffic than need be.

Thats the greast thing about forums like this. You have an opinion, you stick by it, but if you're even half switched on, you realise there's always room for improvement.

 

[BSRU]

when i first returned to cycling and found myself on the cyclingplus forum, i did used to wonder what was the point of people filling their shed with all manner of bikes, when a decent road bike with a triple chainset can go anywhere on tarmac (rider fitness permitting), and a decent mtb could do the same off road. co-incidentally, i had one road bike and one mtb at the time.

now, i've four road bikes (still only the one mtb mind) and i need them because:

• the alu/carbon bike, which was originally my only bike, had too many upgrades to be used for commuting. so
• i built up a steel frame for commuting using the old parts for the other bike. but
• i fancied a fixed wheel project, having learned a bit about fixing bikes so i acquired an old track bike. but
• the old track bike is far too rare and beautiful to be ridden terribly often. so
• i acquired another old steel framed fixed wheel bike for riding whenever.

i now understand the n+1 formula completely…

I am the opposite, I bought a cheaper commuter bike than I wanted, because of oil central heating boiler replacement, with the intention of buying something far better later. Now I have realised as someone who just commutes 15 miles a day that buying another bike is pointless and more for vanity. My current bike is heavy and not flash looking but it is set up/equipped just the way I like and gives me a good workout. I sometimes think about buying something new but realise that for such a short commute it is not worth it.

 

[swee'pea99]

I am the opposite, I bought a cheaper commuter bike than I wanted, because of oil central heating boiler replacement, with the intention of buying something far better later. Now I have realised as someone who just commutes 15 miles a day that buying another bike is pointless and more for vanity. My current bike is heavy and not flash looking but it is set up/equipped just the way I like and gives me a good workout. I sometimes think about buying something new but realise that for such a short commute it is not worth it.

Bonkers! If you like it, then fine. But to suppose that buying a better bike is either 'pointless' or a question of vanity is crazy. I do a 15 mile commute too, and I enjoy it vastly more for riding a really good bike. And I certainly get a damn good workout!

As for the OP, yes. I used to think all these single speed fellows were very strange - 'all very well if you're out in the country, cruising at a steady speed, but in town where you're stopping and starting all the time, you'd have to be crazy not to have gears.' Needless to say I'm now a hard core fixie-feller!

 

[BSRU]

[quote name='swee'pea99' timestamp='1285768179' post='1413351']
Bonkers! If you like it, then fine. But to suppose that buying a better bike is either 'pointless' or a question of vanity is crazy. I do a 15 mile commute too, and I enjoy it vastly more for riding a really good bike. And I certainly get a damn good workout!

As for the OP, yes. I used to think all these single speed fellows were very strange - 'all very well if you're out in the country, cruising at a steady speed, but in town where you're stopping and starting all the time, you'd have to be crazy not to have gears.' Needless to say I'm now a hard core fixie-feller!



[/quote]

Excuse me , you seem to have gone off on one.

I think it is pointless and would be for vanity reasons for ME, I'm not writing about anyone else's opinion I am writing about MY situation/opinion, I repeat MY situation/opinion .

 

[longers]

Mudguards.

 

[threebikesmcginty]

Mudguards.

Yeah bloody rubbish aren't they, longers?

 

[Kestevan]

It's times like this I miss Bonj.


or not........

 

[Moodyman]

Maintenance is damn easy and enormously satisfying.

2 years ago I couldn't adjust a v brake when it was rubbing on the rim, Now I can confidently do it all.

 

[tyred]

I'm another one who has become sceptical of the advantages of a helmet.

I have also learned that bicycle gearing is a fascinating subject.

 

[Fnaar]

Was ready to be convinced (along with Joe Public) that helmets are a must... but was too lazy/tight to buy one when I got back into cycling. Now I have one, but don't wear it often

and am ready to take on all comers with regard to why I "should" wear one.

Other things... well, not changed my mind, but reaffirmed my knowledge that

a) I will probably always have mudguards on all my bikes unless I move somewhere where rain is a rarity. I often see folk riding around with muddy stripes up their arses and backs, and I don't see the point.

b) When it comes to fettling, sometimes I get lucky and it works. Other times no matter how closely I follow guides/instructions etc, I am just not very good at it.

 

[Over The Hill]

Coming here as a complete novice I have not tended to have strong views on cycling matters so nothing there to change.

However some on P+L may be surprised that my view has changed on quite a lot of matters following discussions on that forum.

 

[summerdays]

I'm trying to decide if I have changed my mind ... as opposed to learnt anything - the later definitely. Forums introduced me to the idea of not cycling up along side vehicles especially large ones at junctions, and how to position myself to help to prevent that.

Helmets - well I wear one most of the time but not all
Hi-vis - still think it is of benefit - though mainly in winter/night
BSO's - still think that some of the worst bikes shouldn't be on sale - friend asked me to adjust her son's bike saddle height last week - the seat post on this child's bike can be moved by all of 2 cm from the max insertion point.
Mudguards - really nice for the person following..
Still believe in the existance of the Fairy.
Pavement cycling is ok if you are truely worried for your safety and do it considerately.

Yep I'm stuck in my ways, and yet I'm sure I my opinions have changed but maybe not the ones we argue about the most. But learnt so much from everyone.

Ah... I changed my mind on the best way to clean a chain from one of those machines to the Mickle method

 

[Arch]

I'm more tolerant of pink bits on frames though.

Oh please, it would be polite to refer to them as ladies, or women at least....



I don't know if I've changed my mind on stuff, but I've learned a lot, and opened my mind to trying stuff, oh! and now want a whole heap of stuff....