In praise of East Coast trains
- Thread starter Danny
- Start date
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Vapin' Joe
Formerly known as Smokin Joe
- Location
- Bare headed cyclist, Smoker
Nice idea.
I'd hope it's a decent pump, I had a cheapo that struggled to reach 80psi. Even my Pocket Rocket out performed it.
I'd hope it's a decent pump, I had a cheapo that struggled to reach 80psi. Even my Pocket Rocket out performed it.
It looks like a very solid track pump. I'd just pumped my tyres up before going off to the station so I didn't need to try it.
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TonyEnjoyD
Guru
- Location
- Newcastle upon Tyne
Looking to put one of those in at work as they are they out common need.
clockman
Über Member
- Location
- Mole Valley
From the number of bikes at York Station, I'd say its a very good idea. Loads of bikes on the rack when I arrived on Weds lunchtime and I must say still a lot at midday today, when I got my train home.
Gravity Aided
Legendary Member
- Location
- Land of Lincoln
Our city has two of those on the cycling trail. They get a lot of use. I certainly appreciate them.
subaqua
What’s the point
- Location
- Leytonstone
Do East Coast own and maintain the station or is it network rail?
East coast are the best of the big players by far though.
East coast are the best of the big players by far though.
subaqua
What’s the point
- Location
- Leytonstone
[QUOTE 3382386, member: 45"]They have one of those at Paddington.[/QUOTE]
A network rail thing then as FGW wouldn't pee on a cyclist if they were on fire !
A network rail thing then as FGW wouldn't pee on a cyclist if they were on fire !
mr_cellophane
Legendary Member
- Location
- Essex
I just wish they would give a bit of notice before they turn off the wi-fi on the approach to Kings Cross.
EC owned and run.
As for the second comment, you are having a laugh, aren't you?
As far as train operators go WRT to cyclists, EC are the pits, the worst of the worst. Virgin are only just, slightly better (but have the worse bike train storage in the world). For long distance journeys Grand Central are fantastic (and the ONLY operator that does not mind tandems on it's trains). For local service First TransPennine and Northern are joint top. All this is in my opinion, based on journeys taken on those operators.
subaqua
What’s the point
- Location
- Leytonstone
I class First as one operator . and based on their performance in trying to book a bike onto a train , then actually get the bike on the train and more importantly OFF the train they are as welcome as a dogshit sandwich. only the threat of me pulling the alarm to stop the train leaving ( theft - Willfully depriving of possessions ???? ) got the train manager ( ha ha ha ha - jumped up ticket collector - like the RMT I prefer a Guard , with a commercial Guard as a next best.) to actually let me get the bike off. as for getting it on then somebody high up needs to teach train staff that if a bike is booked on it is allowed on .
EC were only just pipped by east midlands trains for booking and getting off and on the train . EMT winning for the advice given by the guy on the phone for making the booking for the bike earlier than the website said we could, and the guy pushing the refreshment trolley helping me lift the bike off the train as i said it would be quicker for the train to not set ramp up if i lifted it off on my own.
Bodhbh
Guru
I use EC alot and they're pretty good with bikes on their trains. I would rate them up there somewhere. Once I even had the staff take the bike and run the full length of the train to put it in the bike carriage rather than me have to do it. I've never been treated as an incovienence anyhow (like some operators). My main gripe would be their platform staff sometimes seem to be AWOL when you need em.
I agree - for the most part East Coast are pretty good with bikes. However reservations are compulsory and there a limited spaces available on their trains even though they could easily create more with a bit of thought.
In terms of improving cycle facilities at York Station they have been brilliant. They must have put in enough racks to accommodate well over a hundred bikes, and have recently added secure cycle cages where you can pay a small sum to keep your bike safely locked up.
