Taking off the Front Wheel... London Underground!

[srw]

What do you think about this bicycle business on the underground?

What bicycle business on the underground?

When trying to take bikes on trains, rule number 1 is "don't be a twat". Taking the front wheel off and calling it luggage falls squarely in the realm of being a twat. Being a twat not only pisses of your fellow passengers but also turns train staff against cyclists in general.

 

[Matthames]

Folding bike wins hands down as it is classed as luggage when folded.

I noticed that train companies don't look to fondly on bike and trailer combinations; however, you are allowed to take two large pieces of luggage and a small bag with you. So what if you have a folding bike and a trailer that you can convert into a hand trolley with large wheels?

As for riding the underground with a bike. If it is within zone 1 and 2 I would probably wouldn't bother. Exploring London is so much more interesting from the surface. As for the other zones, depending on my mood, how I am feeling and the weather I would either take the tube or ride.

 

[TheLondonCyclist]

Ride the bike rather than taking it on the underground. You are allowed bikes on ground level lines, at least off peak. On deep lines not, as they pose a hazard in case of emergency etc. makes sense

You are allowed full sized bikes on the Underground in non peak times.

It doesn't pose a hazard... If a bike poses a hazard, then a large pram does, too.

 

[TheLondonCyclist]

I'm talking about in a situation if you get a puncture or have a crash and mess up your wheel.. you gonna pay a premium price for a cab? or get the train home.

 

[vickster]

you gonna pay a premium price for a cab? or get the train home.

Yes, as I live closer to the train than tube

 

[vickster]

You are allowed full sized bikes on the Underground in non peak times.

Only on certain lines/stations...my nearest tube is the Northern Line...folding bikes only according to this

http://www.tfl.gov.uk/roadusers/cycling/11701.aspx

Quite right that prams are allowed...I am guessing you have never travelled with small children and no pram

I think you'll find most prams fold up much smaller than a full sized bike

 

[400bhp]

This thread reminds me of Ali G.

 

[stu9000]

Ride the bike rather than taking it on the underground. You are allowed bikes on ground level lines, at least off peak. On deep lines not, as they pose a hazard in case of emergency etc. makes sense

Indeed! I rode into Covent garden from Worcester park the I other week. I'm not speedy but I did I it in under an hour when the train usually takes 35m plus the muckingf about with the tube. Since I got into cyclin I'm amazed at how many journeys are less stressful, quicker and easier to park. LOVE IT.

 

[stu9000]

I'm talking about in a situation if you get a puncture or have a crash and mess up your wheel.. you gonna pay a premium price for a cab? or get the train home.

..? Or change the inner tube and be on your merry way.

 

[stu9000]

This thread reminds me of Ali G.

OK,,, I give in. Why?

 

[vickster]

Indeed! I rode into Covent garden from Worcester park the I other week. I'm not speedy but I did I it in under an hour when the train usually takes 35m plus the muckingf about with the tube. Since I got into cyclin I'm amazed at how many journeys are less stressful, quicker and easier to park. LOVE IT.

Which way do you ride? Once the weather gets better, I shall ride into the city

 

[srw]

Ride the bike rather than taking it on the underground. You are allowed bikes on ground level lines, at least off peak. On deep lines not, as they pose a hazard in case of emergency etc. makes sense

Folding bikes are fine everywhere - preferably Brompton style rather than 26" Dahon. Ordinary bikes are fine everywhere on the District, Metropolitan, H&C and Circle lines - as long as you're travelling off-peak. Less ordinary bikes can easily blagged on if the underground isn't that busy. I speak as someone who has taken a very large bike (about 7' long) on the Met line from both Aldgate and Kings Cross.

 

[TheLondonCyclist]

..? Or change the inner tube and be on your merry way.

I doubt you'll be able to fix a buckled wheel after a slight crash lol

 

[vickster]

Don't know why he can't just wheel the bike to a shop to get it fixed on the odd chance it was involved in a crash? Or wheel it home? What on earth did he do when the tube strike was on last week?! Or if he wants to use the tube not the bike, wouldn't it be easier to just leave the bike at home and take the tube unhindered?

 

[Spinney]

What about crashing after the bike shops are shut? It was just a question...