Weight of bike getting me down

[Pat "5mph"]

I take 3 u-locks one for the frame and one for each wheel. U locks are all the yellow kryptonite ones. Not sure how to reduce these. If I'm with family then I end up taking about 8 U-Locks on my bike. 2 for everyone including the child trailer.

I am pretty sure there are lighter alternatives to U-locks, if you only need them as a deterrent while you are in the coffee shop, alternatively you could take the front wheel out, or even take the seatpost, after marking the insert position.

I have asked them to help with U-Locks but they say a carbon frame can't take the weight of a U-Lock and is too fragile.

Wot???! They are taking the pee, tell the adults to carry their own lock and puncture repair kits, or walk home if they get a flat.

The reason I ask is because I fell off my bike the other day everyone had whizzed ahead and so didn't see me

You need new riding companions!

My family and friends wiz out the door no saddle bag nothing so I pack two tubes and extract patches, links, water etc for everyone.

Just pack for yourself next time and beat them all up the hill.
You don't need a cargo bike, you need the others to share the cargo.

I'm finding the weight is really making me depressed.

Try a ride by yourself, taking only the minimum, should be a lot more enjoyable.

I've noticed my thighs are rock hard and I'm worried my cycling shorts will split or something and burst forth with muscle.

This is a good thing, you've got the power, go, girl, go!

I dream about the day I'm older and can finally buy a light bike and just reach at least 20mph to keep up with rush hour traffic. Everytime I think of riding I feel down and out.

You can do this now, finance permitting of course.
What about taking turns with the rest of the family in taking the young ones out for a ride, and increasing the time you ride alone or with adults that don't regard your bike as a support vehicle?
Assert your cycling rights!

 

[vernon]

I sense a wind up.

 

[Karlt]

I'm beginning to.

 

[Dan B]

I have asked them to help with U-Locks but they say a carbon frame can't take the weight of a U-Lock and is too fragile.

The weight of a U-lock is about the same as the weight of a full water bottle. Just saying

 

[si_c]

The weight of a U-lock is about the same as the weight of a full water bottle. Just saying

Depends on the U-lock, mine weighs about 2kg, a bottle of water weights less than 1. Not that that changes anything, if it can't handle a u-lock then there is something else seriously wrong.

 

[Dan B]

Depends on the U-lock, mine weighs about 2kg, a bottle of water weights less than 1. Not that that changes anything, if it can't handle a u-lock then there is something else seriously wrong.

Fair point. I'd have been closer to the mark saying "two bottles". But yeah, as compared to e.g. the weight of the rider ...

 

[midliferider]

I am really, really sorry to say this GoldDust, I read your reply again and again.

I agree that you have a problem as you said at the beginning. But your problem is not the stuff you carry. But what make you to carry all that.

 

[GoldDust]

HI

Everyone

Thanks for all the replies. Went out first time yesterday with only one U-Lock and a cable and a stripped bike and hills I usually walk up I was able to ride up with speed. Can't believe it. Feel a bit too light now lol might need to invest in better breaks. Not sure on my speed per hour as took computer off need to reinstall as missing it.
Got a double trailer and switched with bike seat as that was an extra 3 stone plus on my bike. Finally don't need tyres at max PSI for once which is good because I can barely pump it up with a mini pump as it is.

Big thanks xx

 

[Yazzoo]

You have a bike seat that weighs 3 stone?!

Heavy bikes need better brakes, not lighter ones

 

[MissTillyFlop]

This seems mainly reasonable, I'd lose the chain tool, gaffer tape and first aid kit maybe.

Could you attach the pump to the bike?

If you are just cycling, you can probably dispense with the locks. If you need a lock, I can recommend hiplocks and the tiny kryptonite new york d-locks, which will save you weight and space.

I usually carry my tools and inner tubes in a little seat post bag and my phone and keys in another tiny bag on the crossbar.

Pants are essential if you are not riding home again imho, as they stop things getting yeasty down there (and to that end, I also take a pair of jeggings/skinny jeans with me.

And your luxury products, I always have those with me, as I'd I don't have some in every bag I own, I WILL forget and be caught short.

 

[liambauckham]

gaffer tape? are you a serial killer by any chance?

 

[martinclive]

Buy extra locks if you go the same places (I keep locks at work and home - one U one cable at each end is enough)

Frame mounted water bottle storage thing with tube, levers, mulittool, gloves, spare link and cloth plus a very small back pack with another tube, pump, wallet, phone and any clothes for work (again keep as much as possible at work) and a light cafe lock for emergency use (or bfast cafe stop)

That covers me for 30 miles round trip commuting each day and I don't even notice I'm wearing the back pack

If going out on weekend - transfer pump to frame and extra tube, wallet and phone to saddle bag and I am done

 

[Pat "5mph"]

gaffer tape? are you a serial killer by any chance?

You're so right, gaffer tape is definitely an overkill.
I prefer a little roll of electrical tape for the tool bag: once I lost a pannier rack screw on the road, so ...

 

[Tim Hall]

You're so right, gaffer tape is definitely an overkill.
I prefer a little roll of electrical tape for the tool bag: once I lost a pannier rack screw on the road, so ...

My little box of bits that goes with me on longer rides (and went with me in my post upthread, but I forgot to mention it) contains:
Chain tool
Cable ties
Spare chain links
Misc nuts and hex head bolts
Patches
Glue

Items 2 or 4 will fix a missing pannier rack screw.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Misc nuts and hex head bolts

Electrical tape is lighter than nuts and bolts, but heavier than cable ties ... but also longer ... uhmm .... decisions decisions ....