The Pedal Pusher - Cycle Sheffield

The Pedal Pusher
The newsletter of Pedal Pushers –
The Sheffield cycle campaign
Winter 2005/6
http://www.pedalpushers.org.uk
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1
Editorial
2
Around the city
4
Bike week 2005 review
6
Esteli ride
10
11
14
Cycle training update from Pedal
Ready
Returning to fixed gear riding
Tips for dealing with those irate
motorists
15
Product reviews
16
Be seen in winter
18
Forthcoming events
email: [email protected]
Editorial
The newsletter is dead. Long live the new newsletter.
You may have noticed that the newsletter has not been a
regular publication in recent years. It has been very
difficult finding someone able to put in the time to edit this
sheet. Editing, printing, stabling, envelope stuffing and
delivery all take up a lot of time.
We considered killing off the traditional newsletter and
relying solely on electronic communications, but in a
sudden U-turn that any unicyclists would be proud of we
decided to press on with the paper newsletter.
I know from members’ renewals that many of you don’t
have easy access to the World Wide Web and welcome the
paper copy. I’ve found someone who is an excellent desk
top publisher and who will help us produce two newsletters
each year (thanks to Gareth Braid from The University of
Sheffield)
All we now need is content. Members are encouraged to
submit articles for inclusion to [email protected]. These
can be on any topic. Talk about campaigning issues that we
might need to be aware of in your area, tell us about your
bike(s), send us a report of your cycling holiday, review a
product or just have a rant.
If you don’t have access to email send us the article via
mail to 26, Greenhow St, Walkley
“In future, members can
access a revamped, new
look quarterly newsletter
via the Pedal Pushers
website.”
Sorry we weren’t to press in time to be your Christmas Day
read, but a golden sprocket award goes to Rob Appleyard
for getting us this far despite the arrival of a new baby and
his PHD studies.
Many thanks for all your efforts Rob.
The next issue will be with you before bike week (that’s
Bike Week 2006 I hope)
Ian Loasby (Secretary)
Pedalpushers , The Sheffield Cycle Campaign
Page 2
The Pedal Pusher – Winter 2005/6
Around the city – CTC Right to Ride Report
By Simon Geller
Well, another busy summer seems to have come and gone. Looking back, it’s hard to pick out one or
two “big issues” that have occupied my time, but there have certainly been quite a few smaller ones.
With the council intent on digging up the city centre, the station, and the area around the Northern
Inner Relief Rd, there haven’t been an awful lot of new schemes for us to comment on, but there seem
to have been lots of smaller ones that we need to keep an eye on – it seems that if we don’t continue
to make our presence felt, the council will readily “forget” that we’re there – witness that they
“forgot” to put a cycle contra-flow lane in on Mappin St, and they “forgot” to put a decent cyclefriendly surface in on Norfolk St. It’s a good job we don’t “forget” to pay our council tax isn’t it?
There are some big issues around though, and the biggest of these is the Local Transport Plan. This will
determine funding for transport in South Yorkshire for the next 5 years, from 2006 to 2011.
Disappointingly, it doesn’t include heavy rail, which is now dealt with by the Department for Transport
rather than the Strategic Rail Authority, and it seems likely that we will see some cuts to rail services
in this area. Never mind though, because the plan is to add a couple of extra lanes to the M1 to make
up for it! This will add to sustainable transport no end. You might say that this doesn’t affect cyclists
because we aren’t allowed to ride on motorways anyway (and who would want to) but of course that
traffic has to get to and from the motorway somehow, and a lot of that is local traffic taking
advantage of the facility, and doing journeys that could as easily be done by bike or by a combination
of bike, train tram or bus if the opportunity existed. Nevertheless, the LTP of course makes the right
noises about walking and cycling, and acknowledges some of the mistakes that have been made in the
past. If you’ve time for a lengthy read it’s downloadable at http://www.syltp.org.uk/ or you can get a
copy from First Point at Howden House. If on the other hand you have misgivings about motorway
expansion have a look at the leaflet enclosed with this newsletter.
On the plus side, Andy Wild has put together a Cycling Action Plan for Sheffield that he describes as
“Challenging but achievable” This focuses on the north of Sheffield, and in particular the Upper Don
and Blackburn valleys. I think everyone would agree that the routes up through Hillsborough through to
Oughtibridge are most in need of sorting out, and whilst there is plenty more to do in the rest of the
city this along with finally sorting out overall cyclist safety on the Supertram network and completion
of the Inner Ring route should be the priority.
Speaking of trams, we’ve continued to talk to Supertram about the possibilities, and whilst I’ve been
told to keep quiet on the subject for the time being, expect an announcement of some sort in the New
Year.
The condition of the Trans-Pennine Trail in Sheffield continues to disappoint, and with my Sustrans hat
on I’ve been organising clean-up sessions over the summer. I hope to continue these on occasion winter
Sundays – if you’re interested in helping out get in touch. There is actually a certain sense of
satisfaction in taking on somewhere that’s a mess and leaving it in a reasonable condition. We’re not
letting Street Force off the hook of course, and continue to press them and the council for a proper
maintenance regime. The new section between the Cobweb Bridge and Norfolk Bridge is coming along
nicely, with the Bailey Bridge being installed as I write.
The Pedal Pusher – Autumn 2005
“we’ve continued to talk
to Supertram … and
whilst I’ve been told to
keep quiet on the subject
for the time being, expect
an announcement of
some sort in the New
Year.”
Stanage Causeway
http://www.tracklogs.co.uk
Page 3
Another off-road area that continues to be of concern is the Long
Causeway, out over Stanage. Walkers, mountain bikers and bird watchers
are outraged that motor traffic uses this route - 4WD’s and trail bikes
being the only kind that can – although the route is an fact an unclassified
public road, open to all traffic. The Peak Park authority is trying to come
to a consensus agreement that will be satisfactory to all users – a pointless
exercise in my opinion, since the non-motorised users are all prepared to
tolerate each other, but are all in agreement that motorised use should be
banned, so to my mind it’s a no-brainer. Also, I feel that as a primarily
road cyclist I ought to be able to make my way all the way along the
Causeway, if it’s a road, but the precarious state of the route at the
moment makes that impossible for all but the most determined mudplugger. Hopefully some improvements will be made once the decision
about the future of the route is made.
Although we’ve yet to find anyone from the Peak District area who’s
prepared to take on cycle campaigning, (there are two Right to Ride
vacancies in Derbyshire) I’m working along with a few others to set up a
Peak District Cycle Forum to take forward the work we’ve done so far,
which you can find on the website under ”Resources”. As ever, if you’d
like to help (or need an excuse to cycle out to the peaks and spend a
couple of hours talking about cycling) get in touch. I have the feeling
however that cyclists who live in the Peaks have it just too cushy to worry
about those of us who have to fight our way out there on busy roads – let’s
hope I’m wrong!
Upcoming are plans for Park Hill, the Cultural Industries Quarter and Sheaf
Square. I look forward to reporting back to you on progress with these, in
whatever format this newsletter takes next time.
Page 4
The Pedal Pusher – Winter 2005/6
Bike week 2005 - A review
By Rob Appleyard
Once again Pedal Pushers were heavily involved in National Bike Week. We
worked closely with Sheffield City Council in organising a number of events
that hopefully contributed in a positive way towards raising the profile of
cycling in Sheffield. Pedal Pushers really should congratulate the City
Council in their commitment to participating in and supporting National
Bike Week events - after all, some significant local authorities (e.g.
Birmingham) did absolutely NOWT.
Even before bike week officially commenced on the 11th June we were
involved in some 'warm-up' activities. A series of Dr Bike events in the city
centre offered an opportunity for anyone to get their bike checked over for
free (in preparation for bike week rides) and to obtain advice about cycling
in and around the city. Although a couple of these had to be cancelled as
we could not find people to man them the others were well attended with
a number of people bringing along bikes in various states of (dis)repair. To
be fair, most bikes were fine and really only needed some air in the tyres
or some oil on the chain but some did need attention and it was good to
receive grateful thanks for being able to resolve problems. There were
some interesting cases. One chap arrived with a transmission that just
wouldn't work (and yet he had managed to drag his bike some miles into
town). Somehow, his chain had been 'threaded' through the rear derailleur
the wrong way round (bottom jockey wheel first) and judging by the state
of the chain it had been like that for years. Another 'customer' brought her
child's bike along to query why the brakes were not very ineffective. An
absence of brake blocks was quickly spotted. Scary stuff.
On the Wednesday prior to bike week Simon Geller led a moderate 30 mile
ride to Bradfield (organised in conjunction with the CTC). By all accounts
it was very enjoyable and encouraged participants to join other rides the
following week.
“Bike Week is the UK's
annual 'celebration of
cycling', first started by
cycle campaigners in
1923! This year in the
UK, 2,114 local events
and rides attracted
300,728 participants
(estimated).”
During bike week itself Pedal Pushers supported the cyclists breakfast
organised by Sheffield City Council (plenty of us turned up for free coffee
and croissants), provided Dr Bike events for 2 schools (King Ecgberts and
Meadowhead) and also at Sheffield Hallam University, led various well
attended rides, took the stall to the Heeley Festival and held our AGM and
social. It was a busy week.
The Dr Bike events at the schools were particularly worthwhile and many
pupils (and parents) came along. It was particularly pleasing to note that
almost all those attending the event at King Ecgberts arrived by bike
(rather than bike crammed into back of car) and were actually queuing up
before we arrived! Well done. Both of these events were followed later in
the week by short rides led by a member of Pedal Pushers. Once again
both were well attended by kids and their parents. On the ride led by
myself the youngest rider was only 7 years old and although she struggled
on some of the hillier bits she made it round with encouragement from her
father and the rest of the group.
Relaxing during Simon’s ride to
Bradfield.
The Pedal Pusher – Autumn 2005
Page 5
As usual, the 'highlight' of the week was the Wednesday evening ride. This was organised in conjunction
with the CTC and offered 2 ride options: both going to Wentworth. The ride coincided with the G8
foreign affairs meeting and although the extensive police presence looked a little taken aback at 30
cyclists gathering close to where all the so-called 'dignitaries' were meeting there was no major problem
or assumption that we were all 'cyclo-terrorists'. About half took the longer, faster-paced ride whilst the
rest took the easier, more direct route along the 5 Weirs Walk and the Trans Pennine Trail (TPT) to
Wentworth and back. This ride attracted quite a few new faces and all of them professed to really
enjoying the experience and discovering the TPT. I'm sure we'll see more of them in the future. For
those on the easier ride, the drink and food at the Rockingham Arms was (as usual) excellent. Highly
recommended. Those on the longer ride decided on fish and chips at Hoyland before returning as time
was not on their side.
The AGM and social was held at the Fat Cat and once again it was good to see some new faces. We hope
you enjoyed it. As for election of officers there is relatively little change to note. Ian Loasby is Secretary
and Membership Secretary. Simon Geller is Special Projects Officer. Sam Finney will be taking over as
Treasurer. Many thanks are extended to Jim McRoberts as outgoing Treasurer and Jonathan Alexander as
outgoing Membership Secretary. The food afterwards was excellent.
Overall, I'd say that bike week in Sheffield was a success - the numerous 'new' faces and younger
participants on organised rides being a particular indicator of this. Here's hoping that they stick with it.
Pedal Pushers would like to thank those members who led rides and helped at various events during bike
week.
Waiting for ‘customers’ at a hot & sunny Heeley Festival
Page 6
The Pedal Pusher – Winter 2005/6
Esteli Ride 2005
By Rob Appleyard
This was the first time I'd registered for the annual Two Peaks bike ride organised by the Sheffield Esteli
Society (see http://www.esteli.org.uk/bikerid.htm for more details) and I was very impressed with the
route, the weather (!) and the superb organisation. I'll certainly be doing it again next year. About 70
riders registered for the longer 50 mile route plus lots of others for the shorter (but certainly no less hilly)
20 mile option. A number of checkpoints along the way required you to sign in so that the organisers could
be sure that no-one got stranded. Many thanks to all the volunteers who acted as Marshals at these points
and plied us all with squash and biscuits.
All riders started with the steady climb to Burbage which certainly got the legs warmed up. From there it
was the right hand fork and the descent into Hathersage on the Scotsman's Pack road. For me, and probably
a number of others too, this was quite a hairy descent as the road has recently been resurfaced and was
covered in loose chippings which did not inspire confidence. The fear genes kicked in and I made my way
down gingerly. This was also the first decent ride out on my beautifully restored 1960 Mercian complete
with period single pivot 'Universal' brakes and [a] I didn't want to risk dropping it at speed (I care more
about the bike than my own wellbeing) and [b] I wasn't 100% convinced of the effectiveness of these old
brakes.
Dave Jenkyns admiring (?) my old bike at Burbage rocks and YES motorists, that says 10 mph max
speed!
The Pedal Pusher – Autumn 2005
Page 7
Unfortunately the Scotsman's Pack wasn't open yet and so after the first checkpoint it was quickly through
Hathersage and the next climb up to Abney gliding club which, like the ride up to Burbage isn't steep but
does drag on a bit. Having said that the road was very quiet and it was possible to just relax and enjoy the
views on the way up.
It was a bit breezy and so there were no gliders in the sky but there were some being towed in gigantic
trailers. Be careful if you encounter these on a bend in the road! After here it was down through Great
Hucklow and then Tideswell where the next checkpoint was situated. Noticed a few more Pedal Pushers
members here - Alan Moffat and Dave Baillie were two I recognised. Dave shot off at a ridiculous speed
before I was half way through my biscuit.
Out of Tideswell there was quite a steep (but relatively short) climb to Wheston. The road from Tideswell
through Wheston and Smalldale was very quiet indeed and beautiful to ride along (despite the up and down
nature of it). It was along this section that a bee found its way into my helmet and, clearly upset with its
unexpected incarceration, decided to lash out in the only way it knew how. Ouch. Luckily I'm not allergic
to bee stings but it made me think about helmet design.
At Sparrowpit it was time for food and tea which was organised by the Esteli Society and very cheap indeed.
I've always wondered why many cyclists drink so much tea given that it is a diuretic but, as usual, didn't
concern myself with this at the time and was very grateful for the many free top-ups.
Paul and Dave climbing steadily somewhere between Sparrowpit and Mam Tor.
Page 8
The Pedal Pusher – Winter 2005/6
After lunch we re-traced our path for a short while and carried on along the road through Perryfoot with the
imposing Eldon Hill on the right towards the top of Winnats Pass. From here it was another short but steep
climb to just below Mam Tor and the chance to savour the view across Edale to Kinder Scout.
After this brief chance to catch breath it was the fantastic descent into Edale. No worries about the
integrity of the road surface this time as we sped downhill only being slowed by the traffic ahead of us. At
this point it’s worth mentioning that the traffic for almost the whole of the route was surprisingly light for a
Sunday in the Peak District - another testament to the careful route planning of the organisers. It did get a
little busier later in the ride but so far we had avoided the worst of it.
Obligatory bike shot looking from Mam Tor towards Kinder
Until now we had either been climbing or enjoying fast descents so it was actually quite nice to get on the
'flat' and 'spin' for a few miles between Edale and Hope. However, it was only a brief respite and from Hope
it was back up and down again through Aston and Thornhill to Yorkshire Bridge. The road through here,
however, is quiet and secluded and so it is almost impossible not to enjoy it.
The Pedal Pusher – Autumn 2005
Page 9
Another obligatory shot - this one from Yorkshire Bridge
The final climb lay ahead - back up to Burbage Moor via the road under Bamford Edge and Stanage Edge. As
probably all of you know this is quite steep in places and once or twice I was wondering why I hadn't come
out with my touring bike with its triple chainring. The gradient was certainly killing the conversation at this
point. There were also a few more cars up and down this narrow road which kind of halted your momentum
as you slowed (!?!) to let them pass. I wonder why some motorists lack common sense on these narrow
steep roads? Still, with a bottom gear of 39x28 my aging legs kept going and got me to the top with only a
few vile curses leaving my lips. After that, of course, it was the lovely freewheel back down Ringinglow
Road and Ecclesall Road to Endcliffe Park to join the others. Paul's GPS informed us that the ride was just
shy of 50 miles and included nearly 5250 feet of climbing.
I can't recommend this ride highly enough. Don't be put off by the amount of climbing - it’s not a race and a
moderately fit rider taking their time will be able to manage the 50 mile route. The route was ridden by
riders of all capabilities from the occasional cyclist, through the keen but less than fit ones (e.g. me!) to the
quick roadies who zoomed round in probably half the time I took. Everyone was extremely friendly though.
The chance to ride with lots of people and chat to other cyclists you may not have met before makes it even
more worthwhile. It'll be good to see more Pedal Pushers there next year.
Page 10
The Pedal Pusher – Winter 2005/6
Cycle training update: Pedal Ready goes co-operative
By Dave Baillie
2005 has been a busy year for cycle training. Since January we have run
courses at 10 schools and given individual lessons to about 20 trainees. As
well as using us for schools work in June Sheffield Council contracted us
to provide free cycling lessons for any Sheffield resident up until
September. This has been a success and it seems likely that the scheme
will run on into next year.
Sheffield Council also want to change the way they provide cycle training
to schools by contracting out the work and increasing the amount of
courses – their target is to run courses in 35 schools next year, plus extra
courses for year 5 children. This will be over double the amount of work
we did in the school year 2004 – 2005! It also means we are having to
form a limited company and bid for the contract (hopefully without too
much competition). So Polly Blacker, Tony Cornah, Dave Baillie and
Jonathon Alexander trooped off to see Alan Dootson at Aizlewoods Mill to
sign up as directors of a workers co-operative limited company. Dave
Jenkyns will also be joining the co-operative.
The other good news is that we have a newly qualified instructor in Mike
Selway meaning we now have 6 instructors, hopefully giving us a good
team if we win the contract.
We are still on the look out for more instructors – particularly female. If
you are interested in becoming qualified, joining the co-operative or if
you have any other questions about cycle training please contact one of
us.
“Sheffield City Council’s
target is to run courses in
35 schools next year,
plus extra courses for
year 5 children. This will
be over double the
amount of work we did in
the school year 2004 –
2005!.”
Page 11
The Pedal Pusher – Autumn 2005
Returning to fixed gear riding
By Rob Appleyard
To the modern cyclist the concept of a singlespeed machine without a freewheel (i.e.
whenever the wheels are turning so are the
cranks and hence your legs too) appears
masochistic (especially in hilly Sheffield) and
retro in the extreme but you only have to browse
the various cycling forums on the web to realise
that fixed gear riding is becoming quite popular
once again - especially in urban areas. Why is
this? Well, the cynic would say that it is simply a
‘fashion statement’ – a way of saying “look at
me, I’m different. I’m hard. Gears are for
wimps!” There is probably something in this but
the fashion thing does, of course, also apply to
many ‘roadies’ clad in pro team kit on
abundantly geared £1500 machines whose large
chainring/smaller sprockets rarely say hello to
the chain. So lets forget the fashion thing (after
all, other than some tatty cycling shorts and a
£14 Decathlon cycling top I don’t own anything
remotely resembling lycra) and look at some of
the reasons why, some 18 years after last riding
fixed, I have renounced all but one gear on my
commuting/everyday bike.
There’s less to go wrong
On most geared bikes there are lots of things
that can go wrong and adjustments are often
required – especially if the bike is used daily
(e.g. for commuting). The smooth running of
modern machines seems to depend on delicate
parts being in harmony with other delicate parts.
Derailleurs need frequent cleaning so that they
don’t clog up and they don’t like the effect of all
that salt on our roads during the winter months.
I’m not saying modern bikes are unreliable but
on a bike that sees heavy service it’s not long
before you have oily hands, a thinner wallet or
both. Once the derailleurs, shifters, cassette
and those extra chainrings have gone you end up
with a machine that rarely, if ever, goes wrong;
and if it does its much easier to see where the
problem is. The bike requires less frequent
cleaning and just the occasional spray of lube on
the chain which for someone as lazy as me is a
boon. For a bike that will be used throughout
the year in all weathers this is important.
Your bike is lighter
Many cyclists seem strangely obsessed with
weight. I’m not really one of them but have
included this as a reason that may strike a
chord with some of you. OK, if weight is an
important factor then you can always splash
out on a titanium frame but this is an
economical and efficient alternative. The
combined weight of cassette, front and rear
derailleurs, the excess chain, surplus
chainrings, bits of cable and gear shifters
(especially modern STIs) is more than you
think. After I’d rebuilt my bike I was surprised
at how much lighter it was. By the way, some
foolhardy ‘purists’ will suggest you scrap the
back brake as well. Whilst it IS legal to just
have the front brake on a fixed gear machine
(your legs count as a brake for the rear) I think
its better (and easier on your legs) to have the
security of the rear brake as well, especially
given Sheffield’s hilly terrain. There are a few
idiots (usually in the USA but some in this
country as well) who refuse to fit ANY brakes
on their fixed gear bike. These individuals are
clearly potential candidates for a Darwin
Award (see http://www.darwinawards.com).
It can work wonders for your strength and
fitness
As an aerobic exercise, cycling is undoubtedly
good for you but riding fixed makes it even
more so. You can’t coast and take a breather –
if you try to stop pedaling (and most people do
this at least once) you get an immediate and
quite startling reminder that no such lapses
will be tolerated. You most obviously notice
the inability to freewheel after you have just
crested a hill and your lungs are bursting. No
chance to rest, you just have to pedal (very
fast indeed) down the other side whilst you
urge your heart rate down a tad. You learn to
feel comfortable pedaling at a high cadence
and ultimately this improves your pedaling
technique (see below for how this can help
with knee pain). When you come to a hill you
can’t think about changing down and
‘twiddling’ up – you just pedal. Inevitably all
this makes your legs stronger because you have
Page 12
The Pedal Pusher – Winter 2005/6
no choice. Having said this, it is ‘easier’ to cycle
up hills on fixed because of the flywheel effect
of the rear wheel and the overall reduced weight
of the bike. I can get up hills using a gear ratio
that I wouldn’t dream of using on any of my
geared bikes. Obviously, there are times when
you have to get off and walk but those times are
becoming far less frequent for me and I choose
my routes carefully. This usually means longer
routes in order to avoid the steeper hills and so,
in cycling further, you reap additional benefit.
Practical aspects to consider
You feel part of the bike
What gear ratio?
This is rather a strange statement and it’s quite
difficult to describe but one of the best things
about riding fixed is that you can feel (and
better control) every degree of speed,
acceleration, deceleration and balance. You
feel very connected to the bike and can easily
modulate speed (at least on the flat) with just
your legs. This all sounds a bit like pretentious
claptrap but that's probably because it’s difficult
to explain. It just feels 'different' and it hones
your bike handling skills. I'd guess that it works
for some and not for others. Only one way to
find out.
In hilly Sheffield you obviously need to arrive
at some sort of compromise. Too high and
you'll really struggle going up. Too low and
you won't feel like you are getting anywhere
on the flat and will have 'comedy legs' going
downhill with associated bouncing around in
the saddle. Think about your level of fitness
as well - you don't want to be struggling all the
time. As you get fitter you can always
increase the gearing. After taking advice I
chose a 42 tooth chainring coupled with an 18
tooth sprocket on the rear giving a gear ratio
of something like 63". This is easy to spin on
the flat, can get me up most hills (e.g.
Derbyshire Lane and Scarsdale Road even with
some luggage) and lets me get down them with
some judicious use of the brakes. It results in
a speed of about 17-19 mph at a cadence of
90-100 RPM. To some this might seem like
high revs but it’s a cadence at which the bike
seems to go along by itself on the flat and you
quickly get used to it.
It might help with knee problems
Bit controversial this one. Knee problems of
varying degrees are the bain of many cyclists'
lives and received wisdom is that fixed gear
riding is only recommended for those with 'good'
knees. It seems accepted that the need to push
a bigger gear than you normally would up a hill
will create or exacerbate a knee problem.
However, one thing that riding fixed for any
period of time DOES DO is to improve your
pedaling technique and poor pedaling technique
is a known cause of knee pain. For years I have
experienced niggling left knee pain that is
noticeable after riding for about 50 miles. After
9 months of regular fixed riding it is now MUCH
better and I can ride for longer without pain.
OK, it could be totally coincidental and if my
knees explode in a few years time then no doubt
a lot of people will say "I told you so". BUT, I
have noticed that I now have less horizontal
movement of the knee during the pedal stroke
and can only attribute this to better pedaling
technique 'learnt' naturally through riding
fixed. Other regular fixed gear riders I have
spoken to also subscribe to this theory. What
is important, though, in order to prevent long
term damage is careful consideration of
gearing and ensuring you don't over-rely on
slowing down by using your legs to resist the
pedals.
Chainline and chain tension
On derailleur geared bikes these are issues
that you don't really need to think about.
They are more important on a fixed as the
consequences of the chain unshipping can
easily result in the rear wheel locking up. If
you are lucky you will skid to a halt with heart
beating rapidly and probably a broken chain,
wheel or even frame. If you are leaning over
at all you will almost certainly crash. So,
make sure the chainring and sprocket line up
EXACTLY and that the chain is as tight as you
The Pedal Pusher – Autumn 2005
Page 13
can get it without it binding at any part of the
revolution. For this you need either forward
facing horizontal drop outs or rearward facing
'track-ends'.
OK, I'm interested in giving
fixed gear riding a go. Where
next?
Pedals and cranks
Because your feet can be pushed off the pedals
as the cranks rotate, clip less pedals or toeclips
and straps are a must. Otherwise the pedals can
smack painfully into your shins or calves as you
try and get your feet back on them. Remember
that you can't freewheel round corners and so
there is a danger of grounding the pedals or
running your toe into the front wheel/mudguard
(if there is toe overlap on your bike). Choose
pedals and crank lengths accordingly and slow
down through corners so you don't have to lean
over as much.
You could purchase a purpose built fixed gear
machine but there are lots of websites that
advise on how to convert older bikes (those
with horizontal dropouts) to fixed gear and this
is the cheapest and, in my opinion, best
option. A good place to start is:
http://sheldonbrown.com/fixedconversion.html.
Alternatively you could ask to borrow my bike
for a try out via the Pedal Pushers bike loan
scheme. It'll suit most people between about
5'8" and 6'
Other hints and tips
•
When you stop, your desired 'pushing off' foot
may not be in the right place. Apply front
brake, lift rear wheel and spin cranks to
desired position.
•
At first it may feel like you 'bounce around' as
you pedal very fast downhill. To minimise
this drop the saddle height a tad from what
would be considered normal on a geared
bike. Not too much though. No more than
5mm. This reduces any rocking. Also, try to
disassociate your brain and legs. Forget
about them and just let 'em spin.
•
When cleaning the drive train, don't hand
pedal with a rag around the chain. The
momentum of the wheel will keep the drive
train rolling and should the rag get caught
you could lose a finger.
Rob’s fixed gear bike
Page 14
The Pedal Pusher – Winter 2005/6
Top tips for dealing with irate motorists
By The Pedal Pusher
It’s fair to say that probably 99% of motorists are considerate of cyclists but given the number of cars on
the road it isn't long before you come across a driver who gets the adrenaline rushing. It might be
something they say or something they do but how best to deal with these situations? However much you
might feel like it at the time, aggression is never a good option and none of the following suggestions
involve violence or criminal damage. Use any or all at your discretion but please don't blame Pedal
Pushers if they fail to work. Those in italics indicate use with care suggestions
•
Don't raise your voice. A slanging match is not constructive in any situation and both parties will leave
thinking the other is unreasonable and therefore wrong. Passers by may also be unable to tell which
one is the fool.
•
Don't even think of inciting confrontation or hatred, especially where the driver can overtake you
again. Discretion is the better part of valour. There is a slim chance that you may have encountered
a nutter who will run into you for the hell of it. Even if you can get out of the way then think about
all the other cyclists this idiot may be passing afterwards.
•
Imagine being married to them. If they drive/behave like that then just think how much respect their
partner will get.
•
Give them a friendly wave and a smile as you pass them at the next hold-up. This is quite unnerving
and will disconcert them no end. The Pedal Pusher definitely recommends this.
•
Nothing wrong with a bit of wit or sarcasm according to the situation. For example, if a motorist
loudly recommends that you should use a cycle path rather than the road then respond by saying they
should be using the bus rather than their car. Better still, and particularly if their girth is deserving
of this, then suggest that 'it might be a good idea if they did too'.
•
A good response may be an open letter to the local paper - for example: "to the gentleman in the red
4x4 who so eloquently asked my why I wasn't using the cycle path..." and then go on to explain why
that route is unsuitable (e.g. poorly maintained and lit, dumps you on a busy road etc.). This may also
be a prompt for others to agree and for some subsequent improvements.
•
If the driver is a taxi or bus driver then ensure you get their number and, ideally, a witness and make
a complaint to the taxi firm/bus company in the first instance and (for taxis) the relevant licensing
officer at the Council.
•
Adopt a Zen-like calmness whilst cycling. After all you know that cycling is a quicker and much
healthier way of getting about in towns and cities. It is also true that no reaction is a reaction. This
approach is great for self-control and may unnerve the other party if they are actually looking for a
reaction. Furthermore, you feel great 5 minutes later when the incident is over.
•
If the situation deserves it then report the incident to the police along with the vehicle registration
and try to get the name and address of at least one witness. Even in circumstances where the matter
is not something for which the driver can be prosecuted, an officer may go round and have a stern
word about their behaviour and standards of driving. Furthermore, policing nowadays seems to be
evidence led and so if they notice an increase in reporting of incidents they may take some proactive
action.
•
Finally, try to remember the effect of your behaviour in any conflict on the motorist's perception of
cyclists as a whole. Do you really want them to go away thinking that all cyclists are pompous, selfrighteous or aggressive? Nope, didn’t think so.
Page 15
The Pedal Pusher – Autumn 2005
Product review - Bagman saddlebag support
By Rob Appleyard
Call me a traditionalist, call me retro, call me what you like but along with many thousands of others I
love Carradice saddlebags. And I don’t even have a beard (anymore) OR wear socks with sandals. You
can carry loads of stuff in the larger varieties (useful for those of us with a penchant for lugging more
stuff than we really need). They are a British classic. However, one particular niggling problem has
always been the angle the bag is placed at when the lower strap is wrapped around the seatpost. I prefer
it more upright so that my thighs don’t catch the bag on each pedal stroke or keys/tools/mobile phones
don’t fall out of the side pockets. I’ve tried to get over this in the past with a simple wooden spacer
between the seatpost and bag but it hasn’t been ideal. I’ve also wanted to use a saddlebag on bikes
without a pannier rack but found that the larger bags flap around annoyingly without any support.
Whilst browsing t’internet recently I came across the Bagman saddlebag support and thought – that’s
exactly what I need. It attaches to the saddle rails rather than pannier rack mounts or seat stays (so you
need a little space behind the seatpost clamp) and you end up with the bag much more upright and with
virtually no sway. None of Sheffield’s bike shops stocked them so I purchased mine mail order from Spa
Cycles in Harrogate for £18. They come in 2 different sizes (mine has a deeper drop for Nelson and
Camper saddlebags) and with/without quick release. The quick release ones are nearly double the price
but don’t require a saddle with bag loops). It was very quick and easy to fit and has been sturdy enough
to cope easily with full/heavy loads. With the bag there it is also virtually invisible. Overall, it’s a great
product that neatly solves some small but annoying problems and I’d recommend it to other saddlebag
devotees.
“You end up with the bag
much more upright and
with virtually no sway.”
Page 16
The Pedal Pusher – Winter 2005/6
Be seen in winter: What's happening in the lighting world
By Ian Loasby
It is now legal to have flashing LEDs on our bikes as well as on our Christmas Trees. This is a
short review of current front light technology
Commuting Lights
White LED lights and battery technology have improved dramatically over the last few years. You
can get very bright front multiple LED lights in the £20 – £30 range. I’ve looked at a number of
these, they are ideal for being seen by, but still don’t quite throw a strong enough beam for
pitch dark riding. For the majority of rides these lights are ideal. Have a look at the new Electron
9 LED for a really bright front commuting lamp for less than 30 quid. Invest in a decent battery
charger, and some high capacity Nickel Metal Hydride batteries and you should be sorted for
commuting for the next few winters.
Batteries
There are two main battery types for driving high powered lighting systems, nickel metal hydride
(NiMH) and lithium ion (Li-Ion). For many years, Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cad) was the only suitable
light weight rechargeable battery for bike lights. In the 90s both NiMH and Li-Ion batteries
reached the consumer market and they offered performance advances. Ni-Cads are still in use
but are highly toxic to the environment and will be banned in the European Union in the near
future. NiMH and Li-Ion have become the dominant technologies and whilst NiMH has developed
as far as it can Li-Ion now offers great potential for future advancement. Some bike light systems
still use lead acid batteries. These sets have fallen in price now to almost budget levels. Lead
acid batteries are heavy, not easy to dispose of, and have “memory” issues. If not well looked
after you will find they fail to keep a charge after a few years. This winter you might still be able
to find a bargain lead acid / halogen bulb system to get you through the next few winter years,
look at Smart twin 10watt halogens for around the 30 quid mark.
High End Systems LEDs
Want more light? New systems are on the market using very high output white LEDs. Solidlight is
a UK outfit making system out of high output LEDs. Their 3 Watt 1103 model exceeds the
brightness of a 10 watt halogen bulb, is very light and uses tiny battery packs, yet it will still run
for up to 5 hours. By this point we are looking at the £100 – £200 price range. A lot of the
expense comes from the intelligent chargers needed to maintain a Li-Ion battery
Now here’s a clever idea, whey not drive an LED light system from a dynamo? This seems an ideal
solution, all the convenience of no bulbs to worry about and a system that is always ready to use.
By clever electronics switching multiple LEDs the light can give a good beam from very slow
speeds (think hills in Sheffield). Solidlight have produced a top spec light to work with Schmidt
and Shimano hub dynamos, but look to the European mainland, and especially Germany to
produce cheaper mass market dynamo driven LEDs over the next year.
The Pedal Pusher – Autumn 2005
Page 17
Handy with electronics? You can buy a lot of the LED technology from one of the Peak
District caving shops, or a trawl on the web will find you the components you need
(try a web search for Luxon Star LEDs)
Want the brightest
So LEDs are catching up fast but Metal Halide lamps are still the brightest by some
margin. Who remembers those Cateye stadium lamps of a few years ago? They used
Metal Halide lamps. These are an evolution of the mercury arc lamp and are also
sometimes called High Intensity Discharge (HID) lamps. UK Company Lumicyle has
made Metal Halide lamps into a workable compact high efficiency bike lamp. They
usually have a longer life span than Halogen lamps and are more environmentally
friendly due to their efficiency.
OK what the catch with a Metal halide system?
Halide lamps are more expensive to buy and maintain. You are looking at the £250 –
£400 range (and even higher).They utilise a ballast in order to generate the strike
necessary to switch the light on and this adds weight and bulk to the lamp unit.
Halide lamps cannot be switched on and off at will. The ballast takes time to reset
itself and the life-span of the lamp is affected by the amount of times it is switched
on and off. Metal Halides are not as shock resistant and reliable as Halogen lamps or
LEDs.
If that sounds grim the good news is when you strike one of these devices up you soon
forget about the issues. They are intended mainly for off road after dark use, and may
be way over the top for commuting, but you soon find that they will clear a path
through a Sheffield bus lane blocked by cars. On fast winter training rides on the dark
lanes round Sheffield they come into their own and you are no longer peering into the
gloom ahead.
Thanks
With thanks to the websites of both Solidlight and Lumicyle for tech details.
http://www.lumicycle.com
http://www.solidlights.co.uk
Both companies are small UK outfits, very knowledgeable abut there products and
give excellent customer support.
Finally, the Audax website is always a good start point for information on lighting
system that will light up the road all night long.
http://www.audax.uk.net/lights/index.htm
Page 18
The Pedal Pusher – Winter 2005/6
Forthcoming events
Every Tuesday evening
Evening ride. Leaves Barkers Pool at 6 p.m. Destinations vary - contact us for details.
Tuesday March 14th 2006
Visit to Chesterfield Cycle Campaign
We will visit their meeting and tell them a little about what we've been up to in Sheffield. Note
that this is the Tuesday Ride for this date.
Thursday March 16th 2006
7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Pedal Pushers Meeting
Sheffield – Quaker Friends Meeting Hall, 10 St James Street.
Meeting runs from 7pm to 9 pm with a pub social afterwards (in a non-smoking room if possible)
Saturday March 25th 2006
09:30 AM to 2:00 PM
YHTAR Seminar & AGM
YHTAR TRANSPORT SYMPOSIUM
Regional Transport Futures to 2020
The Priory Centre, 15 Priory Street, York, YO1 6ET, off Micklegate (opp. Brigantes Bar)
Website: http://www.yhtar.org.uk/
Sunday March 26th 2006
10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Bikes on Supertram Trial
Sunday April 2nd 2006
From: 1:00 PM
TPT Clean-Up
At Hartley Brook. Organised by John Langley - Greenwatch Rangers
0114 245 9749
Sunday, May 21, 2006
09:30 AM to 8:00 PM
Spring Ride
To Nottingham, tram assisted. Starts from Meadowhead, Calling Halfway Tram Terminus, then
moderately paced to Hucknall. Option of tram ride into Nottingham for lunch, or cycle in if you
prefer. Covered folding bikes may be taken on the tram. 80 miles round trip. Joint ride with CTC.
Location: Meadowhead