/r/ukbike

Photograph via snooOG

A little space for us UK cyclists.

A little space for us UK cyclists. All topics related to cycling in the UK are welcome here!


Rules:

0) Our philosophy is: Go cycling, be it for leisure, commuting, transport, or any other reason! We promote cycling as a sustainable, low-impact, healthy way of getting around, and we believe it should have a high priority in any future traffic planning.

1) Don't be a twat. No personal attacks, hatespeech, advocating violence, trolling etc.

2) No spam, self-promotion, affiliate links, surveys, etc. For special exceptions, send us a modmail.

3) We reserve the right to remove low-effort posts, memes, or anything else that does not really fit into this subreddit.


Handy Links:


Other relevant subreddits:

/r/ukbike

34,847 Subscribers

1

lads and ladies can you please help me set up a single gear/fixie with a turbo trainer of some kind? Space in the gaf is extremely limited, so a full on set up is out of the question

I've looked at adapters and the discussion between different tyres and sprockets etc, and I'm more confused than when I started. I know I could join a gym or get out on the road, but I'm a total shut in and gotta start somewhere.

4 Comments
2024/11/03
00:39 UTC

9

A car hit me during a 3 point turn when I tried to bike behind him. Who's at fault?

Before he reversed (to go to point 2), I cycled behind his car and he hit me. I made the decision to go before he started backing up, and when I saw his car reverse it was too late. He didn't see me and hit me. I wasn't aware he was going to reverse since there's an empty space in front of him too. He refused to provide insurance and left.

Who's at fault here? He was quite aggressive and drove away. I'm curious if I should have waited for every 3 point turn from now, or was he at fault since he didn't look.

*edit: thanks everyone for answering. I understand I wasn't being careful and put myself in a position to be hurt. Just for reference he was also driving with a flat tire. I think I'll report to the police.

61 Comments
2024/11/02
16:02 UTC

1

Folding electric bike: Flit M2 or Prodrive?

Hello, I'm looking at getting an electric folding bike for commuting with cycling before and after a train ride. Ideally I want it to be as light as possible and small enough when folded that it doesn't get in the way when commuting on a busy train. Also I'd want to be able to wheel it when folded so I don't have to carry it. I've test ridden the Flit M2 briefly and was nice to ride but didn't get much chance to fold/practice carrying it. The prodrive appeals as it's only 10kg but I can't find much information on anyone having ridden one. Anyone have any experience with either? Or another bike that fits the bill?

0 Comments
2024/11/02
15:00 UTC

1

Centre lock discs - becoming loose over a short ride?

Hi,

My cycling history mostly involves track - but I'm too old for that nonsense now, so I've decided to go outdoors and try gears and slowing down.

As such I'm probably not the most up to date with the slowing down bit.

Centre lock discs rotors.

They came loose after 30 miles of admittedly technically gravel riding.

That ain't right - surely?

It was torqued to spec.

I'm using the Shimano 6 bolt to centre lock adapter because I needed new wheels, but didn't see sense throwing away discs with less than a 40 miles on them.

Mavic allroad SL wheels. Brand new.

I expect it's something you need to keep an eye on and re-torque occasionally. But surely not after 30 miles?

The adapter is tight, the discs sits in with absolute no play. All is well when it's initially set up.

What am I doing wrong?

Shall I just go ham with thread lock?

3 Comments
2024/11/02
14:24 UTC

5

A Good Effort - The Fred Whitton Story

Great short film about the man and the event that’s become somewhat of a rite of passage for UK road cyclists.

https://youtu.be/u2p7H57k_YM

0 Comments
2024/11/02
12:24 UTC

14

NBD (well, for me)

First drop bar bike at 62yo. Quite scary.

3 Comments
2024/11/02
11:35 UTC

9

Is this company legit?

I am looking to buy a new saddle and other bits and pieces and came across this website. https://www.bananaindustries.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOoq6fQpzi8NlZSbR7nqz_uh84L2T01QvuyOP2JsMwQLAKy2OQZvb

The prices are ridiculously low so I looked at the Trustpilot reviews and they look suspiciously too good (and written in the same style). Has anyone had any dealings with them? Thanks

10 Comments
2024/11/02
09:07 UTC

1

What do I use to mount my 6-bolt rotor onto my rear wheel

I don't know if this is the right subreddit to ask so apologises if not but every video I watch nobody tells the name of the thing that they use to screw the 6 bolt rotor onto the rear wheel of a mountain bike.

I've got a Carrera vengeance if it means anything and I can't seem to find anywhere to screw the bolt into on the wheel

1 Comment
2024/11/02
05:27 UTC

1

Winter Clothing Suggestions

First season road cycling in winter so I need some help choosing clothing. I’m a dry weather cyclist and only cycle for recreational purposes and not commuting. I mainly do 2-4 hour rides when I can and I push myself hard hence why sweating is a big issue every time I try to wear any jackets. I do own a few thin long sleeve jerseys and bib tights (very thin lycra) but lately I’m quite cold with just that. Am I right thinking that putting my skiing base layer tops and bottoms and then wearing a long sleeve jersey and tights with a neck warmer, overshoes and gloves would be enough to keep me somehow warm without swimming in sweat or should I research some winter specific jackets and tights? I really don’t want to spent a fortune on more clothing but I also don’t want to stop cycling a couple of times a week as I can’t get a trainer at home so I’m very curios to hear what others are wearing in winter.

0 Comments
2024/11/01
18:29 UTC

6

Driver Awareness Course

Does anyone know the content of Driver Awareness Courses that are issued for an offence like a close pass of a cyclist? I've taken a course for speeding ( naughty me) but that was specific for speed awareness. Is the course material specific for cycle awareness and does the adjudicator have specific training?

Hoping someone can assist? I'm planning on purchasing a cycle camera as I commute into London a few times a week.

2 Comments
2024/11/01
18:56 UTC

7

Tips for bike bags with a rear-mounted child seat

I’ve been carrying my 3-year old toddler around on a front-mounted seat but she’s grown out of it so I’ve got a rear-mounted one. The problem is I used to wear a backpack to carry all her gibbons, but now I can’t because it will be in her face the whole time. I tried fitting my pannier rack but the seat won’t allow it. I managed to put my backpack at my front but it’s far from ideal; constantly bumping into my legs, knocking off my front light.

Any advice on carrying a bunch of stuff with a rear-mounted seat? I’ve considered a bar bag, but I’m not sure there will be bags that will be big enough to carry our portable potty too! Maybe there’s a seat that works better with a pannier rack? I’ve also considered a shotgun seat but it feels a bit less safe.

28 Comments
2024/11/01
16:33 UTC

1

A bit off topic(?) but what do you think about track cycling?

4 Comments
2024/11/01
13:35 UTC

0

Stinky Mitts

OK let me clarify. I can buy a brand new pair of gloves/mitts and wear them solid for 500 miles until they are literally crawling. Throw them in the wash, risk losing one, andafter finding the missing half, and they barely last 40 miles.

Are there any tricks I'm missing

11 Comments
2024/11/01
09:42 UTC

18

BikePark Wales

As a roadie I have done very little mountain biking but I took my 15 year old son to BPW and had an absolute blast. The set up there is excellent with so many trails and good facilities.

We stuck to the beginner trails which, frankly, were enough for me lol. On our final run I decided to take it easy and, of course, that’s when my concentration lapsed and I ended up biting the dirt. Bit bruised and sore but it didn’t diminish the fun.

Highly recommended and only advice is use the uplift service!! It’s a long way to the top if you’re doing a lot of runs.

5 Comments
2024/10/31
21:03 UTC

2

Ribble Gravel Ti

Hey folks, I'm moving to Scotland next year with my wife, somewhere in the Callander area.

Riding road ride now, but will need a gravel bike in that area, for obvious reasons. Was thinking about titanium bike for a long time cause of the constant rain.

Right now the Ribble gravel Ti is on sale for 2300 pounds, that comes with a SRAM 1X electronic groupset. Really thinking to pull the trigger and order it to my wife's mom place.

It feels like a steal compared to any other titanium bike. What is the catch and anyone having experience with Ribble titanium frames?

Please tell me it's a stupid idea.

3 Comments
2024/10/31
19:34 UTC

48

Proposed cycleway plan for London from 2020

20 Comments
2024/10/31
11:38 UTC

1

Mud Guard advice

Hi was wondering if anyone could provide some help and advice, I got myself a new bike earlier this year, first time I’ve had a bike since I was in my early teens, so I’m a bit out of it all

I got the Boardman MTX 8.8 Hybrid bike and I’m looking to kit it out a bit

https://www.halfords.com/bikes/hybrid-bikes/boardman-mtx-8.8-mens-hybrid-bike-2021---s-m-l-frames-366094.html?cm_mmc=Google-_-PAB%20-%20Premium%20Adult%20Bikes%20-%20Product-_-Boardman%20MTX%208.6%20Hybrid%20Bike-_-ad&source=ppc&_$ja=tsid:35522%7Ccid:61976764%7Cagid:154303572142%7Ctid:kwd-485347070548%7Ccrid:685346298859%7Cnw:g%7Crnd:3478242706234040531%7Cdvc:m%7Cadp:%7Cmt:p%7Cloc:9046451&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADrJx6zNIqVkqYlt9hGCShKDxct1c&gclsrc=ds

I need to get some mudguards but looking though ones on line I’m struggling to make sense of what will be suitable for it

I’m also after suggestions for a good bottle mount please

I’ve fixed an AirTag to my bike using one of the Muc Off tag holders for some traceability too

Thanks in advance

3 Comments
2024/10/30
21:42 UTC

21

Enjoying the views

1 Comment
2024/10/30
10:27 UTC

335

"My bike was stolen. Here’s how I got the police to do something." My stolen bike heist made page 3 of The Times

49 Comments
2024/10/30
09:51 UTC

5

Punctures

Currently I'm riding close to home so can easily be picked up or walk home if i get a puncture but I will be looking to get off the beaten track soon and will perhaps hakve to deal with puctures. My tyres are tubeless what kit would I need to repair them or am I better to get a tube if so any recommendations?

Cheers

21 Comments
2024/10/30
09:22 UTC

1

Step-through, internally geared hub, swept back handle bars for upright position bike?

I'm looking to buy a bike with all of these components. I currently have an ebike which is step through with an upright position but I'm looking for something cheaper than that to use as a commuter bike for uni and one without a derailleur to make it less maintenance.

don't have a car or driving licence so I'm trying to make this my main form of transportation lol, so it would be nice to have pannier rack as well

9 Comments
2024/10/29
21:11 UTC

1

Backies Beater

Don't know what the go is or laws are. We already have several bikes and none are really suitable that are stored securely inside. One car family and the missus has it work days. I'm after a bike I can chain up in my carport and not stress about it chained up at the supermarket and also use periodically to drop a kid off at football training and other places. Not regularly just backies once a month maximum. Maybe get stunt pegs to stand on or I could just go Dutch/Belgium style. Was thinking of a Pashley Mailstar? Anyone got suggestions? Only see wannabe gangsters doing it so not sure what is legally and socially acceptable. Roads are quiet and dedicated bike lanes.

2 Comments
2024/10/29
16:35 UTC

3

Please does anyone know where I can find a bike like this in the UK? (details in comments)

27 Comments
2024/10/29
14:45 UTC

172

This years men's British National Hill Climb championships was won with this bike

38 Comments
2024/10/29
13:28 UTC

2

What suspension for can my bike take?

I have a titus silk road which I'd like to swap the carbon fork out for a suspension fork.

https://planetx.co.uk/products/titus-silk-road-sram-gx-titanium-adventure-bike

I read somewhere, can't find it now, I would need a 51mm offset and a 120mm suspension fork. Is that correct?

If so are there any you could advise which are reliable and under £500

Thank you!

3 Comments
2024/10/29
09:42 UTC

1

Evening ride. St.Albans - Hatfield.

Hi all. I am a new cyclist and don’t know much about UK traffic rules. I have to ride in the evening from St.Albans to Hatfield and it seems like I only have 2 routes (Albans Way and A1057). I worry that Alban Way is too dark and unsafe (thief, ...) in the evening while A1057 has car traffic. I would appreciate your advice or suggestions for any alternative routes. Thank you very much and sorry for my English.

9 Comments
2024/10/29
08:15 UTC

57

Clocks have changed…hello to cycling home into blinding LED headlights again 😑.

Oh and bonus points to all the eejits out there in completely black clothing walking in the dark as well.

Don’t you just love winter cycling!

42 Comments
2024/10/28
17:29 UTC

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