Omega Owners Forum

Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: Bigron on 01 October 2017, 14:53:57

Title: I've got a bike.....
Post by: Bigron on 01 October 2017, 14:53:57
.....now to get the lycra! Yep, I've joined the enemy, gone over to the dark side, sold my soul to the devil. Well, at least now I can ignore all traffic laws and traffic lights, etc - as long as I don't kill anyone.
Um, I have a request, if any proper cyclist can help; how do I repair a punctured rear tyre? I don't know how to remove the rear wheel without getting the chain in a mucking fuddle.  :-[ ???

Ron.
Title: Re: I've got a bike.....
Post by: ronnyd on 01 October 2017, 15:01:54
Plenty of How to,s on YouTube Ron lad :y. Getting the wheel out depends on if you have quick release wheels or not. Has it got derailleur gears?
Title: Re: I've got a bike.....
Post by: Entwood on 01 October 2017, 15:16:41
Plenty of How to,s on YouTube Ron lad :y. Getting the wheel out depends on if you have quick release wheels or not. Has it got derailleur gears?

Ronny ... penny farthings don't have gears .....    :)
Title: Re: I've got a bike.....
Post by: ronnyd on 01 October 2017, 16:22:29
Didn,t have chains either. :P
Title: Re: I've got a bike.....
Post by: Andy B on 01 October 2017, 16:36:58
....... how do I repair I don't know how to remove the rear wheel without getting the chain in a mucking fuddle.  :-[ ???

Ron.

The Derailier will usually stay where it is when the wheel is removed
Title: Re: I've got a bike.....
Post by: Bigron on 01 October 2017, 17:44:12
I was expecting a p*ss-take, so not disappointed!
Ah, so the gears remain in place? Ok, I'll do battle tomorrow - must be easier than an Omega.
Then I will have to fit kiddy-type stabilisers for a while until I remember how to balance on two wheels!
Why have I joined the enemy? My doctor insisted, if I want to go on living..... :(

Ron.
Title: Re: I've got a bike.....
Post by: Andy B on 01 October 2017, 18:03:02
I was expecting a p*ss-take, so not disappointed!
Ah, so the gears remain in place? Ok, I'll do battle tomorrow - must be easier than an Omega.
Then I will have to fit kiddy-type stabilisers for a while until I remember how to balance on two wheels!
Why have I joined the enemy? My doctor insisted, if I want to go on living..... :(

Ron.

There's also electric assisted  ....  :y (not that I've cycled anywhere in many a year  :-[)
Title: Re: I've got a bike.....
Post by: Bigron on 01 October 2017, 18:14:05
Yes Andy, but usung electrickery won't do what my GP wants me to do - to become less of a good thing!  ::)

Ron.
Title: Re: I've got a bike.....
Post by: Toledodude1973 on 01 October 2017, 18:54:59
Ron the kids just dump their bike these days in the event of a puncture,then get a new one :)
Title: Re: I've got a bike.....
Post by: Andy B on 01 October 2017, 19:50:42
Yes Andy, but usung electrickery won't do what my GP wants me to do - to become less of a good thing!  ::)

Ron.

I suppose I should try it myself before I'm told to  ;)
Title: Re: I've got a bike.....
Post by: Bigron on 01 October 2017, 21:10:19
Yerse, needs must! I'd rather go swimming, but I would need to go three times per week to be effective and the cost is prohibitive for me.  :(

Ron.
Title: Re: I've got a bike.....
Post by: Rods2 on 01 October 2017, 21:49:01
You won't forget how to balance, but I would suggest you go somewhere safe and quiet like cycle paths in a local park to practice as falling off in front of a car is not a risk you need to take and also, stay on fairly flat ground until you are fitter as you don't want to overdo things. :y :y :y Leather lined cycling shorts make time sitting on the saddle much more comfortable.

I would recommend replacing the tyres with kevlar lined reasonably puncture proof ones and getting a small cycling bag that attaches to the bike to keep a spare inner tube, puncture repair kit and a few tools or a proper cycling jersey with pockets in the back to carry them. When using my mountain bike I use the former and the latter when using my racing bike.

Alternatively, if you want to get fit in the warm and dry you can always buy a turbo trainer to put your bike on and exercise indoors, but get a good summer cooling fan and wear light clothes as you will sweat buckets as you get fitter and faster. On my turbo trainer I can set a training time or distance length and it tells you either the distance covered in the time or vice versa and calories burned. It has also got a magnetic brake hill climbing function with up to 1 in 4 gradients now that really does get the sweat pouring. The timing function makes the cycling much more interesting as you can measure your improvement as you get fitter. When using the turbo trainer I've also got a pulse meter as setting a pulse speed limit is also a good measure of improved fitness where it goes down for the same work rate as you get fitter.
Title: Re: I've got a bike.....
Post by: Gaffers on 01 October 2017, 21:57:50
I would be happy to come in to London and ride a bit with you if you want, give you some tips on safe riding, road position, defensive strategies etc.  No need for lycra, I only wear that when training or doing a very long commute (with a guarantee of a shower at the other end).   I will be working down in the Gatwick area for the next 18 months so it would be easy to head in to London rather than doing the occasional ride home to Farnborough. :y
Title: Re: I've got a bike.....
Post by: Bigron on 02 October 2017, 10:14:19
Thanks gents, your comments are much appreciated.
Rods2, I definitely intend to start gently and NO hills; I have a heart condition as well as arthritic joints (especially knees), so I want to ease into things slowly.
Leather shorts – that’s a bit Sloane Square, isn’t it? Initially I don’t plan to go far enough to take the shine off my trousers!
I’ve still got some of that magic fluid, OKO, which I’ll fill the inners with and I should remain puncture-proof forever…..
The emergency kit in a bag is a good idea – just like Omega spares in the boot, but I’ll pass on the jersey, thanks – I don’t want to look like a “cyclist”.
Ah, indoor exercise; I don’t see the fun in that and prefer to go outdoors – it also gives me an excuse not to cycle if it’s raining!
You are right about the pulse rate, though: I’m hypertensive and need to be careful.

Guffer, what a generous offer, thank you. I’m not in London, however, but in the wilds of Essex, near Colchester – Witham, in fact. I’ll fly solo to start with, thanks, as I don’t intend to go far an d probably after dark so asnot to humiliate myself in broad daylight!

A propos of that, the bike is second hand, without lights, so do you have any recommendations for good lighting – presumably LEDs?

Ron.

Title: Re: I've got a bike.....
Post by: aaronjb on 02 October 2017, 10:46:45
A propos of that, the bike is second hand, without lights, so do you have any recommendations for good lighting – presumably LEDs?

How about one of those like I had as a lad - you know, you flip the little generator over onto the wheel and it seems to make pedalling 10x harder while providing all the light output of a faltering candle...
Title: Re: I've got a bike.....
Post by: Gaffers on 02 October 2017, 10:54:39
Ah that's a bit far for me, but if you are ever in the London or Hampshire area just shout. As for lights get yourself to Aldi, they have some good lights on specialbuy right now. They have a good primary and secondary set which is reasonable. I also recommend the Halfords front and read usb rechargeable set. Good value although the front mount needs a bit of work to get the light to stop popping out when you go over a pothole.i use two of the extra rubber loops either side of the clamp.

I would also recommend a bikeability course. They are often free or very low cost and give you the skills to ride safe. In fairness they would be a much better tutor than me.

As for your knees, cycling would be a great tonic. I have been plagued with issues in the oast and if i stop cycling it comes back.
Title: Re: I've got a bike.....
Post by: Bigron on 02 October 2017, 13:14:12
All noted, and thank you. I will get signed up to that tuition if there's a course near me, and will certainly give Aldi a look.
Cycling helps with arthritic knees? I was frightened that it might wear them down more.

Ron.
Title: Re: I've got a bike.....
Post by: Migv6 le Frog Fan on 02 October 2017, 13:37:10
Same here. I used to be very fit but not now. I have considered cycling as a way of improving this.
However, my right knee joint is badly worn and in need of replacement, but doctor he say he would like to postpone this for as long as possible.
I thought the constant use of it when cycling might make matters worse, although not as much as running / jogging, which I'm physically incapable of anyway.  :-\
Title: Re: I've got a bike.....
Post by: Gaffers on 02 October 2017, 14:09:12
It builds up muscle through low impact activity while moving the joints.

Mind you, it's low impact up until the moment you get knocked off  ::)
Title: Re: I've got a bike.....
Post by: Rods2 on 02 October 2017, 14:36:25
I've had a slightly arthritic right knee for over 20 years and my doctor recommended that I build the muscles up around my knee as they would relieve the pressure on it and put off any knee replacement as they don't last long and I was considered too young at the time. It has made a big difference so it is still very livable with. Cold, damp weather is the worst. Cycling or swimming are the best exercises for this with running and jogging not recommended because of the impacts on the knee joint with each leg landing.

MIL as a farm labourer on a Soviet Kolhost doing heavy manual work means that both her hips and knee joints are very worn so she struggles to walk these days. The Kolhost bosses stole the wages meant for the workforce so they were unpaid slaves but they had no choice as it was a serious criminal offense not to have a job which meant you ended up in a Gulag. As they weren't paid they did as little as they could get away with and like their bosses stole everything they could. Hence the Soviet saying: We pretend to pay you and you pretend to work.
Title: Re: I've got a bike.....
Post by: Rods2 on 02 October 2017, 14:45:17
Thanks gents, your comments are much appreciated.
Rods2, I definitely intend to start gently and NO hills; I have a heart condition as well as arthritic joints (especially knees), so I want to ease into things slowly.
Leather shorts – that’s a bit Sloane Square, isn’t it? Initially I don’t plan to go far enough to take the shine off my trousers!
I’ve still got some of that magic fluid, OKO, which I’ll fill the inners with and I should remain puncture-proof forever…..
The emergency kit in a bag is a good idea – just like Omega spares in the boot, but I’ll pass on the jersey, thanks – I don’t want to look like a “cyclist”.
Ah, indoor exercise; I don’t see the fun in that and prefer to go outdoors – it also gives me an excuse not to cycle if it’s raining!
You are right about the pulse rate, though: I’m hypertensive and need to be careful.

Guffer, what a generous offer, thank you. I’m not in London, however, but in the wilds of Essex, near Colchester – Witham, in fact. I’ll fly solo to start with, thanks, as I don’t intend to go far an d probably after dark so asnot to humiliate myself in broad daylight!

A propos of that, the bike is second hand, without lights, so do you have any recommendations for good lighting – presumably LEDs?

Ron.

I suspected you had a heart condition, hence my advice on not overdoing it and a pulse meter will help with this. The reason for having a turbo trainer especially during the winter is so you do the regular exercise as you won't feel like going out in strong winds, cold temperatures, rain, ice and snow and it is very important that you heed your doctors advice where they have found regular cycling or swimming is the most effective way for seniors with heart issues to add years to their lives. :y :y :y
Title: Re: I've got a bike.....
Post by: Bigron on 02 October 2017, 15:16:29
What a great forum this is; it's like having a favourite Uncle to turn to whenever there's a problem!
I thank you so much for all your support and advice, gents.  :-* :-* :-*

Ron.
Title: Re: I've got a bike.....
Post by: Gaffers on 02 October 2017, 15:56:39
Thanks gents, your comments are much appreciated.
Rods2, I definitely intend to start gently and NO hills; I have a heart condition as well as arthritic joints (especially knees), so I want to ease into things slowly.
Leather shorts – that’s a bit Sloane Square, isn’t it? Initially I don’t plan to go far enough to take the shine off my trousers!
I’ve still got some of that magic fluid, OKO, which I’ll fill the inners with and I should remain puncture-proof forever…..
The emergency kit in a bag is a good idea – just like Omega spares in the boot, but I’ll pass on the jersey, thanks – I don’t want to look like a “cyclist”.
Ah, indoor exercise; I don’t see the fun in that and prefer to go outdoors – it also gives me an excuse not to cycle if it’s raining!
You are right about the pulse rate, though: I’m hypertensive and need to be careful.

Guffer, what a generous offer, thank you. I’m not in London, however, but in the wilds of Essex, near Colchester – Witham, in fact. I’ll fly solo to start with, thanks, as I don’t intend to go far an d probably after dark so asnot to humiliate myself in broad daylight!

A propos of that, the bike is second hand, without lights, so do you have any recommendations for good lighting – presumably LEDs?

Ron.

I suspected you had a heart condition, hence my advice on not overdoing it and a pulse meter will help with this. The reason for having a turbo trainer especially during the winter is so you do the regular exercise as you won't feel like going out in strong winds, cold temperatures, rain, ice and snow and it is very important that you heed your doctors advice where they have found regular cycling or swimming is the most effective way for seniors with heart issues to add years to their lives. :y :y :y

Or take a man-up pill, jump on the bike and get sweaty  ;D
Title: Re: I've got a bike.....
Post by: Bigron on 02 October 2017, 16:18:48
For a short life.....
Title: Re: I've got a bike.....
Post by: TheBoy on 02 October 2017, 18:18:58
Wear something bright - I need to go down that way in 2 or 3 weeks, give me something to aim for :y
Title: Re: I've got a bike.....
Post by: Bigron on 02 October 2017, 18:42:08
I'll have a red flashing light on my @rse - will that be a good enough target?

Ron.
Title: Re: I've got a bike.....
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 02 October 2017, 18:47:53
Ron, will you be getting bicycle insurance?  ???  :)

And maybe as you can't pay road tax on your new machine, you should pay an appropriate amount to your local air ambulance charity instead, so when they come and scrape you up..... :-X  :P  ;D
Title: Re: I've got a bike.....
Post by: Bigron on 02 October 2017, 19:04:28
Yes, I will be taking out personal liability insurance and making an additional voluntary cotribution with my Road Fund Licence too. They should cover the costs you referred to.
Also, I will be happy to enjoy immunity from road traffic laws, traffic lights and greed camera fines. :y

Ron.
Title: Re: I've got a bike.....
Post by: Gaffers on 02 October 2017, 19:08:45
Bikmo is pretty good for bike insurance but it might be a bit overboard for your needs.
Title: Re: I've got a bike.....
Post by: Gaffers on 02 October 2017, 19:10:41
I'll have a red flashing light on my @rse - will that be a good enough target?

Ron.

Having spent too much time with The Looney One, he doesn't need that much incentive to lock-on to your arse  ;D
Title: Re: I've got a bike.....
Post by: Bigron on 02 October 2017, 19:18:42
Oh dear, I overlooked the fact that I might be prey to the uphill gardeners!  :-[

Ron.
Title: Re: I've got a bike.....
Post by: ronnyd on 02 October 2017, 20:25:31
Don,t bother with Ros2s advice about taking along a spare inner tube etc, the walk home will be great exercise as well. ;D ;D
Seriously though mate, it,s all good advice. Glad i had one with me yesterday. Two punctures in two days. :'(
Title: Re: I've got a bike.....
Post by: Gaffers on 02 October 2017, 20:41:59
I have gone tubeless with a dash of tyre sealant liquid to plug any holes that appear.  With a couple of CO2 canisters I rarely come a cropper.  Last time was in the Alps when I needed a new tyre.  Time before that was 22 years ago when I ran out of inner tubes on a 100 miler.
Title: Re: I've got a bike.....
Post by: Rods2 on 02 October 2017, 20:59:27
When I belonged to Farnborough and Camberley Cycling club after a few punctures on Sunday morning runs I went over to kevlar lined tyres and latex inner tubes and never had any further problems. The only problem with latex inner tubes is they need pumping up every time you go on a bike ride and replacing every 2 years.
Title: Re: I've got a bike.....
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 02 October 2017, 22:21:31
Oh dear, I overlooked the fact that I might be prey to the uphill gardeners!  :-[

Ron.
Pop the flashing red light up there and you'll be fine :D
Title: Re: I've got a bike.....
Post by: aaronjb on 03 October 2017, 12:03:13
The only problem with latex inner tubes is they need pumping up every time you go on a bike ride and replacing every 2 years.

Same as latex condoms then.. what, no? ;D
Title: Re: I've got a bike.....
Post by: Rods2 on 03 October 2017, 21:37:09
The only problem with latex inner tubes is they need pumping up every time you go on a bike ride and replacing every 2 years.

Same as latex condoms then.. what, no? ;D

Probably, as they don't leak when they have a pr*ck in them either. ::) ::) ::)
Title: Re: I've got a bike.....
Post by: aaronjb on 04 October 2017, 08:16:12
The only problem with latex inner tubes is they need pumping up every time you go on a bike ride and replacing every 2 years.

Same as latex condoms then.. what, no? ;D

Probably, as they don't leak when they have a pr*ck in them either. ::) ::) ::)

 ;D ;D And you're up sh*t creek if they do!
Title: Re: I've got a bike.....
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 04 October 2017, 10:35:32
Unless I'm mistaken a bike should have 200 BHP.......weigh 200KG.....and be capable of 200 MPH.

That is the definition of 'bike'

.....far safer as well. :)
Title: Re: I've got a bike.....
Post by: Migv6 le Frog Fan on 04 October 2017, 11:24:40
200kg is a bit on the heavy side tbh.  ;) :D
Title: Re: I've got a bike.....
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 04 October 2017, 13:20:51
200kg is a bit on the heavy side tbh.  ;) :D

Yep....around about 170 KG (dry) is pretty normal.

I would say that 'proper bikes' are far safer than 'push bikes.

Ever followed the road around a corner at 50 MPH to find 3 cyclists spread across the road having a chat at 10 MPH. :-\
Title: Re: I've got a bike.....
Post by: Migv6 le Frog Fan on 04 October 2017, 14:11:07
A very common occurrence in Webs end unfortunately.  :(
Title: Re: I've got a bike.....
Post by: Bigron on 04 October 2017, 14:33:14
"Single file is best, NEVER more that two abreast".....

Ron.
Title: Re: I've got a bike.....
Post by: ronnyd on 04 October 2017, 14:35:29
How about the mutant girl in "Total Recall", she had THREE!  :o
Title: Re: I've got a bike.....
Post by: Bigron on 04 October 2017, 19:57:23
I knew even before I pressed the "Post" button that I would get a breast joke - you never disappoint, gents!  :y

Ron.
Title: Re: I've got a bike.....
Post by: ronnyd on 04 October 2017, 23:02:54
You,re welcome Ron lad. :D
Title: Re: I've got a bike.....
Post by: 78bex on 09 October 2017, 01:34:40
Oh bikes are cool  :y Fitted a shopping basket to mine & I call her big bertha ;D

She`s also got bar end mirrors &  me baseball bat & glove sits in the basket   ::)