Is this all normal?

[SWSteve]

Hi,

So I recently decided to splash out on a road bike so that a) I would lose some weight and get fitter and b) enjoy the weather when it stops being so wet. There are however a few things I have come across since starting around a month ago, and would like some feedback...

Does anyone else find it much harder cycling on 'rough tarmac', where there is a top layer which has largely washed off meaning it's pretty bumpy as you cros from older to newer on a regular basis?

Is a Jersey worth it? I currently wear a coat which has a chest pocket, but it's starting to stick to me way too much, and I am unsure whether to buy a saddle bag or a jersey. The main issue is that when cycling home from work I have wallet, several sets of keys and my phone.

What should I use to clean the brake dust/residue from my wheels, as a 'hard' toothbrush does not cut the mustard

And finally, why are 99% of you so polite, there is always a nod of the head whenever passing one another (apart from once today when cycling up Naish Hill (between Portishead and Nailsea/wraxall/Tickenham) which is the steepest hill I have ever seen, the man coming down felt the need to tell me how much easier it is when coming down...

Thanks,
Steve

 

[TonyEnjoyD]

Tarmac issue, yes, it's the same for all of us and the pisterior never really gets used to it.

Jersey, yes, you look the part and the pockets will take a small goat each as well as keep stuff at your back rather than putting a lot of pressure on your middle section when leaning fwd

Clean dust off ??? You'll have to explain that one to me!
Quick squirt over the bike - with a hose that is - should do it.

As my 7 yr old daughter said on the cyclone ride last year "cyclists are really friendly aren't they!"
About the most friendly fraternity I've come across.

 

[TonyEnjoyD]

Ooh, and welcome aboard to the forums and the joy of road cycling

 

[SWSteve]

When I say dust, it's more a case of after cleaning it you can see it all collects and moves with the water. maybe it's just me being too worried over brand new bike. Okay, have looked at jerseys before but the cheaper ones sound like they will be rubbish (fit) and the better ones are much more expensive

 

[Eribiste]

G'day I.S.L. and welcome to the forum.
I bought a Tenn Outdoors long sleeve jersey for the shorter days and have found it to be a really good buy. In the back pockets I carry a phone, wallet, keys, a p******e repair set and a bag of wine gums. The 'technical material' ( I know, sounds like marketing cobblers) really does work as it says, wicking my perspiration away while keeping me warm, and never feels clammy. Good stuff!

I get my wheels clean, along with much everything else on the bike with Muc-Off.

And yes, I always acknowledge other riders. Sometimes, when the Evesham Wheelers are coming the other way I'm like the Churchill nodding dog!

 

[danjanoob]

I bought a large black btwin jersey from decathlon, really comfy and dry, keeps me warm, and huge pocket. Will be buying more.

Not one cyclist said hello to me last Monday on my ride from Romford to Russell Sq and back. Thats 36 miles. Completely ignored. Maybe city cyclists are different.

 

[Peteaud]

Rough roads are a pain

I have a saddlebag (topeak one) they are not that expensive and keep everything nice and neat.

 

[Nearly there]

As my 7 yr old daughter said on the cyclone ride last year "cyclists are really friendly aren't they!"
About the most friendly fraternity I've come across.

Unless of course you live in London

 

[Psyclist]

And finally, why are 99% of you so polite, there is always a nod of the head whenever passing one another (apart from once today when cycling up Naish Hill (between Portishead and Nailsea/wraxall/Tickenham) which is the steepest hill I have ever seen, the man coming down felt the need to tell me how much easier it is when coming down...

Thanks,
Steve

I'd say 50% are polite round my way. When I used to ride on my old Viking (my display pic) wearing a t-shirt and jeans, there were snobbish riders (not going fast or having to concentrate) who blanked me when I put my hand up and said hi. Most of the riders were on 1k+ bikes too.

Some of the riders however, did say hi back, and yes, some were on expensive bikes.

I guarantee when I'm in a jersey and bib tights on my Forme, it'll go to 99%.

That's just my experience and assumption though.

 

[Lee_M]

I'd say 50% are polite round my way.

I guarantee when I'm in a jersey and bib tights on my Forme, it'll go to 99%.

That's just my experience and assumption though.

Essex I get 99% responding. Riding in Herts today it was less than 30%.

i conclude therefore Essex cyclists are friendly and Herts riders are miserable buggers

 

[cyberknight]

Hi,

So I recently decided to splash out on a road bike so that a) I would lose some weight and get fitter and b) enjoy the weather when it stops being so wet. There are however a few things I have come across since starting around a month ago, and would like some feedback...

Does anyone else find it much harder cycling on 'rough tarmac', where there is a top layer which has largely washed off meaning it's pretty bumpy as you cros from older to newer on a regular basis?
YES ... road buzz sucks

Is a Jersey worth it? I currently wear a coat which has a chest pocket, but it's starting to stick to me way too much, and I am unsure whether to buy a saddle bag or a jersey. The main issue is that when cycling home from work I have wallet, several sets of keys and my phone.
YES... proper jerseys wick the sweat away and the pockets are handy for food, rain jacket, tools etc

What should I use to clean the brake dust/residue from my wheels, as a 'hard' toothbrush does not cut the mustard
Dunno, just wash mine with bike wash/washing up liquid

And finally, why are 99% of you so polite, there is always a nod of the head whenever passing one another (apart from once today when cycling up Naish Hill (between Portishead and Nailsea/wraxall/Tickenham) which is the steepest hill I have ever seen, the man coming down felt the need to tell me how much easier it is when coming down...
Cos we are all full of adrenaline , its not a smile its a grimace !

Thanks,
Steve

 

[SWSteve]

Okay, the reason why I said about jerseys is that I have base layers/sports tops I wear to the gym so I'm not too sure there will be a benefit aside from a pocket in the back

 

[cyberknight]

Panniers my friend panniers are what you need or at a push a saddle bag
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/altura-arran-expanding-post-pack/
Those little bags are ok for leisure riding but for commuting its nice to have a bit more space for essentials , its cool to look cool but if its chucking it down and you don`t have a set of waterproofs handy or your bike fails and a tyre boot/chain tool is all you need .
I must admit to carrying to much mind, makes for better training ...

 

[Nigelnaturist]

Panniers my friend panniers are what you need or at a push a saddle bag
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/altura-arran-expanding-post-pack/
Those little bags are ok for leisure riding but for commuting its nice to have a bit more space for essentials , its cool to look cool but if its chucking it down and you don`t have a set of waterproofs handy or your bike fails and a tyre boot/chain tool is all you need .
I must admit to carrying to much mind, makes for better training ...

Likwiwse, possible why i am so slow or maybe thats the Viking, or just me, hate to think what i could do if I shed another 3-5kg's
People nodding, it varies around here, some do some don't .

 

[Phoenix Lincs]

I always wave and say hi. If they don't respond, hey ho, who cares? Most do round here though (living out in the sticks)