Taking the plunge!

[BSA]

I plucked up the courage to ride to work today! I really feel like I have achieved something.

It was an easy 5 miles nearly all downhill (I live in Sheffield) but I have been doing trial runs at weekends when traffic is lighter to build up my confidence.

I know I have to cycle all the way back up the hills to get home but guess what? Im actually looking forward to it.

Doesnt have to cost a fortune for the bike either. A friend of mine bought the bike of ebay for £10 and waited for good parts at the right prices and the whole bike has been put together for about £46 and it looks good and rides well.

Granted he has put some time into it for me but it just shows you.

thanks for reading!

 

[lantern rouge]

Hi BSA, from a fellow Newbie,

As a Steel City exile, I'm trying to picture your route - it wasn't downhill Eccy Rd etc was it? - if so , good luck on the way home!

46 quid, that's brilliant, take a photo or two and stick a link up here, you may be the inspiration for a winter project, to improve my mechy skills.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

Congratulations BSA . I hope you still want to cycle to work after the return leg but I have a feeling you will. How about uploading a picture or two of the bike. I for one would certainly be interested to see it.

Have fun and please keep coming back and telling us how you are getting on.

Dave

 

[Lazy-Commuter]

Well done! It's great that first time isn't it? I spent a few weeks building up sufficient strength and stamina to do my first run in. And a whole () year later on I barely even notice it now. Stick at it: it gets easier and quicker.

 

[fossyant]

£46 wow - me needs to find bargains like that !!!

 

[BSA]

This is the only photo I have! Its certainly nothing fancy but it rides well! The frame is steel made by BSA. I would guess its probably from the 70's but im not expert.

If (when) I start to cycle more I will probably keep this as a winter bike

latern rouge - my route in sheffield is from Gleadless down towards darnall and finishing on Shepcote Lane.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

Well I'm certainly no expert but it looks as though you have got yourself a nice machine there :-) Enjoy it until it pleases you no more

This is the only photo I have! Its certainly nothing fancy but it rides well! The frame is steel made by BSA. I would guess its probably from the 70's but im not expert.

If (when) I start to cycle more I will probably keep this as a winter bike

latern rouge - my route in sheffield is from Gleadless down towards darnall and finishing on Shepcote Lane.

 

[AdamBlade]

HI BSA, another Sheffielder here. The hills aren't so bad once you get used to them. I do Ecclesall Road to Sheffield Arena daily which is nearly all downhill on the way, meaning uphill on the way home. Must admit, was daunting at first but now look forward to it, even in the cold and wet!!

 

[Maz]

Well done, BSA! Exiled Blade here (and p'd off following defeat at weekend).
You're not that far from me - I was in Highfield/Sharrow when I was in Sheffield.

 

[HelenD123]

Hi BSA. Well done on the commute. It feels great doesn't it?!

 

[lantern rouge]

nice bike!

Up Prince of Wales road and Manor Top back home! - respect!!

Up The Blades!!

 

[jimboalee]

I put your photo on the screen, and my Twenty got the hots?

In the seventies, BSA bikes were built by Raleigh.

 

[BSA]

Thanks for you encouragement everyone... Im not sure all the Blades would have been quite as friendly if I had put I was an Owl, but nver mind!

BSA built by Raleigh.. see I have learnt something new about my bike... Is this a good or bad thing?

I see the weather is holding out for my ride home, hurray.

 

[Arch]

I see the weather is holding out for my ride home, hurray.

I hope it continues to do so! Well done for taking the plunge, and the budget bike - much more satisfying, to my mind, than something off the peg and shiney, but not quite personal....

Good luck with the hills on the way home!

 

[Twenty Inch]

That's a nice bike. It will serve you well, and it won't be attractive to thieves.

Well done and welcome.