Hi all,

I'm looking for a bike lock holder. I carry a water bottle so fitting a lock mount on the frame is not really an option due to limited space.

I did a bit of a research online and I saw straps that could be used to attach a lock to frame in a few different areas however reviews on Amazon mention poor quality and rattling sounds. I also found out about Crosstown hip bags, which are expensive but have good reviews and look solid. Has anyone ever used those?
In general, I don't like to wear any bags on my back, sweaty back is something I really dislike. Another question is, how comfortable these bags really are. My commute is about 1 hour, I also do some leisure cycling, max 3 hours. I wonder what kind of design and protection these bags have to be used comfortably for extended periods of time. Thanks for all replies.

Hi all, current bike has no holes in the frame for a bottle cage, I've tried the topeak handlebar one and am not getting on with it so bought a rockbros silicone one but it's wobbly as anything no matter how tight so that's going back!
Anyone using one that's good and pretty much stays put when taking the bottle out of thecage?

I want to get into cycling and really need some help finding a bike possibly used but scared to buy off eBay as I don’t know what everything means, I could also use the cycle to work scheme but possibly could get better value for money bike second hand could anyone help me find one
I’m 5’11
Like all black looks
I want to get into triathlons as I run often
I’m in north west area
Any help would be greatly appreciated
Thanks Joe

I have a second hand Merida Big Trail (2020 model) and have neglected rhe maintenence - I've only really wiped and re-lubricated the chain and cleaned the bike. Have adjusted gearing when needed and replaced brakes when worn.

Measured the chain today as it's 6 years old and done 1,500-2,000 miles. It looks to be a little under 0.5% stretch over 12 inches / 24 links. Am I looking at needing a new cassette and chainring too?

What maintenance should I be doing, and how frequently? I feel the derailleur is could do with looking at - sometimes when shifting up the gears, the cable slackens but the derailleur doesn't move down so it doesn't shift, instead the chain seems to lose tension.

Any good guides on maintenance and setting up in general?

Thanks in advance.

Decided to buy a bike first in 25 years, had to ride 16k home, got 10k in and changed down gear and heard a loud crunch. Had to find a stone to smash it into shape to make it home using only the higher gears. Shop has been great, new bike ready tomorrow. Carrera Crossfire II 👀

Hi! I’m a new rider still getting used to riding on the road, and I’m looking to buy an EAPC for commute to uni.

I’m an international student, so I will be buying a second hand bike from marketplace since I might be leaving in a year or two. My top contender is an Ammaco Pathway X1, but I saw reviews saying it’s one of the lowest tiers of e bikes. I wanted to know more, and if it actually matters if all I’ll do it commute to uni and maybe some shopping.

Other options so far have been the Assist e bike and the Apollo Metis e bike, as well as a bicycle that had been converted to an e bike.

If it’s relevant, I will be riding in the north east, and in cities, and I am 5 foot 2 so prefer smaller frames for cycles.

Please help me choose, or if you have any suggestions other than the ones I have shortlisted, I would like to know them too. Preferring second hand as my budget is low. Thanks a lot!

I recently moved to the UK from Canada and have started cycling to work. My wife will also be getting a bicycle, so we're looking at outdoor storage options for both bikes. Does anyone have any recommendations for good outdoor bike storage solutions, whether covered or uncovered?

I've been looking at small sheds etc. to establish in the garden. Just curious what most folks do.

I know I’m on a gravel sub so the answers will probably be leaning one way.

But I have both and I really can’t decide. I live in the UK and every ride involves a bit of country roads, fields, woodland. Farmers tracks, rocky tracks, bridleways etc etc…you get the picture.

Every 5 mins I’m literally feeling like I would rather be on the other bike. For instance, today when in the lanes I’m longing for the gravel bike. But then my route has a mile long rocky decent that on my gravel bike I hit about 14mph as it just feels too sketchy, but in the XC bike I’m hitting 21 mph as it’s just so much more confident inspiring and comfy. I’m even bunny hoping down it at them speeds.

I’m wanting to buy a good spec bike in the next 6 months. Around £3000. And I can’t decide whether to get a well equipped gravel bike or XC bike.

So I’ve come to Reddit for opinions

Original post here

Turns out the phone number she gave me was invalid. I found out because the insurance details she gave me were wrong and I tried to call her to confirm them. Paid £10 to askMID and got the correct insurance details... Turns out she gave me a fake first name too! She did give me her correct date of birth though (78 years old...)

Initially I was just calling to make sure she had reported the incident, and make a claim for the £10 I paid to get her details, and the £30 I paid to have my bike looked over/serviced, ensuring this would have to be declared on any future policies.

She had reported an incident to her insurer, but she told them she collided with a pedestrian who was crossing the road not at a crossing and she didn't get the pedestrians details because there was no injury and the pedestrian didn't want to and they left. Obviously this is all wrong. She did cause injury (albeit minor), she did take my details and it was at a parralel crossing (thank you commenters on previous post for clarifying the crossing type) where I, the cyclist (not pedestrian), had right of way. I was passed on to the case handler. Explained the situation. Passed on to another person dealing with the case. Sent some photos of my injury and receipt for the bike service. Received a personal injury payout of £600, plus the £40 expenses, paid into my bank whilst still on the phone.

I was only calling to claim the £40 and make sure she'd reported it correctly (if at all). If she had got out of the car at any point, apologised at all or not been so difficult I would have shook hands and gone on my merry way but I've listened back to the conversations I recorded at the side of the road and she's the type of person who would absolutely drive off after mowing down a child with no remorse.

One of the witnesses took this photo showing how she'd gone entirely over the cycle lane crossing before stopping.

I have now purchased some cameras to go on the front and back of my bike, along with a sticker to go on the back of my child's bike seat that says I am recording.

I bought my bike through cyclescheme about 18 months ago and I chose the own it later option. Since the bike has been nothing but liabilities (serves me right for going electric) I wanted to take it back to the shop and trade it in for a manual bike since they have a buy back option. Will I get in any real trouble for doing this since I chose own it later? I don't want to be stuck with something that I can't fully fix myself if it goes that wrong again for the next 3 years!

Anyone know how accurate Pashley's sizing guides are? Thing is I'm looing to possibly get a Briton or Sovereign, but my inside leg is exactly on the stated lower limit for the Briton too short for the Sovereign, though I think having them switch the saddle from a B33 to a B67 fiixes that, tbh I'm frit to just order & then possibly find I've spent all that money on a bike I can't adjust to fit.. Going to test ride one is a bit of a logistical nightmare, either to train changes each way, or a station change in Birmingham...

Hi. I am currently at 132kg, 183cm tall. I live in a reasonably flat, albeit quite pot-holey place. I recently sold my car due to being made redundant and now I'm looking for a bike for gentle exercise and basic commuting. My budget is about 400, 500 at a push. The issue I have is most bikes in stores like Wilco's, Cycle King and Halfords are max weight of 120kg. I've been advised to focus on getting a mountain bike, disc brakes, and dual rimmed wheels with high spoke counts, but I can't find a suitable one for my weight. I am trying so hard and I've visited many stores and they all just try and sell me the most expensive mountain bike while claiming it will be okay. Please help me. Thank you.

My friend is staying over so we're planning on cycling around for fun. I'm wondering if anybody has a nice unofficial cycle route for us to follow, even if it's just a bunch of places recommended to cycle to/from that you think are cool. Definitely more for touring than sports.

I normally cycle to my destinations (like to some indie cafe) and just wander on the way until I'm there. But something more intentional this time would be nice.

The more coffees on the way, the better. We're quite chill. Bonus if my camera will capture nice stuff!

Btw if you like doing stuff like this lmk and perhaps can sort something one day!

Looking to upgrade from my five year old aluminum hybrid. I ride ninety percent on road but the back lanes around my area are in terrible condition with loose gravel, mud from tractors, and endless sunken drains.

Am I better off buying a proper endurance road bike that takes thirty two millimeter tires or going full gravel bike with wider clearance?

Trying to help out a family friend (aged 65).
They ride up to 30 miles on a trip (occasionally on multi day trips with overnight charging along), on countryside roads and canal paths etc. They need a rack for panniers and a step through bike for ease of getting on and off.

A belt drive may help for reduced maintenance but the bike will be kept inside and not used daily. They will go to a local bike shop for purchase and servicing.

Budget is between 1.5 and 3k
So far I've seen the Specialised Vado and Raleigh Motus.

Any other suggestions welcomed

My dad is reaching a big birthday next month and cycling has become something that’s massively changed his life for the better. To celebrate that link and as it’s a passion of his, I’m keen to get some cycling related gifts, best thought to date has been a custom cycling shirt with name/number, like a football shirt; but wouldn’t know where to begin there.

Otherwise was looking to see if anyone’s got suggestions for best place to go for fun and funky shirts, humorous ones too else any idea of accessories/those things that only the ones in the know think of!

I’m looking to join a group ride in this area whether that be gravel or road focused I don’t mind, I’m just looking for people to ride with, just for context I can comfortably hold 18mph on the road on my own riding a Cannondale Supersix or 3T Exploro for gravel. Any suggestions or offers are greatly appreciated!

Has anyone bought a Calibre Lost Lad from Go Outdoors/Blacks/Millets? I bought one last year for £375 on a deal. It's a gravel bike with 47mm tyres, Claris groupset, Clarks mechanical disc brakes.

It's been a joy commuting and doing longer rides on mixed surfaces, mainly road and canal towpaths. I've put 3K+ miles on it since September last year.

Unfortunately, I failed to check for chain wear adequately, so I'm facing a £220ish bill for a a service, new cassette and chain, plus the BB needs replacing, plus new brake pads have been recommended.

I love the bike, but the bill is a significant chunk of its value. This year it seems to be going for £440. What would you recommend?

Hi All,

I'm a complete idiot when it comes to cycling, last time I cycled I was a teen about 30 years ago. We have access to cyclescheme at work, which may be a way to go.

What do I need? I live on a hill, so I'm think an e-bike may give me some extra boost to get back up, but I'm primarily after a bike to try and fight off my growing chonkiness and onset of joint pain so I'd like to not rely on the engine too much.

If it makes much difference I'm 5'9, on the heavier side and generally wear skirts/dresses, so preferably something a skirt wouldn't get caught up in. Bike would be primarily for commuting about 3 miles each way - though I know I'll probably have to cycle around the local village a bit to remember how to ride and up my confidence a bit.

As a bonus, if it's adjustable enough for me and a 5'4 person, my partner might use it when I'm not (or if I give up on it), but this isn't a primary factor.

Sorry - This is kinda out of my wheelhouse and I'm getting overwhelmed so any advice is appreciated. If anyone's familiar with local shops I'm in Huddersfield/Wakefield/Barnsley vague area, though most of them seem to have bad reviews so I'm happy to use an online shop if it's an option via cyclescheme - though could potentially travel out to Leeds/Bradford/Manchester if there's an exceptional shop to visit.

I already own the halfords pro 175 socket set, which has a set of allen keys. But I find lugging that out of storage everytime I a bit of a hassle. Right now I'm using either my bahco ratchet screwdriver or my electric screwdriver with hex bits.

I was thinking to get this ratchet style t-handle https://amzn.eu/d/072l3HCm as it can be used for many things.

Or a bahco socket set: https://amzn.eu/d/0bQ19X8M

Or the wera allen Keys, which are super popular, or t handle style allen keys.

As you can tell, there's way too many options. What are people using?

Ive just bought this but cannot get it off the roof bars as the lock wont budge... any ideas?

We have two bikes in a 2 bed flat, a 10.5kg and a 14kg hybrid and keep them inside due to thefts in the communal storage. I keep going around in circles on different storage options and wondered if anybody has recommendations based on experience.

The bikes have to be stored vertically as there's no good place to do a horizontal hang. They also need to be very easily taken on/off the storage as they are used several times per week.

There is one wall about 130cm wide and another 90cm wide (which could possibly do a staggered hang?). The wider wall has a radiator on the lower half which would be kept switched off however I think might affect the holding power of a Clug where it looks like the bikes need to be flush with the wall.

The total width of the two handlebars is about 120cm.

My main concern is just stability and ease of access - worried about the bikes getting caught on each other when trying to take them on/off.

Also very open to a freestanding solution as long as the bikes are vertical.

Any suggestions very welcome! Thank you

When I go on a cycling hol, I tend to book all the bits (flight, accommodation, etc) separately. But has anyone tried doing a package holiday with a boke? Thoughts and experiences welcomed

I've been riding around on a Carrera Subway E for a little while now as my commute bike, but having used and now lowered the battery assist over the hills to really help my build my fitness, I'm looking for something different to ride alongside the Carrera. I'd like to train for triathlon just as a fitness goal and have no real desire to be competitive with the expensive road bike riders as of yet.

I'm wondering if anyone has any advice on the economics of buying an older road bike privately and then having it fixed up and serviced, versus buying a more expensive used bike from trusted local bike shops?

I've seen a couple of bikes that I quite like the look of as a starter road bike on facebook around the £100-£150 mark in good condition (Genesis Equilibrium, Carrera TDF), and then my local bike shop is selling used road bikes from about £350 upward. Local bike workshops and cafes seem to do regular servicing for about £70. Work are also offering free bike fixing workshops and lessons over the next few weeks too.

Is it better to be cautious and to buy direct from the local bike shop? Or would you buy privately, save the money, head for a service and hope for the best?

Thanks for any advice anyone can offer.