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[[Category:Articles]] | |||
[[Image:rockhopper.jpg|right|thumb|320px|A Bicycle]] | |||
==Buying a bike== | ==Buying a bike== | ||
This is a mish mash of comments from the redbrick boards on bicycles. Contributors include Gavin, Gliceas, Sandman | This is a mish mash of comments from the redbrick boards on bicycles. Contributors include Gavin, Gliceas, Sandman | ||
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Are they the best place in town to get a bike ? | Are they the best place in town to get a bike ? | ||
People tend to recommend cycleways on Parnell St when buying bicycles in town. They have a website, decent prices and are well located. Other places are cyclogical on the quays, Joe Dalys in Dundrum, and a bunch in Ranelagh, Rathmines, Georges St etc. Other might add more here. | People tend to recommend cycleways on Parnell St when buying bicycles in town. They have a website, decent prices and are well located. Other places are cyclogical on the quays, Joe Dalys in Dundrum, and a bunch in Ranelagh, Rathmines, Georges St etc. Duff Cycles [http://www.duffcycles.com/] in the Omni Park Shopping Center have always been pleasant, a few members have bought bikes there. Other might add more here. | ||
Online shops are www. | Online shops are http://www.chainreactioncycles.com and http://www.evanscycles.com/ | ||
When buying bicycles, there are three main types, road bikes, mountain bikes and hybrids. Roadbikes or 'Racers' are what ya see in the Tour de France. They go fast. You won't be reading this if you are looking to buy a roadbike. | When buying bicycles, there are three main types, road bikes, mountain bikes and hybrids. Roadbikes or 'Racers' are what ya see in the Tour de France. They go fast. You won't be reading this if you are looking to buy a roadbike. | ||
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destroyed with oil :) Be prepared to tuck your trousers into your socks. | destroyed with oil :) Be prepared to tuck your trousers into your socks. | ||
===Insurance=== | |||
Most people put the bike on their house insurance. The house cover should go up to bikes worth 500euro, beyond that you might need to add the bike to the policy and pay more. | |||
If you are renting, apparantly a crowd called http://www.123.ie will insure the house contents and your bicycle. | |||
CyclingIreland provide bicycle insurance through http://cyclesure.ie/ which covers theft, accidents and more. | |||
==Accessories== | ==Accessories== | ||
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Bells are useful to have and in fact are a legal requirement. They can be slightly dangerous though. You shouldn't rely on a person getting out of the way when you ring your bell, they tend to ignore em. Always be ready to brake when going through an area with lots of pedestrians, don't worry so much about making sure they know they have inspired your ire by ringing your bell furiously. | Bells are useful to have and in fact are a legal requirement. They can be slightly dangerous though. You shouldn't rely on a person getting out of the way when you ring your bell, they tend to ignore em. Always be ready to brake when going through an area with lots of pedestrians, don't worry so much about making sure they know they have inspired your ire by ringing your bell furiously. | ||
=== | An alternative to a bell is an air horn. These could be of more use than a bell as they are so loud. To be used only in an emergency though. | ||
===Lights & Reflectors=== | |||
There are several requirements under law concerning lights & reflectors. | |||
Legal requirements are: | |||
* You are required at all times to have a rear reflector | |||
* From "''half an hour after sunset and ending half an hour before sunrise on the following morning''" you must have a front and rear lamp. Flashing lights are actually not legal. http://www.citizensinformation.ie/categories/travel-and-recreation/vehicle-standards/lighting_of_bicycles_in_ireland | |||
Broadly speaking, there are two types of bicycle lights. Those that allow you to see and those that allow you to be seen. For commuting through the city center, ones that allow you to be seen are usually enough. These are typically LED lights, running off AA or AAA batteries, usually with a flashing option. The other type of lights are for use on dark roads with no street lighting. These type of lights can be extremely expensive, come with their own powerpack. They are usually halogen, but increasingly more powerful LEDS are also being used. | |||
The best approach is to have a set of lights on the bike which are non-flashing. Then, on your person/bag, put smaller flashing lights. These can help if you come off your bike at night. Non-flashing lights make it easier for drivers to gauge your speed/distance. | |||
The best low range rear bicycle light is the Planet Bike Super Flash. http://ecom1.planetbike.com/3034.html | |||
There are a range of decent front lights. The one I recommend for serious visibility on a budget is a Fenix L2D. http://fenix-store.com/product_info.php?products_id=195 This is actually a handheld torch, but with twofish lockblocks https://www.fenix-store.com/product_info.php?cPath=25_66&products_id=273 can be attached to a bicycle. This torch allows you to see on pitch black roads and be seen going through the city center. Get rechargable AA batteries, at least 2700mah. | |||
There are alternative ones, as bright, available at dealextreme. Anything that uses a Cree LED is going to be bright. | |||
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.7938 I haven't used these, so don't know how good they are. Substantially cheaper than the Fenix though. | |||
For flashing lights, I found these lights bought them off ebay. It's a LED Band. It's not one of the green reflective strips with 4 dim red leds in it. They are quite bright, glowing reasonably well for the whole length of the band. | |||
[[Image:Twinkle_amber_on.JPG]] | |||
A number of people seem to make them, Nite-Ize, Polybrite and a korean crowd do knocks off called Twinkler. | |||
I bought the Twinkler version off ebay from here | |||
http://stores.ebay.com/CycleJerseys-UK | |||
The delivery price ain't fantastic, but at least it's quick. I bought an Amber one and a white one. The picture on the website is misleading for the white one though, it's actually multicoloured, Red, Green, Blue lights. Looks a bit odd, but highly visible. | |||
I put the amber one on my ankle, it's easily spotted when cycling along. The other one goes on my arm. I found an american place on ebay selling the Nite-Ize ones a bit cheaper | |||
http://stores.ebay.com/Lights-and-Holsters-Plus | |||
Get a reflective, Hi-Vis jacket. If you're around DCU, head into Heitons up in Santry, a builders store with cheaper jackets. | |||
===In the rain=== | ===In the rain=== | ||
Get a light rain-jacket, and waterproof trousers. | Get a light rain-jacket, and waterproof trousers. | ||
Waterproof boots help too. | Waterproof boots help too. | ||
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===Helmets=== | ===Helmets=== | ||
There is substantial debate as to the merits of helmets for cycling. I won't get into it particularly much. Whilst they may not safe your life, they can make certain falls less painful. All the stores mentioned at the top will stock em. Any helmet they sell will adhere to the safety regulations, the most important thing is to buy one that is comfortable on your noggin. | |||
===Pump and spare tubes=== | |||
You will get a puncture at some point. With a bit of practice, fixing a puncture can be done fairly quickly. You will need bicycle levers (these are much more useful than forks or spoons) a spare tube and a pump. Rather than take the tube from the bike, fix it with a puncture repair kit, wait for the glue to dry and put it back in, the smarter bet is to just have a spare tube you can swap in. You can repair the burst one at home. This guy has a detailed description on how to handle punctures | |||
http://sheldonbrown.com/flats.html | |||
An advantage of thinner tyres is that you can pump them up to a very high pressure, which reduces the likelihood of a puncture. There are also tyres with puncture prevention, these have kevlar lining on the side. Any decent bicycle shop will have them. | |||
===Keeping your bicycle=== | ===Keeping your bicycle=== | ||
[[Image:locked_bike.jpg|right|thumb|320px|A locked bicycle. Chain around mainframe, Ulock, with both wheels, going through rear triangle onto immovable object. Saddle removed.]] | |||
When Gavin replied to Kevin's post about getting a good bike lock he has helped | When Gavin replied to Kevin's post about getting a good bike lock he has helped | ||
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If you get a large chain & padlock, leave em at your target location.. I.e I leave mine locked to the bike rack in DCU, it's too heavy to be carrying it on my bike everyday. I have the ulock for quick tops. Also, never leave the padlock resting on the ground, you are leaving it open to getting whacked with a hammer. Wrap the chain good and tight about the frame and the 'immovable object'. | If you get a large chain & padlock, leave em at your target location.. I.e I leave mine locked to the bike rack in DCU, it's too heavy to be carrying it on my bike everyday. I have the ulock for quick tops. Also, never leave the padlock resting on the ground, you are leaving it open to getting whacked with a hammer. Wrap the chain good and tight about the frame and the 'immovable object'. | ||
There are standards for locks, one of which is the SoldSecure label. | |||
http://www.soldsecure.com/Leisure.htm | |||
There is a very good youtube video showing that in fact the SoldSecure ratings are not as accurate as they claim to be. | |||
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VC3hFr8p2ck The second lock shown is the one mentioned above, that I bought from the Great Outdoors. | |||
Apparently the more expensive Kryptonite locks can be bought on ebay, and are better value than from cycling shops. | |||
That's around about it. In conclusion, get a Granit chain and a Ulock & don't ever lock your bicyle in the city center if you love it. | That's around about it. In conclusion, get a Granit chain and a Ulock & don't ever lock your bicyle in the city center if you love it. | ||
==Good cycle practices== | ==Good cycle practices== | ||
[[Image:wheelie.jpg|right|thumb|320px|A Wheelie, performed by a daredevil cyclist with nothing to lose]] | |||
People might put in comments about cycling through town, what to do and what not to do. There are a number of books about cycling through urban locations, a google will find em. | People might put in comments about cycling through town, what to do and what not to do. There are a number of books about cycling through urban locations, a google will find em. | ||
===Road Positioning=== | ===Road Positioning=== | ||
When cycling through town, or for that fact anywhere, there are occasions when it is safest to move into the center of the lane. This is particularly the case when there is not enough room for a car to safely overtake you. By cycling in the middle of the lane, the car will not attempt it. If you are over | Cyclists are not required to cycle near the kerb. This is a myth, perpetuated by society in general in order to keep motorised traffic moving as quickly as possible. | ||
The rules of the road state "keep to the left", but this rule applies to motorised traffic as well; it means that all vehicles must stay as close to the left of the road '''as is safe to do so'''. Cycling to the left of the lane '''can''' be safe if the lane is wide enough to accommodate you and passing vehicles with sufficient space in between. However, in most cases, lanes are only designed to be for one vehicle. | |||
Kerb <- 1m -> Cyclist <- 1.5m -> Motor Vehicle | |||
When cycling through town, or for that fact anywhere, there are occasions when it is safest to move into the center of the lane. This is particularly the case when there is not enough room for a car to safely overtake you. By cycling in the middle of the lane, the car will not attempt it. If you are over beside kerb, they might. | |||
Similarly if cycling along a line of parked cars, do not stay in close, give them the mandatory door length space between you and them. | Similarly if cycling along a line of parked cars, do not stay in close, give them the mandatory door length space between you and them. | ||
If approaching a left turn, it might be best to enter into the main lane of traffic. This way cars turning left will not squash you as they turn. Indicate of course that you are moving into the main lane of traffic. I find that drivers invariably allow you in, if you indicate, as they are nervous of making you go spat. Also, moving into the main lane makes it easier for oncoming cars turning to their right to see you and also for cars emerging from the left turn ahead to see you. (this is also why a front light at night is important, so as oncoming turning cars can see you) | If approaching a left turn, it might be best to enter into the main lane of traffic. This way cars turning left will not squash you as they turn. Indicate of course that you are moving into the main lane of traffic. I find that drivers invariably allow you in, if you indicate, as they are nervous of making you go spat. Also, moving into the main lane makes it easier for oncoming cars turning to their right to see you and also for cars emerging from the left turn ahead to see you. (this is also why a front light at night is important, so as oncoming turning cars can see you) | ||
Trucks and HGVs are the primary killer of cyclists. The classic situation seems to be where a cyclist goes up the inside of a truck turning left. The driver can't see the cyclist and the cyclist is crushed. This site, http://www.movingtargetzine.com/forum/discussion/598/hgv-blind-spots-from-nozzer/, has an excellent description of blind spots and how to cycle around/near trucks. | |||
Never trust motorists not to kill you. It is your responsibility to be assertive in order to keep them at bay. | |||
===Cycle Lanes=== | ===Cycle Lanes=== | ||
You are no longer legally required to use any form of cycle lane or cycle infrastructure. Thus, it is up to you whether to use them or not, depending on your skill or experience. In many cases, it is safer to ignore them. | |||
http://www.geocities. | |||
A mandatory cycle lane (solid white border) means that motorised traffic cannot drive or park in the lane. It does not mean that cyclists must use it. | |||
There are a number of laws relating to the use of cycle lanes and cycling on the road in general. Theses are nicely presented at | |||
http://www.geocities.ws/cyclopath2001/legal.htm | |||
===Braking=== | ===Braking=== | ||
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Various Gurus differ on traffic lights. At a dangerous junction, where it is difficult for a cyclist to get in the correct lane, it can sometimes be safer to move out while the light is red so as to get ahead of the waiting cars. | Various Gurus differ on traffic lights. At a dangerous junction, where it is difficult for a cyclist to get in the correct lane, it can sometimes be safer to move out while the light is red so as to get ahead of the waiting cars. | ||
In general I obey all junction traffic lights, but tend to go through pedestrian lights. This is illegal of course, you are required to obey all lights. | In general I obey all junction traffic lights, but tend to go through pedestrian lights. This is illegal of course, you are required to obey all lights. A number of traffic light junctions (in Dublin anyway) now have cyclist zones in front of the traffic that lets you be in front of where cars are (supposed to) stop, these let you legally be ahead of the traffic. | ||
===Wheelies=== | |||
Wheelies are extremely cool and must be performed in front of lots of people for the best effect. To achieve wheelie perfection, one must practise on a green area. Concrete areas can result in broken arses. To capture your wheelie fame for all to behold, ensure that you have a friend along with some sort of camera shooting skills. Perform wheelie, record result and bask in adulation. This may in fact not be a good cycle practise. | |||
==Routes== | |||
Getting to and from DCU from various locations can be easier and safer by going via certain routes. A map showing routes and times around Dublin in general is available at http://273k.net/cycling/googlemaps_times.html created by and copyright of Robert Fitzsimons. | |||
Another good link is http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/ | |||
Its very handy for route planning and figuring out your distances in advance. Yahoo Maps now has updated maps of dublin, and it's route planner can do a similar service. | |||
If you're into leisure or training in dublin, this guy has a great collection of routes in and around Dublin on his [[http://www.routeslip.com/user/dickobrien RouteSlip page]]. There is also the more general page at [[http://www.routeslip.com/discover/Ireland/Dublin RouteSlip Dublin]] | |||
===DCU into the City Center (O'Connell Street)=== | |||
*Leave via the Ballymun Road entrance, and go down the Ballymun Road. | |||
*At the junction of Griffith Avenue and Ballymun road, go straight on. If the traffic is stopped at this point, move into the righthand lane, out of the cycle lane, otherwise when the lights change you will get stuck on the inside of car or buses turning left. | |||
*Go straight on, down Mobhi Hill, and move back into the cycle lane, keep an eye on the left behind you, cars don't turn to the left sometimes and can surprise you. | |||
*Go past HomeFarm road and down to the bottom of Mobhi Hill. At the bottom turn left onto Botanic Ave. | |||
*Go all the way up Botanic road to the junction with upper Drumcondra road, staying in the middle in most places, as there is not enough room for cars to overtake, if there are oncoming cars. | |||
*Get to the top of the queue, if the traffic lights are red. If you saw the lights turn red, then cross the road onto the path at Fagans and press for the pedestrian crossing. Cross the road when the green man arrives. This way you can get ahead of all the cars | |||
*When on Drumcondra road, go to the left onto a slip road at the public toilets, this leads you onto a shared cycle path/footpath facility. Go to the end of this path, right up to the junction and back onto the main road. | |||
* Stay in the bus lane and zoom along this road, making sure to move out occasionally when the road turns to the left, to ensure you don't get squashed. | |||
*Turn left onto Parnell Square, go straight on and you are on O' Connell St. | |||
*Stop somewhere for icecream after securely locking your bicycle. | |||
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=459587 | |||
===Dundrum to DCU=== | |||
For getting from Dundrum to DCU my route is | For getting from Dundrum to DCU my route is | ||
Dundrum -> Clonskeagh -> Ranelagh -> Canal -> Camden St -> Georges St -> Dame St -> Westmoreland St -> O Connell St -> Parnell St -> Nt Gt Neorges St -> MountJoy Square -> Belvedere Rd -> Dorset St -> Drumcondra -> Collins Avenue -> DCU | Dundrum -> Clonskeagh -> Ranelagh -> Canal -> Camden St -> Georges St -> Dame St -> Westmoreland St -> O Connell St -> Parnell St -> Nt Gt Neorges St -> MountJoy Square -> Belvedere Rd -> Dorset St -> Drumcondra -> Collins Avenue -> DCU | ||
From Dundrum to Dame St and from Drumcondra to DCU there are reasonable cycle lanes. | |||
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=459481 | |||
===City Center to BlackRock/Dun Laoghaire=== | |||
Head out through Pearse St. & Grand Canal Dock, Over the canal and follow road round to the right. Take the left before "the big red pub" onto Pembroke st. out onto the beach road and straight along the strand road to merrion gates (Road crosses the dart line). From Merrion gates, theres a cycle lane until booterstown station, and then enter the park on the left... theres about a mile and a half of cycle lanes in the park away from the traffic. Exit the park in the SE corner and take the back path behind Blackrock station and then follow the road up into the town center. From there its a pretty much straight run down the coast road (by Seapoint, Salthill & Monkstown) to Dun Laoghaire. | |||
===Rathfarnham to City Centre=== | |||
This way avoids alot of traffic lights and also alot of the heavy traffic on the canal. Sorry for the lack of roadnames, I'll update as I get to know more of them. From Rathfarnham, cycle past the river and up into Terenure. In Terenure take the right hand turn to go towards Rathgar (this is officially a No Right Turn but I've never had any trouble doing it). At Rathgar, take the road to the right of the Church. Keep cycling straight until you reach the first set of traffic lights and take the slip road to the left. Cycle on this road until you reach the shops. About halfway along the shops, there's a right hand turn. Go down this road and at the end of this road there should be a Church. Go around the Church and straight on until you reach the traffic lights. At the lights turn left onto Palmerston Road and keep straight until you reach the next lights. At these lights, turn right and this will bring you into Ranelagh. In Ranelagh, turn left at the traffic lights and head out of Ranelagh. Shortly after Ranelagh there's a right turn onto Northbrook Road, go down this road and this will take you onto Dartmouth Square. Go around this and this will bring you onto Leeson St Upper. Cycle down Lesson St and into the City Centre. | |||
==Links== | |||
===College Club=== | |||
http://cycling.redbrick.dcu.ie | |||
The following set of links have been blatantly stolen from the [http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=410 Cycling] forum on http://www.boards.ie | |||
===Shops=== | |||
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com - Northern Ireland, free delivery , decent enough. | |||
http://ontrackdublin.com/ - Fixed gear and track specialists, Cook St. | |||
http://www.evanscycles.com - UK | |||
http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie - Ireland | |||
http://www.cycleways.com - Ireland | |||
===News & General=== | |||
http://www.irishcycling.com -Irish news | |||
http://www.cyclingnews.com - World News | |||
===Bike Reviews=== | |||
http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/ - all your MTB products & bikes reviewed | |||
===D.I.Y Repair & Maintenance Tips=== | |||
http://www.parktool.com/repair_help/FAQindex.shtml | |||
http://www.utahmountainbiking.com/fix/ | |||
http://www.sheldonbrown.com - Plenty of good advice on this site. Ignore the dodgy design and scary photos. | |||
===Groups & Activists=== | |||
http://www.MTBIreland.com - MTB Ireland, forums here as well. | |||
http://www.dublincycling.org | |||
http://home.connect.ie/dcc/ - Dublin Cycling Campaign | |||
http://www.madmtb.com - Mountain Biking Association of Dublin, based in Rathfarnham | |||