http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Tag: retail - Recent Posts en Wed, 13 May 2026 02:07:57 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4716&page=2#post-320680 Sun, 12 Jan 2020 16:20:20 +0000 gembo 320680@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Ok will bring hipflask </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4716&page=2#post-320679 Sun, 12 Jan 2020 15:56:28 +0000 Greenroofer 320679@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Only non alcoholic. The food looks good though: Sustrans are using the RBS caterers, who usually lay on a good spread. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4716#post-320678 Sun, 12 Jan 2020 15:55:56 +0000 Greenroofer 320678@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Only non alcoholic. The food looks good though: Sustrans are using the RBS caterers, who usually lay on a good shad </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4716#post-320675 Sun, 12 Jan 2020 14:51:37 +0000 gembo 320675@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@greenroofer, any drink? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4716#post-320672 Sun, 12 Jan 2020 14:36:51 +0000 Greenroofer 320672@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@gembo I look forward to seeing you.You'll have to sit through a presentation from me that features pictures of bicycles. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4716#post-320642 Sat, 11 Jan 2020 23:00:51 +0000 jdanielp 320642@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@Iain McR thanks.</p> <p>@crowriver indeed!</p> <p>@gembo I have also been invited but have not booked yet... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4716#post-320634 Sat, 11 Jan 2020 19:57:10 +0000 gembo 320634@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@greenroofer, nice jersey. Sustrans really hassling me to go see you at RBS in a couple of weeks. 6.30pm I have booked my tix </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4716#post-320633 Sat, 11 Jan 2020 19:53:47 +0000 Greenroofer 320633@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I like Decathlon. Their stuff is good value: cheap or expensive you get what you pay for and then some. I love the merino jersey I got for £50, and am devastated to find they are completely sold out (so presumably I'm not the only person who recognises a good deal when they see one).<br /> <a href="https://road.cc/content/review/268101-triban-long-sleeved-merino-wool-bike-touring-jersey" rel="nofollow">https://road.cc/content/review/268101-triban-long-sleeved-merino-wool-bike-touring-jersey</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4716#post-320624 Sat, 11 Jan 2020 17:50:50 +0000 gembo 320624@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Gatorskins sometimes cheaper in decathlon too, not always </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4716#post-320618 Sat, 11 Jan 2020 17:08:56 +0000 crowriver 320618@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>That's a cheery tale to warm the cockles on a breezy blustery day. </p> <p>Decathlon just went up in my estimation too - along with human race overall (well the cycling bits of it anyway). </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4716#post-320543 Fri, 10 Jan 2020 12:54:05 +0000 dessert rat 320543@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@jdanielp - that may win the award for the oldest resurrected thread.</p> <p>I guess there may be others, but unless its a genuine continuation of a thread they don't count. Please have 5 internet points. </p> <p>Good on Decathlon. I was there at the weekend, good baselayers. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4716#post-320540 Fri, 10 Jan 2020 12:31:31 +0000 jdanielp 320540@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Shortly after joining the canal towpath on my commute home last night, an abrupt clanking noise from the bike made me aware that something was very wrong. I stopped under Gogar Station Road Bridge to investigate and found a large nail embedded in the Marathon Plus to the rear. There was too much nail protruding to continue cycling (the clanking noise must have been the nail scraping against the mudguard) so I wrestled it out (which took some effort) and was unsurprised to find that the tube immediately deflated. The last time this had happened was near the Bridge 8 Hub on the way into work back in Autumn 2018 - on that occasion I could continue cycling since little of the nail was protruding and when I did remove it at work, the tube somehow stayed inflated. I replaced the tyre shortly after that.</p> <p>I considered my options: pushing the bike back to work and then either attempting to fix it there or locking up and catching a bus back into town, or continuing onwards, possibly via a tram or a taxi. I consulted the WhatsApp group and was reminded that there is the outdoor store Decathlon at Hermiston Gait, which I had never been in, so decided to push the bike there and see if they could help or at least find some light and warmth in which I could attempt to fix it myself...</p> <p>When I arrived at Decathlon and explained my situation, the store assistant radioed for a member of the bike team to come and see me. I was told that unfortunately the bike mechanic was on a break but that I could start trying to fix the issue myself, which I did. I managed to remove the back wheel quite easily but proceeded to have more difficultly unseating the Marathon Plus. The security guard watched with pity for a while and then came over to offer some advice and practical help and had the tyre off in no time! The mechanic appeared to see how I was getting on, despite being on their break, and invited me to use the workshop in the meantime.</p> <p>I soon had the punctured tube out, my spare tube in and the tyre back on (with some more advice/help from the security guard!) and inflated it, only for it to deflate almost immediately - either a bad tube or, more likely, that it was twisted/pinched when I was rushing to put the tyre back on given that there hadn't been any debris remaining inside the tyre. At this point the mechanic returned and had the tyre back off, a new tube in, the tyre back on and inflated successfully in no time, and then proceeded to put the wheel back on my bike, attach the hub gear changer and, for good measure, adjust the rear brake caliper which was apparently rubbing a bit (I hadn't noticed).</p> <p>I was extremely appreciative of the help, asked how much it would be but was told that there was no charge! I tried to protest, but failed...</p> <p>I'm afraid that I had previously considered Decathlon to offer a similar level of support as Halfords in terms of bikes (despite never having visited) although following the knowledgeable and friendly help from both the security guard and the actual bike staff, the brand has risen considerably in my expectations and I now feel reassured that if this happens again, help is at hand. I am also painfully aware that my own skills with Marathon Plus tyres are severly lacking - I have had them off and on in the comfort of my home but did poorly when tested! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15509&page=2#post-200430 Wed, 30 Sep 2015 15:14:47 +0000 Arellcat 200430@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>Which would be marketing(?)</p> <p>Unless this is easier/cheaper to make for this sort of bike, not sure there's any real advantage over metal.</em></p> <p>Marketing for the high-end consumer, yes.</p> <p>In mass production terms you'd probably create an aluminium monocoque in a complex hydroforming mould. Less quick would be seam welding together two hydroformed halves. Both would end up heavier than carbon for the same level of performance. Carbon and glass allow complete control over fibre orientation, weave and layup thickness and have no grain to worry about, so you can optimise for weight, strength and stiffness and not worry about corrosion (except galvanic, with certain metal parts). But carbon is labour intensive and energy intensive, and the raw materials (remember there's epoxy and mould release to consider too) have a terrible 'carbon footprint' compared with using recycled aluminium or wood.</p> <p>A utility bike is basically a heavier built road bike, in carbon terms. It won't dent, though it can be a bit splintery if the epoxy is squeezed out a fraction too much during production. It's also very repairable because you just glue it back together and add a few more layers of matting. But while you could take a steel frame to a framebuilder, it's not so straightforward to repair carbon, or at least repair it <em>well</em>. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15509&page=2#post-200427 Wed, 30 Sep 2015 14:29:15 +0000 chdot 200427@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Part of this is about whether one bike can do 'everything' - or not -</p> <p><a href="https://cyclefridays.wordpress.com/n1" rel="nofollow">https://cyclefridays.wordpress.com/n1</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15509&page=2#post-200426 Wed, 30 Sep 2015 14:27:29 +0000 cc 200426@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I'm the happy owner of the gigantic pastoorfiets and I love it to bits.<br /> Frankly I wouldn't know fashion if it hit me in the face; I'm always different from other folks and, if it's relevant, rarely very well dressed.<br /> Why I love my big Dutch bike:<br /> <ul><li>I love riding upright, and the pastoorfiets was the most upright bike I could find.</li><li>I love the funny-looking frame.</li><li>The all-steel frame flexes and smooths out bumps for me.</li><li>It's so relaxing to ride. I get far less stressed than I used to on my old nippy aluminium bike.</li><li>I don't <em>want</em> to keep up with the traffic. I'll go at my own pace, thanks. Less stress and anxiety for me. And anyway I try to avoid routes where I'd feel the need to keep up with the traffic.</li><li>Me and my bike are so big together that I feel very visible, which makes me feel a lot safer. And since I don't dart about the road on it, I reckon my motion is more predictable for other road users.</li><li>Riding something unusual also makes me feel more noticed, which again makes me feel safer. There's not so much chance of nobody noticing me and the pastoorfiets coming along the road.</li><li>(Perhaps the silliest, dreamiest reason.) I had a kind of cargo cult idea that maybe riding such a take-your-time relaxing bike would, just by its visible presence in the city, do its bit to help to encourage the less frantic, more universal 8-to-88 sort of cycling, and the infrastructure and road changes which are needed for that.</li><li>I love it.</li><br /> </ul><br /> It's light enough for me to carry it up &amp; down the stairs every day btw.</p> <p>(And by the way I'd recommend Laid Back Bikes too; endlessly patient and helpful with my oddest questions from first to last.) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15509&page=2#post-200425 Wed, 30 Sep 2015 14:15:01 +0000 chdot 200425@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"carbon fibre because it's good for making shapes"</p> <p>Which would be marketing(?)</p> <p>Unless this is easier/cheaper to make <em>for this sort of bike</em>, not sure there's any real advantage over metal. </p> <p>Would certainly be good if 'a lot lighter' than many Dutch/transport bikes. </p> <p>Presume gearbox is far from cheap. </p> <p>As always, number of gears is seldom the issue. It's about whether bottom gear is low enough to get user up steepest hill they frequently encounter. </p> <p>Obviously for a conventional 3 speed this would definitely be at the expense of a high top gear. But that may well be fine for a lot of users - and potential users. </p> <p>Another good feature of MB's latest is the fully enclosed chain. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15509&page=2#post-200420 Wed, 30 Sep 2015 13:46:26 +0000 Arellcat 200420@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Less Dutch, more Norfolk, is Mike Burrows' latest idea for a town bike. A true monocoque frame (of course), cantilever axles (of course), carbon fibre because it's good for making shapes, and! – the Pinion 9 speed gearbox. Photos courtesy of Bikefix in That London:</p> <p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.683972945042192&amp;type=3&amp;l=7183b72b2a" rel="nofollow">https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.683972945042192&amp;type=3&amp;l=7183b72b2a</a></p> <p>Though for sheer might, it's hard to beat that gigantic Pastoorfiets bike that Laid Back sold. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15509&page=2#post-200415 Wed, 30 Sep 2015 13:06:40 +0000 steveo 200415@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Isn't every one on "dutch" bikes just as much fashion as anything else, especially if they're not really appropriate for the conditions? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15509&page=2#post-200413 Wed, 30 Sep 2015 13:01:00 +0000 crowriver 200413@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>On fashion, an anecdote.</p> <p>Recently picked up a second hand Kona Paddy Wagon single speed/fixed gear bike. Seller had commuted on it for a few years. I sought a replacement for my home-built road bike single speed which I'm going to convert back to a geared bike.</p> <p>The reason the owner was selling the Kona? Bought an adventure road bike for commuting and 'fun'.</p> <p>I don't mind being behind the curve if I get a good deal on a decent bike... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15509&page=2#post-200411 Wed, 30 Sep 2015 12:55:55 +0000 crowriver 200411@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Adventure Road Bikes, to be precise, are a 'new' category separate to Cyclocross bikes at least according to the Evans web site:</p> <p>"Introducing the Cannondale Synapse Rival Adventure Disc 2015 Road Bike, a UK exclusive to Evans Cycles. Utilising the award winning Synapse frame, it provides an upright position for greater riding comfort, combined with silky smooth SAVE PLUS technology gives first-time road riders, commuters and fitness-lovers a versatile blend of comfort, speed and value. Advanced alloy construction creates a lightweight, responsive frame with the crisp handling youd expect from a Cannondale. SRAM hydraulic disc brakes provide incredible stopping power in all conditions, and the custom colour matched full length guards not only compliment the bike, but make sure stay dry from surface water and spray."</p> <p>Sounds a bit like a cross/fitness hybrid/tourer/road bike with mudguards to me.<br /> A snip at 1200 quid (was 1600 quid). </p> <p>Market segmentation continues.<br /> Which category do you fit into?</p> <p><a href="http://www.evanscycles.com/categories/bikes" rel="nofollow">http://www.evanscycles.com/categories/bikes</a></p> <p>(Ranked according to polarity, presumably). </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15509&page=2#post-200409 Wed, 30 Sep 2015 12:46:47 +0000 Min 200409@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I love my cross bike. I love being able to ride anywhere on it. And I have adventure raced it too, they are perfect for that.</p> <p><em>So upright, great traffic-viewing ability, good too for spacial awareness.</em></p> <p>Yes, in all respects apart from speed (or drivers perception of speed) they are perfect for town cycling. Probably why they are popular in countries/town with a real cycling culture.. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15509&page=2#post-200408 Wed, 30 Sep 2015 12:43:26 +0000 PS 200408@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Crossbikes' big selling point (for the general consumer) is their versatility. You can offroad, on road, light tour, commute, etc on one. I've only ever really used mine for offroad trails, but there's something comforting about knowing that, at a push, I could use it for other stuff. </p> <p>We should not forget peer pressure/what will other people think of my bike issue that is particularly prevalent in boys/young men. Years ago, I chose a BMX for my first proper bike because that's what my mates had, rather than a racer which would have much better suited the types of trips I did (mainly riding to friends' houses, but there were hills involved). Racers weren't cool then. Not round our way anyway. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15509&page=2#post-200407 Wed, 30 Sep 2015 12:40:12 +0000 Baldcyclist 200407@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Isn't the term 'cross' bike so last year? I thought they were 'gravel', or 'adventure' bikes now? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15509#post-200405 Wed, 30 Sep 2015 12:30:17 +0000 crowriver 200405@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"None of that really explains those people who do cycle, and cycle a lot, and 'choose' a 'non-transport' bike though. "</p> <p>Well I would argue it does. You are describing a member of the minority "cycling enthusiasts" who "cycle a lot", i.e.. not just on a Sunday, for 'sport', etc. Most of the bike industry's marketing targets enthusiasts (N+1, anyone?).</p> <p>There's a reason why you're riding a 'cross' bike rather than a 'tourer' as transport. Despite the fact they are functionally very similar (drop bars, wide gear ratios, steel frame, 700c wheels, good frame clearance, robust braking, etc.).</p> <p>I know that you do in fact ride cyclocross events, so it makes sense for you to own a cross bike. That does not explain their popularity in the market however. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15509#post-200403 Wed, 30 Sep 2015 12:22:27 +0000 crowriver 200403@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>The so-called Dutch bike is just an updated version of the classic English roadster eg. Raleigh, Sunbeam, Phillips, Dunlop. Pashley still make these and you see a lot of them in Oxford and Cambridge. Occasionally spotted in Edinburgh too, but a bit heavy for the Edinburgh hills.</p> <p>If you have the right braze-ons on the frame it's often possible to retro-fit a frame lock. Can be incredibly inexpensive, as <a href="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BICYCLE-FRAME-LOCK-DUTCH-MODEL-BICYCLE-BIKE-CYCLE-CLASSIC-RETRO-BLACK-2-KEYS-/111661683454">here</a>. Often possible even without the right braze-ons. Some models have a cable lock attachment for threading through the front wheel, saddle, etc. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15509#post-200395 Wed, 30 Sep 2015 12:05:38 +0000 gkgk 200395@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I borrowed flatmate's EBC straight bar, step-through, basket-on-front £279 ladies' town bike for a go. Handlebars 3 inches higher than seat. It was great! So upright, great traffic-viewing ability, good too for spacial awareness. The gearing was light so it actually felt quite quick, up to a speed (15mph or so) .The better awareness of surroundings made me feel safer and I went slower, so could go closer to parked cars. It was pretty good. If my converted mtb were stolen, I'd consider such a steed, for sure. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15509#post-200390 Wed, 30 Sep 2015 11:56:47 +0000 UtrechtCyclist 200390@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Agree with Morningsider, I love my Dutch bike but I don't think you could really call it practical for getting around Edinburgh. It has seven gears, which is almost unheard of for a Dutch bike, but even in bottom gear the mound is a struggle (for a youngish guy of above average fitness). </p> <p>For me the real innovation that you see on almost every Dutch bike and don't see in Edinburgh bike shops is the rear wheel lock attached to the frame. They are incredibly practical for situations like locking up your bike outside a cafe where you can see it, locking the bike takes about one and a half seconds when you have these. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15509#post-200389 Wed, 30 Sep 2015 11:55:26 +0000 fimm 200389@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I rode to work on my TT bike a few times when I was training for a particular thing and needed to spend as much time as I could on it. </p> <p>Sport? Transport? Both? (I would argue both).</p> <p>(I'm not suggesting that a TT bike is a suitable transport bike!!!) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15509#post-200385 Wed, 30 Sep 2015 11:42:05 +0000 Morningsider 200385@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>There isn't a single cycling culture or one type of "correct" transport bike. I would argue that an Edinburgh "transport bike" should not look like a Dutch one. It would be lighter, with a wider gear range to cope with hills and the need to mix with faster moving traffic. In effect a hybrid - which does seem to be the commuter bike of choice in the city. These come in many shapes and sizes - as do cyclists.</p> <p>It's also worth remembering that the Dutch and Danes love their cars just as much as Scots (1). It's just that public policy has made urban cycling easier and urban driving more awkward/expensive in these countries. Scots aren't uniquely lazy/stupid/pig headed.</p> <p>(1) <a href="http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/File:Number_of_passenger_cars_per_inhabitant_by_NUTS_2_region,_2010.PNG" rel="nofollow">http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/File:Number_of_passenger_cars_per_inhabitant_by_NUTS_2_region,_2010.PNG</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15509#post-200380 Wed, 30 Sep 2015 11:26:18 +0000 Min 200380@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>I think 'trasnport' bikes of that kind are a consequence of cycling culture, rather than a creator of it</em></p> <p>I agree. When I feel safe riding at a sedate pace, I will be happy to ride a Dutch bike. I expect that if that ever happens here, by then I will be so old I will need a faster type of bike just to be able to ride at Dutch bike speed. </p>