http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: Significant difference in frame strength: gents vs ladies? en Sun, 31 May 2026 10:02:48 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1404&page=2#post-14662 Wed, 13 Oct 2010 23:57:55 +0000 ian 14662@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>Silly salesbod.</em></p> <p>Yep just a tad.</p> <p>Anyway Sean - I've gone &amp; joined the club sort of, and purchased a 2nd hand Gazelle dutch bike...with a low crossbar...yes okay a ladies frame lol</p> <p>Chuffed to mintballs with it too.</p> <p>Crossbars? Pah! So last season ;&gt;D </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1404&page=2#post-13774 Thu, 30 Sep 2010 18:48:45 +0000 kaputnik 13774@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>salesbod suggested it wasn't the most practical bike for riding to work on</em></p> <p>take it he made that comment before he found out where you worked, how far you want to go, from where, how many hills there are, what you want to wear when cycling? It could be the most practical bike in the world for one person and the least practical for the next.</p> <p>Silly salesbod.</p> <p>Anyway, 50% of the time, bike to work = BSO to sit in the shed 364 days a year and 50% of the time bike to work = most road bang that can be got for one's buck </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1404&page=2#post-13773 Thu, 30 Sep 2010 18:35:19 +0000 ian 13773@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>More annoyingly, not having bike rack, basket, chainguard etc, suggests that the bike is just about 'style' not practicality, which is typical of so much marketing....</p> <p>Obviously, they can all be added. it just raises question of who they are selling to.</em></p> <p>When testing a Pashley Roadster at EBC, mentioning the bike to work scheme, the salesbod suggested it wasn't the most practical bike for riding to work on. Y'know the Roadster - the one with the full guards, rack, all weather drivetrain &amp; dynamo lights ;&gt;D </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1404&page=2#post-13735 Thu, 30 Sep 2010 09:41:13 +0000 SRD 13735@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I don't wear skirts all the time, but don't like the idea of a bike that limits my wardrobe! </p> <p>More annoyingly, not having bike rack, basket, chainguard etc, suggests that the bike is just about 'style' not practicality, which is typical of so much marketing....</p> <p>Obviously, they can all be added. it just raises question of who they are selling to. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1404&page=2#post-13733 Thu, 30 Sep 2010 09:38:00 +0000 kaputnik 13733@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>gotcha. I get the impression from their website that the marketing department had people riding boardwalks in swimwear in mind.</p> <p>When I went to pick up my singlespeed bike they had fitted a guard to it like that. I nearly died. I had to tell the man in EBC to take it off or the bike wasn't leaving the shop. There's a time and a place for chain guards - on a track bike-styled frame isn't one of them! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1404&page=2#post-13732 Thu, 30 Sep 2010 09:35:09 +0000 SRD 13732@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Sorry. Should've been more specific. it has what I would call a 'minimal' chainguard, which is not as 'full' a one as the 'amsterdam', much less the pashley-style with thing that protects skirts from catching in rear brakes - usually the cause of rips in my skirts!</p> <p>those with more expertise can confirm, but I guess the 'full' sort of guard only comes on non-derailleur type chains? and i guess one can always add a skirt protector. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1404&page=2#post-13731 Thu, 30 Sep 2010 09:30:21 +0000 kaputnik 13731@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><img src="http://www.sagecycles.com/mm5/graphics/00000001/BK01TN0760.jpg"></p> <p><strong>@SRD</strong>, that image suggests one is available for it - perhaps they've just built it up without one in the shop or it can be ordered with one? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1404&page=2#post-13729 Thu, 30 Sep 2010 08:43:12 +0000 SRD 13729@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>Is it a Dawes Duchess? </em></p> <p>Nope. Electra Townie. very nice looking and looks comfy too, would definitely give it a test ride, but the lack of chain guard most off-putting. the 3 speed is 'Electra Amsterdam'. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1404&page=2#post-13728 Thu, 30 Sep 2010 00:45:12 +0000 ian 13728@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Hi Sean,</p> <p>Wendy had the same problem with the gears after about 60 miles or so. I readjusted the cable a couple of times &amp; fingers crossed it seems okay.</p> <p>Hers is the Brittania which for some daft reason comes without the frame lock. We got a Trelock framelock from Decathlon - the same type that comes on the Batavus Old Dutch - and a cable that plugs into it to loop around whatever she locks it to.</p> <p>The two diamond frame Pashleys come with longer saddles - when testing the bigger wheeled Roadster I couldn't get on with the oversprung saddle fitted to it one bit.</p> <p>I've just sold a roadbike &amp; fancy a dutch-style bike, but maybe a 28" wheeled type with a bigger frame being 5'10". Wend has the smallest frame size &amp; I dwarf it. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1404&page=2#post-13726 Wed, 29 Sep 2010 22:25:36 +0000 LaidBack 13726@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>the 7 speed is pretty minimalist</em></p> <p>Is it a Dawes Duchess? My daughter rates it and she had gone off cycling. Has chaingaurd, metal mudguards, kickstand and basket with strut supports. Basic 7 speed derailleur but good enough to get up most hills.</p> <p>...and Tektro V-brakes </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1404&page=2#post-13724 Wed, 29 Sep 2010 21:30:24 +0000 SRD 13724@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>well, the two ladies urban bikes that bikechain is selling look nice and comfy. I suppose by some standards they are cheap, but not _that_ cheap.</p> <p>The 3speed has a decent chain guard, the 7 speed is pretty minimalist but neither has anything to keep skirts out of spokes/brakes, which I always find more of a problem than chain. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1404&page=2#post-13722 Wed, 29 Sep 2010 21:19:42 +0000 gembo 13722@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>SRD - they are cheap chinese copies and available for very few pounds. Would a pashley get stolen? True it doesn't have anti-theft drop handlebars but it is not exactly a mountain bike and therefore sellable out the back of The Gunner in Muirhouse (a pub with no windows). Or on gumtree. Might get taken without the owner's consent then dumped? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1404&page=2#post-13717 Wed, 29 Sep 2010 19:53:53 +0000 SRD 13717@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>sounds v. nice. </p> <p>what i don't get are the bikes styled to look kind of like the pashleys etc, but with no skirt protector. i suppose this doesn't affect you (unless you're an alter ego of maninaskirt), but just makes me wonder who designs/tests them. </p> <p>saw a nice green vaguely dutch-style bike parked in george square today, tried to remember the brand so I could look it up, but have forgotten it. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1404&page=2#post-13716 Wed, 29 Sep 2010 19:45:01 +0000 seanspotatobusiness 13716@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Hey ian,</p> <p>I have bought the Pashley Princess (it was a tough decision - I like them both, but in the end, the convenience of the looped-frame won). I've been riding it to work and back (between Gilmerton and Roslin) which includes various inclines. For most uphill stretches, second gear is enough, although there is a hill in Roslin for which I'm very thankful for the first gear!</p> <p>When I got it, the gears weren't properly adjusted and I had to take it back. It still isn't quite right, but it's easy enough to adjust myself. Also, I'm not sure, but I think I recall that the Roadster had a much more comfortable saddle. You could try both at the Edinburgh Bicycle Co-op, if you request to try them.</p> <p>All-in-all, I love it :) Remember to get a decent lock, though. Kryptonite or Onguard are supposed to be good. It's not smart to "save" £30-40 on a lock and let the bike get stolen. I've got a Kryptonite fahgedaboutit, which may be a bit over the top and weighs about 5kg, but if it ensures that the bike remains forever mine, it's worth it, IMO :) They also do lighter styles in the same category. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1404&page=2#post-13624 Mon, 27 Sep 2010 23:10:02 +0000 ian 13624@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>gosh. this thread should be entered in our 'deviation from theme' competition.</em></p> <p>And some. I've just watched the Slade clip &amp; Dave Hills hair cut. Way off the original post but enjoyable nonetheless lol </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1404&page=2#post-13622 Mon, 27 Sep 2010 21:26:35 +0000 Greenroofer 13622@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Mrs Greenroofer has recently procured a Dutch-bike-alike from Giant, their <a href="http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-GB/bikes/model/expression.w/7889/45557/">Expression N7 W</a>. The frame is made of tubes the size of sewer pipes, so it must get some rigidity from that. It's a slightly girly colour, but it's not pink.</p> <p>It's got roller brakes and a Nexus hub and isn't ludicrously heavy. It's definitely suitable for pootling about on, and seems OK to ride up Edinburgh hills. She's happy with it, anyway. I've tried it, but the saddle's too low and the handlebars too high for me to say anything intelligent about what it would be like to ride if it was the right size for me. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1404&page=2#post-13618 Mon, 27 Sep 2010 20:50:54 +0000 SRD 13618@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>gosh. this thread should be entered in our 'deviation from theme' competition. </p> <p>On ladies bikes/european style bikes - on perusing the bike chain's website I saw they have two nice ladies urban bikes, which claim to be light, but good looking. </p> <p>On kid's bikes, what's the smallest size bike that has gears? my 3 year old has been doing 1-2 mile rides, and is desperate to ride to nursery (about 4miles). the problem is the uphills....(and the downhills, actually, on Hawes Brae down into South Queensferry, she ploughed into a (well=padded) lady getting out of a car....need to do some work on the handbrakes.... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1404&page=2#post-13617 Mon, 27 Sep 2010 20:37:19 +0000 ian 13617@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Sean, have you taken the plunge yet?</p> <p>I find this thread interesting as I've been pondering a dutch bike, and likewise ain't too fussed about a crossbar.</p> <p>My Wife has a Pashley btw and thinks its the bee's knee's. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1404&page=2#post-13449 Tue, 21 Sep 2010 22:40:15 +0000 kaputnik 13449@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>I don't remember Fred saying anything about bikes</em></p> <p>He never got round to inventing a 10 ton, steam-powered, iron-framed bike... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1404&page=2#post-13448 Tue, 21 Sep 2010 22:19:48 +0000 wee folding bike 13448@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I don't remember Fred saying anything about bikes and that's a bit odd, you would think their Victorian/Edwardian technology would be right up his street.</p> <p>Mrs Queen wouldn't let him wear his cap when he went to her house but he did get to park a steam engine in Horse Guards.</p> <p>I particularly liked his approach to visual aids. One time I remember him holding a popup book towards the camera to demonstrate something. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1404&page=2#post-13446 Tue, 21 Sep 2010 22:10:22 +0000 kaputnik 13446@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>AS a young whippersnapper, I missed this momentous event and had to wait for the passing of the late and great Fred Dibnah to share in such a mutual outpouring of public grief </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1404#post-13444 Tue, 21 Sep 2010 20:49:19 +0000 wee folding bike 13444@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I was 11 and in Saltcoats at my mum's parents house. It's not the sort of thing you forget.</p> <p>My boys were 4 or 5 before I told them that he was dead.</p> <p>It was only last weekend when I was listening to Slade and emptying the dishwasher it clicked what Noddy meant when he said:</p> <p>"And passed the Hound Dog singer's home"</p> <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0NpJ7mcfPo" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0NpJ7mcfPo</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1404#post-13440 Tue, 21 Sep 2010 19:54:01 +0000 chdot 13440@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>For younger viewers -</p> <p><a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/witness/august/16/newsid_3135000/3135363.stm" rel="nofollow">http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/witness/august/16/newsid_3135000/3135363.stm</a></p> <p>"I was eight and on holiday with my family at the time. My sister and I had been to get the morning paper and I didn't know why she was crying." </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1404#post-13439 Tue, 21 Sep 2010 19:43:28 +0000 gembo 13439@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I used to go to Millport every year for hols, we were probably sitting in the cafe at teh same time. I found out the king was dead there on August 16th 1977, I'd been sent for the Sunday Mail and the rolls so I was the first in the family to know </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1404#post-13370 Mon, 20 Sep 2010 17:52:50 +0000 wee folding bike 13370@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>We go back on Jan 5th I think because of the days moved to Easter.</p> <p>I haven't got anything out of a Millport trick shop since 1979. Number 2 sone might want a fish supper or I'll take a Trangia and cook on the beach but it depends on the weather.</p> <p>I have hired tandems from the joke shops but I don't think we need to do that. If the weather gets bad we will leave it till spring. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1404#post-13358 Mon, 20 Sep 2010 10:28:36 +0000 gembo 13358@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Also schools not breaking up til 23rd Dec. I predict some early baths for some s3 boys. Not back til 10th Jan? Enjoy Millport - you getting any talcum powder cigarettes from the joke shop? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1404#post-13355 Sun, 19 Sep 2010 21:09:27 +0000 wee folding bike 13355@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Kettler balance bike £40 on Amazon:</p> <p><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kettler-Speedy-12-5-Inch-Balance-Bike/dp/B002UXQM34/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=toys&amp;qid=1284926591&amp;sr=8-1" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kettler-Speedy-12-5-Inch-Balance-Bike/dp/B002UXQM34/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=toys&amp;qid=1284926591&amp;sr=8-1</a></p> <p>Yes, long weekend next week. You went back later in August. Next summer we start insanely early because of when the last Friday in June is. Have you looked at what happens in April? Easter is in the second half of the month so I don't think the schools have a whole week from the end of March till mid May.</p> <p>I'd like to sneak a bike trip to Millport in before the winter so it's probably going to be next weekend or never. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1404#post-13354 Sun, 19 Sep 2010 20:58:51 +0000 gembo 13354@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>yeah that's the brand - kettler, I saw a family in the new town, thought the thing looked good, checked out the price £120 [at the time I wasn't dividing the total by 3. £30-£40 must have switched production to china. glasgow schools on tomorrow? Edinburgh Holiday (you get it next monday???) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1404#post-13352 Sun, 19 Sep 2010 20:42:23 +0000 wee folding bike 13352@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I'm glad it wasn't my imagination that balance bikes were hugely spendy. They're down to £30-40 now and that's from decent makers like Kettler.</p> <p>I take off their pedals and go to the top of a small hill but the purpose built balance bikes seem to work better.</p> <p>He had chicken pox about 5 years ago and then his wee brother got it the following week. That was a fun summer. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1404#post-13348 Sun, 19 Sep 2010 20:11:11 +0000 gembo 13348@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>those balance bikes were indeed hundreds of pounds, I also thought they were for people with one child only giving them enough e time, energy and money to go around the new town with little Hector. But I see the other side now that I am trying to be more reasonable.</p> <p>There is an apollo single speed hanging from a hook in the garage. it has one stakeliser (gembo family pet name). Sturdy frame.</p> <p>No calipo from the van, is the wean going down with the chickenpox? </p>