****** Cyclists

quote:

Originally posted by Svetty:

quote:

Originally posted by GFFJ:
I have a new to me [1970s] Peugeot road bike [racing model] to sit beside my Carlton. I almost feel unpatriotic, but it is nice! The Carlton is finer by the margin that marks out a 552 from a 72!

Altogether a different animal!

Best wishes from George

I understand the principle George, but to be fair the comparison should be between a NAC 12 and a NAC 32.

Good as the Carlton may be there are finer machines out there so the comparison with the very best(aka the 552) is going a bit far

You got me banged to rights, Guvenor! I used hyperbole, and you caught me at it!

Best wishes from George

quote:

Originally posted by GFFJ:

quote:

Originally posted by Svetty:

quote:

Originally posted by GFFJ:
I have a new to me [1970s] Peugeot road bike [racing model] to sit beside my Carlton. I almost feel unpatriotic, but it is nice! The Carlton is finer by the margin that marks out a 552 from a 72!

Altogether a different animal!

Best wishes from George

I understand the principle George, but to be fair the comparison should be between a NAC 12 and a NAC 32.

Good as the Carlton may be there are finer machines out there so the comparison with the very best(aka the 552) is going a bit far

You got me banged to rights, Guvenor! I used hyperbole, and you caught me at it!

Best wishes from George

George, In the absence of Naim's 2010 retro chrome bumper range, how about the two-wheeled equivalent, such as this Bianchi Pista Via Brera...



I'm not sure whether the unicrown fork harms the aesthetics, but I'm liking the flat bar, steel toe clips, and leather straps. It's only a 48:16 ratio, so no biggie - just be careful going round sharp corners if you don't like the sound of pedal on road.

You know you want one - I'll even get you a matching cap!

- just be careful going round sharp corners if you don't like the sound of pedal on road.


This is rather easy to manage on the Carlton as well.

Very clean look to the Bianchi. I like it! Probably the price might be a bit rich for just now, but I bet it is nice!

ATB from George

It's less than you might think, and as you say, a very clean look - though I just noticed that the one in the picture has fripperies such as brakes (front and back).

Of course, I'd have mine without brakes and just rely on the fixed wheel to stop (when I felt like it). Only that'd be illegal, wouldn't it?

****** cyclists!

quote:

Originally posted by lutyens:

What I don't get is

They ignore the rules because it is convenient and efficient to keep rolling, rather than stop and start. The consequences are viewed as small in the minds of the cyclists. And they mostly are.

What is the problem with stopping at traffic lights or pedestrian crossings?

james

I agree with you. I didn't say it was right, I was just offering an insight into why cyclists might not obey road rules.

Here in Vancouver, we have numerous 4-way stops at intersections. I have observed two things:

1) Car drivers NEVER stop unless they have to yield. I mean NEVER. None of them. I have NEVER seen a car come to complete stop at a 4-way stop unless they have to.

2) Cyclists are "expected" to push through. To give way or (horror) come to a stop on a bike at these things throws the car drivers into total confusion. They appear very reluctant to proceed in front of a bike, even if it is their go. I think this reflects on the usual behaviour of cyclist who routinely take this de-facto "right-of-way". Catch-22.

I saw a bike courier in town the other day with a sticker that said: "Everything bad I do on my bike, I learned from cars".

Bianchi? Naaah. Now, THIS is what I call a proper bike...

PS: Made in Yorkshire from girders and grit.

Chaps

I was thinking of buying this for Spain.

http://www.pashley.co.uk/products/guvnor-3-speed.html

Its a bit old fashioned but the quality is good and it will go on for ever. Also I like hub gears.

Regards

Mick

quote:

What is the problem with stopping at traffic lights or pedestrian crossings?

Are you serious??

Stopping at lights and pedestrian crossings is a big enough problem in my car. But on my bike??

I certainly slow down in the approach however I do not always stop.

Pedestrian crossing lights at red where there is no-one crossing the road - I do not stop.

Traffic lights at red with pedestrian green men with no pedestrians crossing in my route - I do not stop.

This is my philosophy when cycling to and from work in central London.

It keeps me out of the way of cars/ taxis/ buses/ lorries when they are at their most dangerous - moving away from a junction, where they can suddenly turn across the cyclist. This danger has been acknowledged by the road authorities and is evidenced by the removal of pedestrian railings from several junctions - several cyclists in London have been crushed against these barriers.

Please be assured however, that I an extremely vigilant on the road - if pedestrians approach a zebra crossing/ pedestrian crossing with dedicated lights/ traffic light junction I slow and stop if they MAY be about to cross the road. Only when I know they aren't going to cross or if the lights change will I resume my journey.

When the traffic lights are red and the red men are displayed - I always stop. No exceptions.

I believe there is room for some degree of flexibility, just not when pedestrians are at possible risk. Folks riding on footpaths I cannot comprehend - seriously dangerous thing to do i.m.o.

Peterrrrrrrrrrrrr

Peterrrrrr - absolute sense. Exactly my approach and the approach of most right-minded cyclists. I am shocked at the manners of some cyclists and the risks they take. I almost always 'creep' across red lights when I know it is safe and when I'm sure no-one else is going to be threatened, upset or think bad of me. These conditions are rarely met at junctions, and I hardly ever cross at red at junctions now (I used to...).

When I'm stressed and in a hurry I make a point of obeying ALL red lights.
Ian

quote:

Originally posted by northpole:

It keeps me out of the way of cars/ taxis/ buses/ lorries when they are at their most dangerous - moving away from a junction, where they can suddenly turn across the cyclist.

This is a valid point. Cyclists are very vulnerable when just starting off from a stop at an intersection. When we do this in proximity to cars, there is definitely a hazard created. The establishment of "bike boxes" painted on the roads at the front of the queue is acknowedgment of this. It lets the cyclists get moving and balanced before they get monstered by impatient drivers, and lets them get clear of turning drivers who may not have seen them alongside.

I am not a saint when it comes to strict adherence to red lights and stop signs (better than most, though). But on my bike I present no threat to a car, and I give all pedestrians both right of way and a wide berth.

Peter
I am serious and you seem to do it often too (stop I mean!). I, like you would never allow my self to not be seen at a junction where a vehicle left turn is possible. Yes drivers are, as a rule presumptive and dangerous. I assume that they are not looking and can't see and that way I try to stay alive too. I don't ever ever sneek up the inside of vehicles at junctions ( or the road very often either ), and as has been said by others I too ride 'assertively'. I take the road when I think I need it not when a driver thinks I might need it. But I am serious, I always stop at traffic lights and wait, pedestrians crossing or not. I accept I may get up into my saddle and get in front of the waiting vehicles just before the green light changes and I know this pisses them off but my safety is more important than their comfort ( or ego) but I always stop and wait at lights.

My anger/frustration was really not at cyclists who are looking and listening ( lets not start on the ipod wearing wallies!) just at the ones who raced through very red lights and nearly me knocked off/ caused me to have to react to their incompetence as a cyclist.

Anyway I have now taken off my grumpy old bugger badge as this happened a few days ago and I have calmed down. It will happen again I know but thank-you for your measured responses.

Winky, if I'm ever in Vancouver I will look forward to asking your advice about the best bits to cycle through and Peter if you see a lone cyclist in a flourecent top waiting on the north side of waterloo bridge while everyone is jumping the lights and/or knocking the pedestrians down, that will be me.

Now lets get back to the pictures of bicyles

atb
james

(dn1 I've put the badge in the post.)

YAY! Is it just me, or does this look a bit like, er...

What no brakes?

It's a bit of a "go-er"...

quote:

Originally posted by BigH47:
What no brakes?

Cyclists don't stop. Why have brakes?



Cheers
Steve