Have 3 of these – been on 2 others ….
Month: November 2013
How close do cars get? and does wearing hi viz clothing make a difference?
If you feel like some drivers will pass too close no matter that you wear and that you’re being given less space on the road than you used to, a new study says you’re right, and indicates very strongly that you’re not safer if you wear high-vis in the daytime.
Researchers from the University of Bath and Brunel University found that no matter what clothing a cyclist wears, around 1-2% of drivers will pass dangerously close when overtaking. They also found that compared to Transport Research Laboratory findings in 1979, drivers today on average pass 61cm (2ft) closer to cyclists – 118cm compared to 179cm.
The researchers conclude that there is little a rider can do, by altering their outfit or donning a high-visibility jacket, to prevent the most dangerous overtakes from happening. Instead, they suggest, if we want to make cyclists safer, it is our roads, or driver behaviour, that need to change.
The research was conducted by Dr Ian Garrard from Brunel University and the project led by Dr Ian Walker from Bath University. Ian Walker is famous as the sometime wig-wearer who discovered in 2006 that cyclists are afforded more space by drivers if they appear to be female or are not wearing a helmet.
In this study, the two Dr Ians were trying to find out if drivers gave cyclists more room depending how skilled and experienced they looked. They expected that drivers would give more space to a rider who seemed inexperienced and less space to a rider who looked highly skilled.
The range of outfits worn during the research
Dr Garrard used an ultrasonic distance sensor to record how close each vehicle passed during his daily commute in Berkshire and outer London. Each day, he chose one of seven outfits at random, ranging from tight lycra racing cyclist clothes (signalling high experience) to a hi-viz vest with “novice cyclist” printed on the back (signalling low experience).
He sometimes also wore a vest that said he was video-recording his journey, or a vest modelled on a police jacket but with “POLITE” printed on the back. He rode the same bike, in the same way, every day and over several months collected data from 5690 passing vehicles.
The vest that mentioned video recording persuaded drivers to pass a little wider on average, tallying with anecdotes from helmet-cam users that drivers behave better when they know they are being recorded. However, there was no difference between the outfits in the most dangerous overtakes, where motorists passed within 50 cm of the rider. Whatever was worn, around 1-2% of motorists overtook within this extremely close zone.
Dr Ian Walker said: “Many people have theories to say that cyclists can make themselves safer if they wear this or that. Our study suggests that, no matter what you wear, it will do nothing to prevent a small minority of people from getting dangerously close when they overtake you.
“This means the solution to stopping cyclists being hurt by overtaking vehicles has to lie outside the cyclist. We can’t make cycling safer by telling cyclists what they should wear. Rather, we should be creating safer spaces for cycling – perhaps by building high-quality separate cycle paths, by encouraging gentler roads with less stop-start traffic, or by making drivers more aware of how it feels to cycle on our roads and the consequences of impatient overtaking.”
The researchers point out that while they found that wearing high-visibility clothing made no difference to the space left by overtaking drivers, they did not try to find out if it made cyclists more visible at junctions or at night.
However, they note that there is surprisingly little evidence that high-visibility clothing for cyclists and motorcyclists offers any safety benefits in daytime. This would further support the idea that there is no easy fix for riders’ safety from asking them to wear bright clothing.
The reduction in average passing distance between 1979 and today “could be a result of greater traffic volumes since the 1970s,” say the researchers, “or reduced levels of bicycling which mean that the average motorist is less likely to have experience of bicycling themselves, and so is less understanding of a bicyclist’s needs.”
It occurs to us that it could also be linked to the increased width of modern cars. A 1979 Ford Escort Mk II was 1570mm wide (5ft 2in) while the modern equivalent Ford Focus is 1823mm wide (5ft 11 1/2in). However, Ian Walker points out that there was no difference in passing distance between wide four-wheel drive vehicles and standard cars in his 2007 study.
The paper – The influence of a bicycle commuter’s appearance on drivers’ overtaking proximities: An on-road test of bicyclist stereotypes, high-visibility clothing and safety aids in the United Kingdom – will be published in the journal Accident Analysis and Prevention.
Genesis Croix de Fer tweaked for 2014
been thinking of this bike more – this from their own blog so none of my words …..
Our boundary-blurring and irrepressible Croix de Fer might look a little niche on paper to many, but, in reality, it’s our best-selling model by a country mile. It tentatively falls under the ‘cross’ section, but, truth be told, we really could’ve picked from an abundance of similarly suitable tags. A large part of the models’ success is undoubtedly down to its incredible versatility. Perhaps ‘Jack-of-all-trades’ might’ve been more apt.
The ‘Croix certainly slots nicely into the ‘one bike’ mantra for many of you, sitting directly in the no-man’s land between road and dirt (and everything in between), and that’s exactly how we intended it to be – designed from a ‘see it, ride it’ perspective. A bike for exploring with!
With this in mind, we didn’t want to go changing things too drastically for 2014 – refinements and improvements as opposed to change for change’s sake whilst clinging onto the £1149.99srp…
Probably the biggest and most obvious improvement is the move to an inboard-mounted disc caliper. Many of you had expressed the faff of fitting a rear rack and mudguard to the previous design, having to space out the stays to clear the disc caliper. With the new design they’ll bolt straight on saving you having to rummage the parts bin to fabricate a suitable longer bolt and spacer combo. It also means that the rack no longer has to be a disc-specific model (with built-in clearance for the caliper).
We know a lot of you use the ‘Croix predominantly on tarmac so perhaps found the dedicated CX knobbies a little OTT for daily duties. On the other hand we didn’t want to completely abandon its off-the-beaten-path capabilities. Step forward the excellent compromise that is Continental’s semi-slick Cyclocross Speed 35c tyres. The lower profile diamond file centre tread will hopefully give a faster rolling performance on tarmac and hard-pack surfaces whilst the side knobbles should mean enough grip and traction for any off-road jaunts.
We’ve upped the gear range via a 12-30T cassette out back. Combined with the compact 50/34T Tiagra chainset up front it should give enough low-range spread for fully-laiden touring adventures into the unknown.
Hayes excellent CX Expert (formerly CX5) mechanical disc brakes take up the stopping duties. They give a nice a nice positive braking feel thanks to the stiff, forged one-piece caliper and include an integrated barrel adjuster for cable adjustments. We’ve offset the slight weight gain in the caliper body with their L-Series lightweight drilled rotor, so the overall is comparable to last years’ Avid BB7 setup. If you want to get really pedantic then I guess you could argue we’ve dropped rotational weight also.
The new M:Part Elite sealead cartridge bearing headset and upgraded Shimano Deore M525 6-Bolt hubs (vs. Shimano M475) should mean smoother steering and rolling for many a mile and drastically reduced service intervals.
So, there you have. Not massive changes by any stretch of the imagination but hopefully all small choice tweaks to improve the versatility, everyday use and overall ride characteristics of what is our best-selling model. If you think we’ve missed something out or you’d like to see certain features or kit integrated further down the line please let us know below – we’re all ears…
Cycling in the Cold – aka don’t wimp out in winter
My first really cold ride, at -6C, was in January last year doing the the Strathpuffer 24. but preparation made it easy with ice spike tyres …. and enough layers to make an onion scared.
This year i have been hitting the turbo which is not a great thing as there are only so many cardio fat burn whilst watching Breaking Bad sessions I can do
I couldn’t stand the thought of riding indoors again, especially for a two-hour ride. Some will call it justification, but I prefer to call it logic. Cycling outdoors in the fresh air and sun would be much better for my mental and physical well-being than riding an indoor trainer for two hours.
No, I didn’t have to ride outdoors; it was a well-thought-out choice, a preference. After doing that first really cold ride, I now know that I can do it and I much prefer being outside than inside.
IS IT SAFE?
I don’t think riding outside in sub-freezing temperatures is necessarily dangerous, but I do believe certain precautions are wise:
- If the roads are snow-packed or icy, try to choose a route that has low traffic volume.
- Relearn how to brake – a fistful of brake can see you hit the deck pretty hard
- Minimize long downhill sections to avoid getting cold from wind chill.
- A mountain bike, with its wide tires, is more stable than a road bike.
- Run lower tire pressure to increase traction and handling.
- Ride with a buddy so that if one of you has trouble, there is another person to lend a hand.
- Carry disposable chemical hand or toe warmers. They can be put in your shoes if your toes get cold, or can be used to warm your hands if you have to do a mechanical repair.
- Carry a cell phone.
- Have someone available to pick you up if you call for help.
HOW DO YOU DRESS FOR SUB-FREEZING CYCLING?
I’m sure you already know that some people show up in a jersey and knee warmers for the same ride that someone else will be wearing leg warmers, arm warmers, a vest and a base layer shirt. I’ll give you my personal preferences for cold-weather riding gear, but know that I get cold easily.
Recently, I did a ride where the temperature ranged from 10.9 degrees to about -2C degrees, not counting wind chill. I’ll take you through my outfit from head to toe.
Helmet
and ear muff thing
Merino inner layer
Rapha long sleeve Jersey
Rapha Gilet
Rain Jersey – more as emergency extra windproof layer
rapha 3/4 bibs
old arm warmers as lower leg warmers (leg warmers may be better)
Shimano shoes and neoprene covers
Gloves long fingered but not very thick
If the weather gets colder i sometimes wear my Nike running tights over the cycling bib and a thicker jersey over the long sleeve on instead of the Gilet. A neck warmer is handy too for the chin.
WHAT ARE YOUR TIPS FOR WINTER ADVENTURES?
did wiggo hold back on froome?
from road.cc
A new book claims that Sir Bradley Wiggins snubbed Team Sky colleague Chris Froome after winning last year’s Tour de France – by splitting his prize money with all his other team-mates, excluding the man who would this year succeed him to the yellow jersey.
In his book, Inside Team Sky, Sunday Times chief sports writer David Walsh says that Wiggins eventually paid Froome the money during the week of this year’s World Championships in Florence – 14 months after the race finished, and on the insistence of team principal, Sir Dave Brailsford.
Besides the €450,000 for winning the General Classification, Wiggins would also have earned money for stage placings, including €8,000 for each of the two time trials he won – and for days spent in the yellow jersey.
Froome finished runner-up to Wiggins in the race – which would have netted him €200,000 – but Tour de France tradition dictates that overall winner shares his prize money with all the riders who help him win.
Tensions ran high between Wiggins and Froome in the second half of the race after the latter appeared to attack his team leader on Stage 11 to La Toussuire-Les-Sybelles, slowing down to wait for him only on the orders of sports director, Sean Yates.
The incident sparked a row on Twitter between Wiggins’ wife Cath, and Froome’s now fiancée, Michelle Cound.
There was another exchange towards the end of the final mountain stage of the race that suggested all was not well in the Sky camp, with Froome gesticulating at the Tour’s winner-in-waiting.
Walsh’s book is already on sale through Amazon, including for Kindle devices and apps, and should hit bookstores this weekend.
He confirmed on Twitter that the episode regarding Wiggins, Froome and the payment of the bonus is included within the book.
Monday bike Style – chicago yellow
Raleigh Unveils SSCXWC 2013 Limited Edition Frameset – Reynolds Steel, Derailleur Compatible
nice frame
Raleigh has released its 2013 SSCXWC Limited Edition steel singlespeed-compatible frameset.
The zany, crazy excuse for a party and a few tattoos called the Single Speed Cyclocross World Championships (SSCXWC), founded by Portland’s Dani Dance, is getting ready for its annual return. This year, for the first time, it’s straying from the wrong coast and moving far east to the City of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia.
And just as with past events, Raleigh Bicycles has teamed up with the promoters to release a new, limited-edition SSCXWC frameset. We first saw this special edition in 2009 with the2010 white and brown Raleigh SSCXWC aluminum singlespeed-specific framesets, and then a year later with the svelte, singlespeed version of the carbon RXC frameset that also came in the team Hodola colors.
After aluminum and carbon SSCXWC frameset versions, Raleigh opted for a steel version this year, entirely appropriate for an…
View original post 314 more words
I took her up the Cobbler and other weekend stories
The Cobbler (Scottish Gaelic: Beinn Artair) is a mountain of 884 metres (2,900 ft) height located near the head of Loch Long in Scotland. Although only a Corbett, it is “one of the most impressive summits in the Southern Highlands”, and is also the most important site for rock climbing in the Southern Highlands. Many maps include the name Ben Arthur (an anglicisation of the Gaelic), but the name The Cobbler is more widely used
then the sun came out and it felt warm – stripped off two layers and with not a breath of wind the way was clear.
path only iced up quite close to the top
view to the west saw the clouds come in
balancing stone at the top
the view at the bottom was amazing 3pm and the sun low on the horizon
here is the route
Abandoned
Another bike needing love
Friday Bike Poster: my things
New cycling gear – for winter ish riding
Bought some new cycling gear – after a year of using and loving their shorts leave jersey and arm warmers the option was to get more rapha stuff. Long sleeve top and a gilet
And also not show a pair of 3/4 rapha bibs. My pal Brian said his were more comfortable than his Castelli and Lusso pairs so high praise from a man doing 400miles/week. Will try them quickly to see if they are the right size. (ie not Italian sizing where I am a Large) and them do a quick turbo session as roads are still icy outside.
Nice Sailing Video – best ever like innit …
so this one was the one to watch but this newer one makes everything about wind and water all the more brilliant …..
Winter Cycling: Favorite Fat Bike Accessories
i have Fat Bike Fenders on my 29er – even less flung with them on
Black November – Cyclist road Deaths shoot up
from road.cc
It might be Road Safety Week, but for cyclists it’s looking more like Black November. Six cyclists have died on London’s roads so far this month, and elsewhere in the country there have been fatalities in Sheffield, Nantwich, Bath, Bristol, and Middlesborough. Active travel organisation Sustrans has called for action to stop the deaths, and suggested measures that would reduce the risk to cyclists.
The spate of deaths so far this month comes after a bad second quarter of the year. The number of cyclist casualties rose by 12 per cent between April and June this year compared to the same period last year and 2012 was the eighth year in a row that the number of seriously injured cyclists increased.
Sustrans policy director Jason Torrance said: “Urgent action must be taken by Government in light of the recent spate of deaths, to stop cycle casualties on our roads and to close the widening gap between improving safety of motorists and worsening safety of cyclists.”
The last few days have seen calls for action from many quarters. A die-in demonstration and vigil is being held outside Transport for London HQ on November 29.
The Save Our Cyclists petition has garnered over 30,000 names in five days.
But what sort of action is needed? The most widespread call from cycling activists has been for segregated cycle lanes that separate cycling from motor vehicles.
A Sustrans spokesman said: “We see segregated cycle lanes as a vital part of the solution to making it safer for people of all ages and abilities to cycle, however not in isolation. Together with lower speeds for cars, traffic free routes away from main roads or paths shared with pedestrians segregated routes improve safety and people’s perception of safety.”
The particular measures Sustrans would like to see include:
- Creation and use of ‘quietways’- low traffic side streets as designated main cycle routes, as opposed to use of busy main roads
- Street infrastructure designed for humans as opposed to cars
- Greater adoption of 20mph zones as default
- Better HGV driver training to deal with cyclists, possible ban at peak times
- Adopt continental best practice, there’s no time/need for research- good quality methods are already out there
And mindful of the death and serious injury rate among cyclists elsewhere in the country, Sustrans says: “It’s a UK challenge, not just London.”
New kites for new holiday
Ordered some new kites to go with the cheapie holiday I booked to Cape Verde. Realised it might be time as I came in Saturday with my Waroo 7m and realised it was from 2007 and a wee bit tired and jellyfishing with age ….
best of all – one pump
not sure what colour as I have ordered older 2013 kites and not the new 2014 V3 one – Savings
Performance for All
- HIGH PERFORMANCE CROSSOVER KITE
- RIDE OPTIMIZED OPEN-C PLATFORM
- RESPONSIVE UNHOOKED HANDLING
- UNLIMITED VERSATILITY
- STABLE IN ALL CONDITIONS
If your sessions take in unhooked new school, freeride and even some wave riding then the TS is made for you. Built with our Double Core RS canopy fabric the TS v2 delivers amazing crossover performance with the focus firmly on new school and unhooked performance.
The 5m and 6m TS sizes are the perfect high wind kites. Their Ride Optimized open-c platform delivers rock solid stability, predictable handling and broad sweet spot to help you conquer any conditions. The 7m – 12m sizes let you express your style in the air and on any wave. Responsive unhooked steering, light bar feel and great jumping ability ensure the TS remains the favorite sizes for new school riding- it’s the most versatile SLE kite in our 2013 line-up.
For light wind riding and racing, the 15m and 17m TS kites are the most aerodynamically refined and popular light wind kites we’ve ever made. The largest TS sizes will keep you riding after everyone else has packed up for the day.
DESIGNER’S VISION:
“Performance for all – With the TS v2 I wanted to provide high performance riding in every category for every rider. We’ve managed to squeeze more speed from each size and reduce bar pressure on every kite; it’s incredibly fun to ride.”
— Peter Stiewe
A short bridle gives you precise, direct handling with plenty of feedback. A single, self-adjusting front bridle tow point helps provide the stability, low end power and upwind ability that you need to perform.
Every TS is shaped and tuned to deliver incredible crossover performance. 5m-12m sizes are created for unhooked Freestyle and Freeride while the 15m and 17m sizes deliver unbelievable light wind and racing performance.
Double Core Rip-stop has twice as many reinforcing fibers woven into the warp and well as standard Ripstop fabrics – giving you twice the performance with no weight penalty. A BEST Exclusive.
There are no shortcuts to creating lasting durability; we use the highest quality materials and most advanced construction techniques to build kites that are truly Surf Tough and the match of conditions anywhere in the world.
ordered a 6m and an 8m as I hate light wind kiting ….. this should cover me from 18-35 knots.
Monday Bike Style: Chicago Yellow
7m day
Looks great, was gustier than i thought – 18knots gusting 28+
Diablo – the light needs a fix
My USE Exposure Diablo light is kaput – well it works still on the low setting (2 of the 3 bulbs) but it is broken at 11 months.
Got in touch with the chaps there (they did great service for my USE Exposure Flare front light when plastic front was cracked. They were happy to fix it but as it was under a year old they said i should speak to the shop as replacement would be quicker and easier so the light was posted back to Wiggle today ……..
Hopefully back very soon
for more of this
Sailing Blogs 2014
you should follow this blog
New Steel for your next bike
A new stainless steel tubeset has been launched by tubing specialists Reynolds, following testing in the UK with Ted James Design.
The new 921 tubeset complements the brand’s premium stainless steels – the flagship 953 and the heat-treated 931, and Reynolds are taking orders now with deliveries expected early next year.
Composed of 21 per cent chromium, six per cent nickel and nine per cent manganese – used more commonly in aviation as ‘21-6-9’, the 921 was used by Ted James to build the first UK-made road frame of its kind, which passed the EN14781 frame fatigue test.
click screen below to watch in new window
And James, in conversation with Phil Taylor, of Bespoked, believes the new material will become a hit with his fellow frame-builders.
“It’s very exciting to work on this new project and it’s a very exciting material to have worked with,” he said.
“This material would be suited for a range of different bikes but, for me, it seems especially sutiable for 29ers or BMX. It would be a great tubeset for touring bikes where you want durability. It’s lightweight but still reasonably strong, and it’s stainless.
“It seemed very interesting to work with. It’s an amazingly springy material. I’m quite excited to see how the bike rides with this tubing.”
Reynolds believe the 921 is the highest strength cold-worked tube set available in the bike industry, and is suitable for use in lugged and TIG-welded frames to create frames for road, BMX, ‘cross, hybrid and mountain bike design.
Kite*Surf*Bike*Rambling 