Not really a bushcrafty question (as I'll mainly be using a bike for commuting to and from work), but I'm sure there are some bike experts on here.
Now that the weather is improving, and the Waterloo and City line (my normal route to work) is shut, I'm going to try cycling. For now I'll use an old bike lying around, and maybe upgrade later if successful. Some questions, though:
(1) Helmet or no helmet? I would have thought that wearing a helmet makes sense, but then I'm vaguely aware of arguments for not bothering (although not sure what they are). Many bike couriers don't seem to bother.
(2) Lighting. Legally the lights shouldn't be flashing, but everyone knows that they're miles more visible. Can I just use a set of flashing LED lights, or must I get "British Standard" ones?
(3) Locks: What type is best (chain, bendy wire, D-lock etc)?
(4) The long-term plan is to get a folding bike, so I can take it on the train home as well (and store it safely in the office). Is there really any point in getting anything other than a Brompton? (Budget around £500, so none of the ultra-fancy Birdy or Bike Friday or anything, unfortunately).
I'm trying to persuade my HR department to join a Bike2Work scheme, in which case 50% off bikes and accessories would be super! But in the meantime a knackered old bike will have to do the trick.
Many thanks!
Mark
Now that the weather is improving, and the Waterloo and City line (my normal route to work) is shut, I'm going to try cycling. For now I'll use an old bike lying around, and maybe upgrade later if successful. Some questions, though:
(1) Helmet or no helmet? I would have thought that wearing a helmet makes sense, but then I'm vaguely aware of arguments for not bothering (although not sure what they are). Many bike couriers don't seem to bother.
(2) Lighting. Legally the lights shouldn't be flashing, but everyone knows that they're miles more visible. Can I just use a set of flashing LED lights, or must I get "British Standard" ones?
(3) Locks: What type is best (chain, bendy wire, D-lock etc)?
(4) The long-term plan is to get a folding bike, so I can take it on the train home as well (and store it safely in the office). Is there really any point in getting anything other than a Brompton? (Budget around £500, so none of the ultra-fancy Birdy or Bike Friday or anything, unfortunately).
I'm trying to persuade my HR department to join a Bike2Work scheme, in which case 50% off bikes and accessories would be super! But in the meantime a knackered old bike will have to do the trick.
Many thanks!
Mark