How do you find dedicated bike paths in London?

You can make where you want to go on your bike in London safe for you by joining London Cycling Campaign (LCC).

If you sign up for LCC newsletter, they will keep you up to date with the best rides, events and all matters regarding cycling there.

If you are not staying there on a long term basis, you can write to “The London Cycling Projects” to ask if they have a list of dedicated bike paths in London.

cyclingprojects@lcc.org.uk

Tel: 020 7234 9310

Meantime, you can download this “Making Space for Cycling: A guide for new developments and street renewals” and learn what you can do with your local council, to make roads you are cycling on safe for you. Found it at Making Space for Cycling.

What are some good rules of thumb for starting out long-distance biking?

Before you start out on a long distance ride, you must ensure that the bicycle you plan to ride on is of the right fit for you. If you want to have an enjoyable ride, read up about the kind of touring bicycles that are good for long distance ride as you will be required to carry a pannier for tools, spare tubes, food, drinks and other stuff that you may need on the journey.

If you expect that it will rain at places that you will be cycling to, be prepared for it. Make sure that you properly dressed for your ride.

However, if you plan to travel overseas on your bicycle, it maybe a good idea to consider getting a folding bike for ease of moving it on public transport. Find out how you can ship it internationally.
Do you have the stamina for it? Learn how you can build it up. You should also learn how to ride so that you will not tire yourself out sooner than you should. Cycling in bicycle-friendly countries can also reduce the stress of long distance rides.

Learn how to service your bicycle regularly and how to figure out what is wrong with it so that it can be maintained to run efficiently. The very basic that you must know is how to change your tyres and tubes.

For your own safety, make the following checks before you start your ride.
Checklist before going on a bike ride

How many miles should I bicycle per day before I start on a world tour?

The best way to test and build up your stamina for long distance ride is to get yourself a bicycle trainer. Mount your bicycle on it and start cycling on it. This will also help you build your muscles for endurance ride.

The gluteal muscles you build up on your buttocks will also act like a cushion so they will not hurt as much during long distance rides.

You must also learn not to cycle against the wind and to change your gears correctly for uphill or downhill rides.

To know how well you are doing on your trainer, you can install a bicycle computer on your bicycle so that you know the distance you have cycled, your average speed and the total distance you could cover in a day considering that you will be called away while training or taking breaks for meals or toilet breaks.


There are meters that can also read if you have high pedal cadence as it tells how fast you can pedal. The higher it is the faster you can go which means that you can cover a longer distance without getting tired at the right gear speed.

Consider installing a butterfly handlebar on your bicycle which you will be touring on.

That way you can “exercise” your hands by moving it along the sponge grip so that it will improve blood circulation and relieve you from hurting due to compression of the nerves of your palms.

As for wheel size, cycling on a 700C wheelset will get you further per revolution vs cycling on a 26″. Most touring bikes are installed with 700C wheelset. Though there are also touring bike with 26″ touring bikes in the market.

700C Touring Bike


However, all 700C tyres are manufactured slick so you will have difficulty cycling your bike over rough terrain. So, you have to decide if you need a bicycle with knobby or slick tyres.

Should I buy a fork for BMX or MTB?

When you buy a fork for mountain bike, you have the option to buy one with suspension or without. There are forks in the market for 20″ MTB like the one shown here. 20″ MTBs are usually recommended for kids of age 6 and above.

If you plan to buy a replacement fork just make sure that it fits the size of the bicycle you intend to install it on. They come in sizes for 20″ right up to 29″ bicycles. Choose one with suspension if you plan on riding off road as it will take the strain off your shoulders during bumpy rides on your bicycle.

If you buy a cheaper fork with suspension, it is likely that you will not be able to adjust the shock absorbers as there is no dial on it to adjust their tension or to lock it so that it does not move at all.


BMX forks do not have suspension and they are usually built sturdier and stronger than other fork without suspension, eg, meant for a fixie or a regular 20″ bicycle. You will not be able to install your BMX rims or tyres on a fixed gear fork as the tyre width for BMX can be as wide as 2.35″

Mountings on the fork for the brakes are located differently for V-Brake, U-Brake or disc brakes. So, inform the shop the kind of brakes you intend to fix on your BMX.

In Malaysia, it is now popular for youngsters to modify their 20″ BMX with a double fork (with or without suspension) like this.

This is how they want their BMX to look like after modification.

Or like this.


This is how they ride (fly) the modified BMX.


This is dangerous and illegal. Bicycles like these get confiscated by the local authorities if riders are caught in the act.

Chain Often Came of Your Bicycle?

Sometimes customers come to the shop asking us to help install their chain which had fallen off their bicycle. That can be fixed by adding a master link or rivet.



If the components on your drivetrain are worn out, it would be best to change them if you are installing a new chain, especially, if it is an expensive one. This is because each time you ride and change gears, any worn out parts on the drivetrain, such as, the freewheel/cassette or chainrings or derailleur wheels will pull and rub against the new chain. Your new chain will be damaged and you will have to change it sooner than it should.

If the mechanic informed you that the cassette needs to be changed too, it is possible that the teeth on the cogs of your cassette are damaged. If you do not change it, the chain will keep skipping over the top of the cog and fall off. Ask the mechanic to show you where the damage is. If you cannot see any wear, or burrs or bents on the teeth, you can always send your bicycle to another shop for a second opinion.

The following are some questions a good mechanic should ask you before re-installing your chain:

1) Is it a new chain? New chains for bicycles are always longer than needed. A chain that is too long will slack and fall off the bicycle. We can use the old chain, if it is still on the bicycle, to determine its required length. However, if there is a slack in the old chain, it is possible that it has worn out, in which case, we will have to determine the correct length required for the new chain.

1b) If it is a new chain, did you get the right chain for your bicycle? There are differences in chains for single speed and geared bicycles. Bicycles running on higher speed need the narrower chain which is more expensive. The cheaper single speed chain installed on a geared bicycle can cause it to fall off the chainring due to its width and thickness.

2) Did you fell off your bicycle while cycling? If you did, we will have to check if any components on your drivetrain have been damaged or need adjustment. Your new chain will be damaged if there are bents in the chainring teeth or on teeth of cogs on your cassette.

3) Did the chain come off only when you change your gear? That will mean either the chain is worn out and need to be changed or that the gears need to be set. Chain wear or dirt on it will affect the efficiency of your gears. If that is the case, just putting the worn out chain back on will not help as the chain will fall off again when you shift your gears.

Before the mechanic put your chain back on, he will have to check it for bents or stiff links. The chain will have to be cleaned first if it is clogged with dirt. Once installed, the chain should be lubricated together with the components on your drivetrain.

Are white bikes usually made for women?

What should determine a male or female cyclist’s choice in buying a bicycle is the frame size. Not the colour. A frame size of 16″, will be suitable for someone with height of 5'2" - 5'6".



Bicycles painted in white are more difficult to keep clean and you may find that you will have to clean it up more often compared to bicycles in darker colours.



The stains on a white bicycle stand out. So, if you are fussy about keeping your bicycle looking nice and clean but you do not have the time to maintain it that way, getting one in white will be a bad idea regardless if you are a male or female cyclist.

Moreover, overtime, if you do not clean your bicycle properly, you may find that it has gone a little yellow on you.

What are the best tips to maintain a bike in the proper way?

When you buy an equipment, a manual will be provided with it. A good manual will provide instructions on how to install the equipment correctly. It will provide information on how to use it safely and maintain it so that it will run efficiently.

Even though not all brands/retailers for bicycles will provide such a manual, if you google “owner's manual for bicycle” you should not have any problem in finding one online. From it, you can even learn if you are getting the right frame size for your height.

Though you get your bicycle fully assembled from your bike shop, in the manual you will learn how it is assembled and the type of tools and the sizes you need to do the job. That way if any of the parts are loosen, you will know how to fix it back correctly and with the right tools.

You will learn the name of the parts on the bicycle which will enable you to tell the mechanic clearly what needs to be fixed if professional help is required. This image is from link to “Owner's Manual for Marin Mountain Bikes”.


It provides a schedule on what and when you should clean, service and lubricate on your bicycle and what you should not do. Eg, here is a tip on how to set your gears so that you will not wear out your chain earlier than it should.

I like the instruction manual provided by Green Line for its Single-speed and Multi speed Beach Cruisers, it provides very clear information with lots of images.



The “Owner's Manual Single Speed and Multi-Speed Bicycles” from Dynacraft Bikes that I found online is also very good.

If you take the time to read the manual, you should not have any problem maintaining your bicycle in a proper way.

Would you separate an attached padded liner from your biking shorts?

You are likely to damage or leave holes on the lycra/spandex material of your cyclist pants if you try to remove the pads sewn securely to it.

If you do not like to walk around with a pad in your pants, you can also consider getting padded boxer for cyclist which you can wear like an underwear with your regular pants. Your pants must be loose or stretchable enough for you to cycle comfortably.

There are cycling cargo shorts that are supplied with detachable padding.


This is suitable for cyclists who would like to remove the padding when they have reached their destination to run errands.

These detachable padded pants can be used with your regular pants if you can sew elastic loops on them. Just take a look at how these loops are sewn on the cyclist cargo shorts and you will get the idea how it should be done.

Plan to buy an ebike? Here are some factors you should take note.

eBike actually encourages people who are overweight to consider cycling.

I read a report that most people who are overweight are not keen to cycle as the assertion can make them perspire heavily. Also, they fear the embarrassment of being watched if they have to get off a regular bicycle to push it uphill. You can ride uphill on an eBike more easily, provided the slope is not too steep and within the acceptable gradient limit specified for it.

Factors you have to note before getting an ebike from any shop:

1) Is the wattage and speed legally acceptable to be ridden in your own country? In Malaysia, we follow the UK rules so ebike must be pedal assisted, which means that it must have pedals installed that can be used to propel it.

2) Do you want it installed with lithium or lead acid battery which is heavier but cheaper?

3) Ebike comes in tyre size of 14” to 26”. What tyre size is best for your size?

4) Will you have difficulty getting batteries or replacement parts or services to maintain it?

5) What is the highest gradient of incline the ebike can ride up on?

6) Do you need it foldable for ease of transport when you are not riding it?

7) Do you need one with extra seat for pillion rider?

8) Do you need one with gears too?

9) Does it have proper locking system in place to prevent theft?

10) Is the lighting adequate enough for rides at night?

11) Does it have a horn to warn pedestrians and other road users of your approach?

12) Does it charge while you pedal? Some ebikes are supplied with self-charging system so that while cycling, you can recharge your battery. eBike with “recharge” mode will be more expensive.

Shop around and look at the specifications of the ebikes you are interested in. Here are some examples of what is available in Malaysia.

This unit is foldable with 16″ wheel size. If you plan to use public transport part of the way while cycling on your ebike, a foldable model will be a good option to consider. Note the weight of the ebike. Is it too heavy to consider trotting around?


This model with 24″ tyre size comes with a seat for passenger. As it also comes with a basket, it will be suitable for rides out to pick up some stuff or to carry stuff of a child that you plan to ferry around.


If you know what are available in your market, it will be easier for you to make a decision after considering all these factors.

When should I change my gears?

You do not have to zoom down a slope when descending if you put more resistance on the pedals by using the "higher" or "harder" gears.  The lower gears are easy gears are for ascending hills.

Shift down to a lower gear = Ride uphill = ride on lower gears to climb uphill with less effort.

You are cycling on low gear when

1) your chain is on cog of smallest chainring = gear 1
2) your chain is on cog of biggest sprocket at the rear = gear 1

Shift up to a higher gear = Ride downhill = add resistance on the pedals and to reduce cadence (in your own term, heaviest).

You are cycling on highest gear of your bike when
1) your chain is on cog of largest chainring at the front = gear 3
2) chain on cog of smallest sprocket = gear 8 = you are running on 24 speed

This diagram of cogs on a chainring and freewheel of a 24 speed bike gives you an idea on which cog your chain is sitting on when you change your gears.

What this video if you would like a clearer picture of how your chain moves on the chainrings and cogs when you change your gears.

Should I sell my very old 26er full suspension mountain bike and buy a new carbon 29er or 27.5 hardtail?

I don’t think you can get a very good price if you sell your “very old 26er full suspension mountain bike”. If you don’t need the money from selling it to get a carbon bike, you can consider keeping it so you can mount it on a trainer to cycle indoor if the weather is bad.


Also, shorter members in the family can still make good use of it. Most bicycle parts are generic so you should not have any problem getting replacement parts for it.

It is practical to switch to the lightweight carbon frame 29er or 27.5er if that is what your cycling mates are riding on. You do not want to be chasing after them on your heavy “very old 26er full suspension mountain bike”. Moreover, your cycling mates will be able to cover more distance per pedal revolution on their 29er or 27.5er.

Just a personal opinion. I am not confident about MTB with carbon frame yet which is why you will  only find only roadbike with carbon frame in Jom Johan.

Is there a checklist before going on a bike ride?

Here is a checklist that you can refer to before you start cycling.

   

Ready To Ride? from Nancy Poh

What is a chain guide for mountain bike?

The chain guide is only required if your chain keeps falling off the cranks.

MRP, one of the manufacturers of chain guide provides a very good explanation about the different guide systems and what is best for your drivetrain and style of cycling.

Chainguide Overview

You will get a better idea of how installing one can help hold your chain in place after watching this video.

 

If I bike 6 miles a day, will I see a difference over time?

That depends on how you take care of yourself.

1) Your skin is going to be darker if you do not have proper suntan on.
2) You can easily fall sick if you are not properly attired for the ride.
3) You can get stressed out due to pollution, foul weather, issues with bicycle, bad roads/terrain and heavy traffic, especially if, you are not cycling in a bike friendly district or country.



So, before you start, made sure that the routes that you are taking are safe for cycling. Take public transport part of the way if the distance is too much to bear (in the beginning). Check what the weather is like to be properly attired and UV protected.

To cut unnecessary stress, check out these points to make sure that you are really ready to cycle.
Ready To Ride?

Once you have got it right, after cycling for a period of time, these are the changes you will see.

1) Your buttock will not ache as much as you develop muscles there.
2) You will sweat it out as you cycle and that will make you lose some weight.
3) You will build up your cadence and find it easier to cycle as you get more competent with your gears.
4) You may find new friends cycling the same route.
5) You can see more clearly what is going on around the district you are cycling through.
6) You will build up your stamina and endurance for other physical activities.
7) You will consider using your bicycle more often to run errands.
8) You may develop a sense of adventure and want to explore new routes that only a bicycle can take you. Maybe even a trip outstation or overseas on your bicycle.
9) You will consider getting a better bicycle as you understand it better through your rides.
10) You may even feel competitive enough to join a cycling event.
11) Your group of cycling friends will expand.
12) You are likely to carry stuff and add more gizmo on your bicycle like bags, bike tools, a cycle computer or even a GoPro to record more interesting rides.
13) You become more particular about the handlebar, saddle, tyres and tubes you use on your bicycle.

These are actually the differences I noticed in my customers after they have been cycling for a period of time.

How can I fix my bicycle puncture at home?

Before you remove your tube to replace it, you need to make sure that you have the right spare tube on hand. Following are information on selecting the right tyre and tubes.

Locate the hole on your puncture tube. If the hole is on the inner side (facing the rim) of the tube, especially along its seam and small, it could be manufacturing defect. Bring it back to the shop to see if they will replace it for you.

If it has been punctured by a foreign object, check along the tyre to make sure that the sharp object is not still sticking to the tyre. Look at the size of the hole and decide if you would like to patch it instead of replacing it. There are many kind of patch kits in the market.

If your rim tape need to be replaced, you can buy it or DIY.

Other than tyre levers, you will also need a pump to inflate the replaced tube. Here are some notes on choosing the right pump if you do not have one yet.

It is best to watch a video on how it should be done then experimenting on your own. For a beginner it can be a hassle to change your own tyre or tube. You may not be familiar with using the tyre levers and may pinch your new tube in the process.

I hope that knowing the above facts will ensure that you do not have to perform the same task twice because you have used the wrong size or have the replaced tube punctured again sooner than it should.

What is the best way to lock up your bicycle?

Are you frustrated that the bicycle you kept locked in your house still gets stolen?  Even so, we shouldn't make it easy for someone to take away what we paid for and own!

The first thing that a thief will do when they steal a bike is to make changes to the bicycle so that it is not easily recognized by the owner or his friends. Changing the colour of the body is the easiest way.

So, make it difficult for the thief to make changes to your bicycle should it get stolen. Add stickers that are difficult to remove or make markings on part of the bicycle that is obvious for all to see even if painted over. A thief will be deterred from stealing your bicycle if there is too much work involved because of the lock installed or if it will be a hassle changing its look.

So, if you plan to park your bicycle, especially without a lock installed, make sure that it is within your sight. Make it stands out so that it can be seen from a distance away. You can do that by adding decorations on your bicycle that makes it uniquely yours. Eg, adding strips of self-adhesive reflective tapes in different colours to the rim. That way, if your bicycle is park with many others in a row, you can recognise it right away.

Go to YouTube and do a search for “How To Lock Your Bike” and you will find many videos showing mistakes that one can make when they use locks on their bicycle. Here is one I found that can rectify those mistakes.

At Jom Johan you can find many different types of lock ranging from RM5.00 to RM38.00.  You may not even have to pay for the lock because of the gift voucher you will be getting when you purchase a bicycle from us.

Here is another way to deter thieves from targeting your bicycle. Put this note on your bicycle where it can be seen by any thief; “Reporting Once Stolen at Bike registry”. So saying, make sure that you take down the serial numbers on your bicycle and take enough photo of the bicycle and proceed to register online if it gets stolen.

What should an elderly person be cycling on?

When a customer comes into my shop looking for a suitable bicycle to buy, the first question I will ask is if he will be cycling with a group of friends. If you are joining a group, you should actually consider what they are cycling on.

The reason is, if they are cycling on MTB, you will have a problem joining them when they ride off road if you have picked a road bike or a hybrid. If they are cycling on 29ers, you will have problem catching up with them if you have decided on cycling on a recumbent bike for comfort.

You should select the kind of bicycle the group members are cycling on with similar wheel size and tyre thread. It should be one with gears if you will also be cycling over hilly terrains.

Following are things you should note when checking out bicycles at a shop:

1. Are you still as limber? Try getting on the bicycle. Is it easy for you to get on and off it? Choose a bicycle with lower toptube if that is an issue. Most cruiser and leisure bikes are designed with lower toptube.
2. Do you find the saddle on the bicycle comfortable? Most bicycles are supplied with small narrow saddles. Ask the shop attendant to recommend a more comfortable saddle if you have a wider girth.
3. Straddle over the toptube. Does your leg touches the floor? As you age, your bones become more brittle and may break more easily. So, it is best to choose a lighter weight bike which is not too large for you to handle.
4. Feel the reach of the handlebar as you sit on the bike. Is it too far for your reach? You can request the shop to change a stem with shorter length or one that is adjustable so that the handlebar can be raised up closer towards you.

But before you start with any group, make sure that you have the stamina to join them. However, here is a quote to remember from a cyclist who had only learned to ride in his 50’s, “I’ve yet to discover the hill you can’t quite happily walk up. Why kill yourself doing it? I like biking, but I’ve no intention dying from a heart attack dressed in Lycra.”

So, if you find the exertion too much and have to get down to push your bike don’t be embarrassed to do so.

For my customers who are in their 60s, I usually ask if they will be cycling with their grandchildren. If they are, I will recommend them to get a 20” folding bike. That way they could ride along with the grandchildren who are usually cycling on 12” to 20” bicycles.

Moreover, a folding bike with high handlebar means that you do not have to lean forward as much to ride which is good for the back. In fact, one of my customers was advised by her doctor to get a folding bike as she has issues with her back.

Once you have reached a 100 years old, you may want to consider getting a tricycle.

Planning to tour on a bike?

What should you cycle on if you plan to ride for a longer distance?

If you plan to stay somewhere overnight enroute, you will need a bicycle that can carry the load of your pannier bags.  Do you have to travel by plane, train or car to get you to your cycling site?

Now that I got you thinking about it, following are some tips you should consider before you start on your journey.


Trekking Bicycle for Long Distance Ride from Nancy Poh

Enjoy the ride and the views.

How wide should handlebars be?

How wide should handlebars be? Downhill riders think that the wider it is the better.

A wider handlebar can give you more control and slows down steering of your bicycle downhill. When your hands are spread wide over the handlebar, your chest is not obstructed, making it easier for you to breathe as you cycle uphill. 

So, how extreme are you?

You can purchase bicycle handlebars from Amazon.  Just make sure that you choose the right model and length, which can be from 680 to 740mm.