Questions from jamesbenedict

[blizzard]

Saddles are generally a personal choice, what works for me may not work for you. However, for road bikes you don't need much padding generally (normally padding comes from your bibs chamois), you want your weight supported by your sit bones. The wider seat will see more weight on your soft tissue and it will be more uncomfortable especially on longer rides. Even very narrow and unpadded saddles can be comfortable if it fits you well.

[Dodgy-Knee]

I bought a new road bike bike last week. However, it is not complete safety wise. Accessories I believe are necessary is a rear view mirror and a smart rear brake light (no night riding for me). Also bought cleated bike riding shoes that are a good idea. Two other non safety accessories I bought is a wire spring seat for comfort and a digital speedometer. What are your safety requirements on a bike when riding on a public road?

Get a decent set of lights for your bike for front and back… bright enough to see during the day, especially if you’re on the road. Just because you can see the road and other cars doesn’t mean that they can see you.

And also, don’t wear black Lycra jerseys and black Lycra knicks… you’re as invisible as it gets wearing that combo.

[Cyclophiliac]

The colour of your cycling clothing isn't that important: suitable lighting is more useful. Motorists aren't likely to notice you more if you're dressed in hi-vis, because a lot of them have trouble even seeing something smaller than a car.

[g-boaf]

What looks comfortable sometimes isn't, and what doesn't look comfortable sometimes is a very decent saddle. It's all trial and error.

Given you are getting back into riding according to your other posts, provided the bike is set up correctly for size/fit then it's just a matter of riding more and wearing comfortable cycling kit (which is also trial and error to find what works).

[fat and old]

From a motorist's point of view, because they are the ones who will hurt you, not another cyclist (generally)

Lights. Steady front, flashing rear. Steady front gives the impression of something larger and fixates the item in your consciousness. Flashing rear alerts me to a cyclist, ready to avoid/give space sooner than I would a motor vehicle due to closing speed difference.

Clothing. I see hivis straight away but am conditioned to do so. I believe many are, but that's a bit of a red flag hereabouts due to libertarian issues. Lighter colours at least. One thing I will always argue for is Hivis socks/shoes. The movement makes the difference, at all hours. The effect is akin to a flashing beacon.

A steady line. Due to my background I am alert to cyclists suddenly veering off to avoid something I may not even see. However, many motorists are not. And due to their closing speed, they may not have time to avoid a sudden 1m swerve to the right by a cyclist. Taking the lane can help out here immensely, although that takes some confidence.

Hand signals. Not always possible, but definitely a help when following a cyclist inasmuch as now I know what he/she intends to do and can take steps to avoid any issues.

Get rid of the speedo. Unnecessary distraction. You haven't ridden a bike for 50 years and won't be breaking any speed limits soon.

Go on everyone, tell me I'm victim blaming.

[find_bruce]

Mod Says: its great that you're enthusiastic, but the number of new topics in 3 days is a bit much. I have merged them into one topic

[Derny Driver 2]

If I was in hilly terrain, I would likely want a 15lb bike even though I am the heavy item on a bike...

The gas station only had maximum of 70lbs.

Are you in Australia James?

[2wheels_mond]

If I was in hilly terrain, I would likely want a 15lb bike even though I am the heavy item on a bike...

The gas station only had maximum of 70lbs.

Are you in Australia James?

He has stated in other posts that he is in the US.

[brumby33]

James Benedict, just a question to you but are you living in Australia?

It's just you're used to using the old measurements and terminology but by using the term 'Gas Station' kind of tells me you are in or originated from the USA? Are you aware that this is an Australian forum?

I'm not trying to be rude or anything so my apologies to you if that is what I'm trying to ask you, it's just some of the really old Americanised or UK style posts you wrote.

I feel a touring bike might be more suitable for someone of your vintage James, yes, they are heavier than a racing style bike but they also have a lot more gears, more relaxed and controllable in the geometry and could be smoother for you and coupled with Schwalbe Marathon tyres, it's possible that you'll never have to be worried about punctures again. Only a suggestion that is all. I'm 64 and I don't think i'd be able to handle a racing style road bike now, I think it'd be lost on me

Anyway, if the above does not apply, please disregard my post....hope you enjoy being back on a bike.

[P!N20]

James Benedict, just a question to you but are you living in Australia?

https://bicycles.net.au/forums/viewtopi ... 1#p1618811

[brumby33]

James Benedict, just a question to you but are you living in Australia?

https://bicycles.net.au/forums/viewtopi ... 1#p1618811

ok thanks Pin, i thought so.

[Dodgy-Knee]

The colour of your cycling clothing isn't that important: suitable lighting is more useful. Motorists aren't likely to notice you more if you're dressed in hi-vis, because a lot of them have trouble even seeing something smaller than a car.

Correct. Bright lights will beat hi viz hands down when it comes to visibility… you just have to make sure that your day lights are suitably in your face…. If they’re too feeble and you’re dressed in your little black number, you’re beaten before you start.

[warthog1]

Side visibility isn't dealt with by lights very well however. Clothing is still important and is best if it contrasts with the background. Dark colours don't do that well imo.
No dark coloured jerseys for me.
F&O mentioned bright coloured shoes and socks due to the movement. I think that has merit too.
Yes we shouldn't need to make ourselves visible but our driving public is dangerously distracted and incompetent at times. Being visible is a rational safety choice.

[jamesbenedict]

I live in USA. This a civilized forum unlike a popular US based bike form I will not post now.

[Arbuckle23]

This a civilized forum

We are very civilised here

[MichaelB]

This a civilized forum

We are very civilised here

Mostly ....

Except for MHL thread maybe ......

[brumby33]

This a civilized forum

We are very civilised here

Mostly ....

Except for MHL thread maybe ......

I've learnt to stay away from that thread now.....seems that somebody lives there

[MichaelB]

I've learnt to stay away from that thread now.....seems that somebody lives there

[fat and old]

This a civilized forum

We are very civilised here

Mostly ....

Except for MHL thread maybe ......

Yeah. Or the movie thread

[MichaelB]

Yeah. Or the movie thread

Oi !!

Just 'coz I don't like Dune or Space Oddessy 2001 (and am sensible)

Anyway, back to the OP's questions ....

[2wheels_mond]

Anyway, back to the OP's questions ....

Don't worry, they're back to making new threads:

viewtopic.php?t=108546

[fat and old]

Anyway, back to the OP's questions ....

Don't worry, they're back to making new threads:

viewtopic.php?t=108546

He seems awful sure about not needing a front light. I'd rather have a front than a rear during the day if I had to choose

[jamesbenedict]

Thanks all. My questions have been answered.