Hi guys.
I've been a Racing Cyclist most of my life (see Glasgow's Cycling Heritage for related posts).
On the subject of helmets
A pro's don't wear 'em except when racing and only then cos they're compelled
B if a car hits you these skid lids won't help much
C By all means buy one if you think it'll help.
I have one, wear it on club runs (compulsory) but hardly ever if I'm just out for a ride on my own
In all the years I've cycled I only knew one guy who got a serious head injury (through tailgating a van that suddenly stopped. He went into the back of it). During the same period of time 3 people with whom I'm aquainted have been run over by cars whilst walking - no-one is yet suggesting that all pedestrians should wear a helmet...
In terms of city riding, the best advice i can give you (which is the advice the CTC authorise) is to ride AGGRESSIVELY but you might prefer to think of it as ASSERTIVELY
That is to say
A Ride well out from the gutter. Do not let your self be intimidated. Believe it or not, most drivers will respect your space and go round you. If you hug the kerb you'll get debris in your tyres and drivers will try to squeeze past you.
B Obey all traffic signals and usual laws. Stop at lights and wait your turn. If you behave like a car and position yourself like a car drivers are more likely to treat you like a car.
C Never ever under any circumstance ride on a pavement. Pavements are for pedestrians and on the bike you are not of them.
D Make use of every cycle path you can. Cycling among busy traffic is dangerous and smelly.
In terms of cost you need to budget at least £400 IMO, and £500 if you can. Decent bikes cost about £300, much less and your usually buying a toy. The Edinburgh Bicycle Co-Op will furnish you with something serious for about £250 but they are the exception rather than the rule and that would be for an MTB style bike rather than a racer. For riding on the road consider a road bike rather than an MTB, the fat tyres etc. on mountain bikes and all that suspension will only rob you of forward motion. Why work harder than you need to?
Consider clipless pedals and shoes. No-one who has ever bought them's regretted it. Same goes for a pair of proper shorts and real cycling gloves. If you're cycle is more than a couple of miles you'll get a real benefit from 'em. Several manufacturers make a padded under pant which you can wear under street trousers if you don't fancy lycra.
Most serious guys will concur that the ideal starter pack is
A road specific bike.(from about £350) A pair of shorts. (Halfords have em from a tenspot). A pair of gloves (from a fiver) Pedals and shoes (£50 together for cool looking Shimanos that can be worn as trainers too) and a waterproof jacket (from £25). Thus nearly £500. Of course, if you can find a decent second hand bike you could knock hundreds off that figure.
Ribble cycles currently have a great offer on a Kryptonite lock, £19 from £35. Buy one! Remember to remove your front wheel and lock it to the frame. If your saddle has a quick release take it out and take it with you.
See ye on the road!
Allez douf!Links
http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/productdetail.asp?productcatalogue=KRYPLOCK360000000000http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/SpecialEditionBikes.asphttp://www.edinburghbicycle.com/ebwPNLqrymode.a4p?f%5FProductID=7814&f%5FSupersetQRY=C107&f%5FSortOrderID=1&f%5Fbct=c003155c002912http://www.wiggle.co.uk/ProductDetail.aspx?Cat=cycle&ProdID=5360031621&N=Giant%20SCR%204http://www.wiggle.co.uk/ProductDetail.aspx?Cat=cycle&ProdID=5360032981&n=Saracen%20Tour%201%202008