All things retail
Rob Greig
Sensitive cyclists can quickly become attached to their trusty two-wheeled companions. What starts as a cheeky summer fling can develop into a full-blown love affair and you may soon get an urge to pamper your bike...
WaterproofsA flimsy three-quid jacket (see below) won’t keep you dry. One stormy night, you’ll appreciate having invested in a decent waterproof top. Get something thin, light and breathable - otherwise you’ll be wetter inside the jacket than out. TfL's cycling clothing shop is a place to start.
Reflective jacketThey might not make you look cool but they’ll definitely get you seen when it matters. There are loads of options on the market but - whisper it - you can get a perfectly serviceable vest in Ikea for £3.91.
BellBikes are virtually silent, so don’t be surprised when pedestrians walk out in front of you. There are all sorts of ways of letting someone know you’re coming - yelling, swearing or a roadrunner style 'beep-beep' all do the trick. But a bell makes things easier - and legally all bikes should now be sold with one.
BagIt’s not just your bodyweight that a bike can ferry around - it will also carry all sorts of other items if you want it to. A bag or a set of panniers are invaluable for effortlessly lugging around everything from gymwear to the weekly shop. The alternative, carrying everything on your back, is sweatier.
LockYou definitely need at least one of these - a heavy-duty D-lock to lock frame and wheel, and a cable lock to chain front wheel and frame to a rack or strong railing.
HelmetThe debate on whether to ‘strap up’ is ongoing. It's not the law to wear a helmet but many Londoners choose to do so. If you wear a helmet, make sure it fits properly - tighten the straps so you can't push the helmet up your forehead, side to side, or up at the back.
GlovesA pair that’s durable and wind-resistant will be a necessity to protect those pampered city mitts in the winter. Fingerless ones will keep your palms nice and soft in the summer.
LightsA pair of decent flashing LED lamps are absolutely essential, especially when autumn arrives.
Puncture-repair kitMost cyclists either never need to use this, or they wimp out and take it to the bike shop instead. But it’s not that hard, really. And a DIY puncture repair will save you anything up to 15 quid. If you don’t fancy foraging around for the offending hole, an alternative is pick up a tube for a fiver and replace it.
Trouser clipsIf you haven’t got a chain guard, the bottom of your jeans can get dirty or - more perilously - caught in the chain. Clips will prevent that. Or you could just tuck everything into your socks.
Pimp your ride If this all sounds too pedestrian, you can always get your bike a makeover. The team at the Bling Ya Bike project in Brixton will use spray-paint and their own creative nous to seriously increase your ride’s street cred.
Social cycling
Cycling doesn’t just have to be a one-person pursuit. Here are just a few ways you can get friends and family involved...
Mass appealThere’s no better place to experience the love of the capital’s cycling fraternity than Skyride London. The Mayor of London’s office has organised for you to cycle round London minus the usual traffic - the London Eye and Buckingham Palace are just a couple of sights you’ll ride by. You can find our more and sign-up on the Skyride London website.
Room for one more?You don’t see many tandems on the city streets - but they’re out there! Whether it’s for romance, convenience or just to give a lazy companion a luxury ‘backie’, two-seaters can be a fun way to get around. Turning tight corners can get tricky though.
Fam-tasticCycling is a truly universal pursuit - and one of the rare family activities that kids and grown-ups can enjoy equally. Richmond to Hampton Court and the Lea Valley circuit are just two classic leisurely rides. Why not give them a try?
BMXDitch your conventional hybrid for a day and get on to something smaller, lighter and altogether more '80s. BMXing is back and can be done at various places around the capital. Start off with the ramps at skate parks, then take it as far as your bravery will allow you...
Games If you’re looking for more than the standard A-to-B bike ride, there are some more adventurous options out there. Do Rollapaluza and bike polo mean anything to you?
Canal crawlIt’s tempting to spice up a day on the canal with some cheeky visits to the array of wonderful boozers along the way. On the one hand, there’s no legal limit for cyclists. On the other, a single drink increases cyclists’ risk of death or serious injury by five times. Having five drinks before riding increases the risk by 20 times. Plus, that water is cold... maybe stick to soft drinks.
by Kevin Darling
