I am a Bike Snob

Now before I get on with this post can I make it clear that I am purely an amateur cyclist who likes riding his bike, do not have a top of the range bike nor do I qualify as being an expert on cycle related things but on the basis that I do spend a number of hours a week riding and watching the world as I pass it by it gives me tiem to think, ponder and as you will see below criticize offer advice!

Disclaimer done off we go...

Bike Clothing
I agree that not everyone has that figure suited to lycra (incl me!) or can stretch the budget to cycle specific clothing but for goodness sake wear something that gets you noticed - hi-viz is not all bad! NB There are a few definate no-no's:

• Jeans  - huh? How do you do this - maybe that is what DZNuts was invented for - the injuries picked up from wearing denim on a bike.
• Puffa Jackets - I like to be warm, but simmering to the point of boiling is not a good look or feeling.
• Baseball Caps - They are not helmets nor ever will be - get a helmet cheapskate!

Road Position / Riding Style

• Gutters are for rainwater / effluent not for bikes - hold your line away from the kerb, you have as much right to be on the road as the motorised vehicles.
• To underline a point in the above sentence - hold your line i.e weaving in and out particularly when being overtaken does not impart confidence or comradeship.
• The gears on your bike can go up as well as down - use them!

Bike Condition

• Clue: Orange chain = overdue on regular maintenance - just do it!
• Squeaks not good also - see above
• More rubber on road does not just increase grip, it also increases drag but it may also imply that you need to pump your darn tyres up. See item 1 in this list.

So there you have it Bike Snobbery exists and is alive and well in me - sorry!