Assuming no prior knowledge, the pocket sized guide discusses the time honoured topics of buying the right bike, riding safely in traffic, choosing routes, using cycling as part of an integrated means of transport and a smattering of basic mechanics. Well trodden paths they might be but a conversational, informative tone runs throughout, interjected with handy real-life tips from recent commuting converts including leaving scent free baby wipes, changes of footwear etc at the office and other practical time/vanity saving tips.
Great care has been taken both in tone and photographic representation to include all sections of society and professions from parents and children riding the school run to executives brandishing Moulton through the rush hour. There’s even a series of case studies giving promotion and in fairness, credit to firms with cycle friendly policies. Thankfully the closing chapters discuss cycling’s wider horizons including lists of organisations and further reading. Overall, this is a very likeable, genuinely inspiring guide. Being critical, suggested prices for bikes/equipment were a little low and there were a couple of grainy images but these are very minor points.
road.cc test report
Make and model: Green Books Cycling to work - a beginner's guide
Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
As the title suggests it's a practical guide aimed at cycling commuter virgins and manages the right tone, assumes no prior knowledge but doesn't patronise the audience.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
95 paperback pages complemented by full colour photography and covers the time honoured topics buying the right bike and equipment, riding safely in traffic, finding the best routes to work, cycling as a component of integrated transport, basic mechanics.
Rate the product for quality of construction:
8/10
Sturdy pocket sized guide.
Rate the product for performance:
7/10
Delivers exactly what the cover promises.
Rate the product for durability:
7/10
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
7/10
Rate the product for value:
8/10
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Well written and informative with a nice tone. Gender neutral and should go down well with anyone wanting to start riding to work but unsure of where to start.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Good tone, gender neutrality, covered most topics well- or at least well enough as a foundation for wider reading.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
One or two images were slightly grainy.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? No
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Novices, yes
Age: 35 Height: 1m 81 Weight: 70 kilos
I usually ride: Rough Stuff Tourer Based around 4130 Univega mtb Frameset My best bike is: 1955 Holdsworth Road Path and several others including cross & traditional road
I've been riding for: Over 20 years I ride: Most days I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: cyclo cross, commuting, touring, fixed/singlespeed, mtb,
You can't do around getting rid of grass verges. They provide much needed parking space.
I've found riding primary into upcoming blind bends certainly seems to discourage drivers from overtaking as they would have no choice but to cross...
"Put down your weapon. You have 20 seconds to comply"
Kona makes practical, affordable commuter bikes and goes bust. Colnago makes toys for the affluent and it is booming. Just goes to show that the...
To answer your question, yes you can sometimes feel the difference. Built a set of wheels for a friend and he installed them with new lightweight...
Cycling infrastructure does not force drivers to break the law, drivers are the reason they break the law, no one else.
Ah but taking pictures of things to defy the man (avoid a fine) is righteous. Taking pictures of people to grass on them to the cops (perhaps...
As a woman, this works great for me! My chain broke once, and a kind guy stopped with a chain breaker and sorted it all out for me. We stopped at a...
Same. I also have gone through a bunch of their tyres, and only the extralight disappointed (torn sidewall) but the standards are fantastic....
thanks for the ideas....