“I’d just like to reassure those people I can go at a proper speed”: Online troll tells cyclist to ‘get a proper job’ to afford a car… only for rider to send mic-drop reply from the cockpit of his next flight + more on the live blog
SUMMARY
Washing your bike in the shower? Yay or nay?
Anyone a staunch advocate of bath tub bike cleaning? I’ve done it a couple of times before, back when I didn’t have any outside space, and enjoyed the ease of using the shower head as a warm-water hose… but enjoyed the cleaning of the bath tub afterwards less…
I’d stick a yes/no poll up but there’s probably some nuance. Maybe you’ve got an awful landlord who’s got you washing in a shower so grubby a bit of bike-cleaning product might actually improve things? Maybe it’s your own house and you plan on redoing it in the future anyway? Maybe you used to swear by it but now have shiny, fresh white tiles?
"That's a positive, although...": Your reaction to yesterday's Budget and the Cycle to Work Scheme's reprieve
We’ll have some more on yesterday’s big story soon, the Financial Times attempting to add some clarity to questions about why it reported a cap was set to be added to the Cycle to Work Scheme, only for the proposed change to ultimately be not included from Rachel Reeves’ budget.
In the meantime, here are some of your thoughts and comments on the reprieve for C2W:
Secret_squirrel: “A sensible choice given the equivalent scheme for EVs is uncapped, so I could nip out and order a £100k two-tonne Electric Wankpanzer tomorrow if I had the cash and a friendly employer.”
Stuart MacLean: “Enjoy it while it lasts, I reckon.”
Danny Levy: “This is good news for the cycling industry and bums on bikes. It doesn’t matter whether you buy a 1k bike or a 5k bike, whether you ride in the Surrey hills or to work. The UK should be incentivising cycling not discouraging it.”
As ever with the Cycle to Work Scheme, there was also wider discussion about its limits and areas that might be changed to improve it.
SecretSam: “That’s a positive, although I still think it’s regressive to allow higher rate taxpayers to benefit more. Bike shops will no doubt be relieved.”
Simon Lord: “Sadly too many of the wrong people are excluded. I earn almost enough to pay 40 per cent tax, but because it’s split across a lowish paid part-time employed role and self-employment I can’t use the scheme. Is that reasonable?”
Colin Allanach: “They should have scrapped the scheme and just dropped VAT from bikes so everyone can benefit.”
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No, this is not a parking space. (Police issued a Fixed Penalty Notice, but I’m not sure whether it was for the double yellows, or blocking the cyce lane, or both) @yplac.bsky.social @therealyplac.bsky.social
— Pharmacist on a Pushbike (@ppushbike.bsky.social) 22 November 2025 at 20:43
Transcontinental No. 12 route announcement: north to south from Norway to Greece
Next year’s 12th edition of Transcontinental will see the race visit the most northerly point it has ever been, the 5,000km route starting with a Scandinavian summer adventure in Trondheim. From there the four checkpoints are: Flåm, Norway, the Tatras Mountains in Slovakia, the Bosnian capital of Sarajevo, and Leskovik in Albania, before the finish in Kalamata, Greece.
Applications are open now, the organisers saying the 2026 route features a distinct Olympic theme, starting with Norway’s long-standing connection with the Winter Games and finishing in the home of the Olympics, Greece. In fact, riders will set out from Gransen winter sports complex under the towering ski-jump tower and the finish parcours begins at the ruins of ancient Olympia.
While routes will of course differ from person to person, next year’s race is expected to see participants ride in excess of 5,000km and climb more than 64,000m of ascent. Anyone fancy it?
"A natural next step": Geraint Thomas confirmed as new director of racing at Ineos Grenadiers – but will the Tour de France winner's management role revitalise the struggling British squad?
Drum & Bass on the Bike returns to London this Friday evening... but with a difference
Smart helmet brand UNIT 1 and DJ Dom Whiting have teamed up for a Friday night event in London, combining his incredibly popular Drum & Bass on the Bike series with plenty of bright things to light up a dark November evening in the capital.
The ride starts at 18:00 at Pub On The Park, London Fields, tomorrow (28 November). Riders can register at ownthenight.live. Once signed up, participants will get a confirmation email with all the details about the ride, as well as a discount code for UNIT 1 gear, if you’re that way inclined.
There’s a route planned across the city, Dom leading the way and providing the tunes, riders encouraged to bring lights and anything else that shines to “turn the streets of London into a living light show”. More than 700 have signed up so far so it looks like it’ll be a big one.
"There is no alternative": Campagnolo lays off 40% of its staff after suffering heavy losses for third year running
The great bike wash debate: is the bath acceptable? And is it worth a divorce?
Plenty of discussion about whether the shower is an acceptable destination for a post-ride bike wash. Comment of the day, scrap that, comment of the week goes to Safety who reckons it would “be much cheaper for me to hire a professional bike shop to clean my bike each time rather than hire the divorce lawyer I’d inevitably need after using the bath once”.
essexian has been caught in the act. Not quite washing his bike in the bath, but removing his chain and rear block from the dishwasher. Incredible work. Better or worse than getting caught waxing your chain in a rice cooker?
“I don’t know what upset her most…the fact that I dishwashed my muddy chain, or I did it with a full load of plates/cups etc. Well, it’s just not right to run a dishwaster unless its full!”
SecretSam made a decent point, that maybe we really just need bike-sized dishwashers? You can almost hear your bearings screaming already… as for the poor bar tape. Maybe the front end would lean out a waterproof door so everything behind the headtube gets cleaned? Maybe I’ve spent too much time thingking about this?
bensynnock: “I used to know a guy who kept his bath full of bike parts that he’d acquired from the tip, and he used to put these Frankenstein bikes together and sell them for £20 to people at work. He didn’t appear to ever wash so I don’t think he understood the proper purpose of the bath.”
HLaB: “I tried the bike in the bathtub/shower in my first place that I owned and it quiclkly stripped the enamel of the bath. I never trusted the drainage in the rented place, I was in after that. I don’t think I’m wanting to find out about either in my current house. So its a no from me.”
redimp: “I could use my bath as I live alone and own my house. But for eight months of the year, it belongs to the bathroom inhabiting spiders, and then during January and February I clean up after them. I only shower.”
Cyclist whose racing career was cut short after being hit by drug driver launches clothing brand with "industry first" membership model
British Cycling announces "bold and transformative competition structure to reshape the future of the sport and welcome new audiences" — but what does it actually mean?
Following a consultation British Cycling has published a new competition framework, something it hopes will “reshape the future of the sport and welcome new audiences”. It all works towards a “simpler, more fun and effective” competition structure being in place by 2029, a structure standardised across all British Cycling’s disciplines.
We’ve got to admit, for now there appears to be plenty of words and marketing-friendly vocab, and not loads else, but British Cycling says to expect the announcement to be borne out in real-world changes in the next few years.
The new framework will, British Cycling says, structure the sport into five clear and easy to understand levels:
- Discover – A great introduction for newcomers to competition, delivered in a safe, welcoming, and accessible way. These coach-supported events will build learning and excitement while removing barriers to entry.
- Engage – Grassroots, club, and local-level events, focused on fun competition and supported by a welcoming community.
- Challenge – Regular competition for developing riders, offering meaningful, discipline-specific opportunities for personal achievement and goals.
- Advance – A proving ground for experienced competitors aiming for the top, with a strong focus on technical standards, and progression.
- Elite – The pinnacle of domestic cycling, showcasing excellence and inspiring others while setting the highest standards of performance and event delivery.
As we said, what this actually looks like and how it will impact the sport at all levels will be seen with time.
CEO Jon Dutton says it is “a pivotal moment in the evolution of our sport” and that the “bold and comprehensive transformation of our framework” is the first in decades.
“Over the next 14 months, a dedicated project team will work hand in hand with our cycling communities to co-design and deliver this change,” he said. “Our mission is clear: to simplify the sport, enhance the experience for every participant, and create a system that fosters progression and engagement from grassroots to elite levels, while welcoming those who are not yet part of our community.”
Ultimately the vision is to, by 2029: “deliver an accessible, high-quality competition structure that attracts new riders, provides unforgettable experiences, and drives progression. Powered by a well-supported community of clubs, volunteers and officials”.
I guess it’s a good thing, the governing body looking inwards and prepared to make changes to boost the sport at all levels. It’s just quite hard to get too excited when it remains largely PR-friendly marketing speak. Time will tell…
Participation down four per cent
One part of the launch which was quite interesting was the page showing results of British Cycling’s surveys and research, the document showing there has been a four per cent year-on-year decline in participation in British Cycling competitions since 2018. Just 19.5 per cent of British Cycling event entries come from women, while 48 per cent of people said they do not believe British Cycling “adequately supports grassroots cycling”.
Finishing off, two thirds said they want an easier way to find events suitable for their age and ability, while 49 per cent said they believe there needs to be better support and resources for organisers.
✔️ 100,000 likes... over to you, Mr Van der Poel
Remember this?
100,000 likes later, I think it’s time for someone to buy some goggles and ankle socks.
Cycling Halfords' "stand-out performer" as bike sales jump 9%, making up almost a quarter of retailer’s revenue
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"I'd just like to reassure those people I can go at a proper speed": Online troll tells cyclist to 'get a proper job' to afford a car... only for rider to send mic-drop reply from the cockpit of his next flight
‘Get a proper job!’… ‘Get a car!’… you might have had one of these two tired shouts yelled at you out the window of a passing vehicle while riding your bike. Maybe you were indeed on your way to your proper job when it happened, or then amusingly rolled in front of the shouter again when they inevitably got stopped at the next set of lights, giving you the perfect chance for a big smile and wave on the way past.
However, as far as mic-drop replies to such silly shouts go, few beat this one. Cyclist and social media video maker Vistatrekker shared a clip responding to one online troll who commented on his page: “You know if you worked hard enough you would be able to afford a car.”
“It’s kind of funny,” he began. “Because in the cycle to work conversation you get quite a lot of people saying ‘oh, well, why don’t you get yourself a proper job? Then you could afford a car or something, and then you’d be able to go at a proper speed’.
“I’d just like to reassure all those people that I do have a job and I can go at a proper speed,” he continued, the punchline coming with a turn of the camera to show the cockpit of a commercial airline, Vistatrekker’s office for the day.
Needless to say, the clip went down very well on Instagram, even if it did set up the inevitable… “now you just need to find a proper airline” quip and questions about if he’s the Irish Walter White.
“Now that’s a flex”
“That’s a drop the mic moment if I’ve ever seen one”
Amusingly, the cycling pilot also agreed with one commenter who pointed out the day job flying planes is probably a safer mode of transport than taking on his daily commute, running the gauntlet of dangerous junctions, inattentive road users, potholes and the like.
Even Flight Radar got involved: “Also, we have never seen anyone tracking cars on an app. Great you get the movement in so we can all enjoy healthy pilots flying us around safely!”
That was fun.
27 November 2025, 08:58
27 November 2025, 08:58
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Obviously that shows that unfortunate drivers are getting taken out by deer! Those creatures should be looking first but there are too many "no-eye-deers".
@Mr Blackbird while it would be nice if "Authorities must recognise that cycling is sometimes a competitive sport, which brings health and fitness benefits. It is not just a means of getting to work or the shops." ... ... I'm not sure they should be under any obligation to facilitate it happening on open roads?
"Blanket" klaxon! Also "only where necessary" warning. On the one hand that's common sense, on the other it's well known as a strategy to essentially reject reduced speeds. ("Obviously we support this outside the school but anything further than 5 metres from it doesn't make sense...") I understand, sort of ... but while demonstrating that "cyclists are good citizens and will even obey laws which don't apply to them" * ... ... part of the reason this *is* a good idea is because drivers on average don't obey the higher limits as you note (never mind keep strictly at or below the lower ones) but yet despite just changing a number on a sign it does reduce average speeds... Plus I know it's a change from a more dangerous situation but this does come out a bit "actually we're OK with a few others dying rather than affect our sport (which we practice in public spaces)". * The fact that most speed limits don't directly apply to cyclists isn't well known and might seem unfair to many people.
@OnYerBike That works well on well used routes with coverage. A lot of the roads around me have 5 cars a day and no mobile signal. I suspect they use the real time data to adjust the expected speed away from the 60mph limit but will not update completely when 2 people travel at 25mph.
Jeez. With this kind of price I'm never gonna believe the "buy local" story. Especially considering that, AFAIK, Apidura actually have their bags made in Asia. I'll happily stick with Aliexpress if that's the alternative.
Re 20mph speed limits. Although there are obvious benefits, having a blanket limit would seriously disrupt competitive cycling activities such as time trialling. The introduction of 20mph speed limits in local villages has caused our weekly club time trial to firstly be relocated and then modified to introduce a neutralised zone where competitors travel through a speed limit section at just below 20mph. Although workable, it is really galling that one reason for 20mph is that it makes it more likely that motorists will not exceed the original 30mph limit! And what happens when other villages follow suit? 20mph limits are a good thing but should only be imposed where the road conditions make it necessary. My concern is that a blanket limit would be an easy option for local councils as it is less work for them. Competitive cycling was seriously affected by the universal 20mph limit imposed in Wales. Authorities must recognise that cycling is sometimes a competitive sport, which brings health and fitness benefits. It is not just a means of getting to work or the shops.
I think it uses both, so if actual journey times are slower than the limits it will use those, but if people are exceeding the limit it will still only use the limit in the calculation, so reducing the limit should still help, even if speed compliance from those who do use the route is poor.
I am lucky enough to live in a 20mph zone. The main thoroughfare is noticeably quieter. Tbf, they put in a couple of speed bumps but that doesn't mean that drivers stick to 20mph. The main benifit is that Google has stopped recommending it as a rat run
60mph, of course, is not a target. Drivers should still drive safely to the conditions, notably being able to stop within the distance they can see. I ride a lot of rural roads and, particularly during the winter the number of drivers in ditches, or worse dead deer, would suggest that driving standards are woefully short of expectations.
Link for "Why Google Maps Fails in Amsterdam": https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=csHdwHTteOw
26 thoughts on ““I’d just like to reassure those people I can go at a proper speed”: Online troll tells cyclist to ‘get a proper job’ to afford a car… only for rider to send mic-drop reply from the cockpit of his next flight + more on the live blog”
I tried the bike in the
I tried the bike in the bathtub/ shower in my first place that I owned and it quiclkly stripped the enamel of the bath. I never trusted the drainage in the rented place, I was in after that. I don’t think I’m wanting to find out about either in my current house. So its a no from me.
I used to know a guy who kept
I used to know a guy who kept his bath full of bike parts that he’d acquired from the tip, and he used to put these Frankenstein bikes together and sell them for £20 to people at work. He didn’t appear to ever wash so I don’t think he understood the proper purpose of the bath.
It’d be much cheaper for me
It’d be much cheaper for me to hire a professional bike shop to clean my bike each time rather than hire the divorce lawyer I’d inevitably need after using the bath once.
I could use my bath as I live
I could use my bath as I live alone and own my house. But for eight months of the year, it belongs to the bathroom inhabiting spiders, and then during January and February I clean up after them. I only shower.
Bike in the bath, every time.
Bike in the bath, every time.
I have taken to washing my
I have taken to washing my rims before changing the tubeless tyres. Trying to keep the filth out of the freshly changed tyres. The better half normally works until eight on a Friday, so I can fit the messy part in before she gets back. Unfortunately not the last time when swapping out my maxxis chronicles (summer) for the schwalbe Nobby nics (autumn/spring) so had to apologise before starting.
Recently started up rinsing the remaining solution from the tyres before putting them into the tyre box.
And did the frame before taking it back to the LBS for fixing.
Bike in the bath? What we
Bike in the bath? What we really need is a bike-size dishwasher
My wife came home from work
My wife came home from work early one day and discovered me rapidly trying to remove my chain are rear block from the dishwasher.
I don’t know what upset her most…the fact that I dishwashed my muddy chain, or I did it with a full load of plates/cups etc. Well Its just not right to run a dishwaster unless its full!
essexian wrote:
You’re obviously not giving her enough credit, her distress was clearly caused by the fact that she knows that dishwashers use salt as part of the washing process and so that would be the worst thing to be inflicting on your chain and cassette. Maybe.
I had not thought of that!
I had not thought of that!
She must love me afterall!
essexian wrote:
Sounds like a good reason for more bikes so you can do a bulk load and clean all the drivetrains at once. Or maybe make money by offering a weekly dishwash service to your local bike club?
How long were you exiled to
How long were you exiled to thre spare room or sofa for?
As someone with seven cats,
As someone with seven cats, there is no such thing as a sofa or a spare room….thus, I spend my evenings alone with the ones I love in the paincave where cats are banned…. well not banned as much as can’t stand the smell of many turbo sessions.
essexian wrote:
It’s a riddle! Perhaps St. Ives would offer more room?
Bike wash bay in the garden
Bike wash bay in the garden is the way to go…
mark1a wrote:
Ah – the cobbles of the Kärcherenberg…
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Wonderful fold up bike clamp
Wonderful fold up bike clamp there. And a very sparkly bicycle.
But no shelf so you don’t have to bend down and pick up stuff?
ktache wrote:
I’ve been looking for something like that, something foldable… I’ll know what’s right when I see it, things like this are never truly finished.
I wouldn’t wash my bike in my
I wouldn’t wash my bike in my own bathroom, but I have done in a Novotel. Travelodge, Premier Inn, and Hampton are also happy to allow bikes in bedrooms but their bath/shower rooms are a bit too compact. (Well… the first two were happy. The Hamton didn’t actually say I couldn’t, but I didn’t ask.)
The best was The Moxy – they really didn’t want my bike in the room, but after accepting that I wasn’t going to leave it in an unsecure meeting room they gave me an accesible room on the ground floor. The shower room was an extremely spacious wetroom that made bike washing easy. I did get told off for riding my bike through reception and along the corridor to the room though.
Amo la Ruta want their
Amo la Ruta want their customers to pay for a 79-quid yearly membership (the price of a Gobik short-sleeve jersey) for them to have the privilege to get 50% discount on overpriced cycling gear and enjoy free shipping and returns, i.e. two known bottom line killers. Wish the Amo’s lads the best of luck!
Had quite a funny argument
Had quite a funny argument with that vistatrekker (before he blocked me) over how you’re an ‘irresponsible’ cyclist if you don’t use a rear view mirror among other things. He is really quite passionate about it.
Some people are *very* keen..
Some people are *very* keen… I run them on the recumbent where they work very well. They make a lot of sense as it’s slightly awkward to look behind, plus they can be mounted at around eye level – feels like using well-adjusted car wing… er, side mirrors. I’ve a wide bar, and so they are stable, can be securely mounted and don’t stick far out to the side.
I keep trying various combos on my upright bikes… but have yet to find anything that works better than just looking down and back. If the mirror isn’t going to be smacked sideways any time I park / go through a doorway it can’t be very big. I rarely have a radical tuck position, so I have to look down, find the mirror, look in the mirror, then probably move my head again because the field of view is poor…
That and they get whacked on things regardless because they stick off the end of the bar. The roads are poor so they constantly need adjusting as they’re shaken out of position.
I think I did have one that worked well for a bit which plugged in to a drop bar end – but it was still small, and eventually I realised I mostly didn’t use it.
We’ve got an extention for
We’ve got an extention for our disabled daughter which includes a shower/wet room. I use this to give my bike a good scrub down every so often.
It may be quick to wash bike
It may be quick to wash bike or parts of it in the bath / sink, but it then seems to take far longer getting the black crud that’s been smeared from grease lumps off the the bath or sink…
Or was I just not cleaning the bike often enough?
Use the same brush and
Use the same brush and shampoo you’ve just used for the bike bits.
Then shower down the walls.
Works for me.