In April 2016 Chris and I plus two ‘occasional cyclist’ friends were the first clients of 2016 with the tour firm ‘Iberocycle’ for one of their 7 day self guided tours in Northern Spain. – The picture is of the approach road to Frias – one of the gorgeous hilltop towns along the route. The company does other tours in Spain/Portugal too.

It was a brilliant tour, spectacular eagle laden scenery, ridiculously quiet roads and lanes, well specified mainly half board accommodation and overall a great ‘middle of the road’ option for cycle touring where both route and accommodation are pre planned (but route is variable if preferred) and your heavier luggage moved ahead for you.

The detailed route info included variable distance options, from 25/40 to 65 miles daily, and was hilly enough for us to feel we’d earned our dinner and glass or two of Rioja! Having our accommodation and meal pre-arranged meant we were free for 2 or 3 hours tourism and a little aperitif quaffing between the days ride and eve dinner.

The tour company were fantastic – as there were 4 of us the tour was tailored to our dates. (Tues to Tues) We were picked up at Bilbao airport, taken to their office near Santander to be fitted with excellent Trek hybrids (they’d gone to considerable lengths to tailor the bikes to our previously given measurements, and we took our own saddles and helmets, e-bikes are an option too) and then on to the Hotel at the start where we were briefed and then left to it for 6 days, with them a call away should assistance be needed.

They then drove us back to the Airport (Chris and I then stayed on in Bilbao for 3 days, using the excellent and cheap Bilbao City Rooms)

A great ride, well organized and very reasonably priced given the high level of service and accommodation.

Recommended.

Richard Attwood

I recently had the use of one of the new hireable Urban Arrow ‘S-Cargo’ bikes for a day. It is an imposing Cargo bike with a high quality feel. It comes with all the necessary items for safe and convenient use – lights, a good bell, a solid stand, a chainguard to keep your clothes clean, reassuringly powerful disc brakes and sports a particularly easy to operate ‘single twist’ gear system.

It is one of the increasing number of e-bikes coming onto the market (Electric power assists you when you pedal) – a type particularly well suited to hauling stuff/families about. Being legally classed as a bicycle means you can also use off road cycle lanes etc, and can choose whether or not you wear a helmet.

The load is held securely in a lockable box mounted on the chassis between the wheels, ahead of the rider. This configuration – a long wheelbase with a small front wheel – whilst brilliantly suited to load stability, requires a short period of practice to acclimatise to the way it handles. Once you have become accustomed to the wide turning circle, and to ‘balancing’ the weight of the bike as you manoeuvre, the unladen S-Cargo is remarkably nimble, very comfortable with its upright stance and relaxed frame geometry, and is great fun to ride.

I loaded the bike up with 65kg of groceries from around town and up to Crookesmoor on first run, and fetched a similarly heavy 3 x 50ltr bags of compost from Crosspool on the second. Although this bike is rated to safely carry more, on this initial run at least I found this to be plenty to manage on Sheffield gradients. It is probable that I would feel able to comfortably manage more with practice, but on initial acquaintance at least I reckon that for me a carefully distributed 50kg load would be a sensible limit when manoeuvring the loaded bike in this terrain, particularly when starting off on a hilly junction or executing a ‘cambered’ turn, situations where as the driver I most noticed the combined challenge of the bike’s overall mass and long wheelbase. (Bear in mind I add approaching 100kg kg body weight to the overall bike weight!)
Other quickly learned tips included ensuring I parked facing uphill such that I was using gravity to help me pull the loaded bike onto the very secure centre stand in a downhill direction when parking on any gradient.

Given the constraints of weight and gradient all bikes are subject to, even with the electric assist on the highest setting, I found myself giving more forethought to the routes that would best suit the heavy load hauling nature and purpose of this bike, choosing those giving a more gradual ascent wherever possible, for example tracking round the ring road cycle way adjacent to Hanover way to make my way up from Bramall Lane to Walkley rather than tackling Sunnybank, at least when loaded.

These considerations aside, using this bike meant that I could pick up stuff that I would either have had to make multiple cycle trips for, or indeed fire up our camper van for one of those horrid short polluting urban journeys which we try hard to avoid, so well worthwhile.

Richard Attwood

Judging by how often I am asked about e-bikes lately, people are catching on to their potential to offer a viable, green and fun option for folk of all persuasions to be less vehicle dependent for appropriate journeys. (And in some cases even managing to get over their old fashioned British prejudices about ‘cheating’!) As cyclists, Chris and I have for years pedalled journeys long and short on ‘normal’ bikes, and initially I bought an e-bike simply out of a nerdish gadgety curiosity, but we very quickly realized how convenient and sensible they are as an everyday utilitarian transport option, especially in hilly Sheffield! However if you find yourself considering one, e-bike terminology and the range available is bewildering!

So what is an ‘e-bike’? An e-bike is a normal sturdy bicycle with an electric motor and a battery. Nowadays all are ‘Pedelecs’, only kicking in when you pedal, but to great effect! The UK legal rated max continuous (nominal) power an e-bike motor can have (for road use) is 250watts, more and it legally ceases to be a bicycle and becomes a moped, requiring a licence /insurance etc, and any illegal acts committed on the bike then apply to your vehicle licence!

Being classed as a bicycle, helmet wearing is not a legal requirement. Personally I believe this is a matter of choice and a judgement I make based on conditions each time I ride. I do however prioritise bright clothing and having bright lights switched on both day and night.

Why might I think of buying an e-bike? Everyday e-biking is fun, quick, convenient, cheap and can help fitness. We have noticed we feel safer than we have at times on unpowered bikes, with the power and presence to be more part of the traffic. Everyday journeys for work, heavy shopping and going to the pub etc that would have involved the queue/parking hassles of using a vehicle, or hanging around for public transport, are now undertaken with ease and convenience. e-bike power is particularly suitable for shifting heavy or bulky stuff with ‘Cargo’ bikes. See http://s-cargo.co.uk/ On e-bikes, even the ‘weather’ seem less discouraging, and statistically we know we are living longer/better thanks to cardiac exercise and breathing far less pollution than when sat in traffic in a vehicle!

Where would I find out more about e-bikes? If you are curious about or considering buying an e-bike, this article is very informative, interviewing people who know e-bikes well: Take a look at forums and publications like Pedelecs and A2B for general discussions and reviews. Check out dealers websites like e-bikesdirect and electricbikesales for further helpful discussions about e-bikes and also for ideas on makes and prices.

What should I consider when trying to choose an e-bike? Consider what you want it for and where. There are 2 main types of e-bike, those powered by electric motors in the front or rear wheels (Hub drive) and those with the motor positioned down in the frame and working upon the pedal axle (Crank or Mid drive). Our e-bikes are this latter type, and we use them as everyday transport for short, often well loaded utility journeys in hilly Sheffield. Others, often those who would not normally cycle any significant distance, if at all, choose e-bikes for longer and less loaded recreational rides of 50 miles or more and love the feeling of easily getting out along their local roads and also exploring on such as Sustrans trails.

In general the type most suited for use in hilly areas is the Crank drive, as the electric motor drives with and through the bikes gears. With the right gear selected the motor is kept running at its optimum speed, and so less likely to strain on steep/long climbs. But then some folk do seem to get along OK with Hub drives hereabouts, most likely on e-bikes fitted with especially high torque hub motors and/or a good low gear range.

(Torque = pulling or climbing power, counted in Nm. E-bike motors can be set up to give varying levels of torque, incl those all rated at 250watts). More is better in hilly Sheffield.
Go for as light and well mechanically specified a bike as you can afford. e-bikes weigh 20 – 24 kg, lighter ones have a better quality frame and cycle parts, so are easier and more pleasant to ride with the power off when you choose, or have to if you run out of juice! Bear in mind where you are going to use and keep the bike, not everyone will be able to lift a 24kg e-bike plus accessories up steps/on to trains etc! The innovative Nano-Brompton folder aside, weight is why folding e-bikes may be problematic for some use, being too heavy to lift easily. e-bikes with batteries mounted between the seat post and the back wheel are a bit longer than normal bikes, so storage or using dedicated train spaces, lifts etc can be an issue.

Best electric motor? Currently both Bosch and Yamaha crank drive motors seem to be excellent and are to be found in all sorts of premium bike brands. The Yamaha has the advantage of more power when starting off, and a greater range of gearing options with its double front chainset (most crank drive bikes only have just the one front chainring on the motor) and it is typically a cheaper option than the Bosch on a given model! Less expensive crank drive motors are available, both in whole bike form, or as a kit to convert your own bike. Hub based conversion kits are also available, but would need to be high torque models.

What sort of gears do I need? Our own centre drive e-bikes have enclosed hub type gears in the back wheel, which I like, but many have the more usual open derailleur type rear gears fitted – cheaper ones having 7 speeds, up to 10 on more expensive models. Both gear types are fine if properly serviced, but either way a decent range of gears with a low first gear is needed in really hilly areas. We have found that the 3 speed gears fitted to some e-bikes, although just about useable in Sheffield, really are hard work!

The only e-bike I’ve come across with as full a range of gears (30) as some unassisted bikes, with its triple front chainset and 10 speed derailleur back wheel gears, is a Kudos model so it will have very low gear capability. Whilst it is a Hub drive, it may still prove a good and efficient hill climber, appears to be good value given the high quality parts, and so worth a look/try.

Do brakes matter? Well yes! but what sort? The traditional rim brakes will stop an e-bike just fine, but we have found that in heavy use on a loaded e-bike in Sheffield, the brake blocks and the wheel rim braking surface can wear down rather quickly, so we prefer either the Disc, Roller or Drum brake types now found on many e-bikes.

Accessories: Actually in my view these are essentials: Go for a bike all kitted out with pannier rack, mudguards, a strong stand and with good fitted LED lights, the latter powered by either a front wheel dynamo or the main power battery. If absent on your chosen model get them fitted at purchase. Budget for a good lock too if you want to keep the bike! Go for a ‘Sold secure Gold’ rated lock eg: this is a versatile/value one.

Guarantee: Look for a minimum 2 year guarantee on the battery and the electric motor, and check the price of a second or replacement battery for the bike you are considering, as they can pack up after a year or two at worst, and rarely last more than three or four.

How far will it take me? In terms of how far you can go on a battery charge, things like weight (yours/the load you carry) hills, and headwinds mean the ‘typical’ battery on a modern ebike will get you between 15 and 50+ miles depending on what power level you choose, and how willing you are to cycle with the power off on the easy parts of the journey. This ‘typical’ battery would be about 400Wh capacity, arrived at by multiplying the typical 36volt electric motor x the typical mid-sized 11ah battery. Note that you consume about 10 – 20 of those 400 watts every mile you are cycling with power, depending on conditions. You can often specify larger capacity batteries at purchase, but they add to the overall weight. Incidentally – in real life there seems to be little to be gained in practice, range wise, by the few models that ‘regenerate’ electric as you freewheel, all of which are Hub drive anyway.

Where would I try/buy/service one? Try at a trail centre. I recommend that you really try to buy one from a localish dealer, and/or one who is a BEBA (British Electric Bike Assocation) member. You benefit from advice, follow up, repairs, service, and if necessary arbitration and redress. Use a registered local service centre, eg: RecycleBikes
Mid-price choices locally could be something like the well regarded Raleigh Captus. Then in York there is the Smarta, which has always looked like an interesting option, well reviewed and apparently a good climber even if it is hub drive, and with an amazing 4 yr battery warranty. Or choose from an established but less expensive make online, eg Kudos as mentioned above or Whoosh bikes, both offer reasonably priced (£300 or less) replacement batteries.

Or just go mad and buy yourself one of Raleigh’s premium ‘Haibike’ range. It may prove to be worth every penny in the long run, especially if it’s going to be used as everyday transport….and e-bikes do like to be used regularly to optimise battery life.

In Sheffield we have a few retailers: Giant store, Halfords, Fosters of Rotherham, and J E James. The latter has such as the versatile looking Cube Cross Hybrid and the more urban focussed Cube Touring Hybrid both of which look like an especially high value way into Bosch powered e-bike action!

Secondhand? Buying e-bikes secondhand can be risky because of battery/electrical issues/general wear and tear. Unless you are very confident around ebikes, go for one of the many good new bikes out there suitable for different pockets.

Note: Whilst some of the more general thoughts and recommendations here are a result of my direct experience, brands/models/dealers I’ve mentioned here are included because of familiarity whilst I’ve read around the subject, or their locality. They are not in any way a personal recommendation. Any makes or dealers omitted are co-incidental. It is always best to research well and then go and see/try bikes and dealers yourself.

Happy e-biking!
Richard Attwood.

Sheffield CTC needs more members to lead rides. To ensure safe rides, ride leaders need to be experienced cyclists, used to riding in a group. We have produced a set of ride leader criteria, take a look to see if you fit the bill (click here).

If you would like to train to become a local ride leader you can do this through the club. If you would like to be informed when the next training session will take place please email ken.woodhouse@pedalready.co.uk

We have also produced a checklist to help leaders understand their responsibilities when leading a ride. To download it click here.

There is also a kit list for ride leaders. To download it click here.

If you are already a trained ride leader and want to suggest a new route, have a word with Barry Raynor when you are out on a ride.

Bookings can now be taken for the Sheffield District CTC weekend for Spring 2016. The trip next year is to Bridges Youth Hostel Shropshire on Friday 13th May returning Sunday 15th May. The ride to Bridges is 91 miles from the meeting point at Baslow bus shelter by the village green. Cost is £75 per person and this will include two nights accommodation with evening meal Friday and Saturday night with breakfast Saturday and Sunday morning. Thirty places available, the event is expected to be fully booked by the New Year so don’t delay with your bookings. Please make cheques payable to ‘Sheffield District CTC’ and send to B. Raynor 18 Jordanthorpe View Sheffield S8 8DY, please contact Barry if you wish to pay by internet banking 0114 2372630.

This weekend tour is now fully booked, if you want to be placed on the reserve list please ring Barry on the number above.

Would all those intending to attend the Christmas Dinner at the Cross Scythes in Totley please note that the full £20 is required as deposit. I will be attending the AGM to receive names.
Anyone wishing to forward cheques please make them payable to me and send them to my address, ie, 9 Springfield Avenue, Millhouses. S72GA.

Joan Sleney.

Sheffield CTC needs more members to lead rides. If you have not done it before the national CTC has produced a guidance leaflet, download it here.

To sign up to lead a ride, click here

This is a briefing from me as the Campaigns person on Sheffield CTC’s committee. I haven’t been doing this very long so these observations are largely impressionistic. I do have many years as a consumer of Sheffield’s provision for cyclist.

If I were OFSTED I would say that Sheffield is somewhere between inadequate and requires improvement. Some improvements are in the process of being planned, the most important example being the work being done between Amey, the Council and cyclists on how tram track safety can be improved. A survey was commissioned, priority crossings identified and Amey did an excellent piece of research on possible solutions. Trial solutions are now being planned. There are other, more modest improvements, for example the cycle lanes around Sheffield Hallam University in the centre of the city. However there is a long list of very poor cycle lanes and routes, dangerous crossings (Rutland Road/Penistone Road being my own favourite) as the road lobby and keeping up traffic speeds has substantial power. There is a SCC action plan and councillor commitment to Get Britain Cycling, the action plan has fallen behind, and Get Britain Cycling has weak targets. There is a lot spoken, good intentions, but conspicuously weak commitment to action and abysmal resources.

Sheffield spends just under £2 per head of population on cycling. Other authorities spend £10 and because Sheffield did not bid for central government funding two years ago, it didn’t have suitable plans, it has lost out on a second tranche of government funding which was announced recently. In its major schemes, for example the Penistone Road pinch point scheme, £3m of central government money, cycling seems to have been an afterthought. A recent major junction redesign at Broomhill the chief planner said that SCC only designed for experienced cyclists. Given that Sheffield is not attracting the major scheme monies and cycling seems to get what’s left, it will experience a 25% cut in the budget next year, much less reduced than in other areas, but still a significant reduction from a very low base allocation.

Sheffield Councillors have also failed to sign up to the Space for Cycling principles, only 9 (possibly more) have, and the lowest number within the comparable local authority councillor groups. Signing up to this scheme was said by the lead councillor for cycling to be “simplistic” the only real champion of cycling I have identified is Sarah Jane Smalley, the Green Councillor whose recently very critical council motion on cycling was amended and nullified by the Labour Group. This was not surprising as the councillors are unlikely to vote to criticise themselves. However it did raise the issue and many others are doing the same.
Cycle Sheffield and its extremely knowledgeable chair Mick Nott provide the driving force from the grass roots to improve cycling in Sheffield and their efforts do produce results, for example SY Police allowing away football team supporter buses to park on bike lanes, this practice has been discontinued and other places found for the coaches. I could list other successes.
Sheffield Councillors will sign up to Space for Cycling and I copy the response that I received from my own Councillor, George Lindars-Hammond. This seems to be the “official” Labour Party position on cycling; it’s a start and does indicate a willingness to move forwards, albeit at a very slow space. In the meantime there are other forces at work, mainly financial, the cumulative effects of continuing budget cuts, performance pressures to increase average traffic speeds and accident statistics.

Here is George Lindars- Hammond’s response:-

You will be aware of recent publicity that Sheffield Councillors did not support the Space for Cycling campaign in as large numbers as other big cities. This was unfortunate because I believe it completely misrepresented the position in Sheffield with regard to cycling. Sheffield actually demonstrated its commitment to improving cycling by launching its own Cycling Inquiry to build on the national Get Britain Cycling report. The Cycling Inquiry was an all-party committee that included a representative from Cycle Sheffield. Nineteen recommendations were put forward and agreed by the Labour Administration and we are due to bring forward a precise timetable for full implementation next summer. It was because Sheffield had launched its own comprehensive initiative that the numbers of Councillors in Sheffield who signed the Space for Cycling campaign was lower than elsewhere but crucially only Sheffield responded to the challenges set by the Get Britain Cycling report in this tangible manner.

We are currently working on implementing the Cycling Inquiry recommendations and establishing, wherever possible, the necessary funding that is required. We also support the Space for Cycling campaign asks, if implemented where appropriate, where funding is available, and not on a blanket basis. For example, we believe issues such as removing through traffic from residential areas should be done on a case by case basis. On this basis I am happy to sign up to the Space for Cycling campaign and thank you for your email.

I think this begs a lot of questions, and needs to be set against the experience of cycling in Sheffield and the litany of substandard schemes that have been introduced.

I reproduce a recent text from Barry Raynor, Secretary Sheffield District CTC, on the subject of cycling to the north of the city.

Living on the south tip of the city I took a ride on the other side up to Grenoside today and OMG! I endured one of the worst cycling experiences of my life. I used to live at Wadsley Bridge nineteen years ago and it wasn’t good then, now it’s worse. Cyclists living in the north of Sheffield must have nerves of steel and don’t deserve what they have to put up with.

These quotes I think demonstrate the nature of the gap between the political and the experiential.

We can change the priority level within Sheffield by working with Cycle Sheffield and putting pressure on local Councillors to sign up for the Space for Cycling agenda. To this end I would like all CTC members to use the link to email their local councillor and all members should be familiar with Space4Cyling campaign.

Please use this link to email your local councillor.

Paul

On Sunday 10 August Sheffield will be hosting a ‘SkyRide’. This is a big bike ride on closed, traffic-free roads around Sheffield & a great chance to enjoy a ride with the whole family! Thousands are expected to ride the route throughout the course of the day.

The SkyRide is organised by British Cycling, Sky & Sheffield City Council. It is a 5km route on closed roads. It follows a city centre route before heading to Endcliffe Park and back via Ecclesall Road. More details here

You can just turn up or you can chose to ride with the group campaigning for Space for Cycling to find out more about this option click here

This Monday, February 24 2014 at 7:30pm the Sheffield Skeptics in the Pub talk will discuss the proposal that 20mph should be the UKs default residential speed limit (not 30mph).

More details here