windy weather

[john]

Has anyone been cycling in these high winds?

Is there a wind speed above which it is unsafe to cycle?

[flecc]

Yes I've been out each day currently, yesterday was the worst for wind strength, but fortunately it was first headwind, then return tail wind for most of the trip.

I sometimes get strong crosswinds on the top of the Downs and have never found them impossible to cope with, but it's worse on a bike than on a motorbike running at higher speeds.
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[fcurran]

I was cycling home last night quite happily in a well built up area with the wind swirling around, then all of a sudden there was a gap in the buildings for a small lane. As I passed through I was nearly knocked off my bike by the wind as it funnelled through the lane and on to the main road. I was travelling around 18mph and was thrown about 2-3 feet into the road, luckily nothing was coming behind me! I was fine but it did make me a lot more aware of future breaks in the buildings!!

A warning to all to take care!

FrankC

[Citrus]

Cycling to work this morning it took 1 hour 28 minutes to cover 18.7 miles (about 12.5 mph) into a 15-20 mph headwind with 40-50 mph gusts. Also mostly climbing on my way to work. My battery was exhausted just as I arrived at work - the worst return I have had. Coming home - tailwind - 1 hour 6 minutes to get home at average speed of 17 mph and the battery only 1/3rd used.

[simonbarnett]

so you have a charger at work too?

[Citrus]

I take my charger with me at the moment, but I am still undecided as to whether or not to buy a charger to leave at work or a second battery.

[flecc]

Originally Posted by Citrus

I take my charger with me at the moment, but I am still undecided as to whether or not to buy a charger to leave at work or a second battery.

I can see why you are undecided. On your mileage it's finely balanced either way. I think I'd just tilt on the side of a second charger, since it's cheaper to buy and avoids carrying extra weight every trip. Also having to charge two batteries at home would be very time consuming on one charger.
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[Joe]

citrus that is an impressive commute. are you doing that regardless of weather conditions? have you changed the sprocket for slightly higher speed?

[keithhazel]

Originally Posted by Citrus

I take my charger with me at the moment, but I am still undecided as to whether or not to buy a charger to leave at work or a second battery.

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they are not cheap, i paid £75 for my spare quando battery charger but what a difference it makes, not having to check every time i go out to g/f's that i am carrying my charger, the peace of mind alone is well worth it ten times over, plus one less item to carry and always the thought in my mind of risk of damage to it...i dont like spending what i thik is a awful lot just for a charger but i say its DEFNATLY worth it,

[Citrus]

Originally Posted by flecc

I can see why you are undecided. On your mileage it's finely balanced either way. I think I'd just tilt on the side of a second charger, since it's cheaper to buy and avoids carrying extra weight every trip. Also having to charge two batteries at home would be very time consuming on one charger.
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I have pretty much come to the same conclusion, but I can't help feeling that outside of my commute to work a second battery would be very useful too (e.g the 55 mile cycle to St. Andrews where my father lives). Very expensive option though for those sort of one off type situations. I would probably still be better on my motorbike for that journey.