At last

[Mike45]

Well, I have now got my Kalkhoff Ergo on the road and am very pleased with it. Most importantly, it hauled my carcass up the hill that has defeated mt two previous bikes even though I have put on a few pounds! My second trip was with about 5 kilos of groceries in the saddlebag. The downside is although the bike was happy to keep on going up my legs weren't . I stopped a few time and then took off again. No clacking and the NuVinci hub works a treat. Used it in manual on the hill.

Tried the heart monitor which was interesting but I don't see what real use it is. Is there a prize for the highest pulse rate? I managed 101 at the top of the hill. Any cardiologists on the forum?

As a separate topic, does anyone use a ski or snowboard helmet instead of a bike helmet? I met someone who was wearing one and they seem like a good idea as they have built in ear warmers. They are more expensive than bike helmets, are they constructed to a higher standard?

 

[VictoryV]

Tried the heart monitor which was interesting but I don't see what real use it is. Is there a prize for the highest pulse rate? I managed 101 at the top of the hill. Any cardiologists on the forum?

In my exercise bike manual they have a simple formula for your "never exceed" heart rate: 220 - (your age in years) so for me my never xceed limit is 150 pulses per minute. So you can work out what your personal limit is.

I routinely train at 120ppm without over exertion or worry

 

[flecc]

Tried the heart monitor which was interesting but I don't see what real use it is. Is there a prize for the highest pulse rate? I managed 101 at the top of the hill. Any cardiologists on the forum?

No worries there, very moderate. In my later unpowered cycling days at up to 67 years, my first five mile climb from home to the top of the North Downs would get my rate to about 150 at the summit, but on stopping it quickly dropped to its usual rest rate of 48.

Now in my eightieth year I'm happy if my heart just does something!
.

 

[greyfox69]

I wear a BMX style helmet in winter to keep my head and ears a bit warmer seeing as i am not cycling as hard as i did without the engine. i may look a bit of a d*** in my late fifties ,.........but i am warm

 

[Alan Quay]

.... does anyone use a ski or snowboard helmet instead of a bike helmet? I met someone who was wearing one and they seem like a good idea as they have built in ear warmers. They are more expensive than bike helmets, are they constructed to a higher standard?

Yes, I do. It wasn't expensive, perhaps £30 from Argos. You can also get them in Lidl/Aldi sometimes.

I have no hard evidence, but it looks to me to give more protection than a cycle helmet. I've glued a peak to mine, as I wear specs (helps keep rain off). The ear warmers are great in winter.

My wife has a Bern (about £30 from eBay) similar to this one. She loves it:
http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=111778623146&alt=web

 

[greyfox69]

yes Amazon sell them for £50 and call them a commuter helmet, i looked at them but got mine from Halfords for around £25 to try it and i like it, but i do like the Bern model and the price is good.

 

[flatbat]

yes Amazon sell them for £50 and call them a commuter helmet, i looked at them but got mine from Halfords for around £25 to try it and i like it, but i do like the Bern model and the price is good.

Why not get a balaclava? Then you can wear any helmet and keep your ears warm! Its what I have done. Keeps my neck warm as well.

 

[greyfox69]

i have got a balaclava from my motorbike days, it makes me look like a terrorist or a serial killer and it scares the grandkids, come think of it it's a good idea now where did i put it?

 

[Lancslass]

I also go the balaclava way, like greyfox, from my motorbiking days! They can be bought for next to nothing, such as here:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Black-Polar-Fleece-Motorbike-Motorcycle-Bike-Balaclava-GhostBikes-/190998812027?hash=item2c786a957b:g:WbsAAOSwBLlVEyCl

And that way you can wear a normal bike helmet with a peek such as this one, which my Hubby wears and is an absolute steal for a decent make:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemVersion&item=321802565575&view=all&tid=1526792296011

 

[Mike45]

I also go the balaclava way, like greyfox, from my motorbiking days! They can be bought for next to nothing, such as here:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Black-Polar-Fleece-Motorbike-Motorcycle-Bike-Balaclava-GhostBikes-/190998812027?hash=item2c786a957b:g:WbsAAOSwBLlVEyCl

And that way you can wear a normal bike helmet with a peek such as this one, which my Hubby wears and is an absolute steal for a decent make:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemVersion&item=321802565575&view=all&tid=1526792296011

'spose I could take up robbing banks to pay for my new bike

 

[Lancslass]

'spose I could take up robbing banks to pay for my new bike

Your smiley doesn't fit, the idea is to be warm, not look cool!!!

 

[John5001]

Balaclava... Takes me way back when at school. I think ideal at this time of year though.