In my experience, our trains are woefully unprepared for cyclists. I have been at the mercy of a paltry three, THREE spaces for bikes on a TWELVE carriage train many times. Not three areas for bikes, one area for three bikes. If someone in a wheelchair boards then that space immediately reverts to wheelchair space. Its ridiculous. Not to mention somebody in my bike club had their bike confiscated by South Eastern for being "abandoned" while she was still on the train. She had to travel to a station miles from her home to collect her essentially "stolen" bike. Bikes and trains should work in harmony as an alternative to cars, but the message the infrastructure is telling me is "Don't Cycle".
Haha yeah, i take the cross-country Manchester->Bournemouth down from reading occasionally and we've had 5 or 6 of us cyclists crammed into the 3 cycle space 😂
Don't have personal transport is the message. My solution is get a trailer. The bottom half of my cyclone IV trailer holds 6 batteries , with another 2 on my trike, each battery giving over 60 miles range. Who needs a train.
@@DemiGod..Assuming each of your batteries weighs 6 kg, that's 42 kg for your 7 spare batteries not counting the main one on the bike. Or the weight and resistance from the trailer. So instead of taking a 200 mile train journey in a nice and easy couple of hours, you are going to spend possibly a day and a half, assuming your bike is limited to the legally assisted 15.5 mph and 250 watts, pedaling your own ass plus a really heavy load of batteries instead. Plus all of that weight in the trailer is going to be dramatically slowing you down and eating into your batteries as you use them too. It's your own life and it's certainly another way to do long distance bike touring. But you're not going to go visit a friend for a half a day and be back home again in time to watch Corny Street or whatever. Perhaps you should be a little more rational and a little less obsessive?
So true also in Germany. You always have to buy additional bicycle tickets and you're still only able to actually take your bike with you if you're lucky enough to have space available on the train, bus or tram for your bike.
the roads are safer and faster for everyone if we stop all the unnecessary car journeys! Look at all the kids who could easily walk to primary school but the parents put them in a massive 4x4 :(
@@GilesWendes These are also the same parents who refuse to let their children play outside because it's 'too dangerous'. What makes it dangerous is themselves speeding around in their useless SUVs.
@@GilesWendes A lot of what some people seem to see as unnecessary car journeys are a consequence of modern life - especially rising rent and house prices mean a lot of people now live further away from where they work, where their kids go to school, etc. and often mean both partners have to work so it is much less hassle and time to drop them off with the car. Not to mention the often poor quality of infrastructure for cycling and even walking - sometimes even dangerous, increasingly expensive or non-existent public transport, etc. a critical bus route through my village only survived this year by the skin of its teeth and likely won't next year despite being used heavily by students and OAPs - so likely next year they'll all be extra car journeys. A lot of what you see as kids who could "easily" walk to school are probably far more complicated circumstances.
I went bike touring on the C2C route with some friends last week with electric touring bikes which are heavier and chunkier than yours and we had fully packed panniers. We had to get three trains to Workington and then two trains back from Newcastle. Cycle space on all the trains were very limited and only seem to be suitable for road bikes or normal hybrids. The main issue was working out where the bike carriages were on each of the trains so we could be ready in the correct place on the platform. Sometimes they heave a graphic on the electronic notice board showing which zone of the platform to stand in but most of the time it is a guessing game. Even staff don’t see to know, so you are rushing down the platform with your bike which isn’t very safe.
Not just showing the quality of the experience of train journeys from Liverpool with a bike and how easy it is, but also the great infrastructure for bikes at Hull, and the quality of the bike to ride...and carry
Ive used trains in Germany on many occasions (2 bikes plus panniers). They're trains have places for bikes and are marked on the trains exterior. People there are far more tolerant of cyclists as most people cycle. DB actually put me and my wife up in a hotel (a nice one) because we missed the connecting train that left before i could get the bikes across platforms. Its not without its problems though and can be a bit stressful.
Just realised this is a 35 min video. Really looking forward to this. Already in the first minute or so, the setting looks beautiful with the streets all gleaming after a rainfall.
Many's the time I've tried to put my bike in the designated space (TfW) and been told by the people sitting there to go away. It's alright if you're boarding at a terminus, but if passengers have claimed the space since previous stations, you've got a problem. Bought a folder (with a delay repay payment, ironically) to make this less of an issue.
Was it an Edinburgh to Penzance first class ticket? I sat on a Brompton once outside Kings Cross, casually asked the price… then I got straight off the bike!
Nothing makes you a third-class citizen in the eyes of second-class citizens like being on or with a bike. Oh, except picking up a broom in public, but that actually makes you invisible.
I have seen a couple reviews on this bike, yours was the most humane and honest one! Specially demoing how easy the bike is to pedal when it's powered off! I am a little fed up with how overly sugar coated and over positive the reviews are these days on RUclips.
It is good to see some good cycle to train infrastructure and also good to see things have improved in some areas since I last commuted by train. Looking at other comments it appears the South East train network is still a "cattle wagon" in terms of getting as many people on as possible without much room for cycles. In fact, there wasn't much room for luggage if you was using the train to go away on holiday Where I am now, I will admit to not looking too much at cycle spaces but I would imagine they are combined disabled / push chair / cycle areas at either end of the two carriage train (occasionally we might be upgraded to a four carriage train during "peak" times 👍 Not much of an issue as the trains are very rarely busy but like others have commented, there is usually an unwritten hierarchy on these types of trains which goes 1) Disabled -> 2) Push chair -> 3) Cycles rather than a first come first served. I do wonder if they could make better use of the space to enable everyone to use the train, especially when they generally aren't busy and don't need all the seats. What is wrong with a little standing room only in places?
The Fiido seems to be a good e-bike for good value. It doesn't look like an e-bike at first glance. There are some train companies that will have restrictions, especially with e-bikes that are self made and with illegal specs like large motors and add-on batteries. Also on events like London to Brighton cycle ride, bikes are banned on the day! So anyone in the event will need to ride home, have someone pick them up, or stay overnight and see if they can use the train the next day!
I have occasionally travelled with a bicycle, but it's not something I do regularly. Usually it's because I'm moving it semi-permanently from one place to another. Security is a problem, because on many trains the cycle storage area is publicly accessible but away from anywhere you could reasonably sit and watch it, and it's usually difficult to lock the bike up in any kind of timely fashion. Your train from Liverpool to Sheffield was a Class 158 "Sprinter Express" which fits that pattern - and I actually ended up losing a bike to theft on one of those. Probably at Bradford. Fortunately it was one of those ten-speed "mountain bikes" which are literally incapable of climbing any kind of mountain, so it was an excuse for a significant upgrade - but also something of an inconvenience in the short term. The ideal solution would be a train with a luggage van, but they're actively retiring those (eg. the InterCity 225 sets). In the 70s and 80s, they were still building most trains with at least the theoretical possibility of carrying parcels traffic alongside passengers, but that's simply not a factor any more, so the ancillary use for bulky luggage also goes away. Disruption to the schedule can also be a major problem if it occurs. On one occasion I was going for a stay in a rural area, accessible only by a sleepy branch line with an infrequent service and no late-evening trains at all. I was just able to make the connections for the last train of the day. Except that there was a gas leak reported next to the railway on the previous leg of the journey, so that train stopped short and we all got transferred into coaches. The coach had a luggage space big enough for the bike, but it turfed us out not at the big junction station where I could still theoretically make my connection, but at a little town several miles short - ie. the first railway station which still had a running service. The next train was a tiny single-coach affair (Class 153) which was completely overwhelmed by having an additional trainload of passengers descend on it, and with my bike shoehorned into one of the gangways the Guard had a lot of trouble reaching the door controls! With the last train gone, the station staff had to find a taxi firm with an estate car to get me the rest of the way. More often, my bicycle is used to get *to* the station, and I leave it there until I get back. I would certainly still consider taking it with me, if I thought it would be useful to have it to ride at my destination, but very often the public transport network is good enough to work with and thus the hassle of moving the bike around isn't worthwhile.
@@steve-r-collier If the reason I'm cycling to the railway station 40km away is that it's the first leg of a business-related trip to Singapore - which has in fact happened before - then no, I'm not going to get the bike on the plane with just that.
Old fashioned cycle capes can still be bought Ashley. They do keep you dry and no change o. clothes necessary. Had mine for years and never leave home without😅 it. Ken from Greasby.
They do keep you dry and if the wind is behind you, there's almost no need to pedal. If you're facing into a 30 mph headwind........... Hard work! But on an e-bike with assistance....... What headwind!?
I am amazed by the ease you seem to get around without assistance on this thing. I always thought that e-bikes, with the motor turned off, can be very hard to pedal, and to be honest that has always gotten confirmed the few times I rented or borrowed an e-bike. Some e-bike experiences I felt like I would be faster on my acoustic bike, even with a decent level of assistance, that's how hard to pedal they were. That and range anxiety made me never really consider splurging for an e-bike. Maybe that idea is outdated, or at least not applicable to some models, but unfortunately almost no review ever takes the performance without assistance into consideration. Thanks for doing this, even if it was unintentional.
It depends on what kind of bike you want. Some are brutes to pedal without the motor. Others are basically normal bikes with a motor and a battery. You need to visit a few different reputable bike shops and talk to them about the different types of e-bikes. Then read up on them and watch reviews and so on.
Really good, informative piece. Understanding the issues which arise re lack of storage space on trains, particularly when encountering a group of like minded travellers I'd opt for a fold up model which at least can be stowed between the seat backs like any other item of hand luggage. I appreciate such models aren't to everyone's liking.
I used to regularly commute bike/train and don't miss it one bit, but back then there were no places for bikes so you had to hold your bike by the door and when it was busy it was a nightmare at times. I also used to use one of the bike lockups which was great, I remember it being very cheep and easy. I do miss the interesting people I used to meet like Pete ...he was the "yellow submarine" guy from Britain's got talent and would come to speak to me every time he saw me😂
Cycling TO the station and parking up has always been good in my experience, and I do this for commuting to work. Taking a bike onto a train always feels like a crapshoot so I don't usually bother, plus in London there's always a million rental bikes to use when you get there anyway. Only time I've ever done it was dropping my car off at a bodyshop for some scratch repairs - bike in boot, drop car off and take bike out, cycle around the corner to the station, then take two stops down before cycling back home. Worked alright because it was the middle of the day and the train was largely empty.
Doesnt make a difference who gets on first, train drivers wont just leave if they still see people waiting to get on, this isnt like the London Tube where its every man for themself haha. people need to remember this.
Reminds me of getting the bus to go home from work. Instead of going to the end of the queue in the bussstop, people would just stand infront of the bussstop, the last to come , the first to get on the buss. Happened every day.
@@jonno209 Small trick, carry a "Symbol Cane", im partially blind but still see enough to get around, and i was given that cane, its smaller than a cane for fully blind people, its basically to let people know i have poor eyesight, and every single time without fail people see that cane in my arms and they give me extra space. no barging
I have to admit that bike plus train travel is really good, much more environmentally friendly than driving, I also have a C21, I've been riding it for more than two months now, and it's simply stress-free to travel within five kilometers on a daily basis!
Last yeat when i was i geneva they had bike parks . Not sure the cost but imagine not expensive. What i did think was how much room they saved compared to cars. As i was staying in geneva all public transport was free in Geneva
Just wondering how easy it would be to get on and off the train and walk through the station with a bike would be during rush hour. The train and station will be rammed, and people aren't in the best of moods, so they won't be so courteous towards you.
Mersey rail trains seem really nice, Tyne and Wear metro is meant to get new trains soon to replace the 45 year old rolling stock, but they’ve been delayed so much. Edit: there’s currently no space for bikes on the existing trains
I honestly could not care less about an e-bike but I watched anyway for the trains. I was not disappointed, I am sure at least the last Northern train has door systems from the factory I work at. Somehow that is nice to see.
Got an ebike after being in a wheelchair for a while till strong enough to ride without assistance, then replaced it with a light weight road bike. Later. got a recumbent trike, but even though faster than bicycles downhills was slower climbing so put a motor on it. Now I have the best of both worlds, faster up and down hills than bicycles plus alot more comfortable and fun. The usual comment I get from cyclists if they catch me up at traffic lights is something like "Damn , that thing is fast" or "That thing flies",
@@DemiGod.. In 2017 I had a bad crash on my recumbent bike resulting in a serious injury that left strong post-traumatic arthritis in my ankle. Every step was like someone just drove a nail through the ankle. I was on crutches for three years until it was "fixed" by ankle fusion. During that time I had recumbent trikes with motors, first a Shimano motor and then full suspension Azub Ti-Fly with a D-series Bionx. It was fast, limited just by how much pain I could take when going over bigger bumps. But something was missing. The same speed on that trike did not have the same satisfaction as it did on my 2-wheel recumbent before. And not even higner speed could bring that feeling I wanted. It is hard to describe. I don't drink so I am not sure how accurate it is but I heard someone liken it to drinking a beer that you don't know is non-alcoholic. First you get the "yay, I have beer!" but then it just starts feeling like the beer is not working. That is how riding an electric bike felt for me both before the injury and after it when I could not even make it to work and back on an acoustic bike. And it still feels the same when I try one now. For trips like Ashley showed here with just short rides and the ends of a train trip I take a folding bike, Tern BYB in my case. So that is why e-bikes do not interest me. I have nothing against them and when they allow someone to ride who could not otherwise then great. But watching a review of an e-bike or getting excited about a new one is something that goes over my head completely and I think it will continue to be so for as long as I am physically able to go on human power only.
I used to cycle five miles to Norwich station, get the train to Diss, then cycle back home via back roads at the end of the day. Loved it, and would love to be able to do it now.
I do cycle to the station, but never take it on the train due to space constraints. Greater Anglia does allow bikes on board except between Norwich and London. The new GA trains have (almost) level boarding so that it is easy to board and alight and means that a boarding ramp is not needed for all.
Maybe I just get the wrong trains but I've never had a commute involving a train where I've thought "yep, could reliably get a bike on this train", even though some offer bookable slots it's usually 2-4 for an entire train
Nice bike, very light (about 5kg lighter than my old Gazelle city bike which is not electric) . If I needed or wanted an electric bike I think I would go for this or something very similar.
Mereseyrail’s new class 777 were created using feedback from different groups such as families, commuters, cyclists, elderly and disabled people. Many other trains aren’t built like this hence the lacking space and onboard facilities. Instead they’re refurbished giving them a modernised look (new seat covers, redo electrics for audio/visual announcements and USB charging).
Merseyrail has promoted the bike storage well but it’s only available at stations on the Merseyrail network. Go east of Lime Street and to Edge Hill, Wavertree, Huyton and St Helens stations or south to Moseley Hill, there are a few Sheffield stands but these don’t offer the same protection as the storage units. Lifts can be challenging with bikes and if my memory serves me right the lift at Liverpool Central (Northern Line) is extremely small and would be a case of putting the bike up in the air. Greater Manchester transport hubs such as bus stations and train stations within town centres and very crowded communities have a similar approach to the bike storage offering a container or shed but there are nowhere near as many as Merseyrail’s. As for travelling on trains, my experience is they go where the bulky suitcase get left, in doorways
I wouldn't wear jeans for any cycling trip, even worse if they get wet. Although appearing pricey I favour the Rohan brand who offer lightweight, warm, quick drying, stretch trousers which keep their looks. I have practically given up almost all other trousers even for work.
Great video. I very rarely use public transport, since I cycle and drive. I have hardly taken any of my bikes on a train. The last time was many years ago on a Sunday. I had my Dahon Cadenza folding bike with 26" wheels, 8 spd rear gears and 50/34 chainring. That bike is reasonably light and fast. Didn't look like a folding bike. Most times, I do the complete journey on my road bike. I am in Greater London.
Looks really good for the price, heavier than some of the specialized ones, but it's not £3000+. The only bummer is that the freezing temps in winter aren't gonna be good for the battery if you can't bring the bike indoors.
Nice to see you in my home city and riding in areas I know very well, I look forward to seeing your video with Dash cam Hull. The bike looks great and easy to use
Seems like a nice bike for the price but a 208Wh battery is small even for a little 250W motor. They say the extender doubles the range but at £220 for another 208Wh battery it seems a little steep. It's a neat lightweight setup though even with the extender but I'd probably get range anxiety even with the double battery. Shame as it seems like a great bike otherwise.
@@ashley_nealto be fair, after watching the full review I'm starting to think they made the right choice in keeping the weight down. Looks like it rolls very well and should be really economical on the battery usage. I'm riding a DIY bike which is falling apart partly due to the added weight of the (relatively) massive battery I put on it. I was about to beg you for this bike when you said you were giving it away 🤣 Great review of a very good bike 👍🏻
@@ashley_neal hey Ash, if you ever wanted to do a video on an amnesty style trade-in, where you take in an unsafe and possibly illegal ebike as trade for one of your legal review bikes, I would happily be your first such trade in 🤣🙏🏻 I'm putting thousands of miles on a very unsafe bike as it's all I can afford and would gladly swap it for safe and legal one. Just an idea 🙂🙏🏻 🤣
Saw you at Lime Street during this video, enjoyed our short chat! Now tempted to get a bike like this for my commute each morning - was always put off because most of my walk is slightly up hill but that wouldn't matter with this
Those hooks on the train are so much more convenient, here in Germany I've only used these annoying straps, that are there to attach your bike, wheelchair or stroller onto.
Seeing as one of my colleagues, who used to take his bike on the train, was killed by a driver in London while cycling from the office to the station, I don't think I would ever recommend commuting by bike. As an added hazard, you might encounter Jeremy Vine.
My local train service is run by Chiltern and their trains are rather old so not really that good for taking bicycles on. I like the trains you used, in particular your local one which clearly indicated where to take your bike on. On Chiltern trains that is not as obvious. I think we will get there eventually because once all the old trains have been replaced they will be more spacious and allow for more bike storage and other means of transport. As for the bike you used, it looks similar to the Estarli E28.8 which I've used for a few months. I have since replaced it for an emtb which suits my needs better.
Great bike! But this video also shows how deplorably dull commuting is in the UK 🤣 Our train networks are in desperate need of a revamp if we’re going to get less people using cars..
That seems like the kind of e-bike I could get on with. The mudguards got me straightaway, but they don't seem to be standard on the website, which I went straight at the beginning of the video. I don't use the train very often (are you kidding? We don't have an oil well in the garden) but between me and Weymouth - for shopping, etc - is a long hill known locally by cyclists as The Drudge. Does it have regenerative braking? That's not a sale, but it's on the list to look at. I prefer to buy from a local bike shop though.
Id be quite interested for you to compare this with cambridge train services. As a city that has a very large bicycle use its quite interesting how (arguably) unprepared they are. As so many people cycle the busy trains get quite full of bikes but to an expected degree. In fact, if you get the service from cambridge to kings cross the first thing you see when you exit is bike parks. Id be interested for you to drive or cycle in cambridge and give opinions
Interesting as ever, Ashley. My views differ in some respects. - I think you were very fortunate with the the rail network. Network Rail the infra provider are diabolical in their attitude to accessibility, speaking more from a disabled access viewpoint than about standard cycles by able-bodied people. Things like wheelchair spaces being too small for 1/3 of wheelchairs as the standards are based on 1990s wheelchairs, non-enforcement when booked cycle slots are full of dumped suitcases, stations with no lifts, non-accessible cycle parking and so on. Many disabled people just don't bother as it will be so difficult. - The bike seems good and good value, and reviews well elsewhere too, so a decent compromise for horrible UK roads with the bigger tyres etc. I'd treat 18kg as quite heavy - my (also stealth) 700c e-bike including mudguards, rack, and all the rest, comes in at under 14kg, and is vintage 2015. That's a touch exceptional though, having a Gruber Assist with motor in the seatpost. - I'd probably disagree on the quality of infra in Hull, which has been a bit of a political battle between Lab and LD, but it's great to see the commentary. Thanks. It's nice to see more presence from some radical change-demanders in your comments !!
Took my bike on the train from Hull all over the country many times. Sometimes it’s good like this, but can go horribly wrong. Always very limited space and sometimes bad areas, for example on East Midlands trains they would often pile up bin bags in the so called cycle area. Every operator has a different policy, some require a reservation. All reserve the right to not let you on, I had to argue my way onboard the last train (my original train was cancelled) in Settle in the dark/snow when the guard decided there was enough bikes already (there was physically enough space though). There is no rail replacement service for cyclists, so if there is an incident on the line 100 miles from home and everyone gets loaded on to a bus, you are massively screwed. It’s great when it works (and it’s quiet) but there’s no guarantee. These days I drive, it shouldn’t have to be like that though!
Hi Ashley, I enjoyed this style of video. I’ve got a question, what’s the best way to submit driving footage to Merseyside police? They don’t seem to use Operation snap. Thanks a lot
I've travelled by train with my bike and had no problems but I'm pretty sure any motor assisted or eletric bikes and scooters etc are not allowed on the railway, which is why you tried it with a bike that doesn't look like it's got eletric power,interesting video nonetheless
Thank you for answering a question I have been interested in about travelling by train and cycle. Recent enquiries at my local station, some train companies only have 24-hour prebooking other companies allow bikes if space available. They all seem to quote only one or two bike spaces per train. I like the look of the infrastructure in Hull.
For a grand that does look like a good bike. I paid 3x more than that for mine and it looks pretty comparable feature wise but mines way heavier. If I didn't already have an E-bike this would be a very easy buy.
Ahhh, the crossover on RUclips where a wise man from the West meets the wise man from the East's Nightmare Junction.... DashCamHull won't be surprised that a Mercedes was pulled out over the cycle lane...
@@ashley_neal No! Just reading the road...! And after all, as the first wise man, you bring pure golden advice, DCH, the second wise man, gets, to be frank - incensed with the state of driving in the East Riding. I could go on, but I am too de-myrrh. And that is my normal level of humour - ask my friends....
I'd love to take my e bike out on alot more trains, but GWR arent that great with bikes, with my bike being unable to fully fit into the rather awful spaces they give on their Networkers, which are what my local station mostly gets. I much prefer the racks on the IETs, as they fit my bike alot better, but in general, UK trains need much better bike provision though
18 Kg light? Had a Ribble Endurance Ale electic bike , it weighed 13kg, had a 250 W Motor with a 250W battery inside the frame giving about 60 miles in eco mode. The carbon fibre version is even lighter.
@@ashley_neal About that price. With the motor turned off, my average speed was about the same as my non electric Ribble Endurance Ti which weighs 9 kg.
Maybe it's just my devices, not knowing how it works, but I seem to be getting a few more adverts in this vlog than usual. I know I should let them finish as that helps your channel, but I have been skipping them when it allows me to do so. 🤔
Have taken all of the bikes I've owned over recent years on trains, but would rather ride to get where I want to be, though did take the train to Sheffield in Feb to ride down to Cromford. Think things are better now for bikes on trains but if commuting at 7.00 with only two designated bike spots per train, you are then relying on the word of the train crew to allow an extra one or two onboard. Train to Hull?...Nah, only 30miles from home for me, got there on two wheels too many times to count. Nice cycling in and around Hull, including the route of the Trans Pennine Trail up to Hornsea.
I wonder how it would work if you bought the ticket but then find the bike area of the train is at capacity? Would you be permitted a transfer or refund?
Usually from my experience you can just leave your bike in any of the carriages entrances and no ticket conductor or person using the trains mind as long as you can get past it to leave or whatnot
My train service doesn’t allow bikes or e scooters between the hours of 6am - 9am and 4pm - 6pm Monday to Friday. I kind of see why they do it, but then it kind of stops the whole driving to work no no into London. 😂😂 London rail is so screwed up 🙄
Actually, I quite like your cycling jacket. Could you share a link for that please? My current hi-vis cycling jacket is absolutely knackered, so in the market for a new one ready for the next winter. Although I'm not convinced we've left the last one yet! 😂
It's only eScooters that are banned, with the assumption being that eBikes are of higher quality and are more likely to meet standards (though of course, with some conversion kits, and that eBike that caught fire on a train...)
Would loved to have taken a bike on my commute after id alighted a train . 30 minutes walk at the other end in all types of weather. There was just no room
In and around London, a Brompton is often the only option on the trains during peak times. Plus a Brompton adds the extra fun factor too! I always enjoy my Brompton/train combo journeys
£46.60 for the return ticket. 3 hours 34 mins train travel. You can compare that to 128 miles and 2.5 - 3 hours driving each way. Any more than yourself and it's cheaper in the car
Multi-modal travel should be better utilised. Too many people take too many journeys by car, and this is a quick win to help ease congestion, but is never promoted. Very odd. I started doing MM when I fell in love with a Brompton. I’m the only person I know that actually used the bike I got on the cycle to work scheme to ride to work.
Well refitting to the rolling stock is for sure needed. can already see the difference between brand new class 777 to BR and early privatisation era stock.
To drive to London from my city costs me £15 in petrol or pay £80 for a train ticket. This is an absolute disgrace. Environmentally friendly public transport should be cheaper. We should never have privatised the railways.
When I were a lad I used to use trains all the time. I'd think nothing of nipping between London and Brighton for the weekend to see friends. Were I a lad nowadays I doubt that I could afford to.
It can get worse (there's a story relayed where someone had an accountant who pointed out to their client that including the costs of purchasing and taxing/insuring, it would be cheaper to get a car for a set of journeys, with the note that after, the car is still there at the end). Why exactly that should even be the case at all...
To be honest, our trains can barely handle people, nevermind bikes. I think the unreliability of the public transport 'network' makes a car (or bike, something owned and controlled by you) necessary for commuting. I am lucky to only have to travel in two directions one a week but it is too often I am delayed, get cancelled, etc that I am racing towards getting my driving test done.
I know that with some train companies, they allow folding bikes at any time. (Sometimes have to have a bike cover). With other companies, full size bikes are only allowed outside commuter times, which by very definition will make commuting to work by bike a challenge. As a result, the popularity of folding bikes has really grown, especially around London. The Brompton folding bike is a prime example, though quite pricey. Some even have roller wheels to be able to wheel your bike when folded.
@@thomaselliot2257 Probably only when going to the "stationary" shop! How goes it? Unfortunately mum fell down the stairs the other night and fractured her wrist. A visit to two hospitals in the middle of the night for x rays etc and had to have it manipulated back into position. It's in a cast and sling for about 6 weeks now. Thankfully no other injuries but she's in considerable pain despite pain killers. We have at least been given the all clear to go to BBC Gardener's World Spring Fair at Beaulieu this weekend. Staying overnight on the outskirts of Southampton for two nights and taking the coast road back to Canterbury on Sunday in the hope of also attending Eastbourne Magnificent Motors car show on the way home. We shall see. Anyhow, hope all is well with you and family.
Your reply is there on the Newest comments. Sorry to hear about your mum. Give her my best wishes. Hope nothing else goes wrong, and you have a great journey, and time. Let her take it easy, though. Don't push her too much. I've been to Eastbourne a couple of times. Witty reply to my reply by the way 🙂
People complain about cyclists but the nearly 30,000 people killed or seriously injured on our roads every year are caused by motorists. In fact cycling adds more years to peoples lifes generally than the resulting life lost in cycling accidents due to the health benefits from keeping fit.
@ashley_neal i only know what I saw. For the benefit of those who love and respect you but haven't seen all of your videos can you point me in the right direction. I say this as a parent of three children four of which have learbi g disabilities and two are in wheelchairs.
The tarmac area is only in front of peoples driveways. It is not a pavement, but it's where most of the utilities end up if things need to be dug up. If you were with your children in wheelchairs would you go on this area, then off the area, then on the area…… or would you stay on the road until you reached the proper pavement? It is an unusual design, but it has caught many people out before who haven't looked at it properly. Thanks for your comment as it's one of my pet hates people parking on pavements when people in wheelchairs or prams cannot get past and have to go onto the road.
In my experience, our trains are woefully unprepared for cyclists. I have been at the mercy of a paltry three, THREE spaces for bikes on a TWELVE carriage train many times. Not three areas for bikes, one area for three bikes. If someone in a wheelchair boards then that space immediately reverts to wheelchair space. Its ridiculous. Not to mention somebody in my bike club had their bike confiscated by South Eastern for being "abandoned" while she was still on the train. She had to travel to a station miles from her home to collect her essentially "stolen" bike. Bikes and trains should work in harmony as an alternative to cars, but the message the infrastructure is telling me is "Don't Cycle".
Haha yeah, i take the cross-country Manchester->Bournemouth down from reading occasionally and we've had 5 or 6 of us cyclists crammed into the 3 cycle space 😂
Don't have personal transport is the message. My solution is get a trailer. The bottom half of my cyclone IV trailer holds 6 batteries , with another 2 on my trike, each battery giving over 60 miles range. Who needs a train.
@@DemiGod..Assuming each of your batteries weighs 6 kg, that's 42 kg for your 7 spare batteries not counting the main one on the bike. Or the weight and resistance from the trailer.
So instead of taking a 200 mile train journey in a nice and easy couple of hours, you are going to spend possibly a day and a half, assuming your bike is limited to the legally assisted 15.5 mph and 250 watts, pedaling your own ass plus a really heavy load of batteries instead. Plus all of that weight in the trailer is going to be dramatically slowing you down and eating into your batteries as you use them too.
It's your own life and it's certainly another way to do long distance bike touring.
But you're not going to go visit a friend for a half a day and be back home again in time to watch Corny Street or whatever.
Perhaps you should be a little more rational and a little less obsessive?
@@tconnolly9820 ah yes but at least they won't have to risk sitting on a train soaking wet😅
So true also in Germany. You always have to buy additional bicycle tickets and you're still only able to actually take your bike with you if you're lucky enough to have space available on the train, bus or tram for your bike.
i like that your're a driving instructor but still promote cycling and public transport ✊
the roads are safer and faster for everyone if we stop all the unnecessary car journeys! Look at all the kids who could easily walk to primary school but the parents put them in a massive 4x4 :(
@@GilesWendes These are also the same parents who refuse to let their children play outside because it's 'too dangerous'. What makes it dangerous is themselves speeding around in their useless SUVs.
@@JSB1729 one of them drove into the back wheel of my bike this morning, they haven't got a clue what's going on
@@GilesWendes Oh my goodness are you okay? What about the bike, did it cause much damage?
@@GilesWendes A lot of what some people seem to see as unnecessary car journeys are a consequence of modern life - especially rising rent and house prices mean a lot of people now live further away from where they work, where their kids go to school, etc. and often mean both partners have to work so it is much less hassle and time to drop them off with the car. Not to mention the often poor quality of infrastructure for cycling and even walking - sometimes even dangerous, increasingly expensive or non-existent public transport, etc. a critical bus route through my village only survived this year by the skin of its teeth and likely won't next year despite being used heavily by students and OAPs - so likely next year they'll all be extra car journeys.
A lot of what you see as kids who could "easily" walk to school are probably far more complicated circumstances.
I went bike touring on the C2C route with some friends last week with electric touring bikes which are heavier and chunkier than yours and we had fully packed panniers. We had to get three trains to Workington and then two trains back from Newcastle. Cycle space on all the trains were very limited and only seem to be suitable for road bikes or normal hybrids. The main issue was working out where the bike carriages were on each of the trains so we could be ready in the correct place on the platform. Sometimes they heave a graphic on the electronic notice board showing which zone of the platform to stand in but most of the time it is a guessing game. Even staff don’t see to know, so you are rushing down the platform with your bike which isn’t very safe.
Hope you enjoyed your time up here despite the troubles with trains!
Not just showing the quality of the experience of train journeys from Liverpool with a bike and how easy it is, but also the great infrastructure for bikes at Hull, and the quality of the bike to ride...and carry
Ive used trains in Germany on many occasions (2 bikes plus panniers). They're trains have places for bikes and are marked on the trains exterior. People there are far more tolerant of cyclists as most people cycle. DB actually put me and my wife up in a hotel (a nice one) because we missed the connecting train that left before i could get the bikes across platforms. Its not without its problems though and can be a bit stressful.
Just realised this is a 35 min video. Really looking forward to this. Already in the first minute or so, the setting looks beautiful with the streets all gleaming after a rainfall.
Nothing motorists and cyclists look forward to more than shitty weather and nice wet slippy roads.
Many's the time I've tried to put my bike in the designated space (TfW) and been told by the people sitting there to go away. It's alright if you're boarding at a terminus, but if passengers have claimed the space since previous stations, you've got a problem. Bought a folder (with a delay repay payment, ironically) to make this less of an issue.
Was it an Edinburgh to Penzance first class ticket? I sat on a Brompton once outside Kings Cross, casually asked the price… then I got straight off the bike!
@@Batters56 Very reasonable prices for mid-range folders at Decathlon. Affordable for a full Cardiff-Perth standard return refund.
Nothing makes you a third-class citizen in the eyes of second-class citizens like being on or with a bike. Oh, except picking up a broom in public, but that actually makes you invisible.
I have seen a couple reviews on this bike, yours was the most humane and honest one!
Specially demoing how easy the bike is to pedal when it's powered off!
I am a little fed up with how overly sugar coated and over positive the reviews are these days on RUclips.
It is a good bike. Range isn’t more than 20 miles in my hands though 👍
It is good to see some good cycle to train infrastructure and also good to see things have improved in some areas since I last commuted by train. Looking at other comments it appears the South East train network is still a "cattle wagon" in terms of getting as many people on as possible without much room for cycles. In fact, there wasn't much room for luggage if you was using the train to go away on holiday
Where I am now, I will admit to not looking too much at cycle spaces but I would imagine they are combined disabled / push chair / cycle areas at either end of the two carriage train (occasionally we might be upgraded to a four carriage train during "peak" times 👍 Not much of an issue as the trains are very rarely busy but like others have commented, there is usually an unwritten hierarchy on these types of trains which goes 1) Disabled -> 2) Push chair -> 3) Cycles rather than a first come first served. I do wonder if they could make better use of the space to enable everyone to use the train, especially when they generally aren't busy and don't need all the seats. What is wrong with a little standing room only in places?
The Fiido seems to be a good e-bike for good value. It doesn't look like an e-bike at first glance. There are some train companies that will have restrictions, especially with e-bikes that are self made and with illegal specs like large motors and add-on batteries. Also on events like London to Brighton cycle ride, bikes are banned on the day! So anyone in the event will need to ride home, have someone pick them up, or stay overnight and see if they can use the train the next day!
I have occasionally travelled with a bicycle, but it's not something I do regularly. Usually it's because I'm moving it semi-permanently from one place to another.
Security is a problem, because on many trains the cycle storage area is publicly accessible but away from anywhere you could reasonably sit and watch it, and it's usually difficult to lock the bike up in any kind of timely fashion. Your train from Liverpool to Sheffield was a Class 158 "Sprinter Express" which fits that pattern - and I actually ended up losing a bike to theft on one of those. Probably at Bradford. Fortunately it was one of those ten-speed "mountain bikes" which are literally incapable of climbing any kind of mountain, so it was an excuse for a significant upgrade - but also something of an inconvenience in the short term. The ideal solution would be a train with a luggage van, but they're actively retiring those (eg. the InterCity 225 sets). In the 70s and 80s, they were still building most trains with at least the theoretical possibility of carrying parcels traffic alongside passengers, but that's simply not a factor any more, so the ancillary use for bulky luggage also goes away.
Disruption to the schedule can also be a major problem if it occurs. On one occasion I was going for a stay in a rural area, accessible only by a sleepy branch line with an infrequent service and no late-evening trains at all. I was just able to make the connections for the last train of the day. Except that there was a gas leak reported next to the railway on the previous leg of the journey, so that train stopped short and we all got transferred into coaches. The coach had a luggage space big enough for the bike, but it turfed us out not at the big junction station where I could still theoretically make my connection, but at a little town several miles short - ie. the first railway station which still had a running service. The next train was a tiny single-coach affair (Class 153) which was completely overwhelmed by having an additional trainload of passengers descend on it, and with my bike shoehorned into one of the gangways the Guard had a lot of trouble reaching the door controls! With the last train gone, the station staff had to find a taxi firm with an estate car to get me the rest of the way.
More often, my bicycle is used to get *to* the station, and I leave it there until I get back. I would certainly still consider taking it with me, if I thought it would be useful to have it to ride at my destination, but very often the public transport network is good enough to work with and thus the hassle of moving the bike around isn't worthwhile.
how about getting a bike bag and take the front wheel off if its a light bike..then you can keep it with you hopefully
@@steve-r-collier If the reason I'm cycling to the railway station 40km away is that it's the first leg of a business-related trip to Singapore - which has in fact happened before - then no, I'm not going to get the bike on the plane with just that.
Old fashioned cycle capes can still be bought Ashley. They do keep you dry and no change o. clothes necessary. Had mine for years and never leave home without😅 it. Ken from Greasby.
Not so good in the wind though, they become a bit like a sail on a yacht!
They do keep you dry and if the wind is behind you, there's almost no need to pedal.
If you're facing into a 30 mph headwind........... Hard work!
But on an e-bike with assistance....... What headwind!?
30 mph headwind is hard work with ot without a cape. May as well be dry at the time.
I am amazed by the ease you seem to get around without assistance on this thing. I always thought that e-bikes, with the motor turned off, can be very hard to pedal, and to be honest that has always gotten confirmed the few times I rented or borrowed an e-bike. Some e-bike experiences I felt like I would be faster on my acoustic bike, even with a decent level of assistance, that's how hard to pedal they were. That and range anxiety made me never really consider splurging for an e-bike. Maybe that idea is outdated, or at least not applicable to some models, but unfortunately almost no review ever takes the performance without assistance into consideration. Thanks for doing this, even if it was unintentional.
That is centre motors. The rear hub motor has no effect on pedaling when not in use.
It depends on what kind of bike you want. Some are brutes to pedal without the motor.
Others are basically normal bikes with a motor and a battery.
You need to visit a few different reputable bike shops and talk to them about the different types of e-bikes. Then read up on them and watch reviews and so on.
Really good, informative piece. Understanding the issues which arise re lack of storage space on trains, particularly when encountering a group of like minded travellers I'd opt for a fold up model which at least can be stowed between the seat backs like any other item of hand luggage. I appreciate such models aren't to everyone's liking.
I used to regularly commute bike/train and don't miss it one bit, but back then there were no places for bikes so you had to hold your bike by the door and when it was busy it was a nightmare at times. I also used to use one of the bike lockups which was great, I remember it being very cheep and easy.
I do miss the interesting people I used to meet like Pete ...he was the "yellow submarine" guy from Britain's got talent and would come to speak to me every time he saw me😂
At 23:00 , straps were provided (I was a rolling stock engineer) the train you were on is maybe 25 years old! Should have been updated.
Cycling TO the station and parking up has always been good in my experience, and I do this for commuting to work. Taking a bike onto a train always feels like a crapshoot so I don't usually bother, plus in London there's always a million rental bikes to use when you get there anyway.
Only time I've ever done it was dropping my car off at a bodyshop for some scratch repairs - bike in boot, drop car off and take bike out, cycle around the corner to the station, then take two stops down before cycling back home. Worked alright because it was the middle of the day and the train was largely empty.
11:49 Got to love how polite people are nowadays... You were first to that door, yet they barge past to get on.
13:35 Stark contrast on how polite you were to the parents with their child. Bravo!
Doesnt make a difference who gets on first, train drivers wont just leave if they still see people waiting to get on, this isnt like the London Tube where its every man for themself haha. people need to remember this.
Lucky to get off a train these days without someone barging on first!
Reminds me of getting the bus to go home from work. Instead of going to the end of the queue in the bussstop, people would just stand infront of the bussstop, the last to come , the first to get on the buss. Happened every day.
@@jonno209 Small trick, carry a "Symbol Cane", im partially blind but still see enough to get around, and i was given that cane, its smaller than a cane for fully blind people, its basically to let people know i have poor eyesight, and every single time without fail people see that cane in my arms and they give me extra space. no barging
I have to admit that bike plus train travel is really good, much more environmentally friendly than driving, I also have a C21, I've been riding it for more than two months now, and it's simply stress-free to travel within five kilometers on a daily basis!
Last yeat when i was i geneva they had bike parks . Not sure the cost but imagine not expensive. What i did think was how much room they saved compared to cars. As i was staying in geneva all public transport was free in Geneva
Just wondering how easy it would be to get on and off the train and walk through the station with a bike would be during rush hour. The train and station will be rammed, and people aren't in the best of moods, so they won't be so courteous towards you.
I saw the video title and immediately started laughing. Rely on the trains? Not in the south east.
Mersey rail trains seem really nice, Tyne and Wear metro is meant to get new trains soon to replace the 45 year old rolling stock, but they’ve been delayed so much.
Edit: there’s currently no space for bikes on the existing trains
I honestly could not care less about an e-bike but I watched anyway for the trains. I was not disappointed, I am sure at least the last Northern train has door systems from the factory I work at. Somehow that is nice to see.
Got an ebike after being in a wheelchair for a while till strong enough to ride without assistance, then replaced it with a light weight road bike.
Later. got a recumbent trike, but even though faster than bicycles downhills was slower climbing so put a motor on it. Now I have the best of both worlds, faster up and down hills than bicycles plus alot more comfortable and fun. The usual comment I get from cyclists if they catch me up at traffic lights is something like "Damn , that thing is fast" or "That thing flies",
@@DemiGod.. In 2017 I had a bad crash on my recumbent bike resulting in a serious injury that left strong post-traumatic arthritis in my ankle. Every step was like someone just drove a nail through the ankle. I was on crutches for three years until it was "fixed" by ankle fusion. During that time I had recumbent trikes with motors, first a Shimano motor and then full suspension Azub Ti-Fly with a D-series Bionx. It was fast, limited just by how much pain I could take when going over bigger bumps.
But something was missing. The same speed on that trike did not have the same satisfaction as it did on my 2-wheel recumbent before. And not even higner speed could bring that feeling I wanted. It is hard to describe. I don't drink so I am not sure how accurate it is but I heard someone liken it to drinking a beer that you don't know is non-alcoholic. First you get the "yay, I have beer!" but then it just starts feeling like the beer is not working. That is how riding an electric bike felt for me both before the injury and after it when I could not even make it to work and back on an acoustic bike. And it still feels the same when I try one now. For trips like Ashley showed here with just short rides and the ends of a train trip I take a folding bike, Tern BYB in my case.
So that is why e-bikes do not interest me. I have nothing against them and when they allow someone to ride who could not otherwise then great. But watching a review of an e-bike or getting excited about a new one is something that goes over my head completely and I think it will continue to be so for as long as I am physically able to go on human power only.
I used to cycle five miles to Norwich station, get the train to Diss, then cycle back home via back roads at the end of the day. Loved it, and would love to be able to do it now.
I do cycle to the station, but never take it on the train due to space constraints. Greater Anglia does allow bikes on board except between Norwich and London. The new GA trains have (almost) level boarding so that it is easy to board and alight and means that a boarding ramp is not needed for all.
Maybe I just get the wrong trains but I've never had a commute involving a train where I've thought "yep, could reliably get a bike on this train", even though some offer bookable slots it's usually 2-4 for an entire train
Nice bike, very light (about 5kg lighter than my old Gazelle city bike which is not electric) . If I needed or wanted an electric bike I think I would go for this or something very similar.
Mereseyrail’s new class 777 were created using feedback from different groups such as families, commuters, cyclists, elderly and disabled people. Many other trains aren’t built like this hence the lacking space and onboard facilities. Instead they’re refurbished giving them a modernised look (new seat covers, redo electrics for audio/visual announcements and USB charging).
Merseyrail has promoted the bike storage well but it’s only available at stations on the Merseyrail network. Go east of Lime Street and to Edge Hill, Wavertree, Huyton and St Helens stations or south to Moseley Hill, there are a few Sheffield stands but these don’t offer the same protection as the storage units.
Lifts can be challenging with bikes and if my memory serves me right the lift at Liverpool Central (Northern Line) is extremely small and would be a case of putting the bike up in the air.
Greater Manchester transport hubs such as bus stations and train stations within town centres and very crowded communities have a similar approach to the bike storage offering a container or shed but there are nowhere near as many as Merseyrail’s.
As for travelling on trains, my experience is they go where the bulky suitcase get left, in doorways
I wouldn't wear jeans for any cycling trip, even worse if they get wet. Although appearing pricey I favour the Rohan brand who offer lightweight, warm, quick drying, stretch trousers which keep their looks. I have practically given up almost all other trousers even for work.
Great video. I very rarely use public transport, since I cycle and drive.
I have hardly taken any of my bikes on a train. The last time was many years ago on a Sunday. I had my Dahon Cadenza folding bike with 26" wheels, 8 spd rear gears and 50/34 chainring. That bike is reasonably light and fast. Didn't look like a folding bike. Most times, I do the complete journey on my road bike. I am in Greater London.
Ashley is officially a madman.... Riding in jeans 😂
Just noticed you have a PGYTECH rucksack, how is it for you? Had mine for years and love it, I use it for cycling too
Looks really good for the price, heavier than some of the specialized ones, but it's not £3000+.
The only bummer is that the freezing temps in winter aren't gonna be good for the battery if you can't bring the bike indoors.
The bike train infrastructure is better than here in Germany. Great video.
Nice to see you in my home city and riding in areas I know very well, I look forward to seeing your video with Dash cam Hull. The bike looks great and easy to use
Seems like a nice bike for the price but a 208Wh battery is small even for a little 250W motor. They say the extender doubles the range but at £220 for another 208Wh battery it seems a little steep. It's a neat lightweight setup though even with the extender but I'd probably get range anxiety even with the double battery. Shame as it seems like a great bike otherwise.
I agree, the battery size lets it down but the light weight if a fair compromise.
@@ashley_nealto be fair, after watching the full review I'm starting to think they made the right choice in keeping the weight down. Looks like it rolls very well and should be really economical on the battery usage. I'm riding a DIY bike which is falling apart partly due to the added weight of the (relatively) massive battery I put on it.
I was about to beg you for this bike when you said you were giving it away 🤣
Great review of a very good bike 👍🏻
@@ashley_neal hey Ash, if you ever wanted to do a video on an amnesty style trade-in, where you take in an unsafe and possibly illegal ebike as trade for one of your legal review bikes, I would happily be your first such trade in 🤣🙏🏻 I'm putting thousands of miles on a very unsafe bike as it's all I can afford and would gladly swap it for safe and legal one. Just an idea 🙂🙏🏻 🤣
Saw you at Lime Street during this video, enjoyed our short chat! Now tempted to get a bike like this for my commute each morning - was always put off because most of my walk is slightly up hill but that wouldn't matter with this
Love the bike storage on those new trains. I bought a folding Estarli E20, its fantastic. 20 inch wheels, only 16 kg.
Those hooks on the train are so much more convenient, here in Germany I've only used these annoying straps, that are there to attach your bike, wheelchair or stroller onto.
Seeing as one of my colleagues, who used to take his bike on the train, was killed by a driver in London while cycling from the office to the station, I don't think I would ever recommend commuting by bike. As an added hazard, you might encounter Jeremy Vine.
My local train service is run by Chiltern and their trains are rather old so not really that good for taking bicycles on. I like the trains you used, in particular your local one which clearly indicated where to take your bike on. On Chiltern trains that is not as obvious. I think we will get there eventually because once all the old trains have been replaced they will be more spacious and allow for more bike storage and other means of transport. As for the bike you used, it looks similar to the Estarli E28.8 which I've used for a few months. I have since replaced it for an emtb which suits my needs better.
Great bike! But this video also shows how deplorably dull commuting is in the UK 🤣 Our train networks are in desperate need of a revamp if we’re going to get less people using cars..
I just cannot get over how much of a nice guy you are!
That seems like the kind of e-bike I could get on with. The mudguards got me straightaway, but they don't seem to be standard on the website, which I went straight at the beginning of the video. I don't use the train very often (are you kidding? We don't have an oil well in the garden) but between me and Weymouth - for shopping, etc - is a long hill known locally by cyclists as The Drudge. Does it have regenerative braking?
That's not a sale, but it's on the list to look at. I prefer to buy from a local bike shop though.
Aah fond memories of standing in the door section with bike because the two carriage trains that run near me are always full...
When you were doing 20mph, was it your legs doing it,no motor help?
Can you imagine the trains if all commuters took their electric bike with them 😂😂
You're generally not allowed to at peak times
It works in other countries, but British trains weren’t spec’d for bikes so the provision is pathetic
Why are you asking about “all”? We don’t need all. We need some. Congestion would be eased.
@@andydt82Should never have got rid of the guards van.
Can you imagine what would happen if everyone got electric cars?
What is your jacket ? It looks nice
What is the red flashing light as the front @19:20? Surely that is illegal
Id be quite interested for you to compare this with cambridge train services. As a city that has a very large bicycle use its quite interesting how (arguably) unprepared they are. As so many people cycle the busy trains get quite full of bikes but to an expected degree. In fact, if you get the service from cambridge to kings cross the first thing you see when you exit is bike parks.
Id be interested for you to drive or cycle in cambridge and give opinions
Interesting as ever, Ashley. My views differ in some respects.
- I think you were very fortunate with the the rail network. Network Rail the infra provider are diabolical in their attitude to accessibility, speaking more from a disabled access viewpoint than about standard cycles by able-bodied people. Things like wheelchair spaces being too small for 1/3 of wheelchairs as the standards are based on 1990s wheelchairs, non-enforcement when booked cycle slots are full of dumped suitcases, stations with no lifts, non-accessible cycle parking and so on. Many disabled people just don't bother as it will be so difficult.
- The bike seems good and good value, and reviews well elsewhere too, so a decent compromise for horrible UK roads with the bigger tyres etc. I'd treat 18kg as quite heavy - my (also stealth) 700c e-bike including mudguards, rack, and all the rest, comes in at under 14kg, and is vintage 2015. That's a touch exceptional though, having a Gruber Assist with motor in the seatpost.
- I'd probably disagree on the quality of infra in Hull, which has been a bit of a political battle between Lab and LD, but it's great to see the commentary.
Thanks. It's nice to see more presence from some radical change-demanders in your comments !!
Took my bike on the train from Hull all over the country many times. Sometimes it’s good like this, but can go horribly wrong. Always very limited space and sometimes bad areas, for example on East Midlands trains they would often pile up bin bags in the so called cycle area.
Every operator has a different policy, some require a reservation. All reserve the right to not let you on, I had to argue my way onboard the last train (my original train was cancelled) in Settle in the dark/snow when the guard decided there was enough bikes already (there was physically enough space though).
There is no rail replacement service for cyclists, so if there is an incident on the line 100 miles from home and everyone gets loaded on to a bus, you are massively screwed.
It’s great when it works (and it’s quiet) but there’s no guarantee. These days I drive, it shouldn’t have to be like that though!
Thanks for the extra info!
Hi Ashley, I enjoyed this style of video.
I’ve got a question, what’s the best way to submit driving footage to Merseyside police? They don’t seem to use Operation snap.
Thanks a lot
I think they accept footage through the website.
hi, does the "rocket mode" change anything for u ?
hows ur exerience until today ? is the bike still alive ? ;)
greetings and a thumb from me
Well I for one can't wait for this collab ("Dashley Null" anyone?). Also getting on a train in the north seems nicer than in London/Essex haha.
I know people that catch a train with bikes to a distance of 50 miles then cycle back all the way😊
I've done that for much longer distances. Not a difficult day, even a slow cyclist will do 8-10mph, 5 hours...
I've travelled by train with my bike and had no problems but I'm pretty sure any motor assisted or eletric bikes and scooters etc are not allowed on the railway, which is why you tried it with a bike that doesn't look like it's got eletric power,interesting video nonetheless
Thank you for answering a question I have been interested in about travelling by train and cycle. Recent enquiries at my local station, some train companies only have 24-hour prebooking other companies allow bikes if space available. They all seem to quote only one or two bike spaces per train. I like the look of the infrastructure in Hull.
For a grand that does look like a good bike. I paid 3x more than that for mine and it looks pretty comparable feature wise but mines way heavier. If I didn't already have an E-bike this would be a very easy buy.
Ahhh, the crossover on RUclips where a wise man from the West meets the wise man from the East's Nightmare Junction.... DashCamHull won't be surprised that a Mercedes was pulled out over the cycle lane...
Lol. Has Charles got a loose tongue 😂
Can't wait to see the collaboration video! 😊
@@ashley_neal No! Just reading the road...! And after all, as the first wise man, you bring pure golden advice, DCH, the second wise man, gets, to be frank - incensed with the state of driving in the East Riding. I could go on, but I am too de-myrrh. And that is my normal level of humour - ask my friends....
I'd love to take my e bike out on alot more trains, but GWR arent that great with bikes, with my bike being unable to fully fit into the rather awful spaces they give on their Networkers, which are what my local station mostly gets. I much prefer the racks on the IETs, as they fit my bike alot better, but in general, UK trains need much better bike provision though
18 Kg light? Had a Ribble Endurance Ale electic bike , it weighed 13kg, had a 250 W Motor with a 250W battery inside the frame giving about 60 miles in eco mode. The carbon fibre version is even lighter.
Is that the £2700 one?
@@ashley_neal About that price. With the motor turned off, my average speed was about the same as my non electric Ribble Endurance Ti which weighs 9 kg.
Lol. Average speed......
Maybe it's just my devices, not knowing how it works, but I seem to be getting a few more adverts in this vlog than usual. I know I should let them finish as that helps your channel, but I have been skipping them when it allows me to do so. 🤔
Skip away. Google chooses when and where and I rarely tamper!
Have taken all of the bikes I've owned over recent years on trains, but would rather ride to get where I want to be, though did take the train to Sheffield in Feb to ride down to Cromford. Think things are better now for bikes on trains but if commuting at 7.00 with only two designated bike spots per train, you are then relying on the word of the train crew to allow an extra one or two onboard. Train to Hull?...Nah, only 30miles from home for me, got there on two wheels too many times to count. Nice cycling in and around Hull, including the route of the Trans Pennine Trail up to Hornsea.
I wonder how it would work if you bought the ticket but then find the bike area of the train is at capacity? Would you be permitted a transfer or refund?
Usually from my experience you can just leave your bike in any of the carriages entrances and no ticket conductor or person using the trains mind as long as you can get past it to leave or whatnot
Do you have a link for where to get the 360 camera, or what it's called? Thanks!
amzn.to/4dn73N6
My train service doesn’t allow bikes or e scooters between the hours of 6am - 9am and 4pm - 6pm Monday to Friday. I kind of see why they do it, but then it kind of stops the whole driving to work no no into London. 😂😂 London rail is so screwed up 🙄
To be fair, if you live in London you probably live within walking distance of a train station
Actually, I quite like your cycling jacket. Could you share a link for that please? My current hi-vis cycling jacket is absolutely knackered, so in the market for a new one ready for the next winter. Although I'm not convinced we've left the last one yet! 😂
amzn.to/4dmOngm It's not good for rainy weather, but it's a nice jacket.
@@ashley_neal thanks for that! 👍
I didn't see you folding the bike. Fiido do a lot of folding bikes. Not this one?
Are e-bikes allowed on trains? The exploding battery issue.
It's only eScooters that are banned, with the assumption being that eBikes are of higher quality and are more likely to meet standards (though of course, with some conversion kits, and that eBike that caught fire on a train...)
How do you get the bike into the smallest room on the train? I'd be worried someone would nick it if left unattended,.
The trick is to go between stations!
They used to let us put our bikes in the post carriage at the back of the train for free when we were about 15 -16 early 80's
Would loved to have taken a bike on my commute after id alighted a train . 30 minutes walk at the other end in all types of weather. There was just no room
Techalogic seem to be always out of stock for their handlebar mounted cycling cameras. Pity as I would have bought one.
I managed to get one with Ashley’s discount code. Keep trying.
The bike/train combo works well. A Brompton folder makes it even better.
In and around London, a Brompton is often the only option on the trains during peak times. Plus a Brompton adds the extra fun factor too! I always enjoy my Brompton/train combo journeys
@@grahamcollins6810 and you can take it in to the office/pub/friend's house etc easily
Seems like a really nice bike.
Nice green of spring at your patch✌Get a second garage key cut man😁
Trains are the reason I own a folding bike. Full sized bikes on a train are a nightmare.
Nice case study - well done
Maybe Geoff Marshall will appear in a future video.
Ah yes I'm subscribed to his channel and even bought two of his books. I have to catch up on his videos though.
How much did it cost and how long did it take compared to driving?
£46.60 for the return ticket. 3 hours 34 mins train travel. You can compare that to 128 miles and 2.5 - 3 hours driving each way. Any more than yourself and it's cheaper in the car
You say you were doing 20, has the motor cut out by then?
Yes 👍
Was the bike you had a Medium or a Large?
A large
Scaffolding??
I noticed that too. Wasn't sure if it was the nextdoor house.
Hey Ashley where did you purchase your cycle jacket? I'm looking for a new jacket myself regards Paul
amzn.to/4dmOngm It's not good for rainy weather, but it's a nice jacket.
amzn.to/4dmOngm
I've tried adding the link a couple of times Paul. Let's hope this works with me typing something first amzn.to/4dmOngm
Now it's showing my other replies!
Cheers Ashley, that's great.
Multi-modal travel should be better utilised. Too many people take too many journeys by car, and this is a quick win to help ease congestion, but is never promoted. Very odd. I started doing MM when I fell in love with a Brompton. I’m the only person I know that actually used the bike I got on the cycle to work scheme to ride to work.
Well refitting to the rolling stock is for sure needed.
can already see the difference between brand new class 777 to BR and early privatisation era stock.
Looks like a smart comuter bike
Down south, if you are extremely lucky you get to take a bike on the train.
Ah the Dutch commute. I recommend a folding bike for people who do bike - train - bike daily.
Is it ok for 185cm tall rider?
I'm 187 👍
@@ashley_nealhi thx for info👌 Is it ok for u? Are u ok with the bike size? Thx
10:24 your bike seems really sad
To drive to London from my city costs me £15 in petrol or pay £80 for a train ticket. This is an absolute disgrace. Environmentally friendly public transport should be cheaper. We should never have privatised the railways.
And if there's two or more of you...
When I were a lad I used to use trains all the time. I'd think nothing of nipping between London and Brighton for the weekend to see friends. Were I a lad nowadays I doubt that I could afford to.
It can get worse (there's a story relayed where someone had an accountant who pointed out to their client that including the costs of purchasing and taxing/insuring, it would be cheaper to get a car for a set of journeys, with the note that after, the car is still there at the end). Why exactly that should even be the case at all...
Nice ride, nice bicycle, nice review.
To be honest, our trains can barely handle people, nevermind bikes. I think the unreliability of the public transport 'network' makes a car (or bike, something owned and controlled by you) necessary for commuting. I am lucky to only have to travel in two directions one a week but it is too often I am delayed, get cancelled, etc that I am racing towards getting my driving test done.
I know that with some train companies, they allow folding bikes at any time. (Sometimes have to have a bike cover). With other companies, full size bikes are only allowed outside commuter times, which by very definition will make commuting to work by bike a challenge. As a result, the popularity of folding bikes has really grown, especially around London. The Brompton folding bike is a prime example, though quite pricey. Some even have roller wheels to be able to wheel your bike when folded.
Would they allow you to ride YOUR bike at any time, I wonder 😊
@@thomaselliot2257 Probably only when going to the "stationary" shop!
How goes it? Unfortunately mum fell down the stairs the other night and fractured her wrist. A visit to two hospitals in the middle of the night for x rays etc and had to have it manipulated back into position. It's in a cast and sling for about 6 weeks now. Thankfully no other injuries but she's in considerable pain despite pain killers. We have at least been given the all clear to go to BBC Gardener's World Spring Fair at Beaulieu this weekend. Staying overnight on the outskirts of Southampton for two nights and taking the coast road back to Canterbury on Sunday in the hope of also attending Eastbourne Magnificent Motors car show on the way home. We shall see. Anyhow, hope all is well with you and family.
@@thomaselliot2257 I replied to your message and as is often the case, it's gone!
Your reply is there on the Newest comments. Sorry to hear about your mum. Give her my best wishes. Hope nothing else goes wrong, and you have a great journey, and time. Let her take it easy, though. Don't push her too much. I've been to Eastbourne a couple of times.
Witty reply to my reply by the way 🙂
By the way, I checked back. I thought I was 47 in my new thumbnail. I found out I was 54. (64 now)
Todays video was accidentally sponsored by Rolex…possibly…couldn’t quite see the name tag on the face 😉(other time piece brands are available)
Not a Rolex Bob! I wouldn't fancy having my hand chopped off with someone trying to get at it.
@@ashley_neal 😂😂
People complain about cyclists but the nearly 30,000 people killed or seriously injured on our roads every year are caused by motorists.
In fact cycling adds more years to peoples lifes generally than the resulting life lost in cycling accidents due to the health benefits from keeping fit.
Brits really love overusing cars for unnecessary activies (driving a mile to the corner shop for example)
Why have a bike channel and then put the bike content on the driving channel?
To try and encourage people away from driving where possible.
Nice parking on the pavement. I appreciate its a cul de sac but still.
Do you really think this is pavement? This has been covered before!
@ashley_neal i only know what I saw. For the benefit of those who love and respect you but haven't seen all of your videos can you point me in the right direction. I say this as a parent of three children four of which have learbi g disabilities and two are in wheelchairs.
The tarmac area is only in front of peoples driveways. It is not a pavement, but it's where most of the utilities end up if things need to be dug up. If you were with your children in wheelchairs would you go on this area, then off the area, then on the area…… or would you stay on the road until you reached the proper pavement? It is an unusual design, but it has caught many people out before who haven't looked at it properly. Thanks for your comment as it's one of my pet hates people parking on pavements when people in wheelchairs or prams cannot get past and have to go onto the road.