Originally Posted by SB739

Other side, Londonderry! There are actually a lot about. It's gotten to the point sitting at home, looking out the window in the evenings one or two will pass by in the hi-vis / helmet on. When I go for walks at lunch time in the city I also am passed by what I'd say is more utility / commuting cyclists on the shared paths. I always joke with my gf "those people are living my dream!" haha Also, this is much more positive than a decade ago where you'd see groups of brightly coloured road cyclists (real enthusiasts!) or the odd school kid on a bike.

I'd say our climates aren't too different. Same here, often dull, cloudy and raining with varying wind. This time of year does tend to have the most nice days, so I'm hoping even the less-nice dull and summer showers would be a nice soft launch to the bad weather and some not too expensive gear investment (as needed) to cope with it.

IF.. I could make this work, and IF I can keep it up throughout winter (January / February is actually more tough than December here) I'd love to invest in a serious machine with battery power.

I used to get caught up in trying to find the perfect bike, trying to justify it (usually by trying to justify selling the car) and ending up with a list of cycling clothing in the hundreds with no real experience of the materials / brands etc. These made me fed up thinking about it all and giving up over the years. This time it's... hands cold and wet? Today I'll buy some gloves - one step at a time.