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@skinny

You've had 4? I nearly had a stroke with just the one, but perhaps you're right it was a bad egg and I was unlucky. Tell me, did yours do things like record distance in feet?

I bought the GARMIN 510 as an alternative to using my phone to record rides to Strava only because my phone battery runs out on longer rides - but I wish I hadn't.
After days trying to resolve issues with the 510 and tiresome hours spent on the phone to Garmin I sent the unit back.

Like some others, I found the unit riddled with bugs, the user interface poor and the manuals and online support lacking.

Specifically the unit wouldn't pair with my Android phone, the altimeter recorded wildly incorrect levels that re-calibration couldn't resolve and the battery warning came on after full charge.

Those functions that did operate normally do so in irritating fashion. For example, setting the working units to imperial (or statute as Garmin confusingly call it) meant my speed was recorded in miles per hour, but the distance travelled in feet! Who wants to know how many feet they rode? As for some of the more complex functions, I didn’t even bother.

I’d still like a GPS that will upload wirelessly to an android phone, but which one?

Hi

I'm considering taking my bike to abroad early September. I've previously transported it by car, but this time I need to fly, so need to pack it safely. I'd like to use a bike travel box but even renting is pricey.

Does anyone have a box they no longer need for sale?

You might be right blnk. I was stewing about the dreadful attitude displayed by the cab driver, but hey I suffer that nearly every day! I've calmed down now anyways. Let's see what comes back from TFL?

My girlfriend was waiting to exit a busy junction yesterday. The black cab waiting behind gently nudged her forward (bumper on back wheel style), encouraging her to pull out before it safe.

After remonstrating with the driver to stop, she pulled to the side of the road to let him pass. I was ahead of the incident, but when my partner caught up she pointed out the driver who was now stuck in the traffic he was keen to pull in to. I confronted him about what he'd done. Of course he didn't give a shit and refused to apologise because he "didn't wanna" etc.

I reported the incident to TFL, but would you waste time contacting the Police? Much worse happens!

I brought these shoes. I like them. Plenty good enough to use as dedicated road shoes, but very easy to walk in. They're comfortable, but you need to take time with the laces if you want a firm hold around your foot. One thing worth noting is the sticky walking pads sit very firmly against the pedal platform when locked in. Float is all but eliminated, but I'm sure they'll slacken off very soon. Otherwise totally recommended. On sale now at Always Riding too.

I like them, they're a bit different (in a good way) & perhaps the only spd type shoe that suites a road bike. Cheaper than the Empire too.

Anyone bought the Giro Republic (spd) shoes for use on their road or other bike?

Interesting replies, thankyou. I had wondered if the screws might cause the problem as they appear to pass right through the bone (why aren't they shorter) and into meat behind!

It does seem there's benefit having the op. I'll ask if physio can help first which has previously been denied.

Soon I will have my final checkup, where we'll discuss removing the plate. My shoulder is OK. Not as subtle or as strong yet as it used to be, but it's good enough. I have no problems on the bike, but sleeping on my left side is painful unless my arm is placed behind my back - which isn't ideal!

I wonder if having the plate removed will improve things further. I really don't want another op unless there's a significant gain. Anyone had a plate removed?

12 week xray shows a good union. The clavicle is strong enough to lift and exercise.

Swimming is uncomfortable, but perfectly possibly, as is resistance training in the gym to build strength and mobility. Both are returning quickly with a marked improvement from even 4 weeks ago - it's possible now to pushup and lift my own weight on a bar. I've riden 30-40miles without issue and climbing out of the saddle hasn't been a problem.

All in a good result, thanks to the Royal Free. I don't regret having surgery, despite it all being a bit traumatic - even the scar has healed surprisingly well, I'm even sleeping on my op side again!

Checkup in 6 months to maybe consider removing the plate?

Had my 6 week post op checkup & xray today. I was concerned that I had been too active, but worries of loose screws or clavicle damage were unfounded - everything was aswell as could be expected. I'm cleared to swim, gradually introduce strength exercises and ride, but not fall off my bike.

I'm due to ski in 5 weeks. For that reason the surgeon said come see him again in 4 weeks for another xray to check my progress and make sure there were no problems.

We're all different of course, but over the last 2-3 weeks I have been riding the Brompton fairly regularly, walking long distances and doing core exercises and cardio at the gym, with pool 'running' and gentle exercise with the pool floats to help my range of motion.

My shoulder/chest is sore from the exercise, but that's normal I'm told, and the tendons and muscles running down to my clavicle are very tight which should gradually ease off. I have no unusual nerve pain, except a largish numb patch below the incision. If I run in mobility problems the surgeon said we could look at having physio. As it is, it's not needed.

My strength and fitness has suffered and weight is down 2-3 kg, but after only 6 weeks I'm in a position to get to work on that and expect to be feeling like my old self soon. So don't be too sad if you've just been unfortunate enough to have had an accident. Happy Christmas & NY - particularly Mr B!

Thanks Tokyou Bawbag...when did u you begin these exercises?

missing pic...

I asked about physio, but was told I probably wouldn't need it. It does leave you in the dark a little about what to do or not do or indeed whether or not the sensations/pain/stiffness you might be experiencing are normal or a cause for concern. Googling for answers can be just confusing.

I had a lot of pain mid week and generally felt unwell. I'd pondered if I'd done something I shouldn't have, but most likely not. Role on the time when i don't have to sleep (or not) on my back.

Thoughts of having the plate removed seem a long way off and the of more muscle chopping and staples doesn't warm me to the idea! This was me about 10 days ago.

It's confirmed that I can't swim (at all) for 6 weeks post op (I'm at 3 weeks), but I have been for a 2 gentle careful potters on the brompton, which was a fairly comfortable ride in my condition and folding/unfolding was possible with care. I'm out of the sling almost all of the time unless my shoulder gets tired or uncomfortable.

I can tell my fitness after 5 weeks or more with no gym, pool or bike action is going seriously to pot. Surprisingly I'm also 2kg lighter than I was.

Sadly my lovely and recently assembled old serotta will have to wait :(

I'm not having physio at all. I was told I was ok not to wear the sling & to try use my arm normally, but no heavy lifting, no far reaching across my chest & no reaching high. Oh and preferably no skiing in January.

Mr B

I wouldn't know what to suggest, but I hope there's something they can offer that will make you more comfortable. Good luck.

I'm not due back at the hospital until the 27th for another checkup & the all important 6 week xray. Pondering some gentle swimming now that I'm sling free ish but can't find anyone to advise if that's ok so might have to stick to just the static bike a little longer and some situps!

Also trying to stretch my neck out a little. Have a tendon that is so taught my skin tents up & it feels like it might snap?

Mr B, I'm sorry, sounds like a rough accident. You have my sympathy.

I am roughly 11 days post op. Just had clips out. Surgery area/shoulder is a combo of numb, tingly & stiff, with some very painfully tight tendons in my neck over the break.

I'm paranoid I may have used or moved my arm/hand too much (even in the sling) but some simple tasks are impossible without both hands. No hefty lifting of course or riding even on a trainer yet. Nearly off meds except night time Tramadol as I find sleeping on my back difficult. First orthopedic checkup Friday.

The op was carried out Friday afternoon. I have to say my experience at the Royal Free was a good one - all the staff were terrific, even the food was good!

Bar a couple of small pre & post op issues, everything went smoothly and I am glad it has been done. This op isn't something to be taken lighly, but it was I think worth it. The xray showed a much tidier, nicely straigtened clavicle, albeit with a lot of pain and significant numbness around the 20 or so metal stitches.

There's still a 10% chance of non union, so I won't be rushing things hoping that will ensure things progress well. I won't be sitting on a trainer before having the stitches out, because getting sweaty under the dressing much increases the chance of infection - not that i feel like it any way.

The physio said I might be back riding sooner I think - although the surgeon wasn't so sure. Skiing however looks to be cancelled in early Jan!

I'm being treated at the Free, but the trial is running at 20 hospitals. I'll be about number 265 of 300 needed if I op in. Does make decision easier!

An update that might be helpful to those with a clavicle fracture or those yet to have one.

I've had two follow-up hospital visits since the accident 10 days ago. The second was to discuss joining a trial that hopes to determine the best treatment for displaced fractures, by being randomly assigned to one of two groups - one with surgery, one without. The study will run for 9 months.

If I don't to join the trial, then I am free to op for surgery or proceed without it. I must decide this weekend as surgery is scheduled for Tuesday (12 days post the accident). Medical advice (from my consultant) is that it is impossible to determine which treatment is best - although he confessed that another medic may have a different opion, but 10-15% of fractures like mine don't heal well and may need surgery any way.

My shoulder is still very uncomfortable, I have a painful but modest lump on my shoulder and a range movement possible without any pain killers during periods out of my sling. I'm almost used to sleeping on back, which previously I couldn't do, but propped up with pillows it's not so awful. But I have a nagging doubt it isn't going to get better on it's own and googling the topic seems to suggest having a metal plate inserted despite the dangers/complications might be best?

BTW. I've ridden a bike for a stiff 40mins at the gym 3 times (no hands). It was ok and gave me a boost without doing any harm it seemed.

I guess I'll have to see how things go at the clinic Thursday and in the mean time just stare at my freshly assembled new (old) bike and try forget about being active for the time being!

...i was told virtually nothing before leaving hospital, but figured out i couldn't lift my arm pretty quickly all by myself!

Apart from Lardy's comment above, I'm actually more worried about my recovery/recovery time and the way forward than I was before posting :(

I didn't see my xrays (after forgetting to remind the doc who promised to show me at A&E so I don't know how bad or where my break is - all I can say is my shoulder is yellow and swollen.

I walked a slow 10 miles today & 6 yesterday with my arm secure in a very good sling. I don't feel too bad, except arm movement is very painful with a sensation like bone rubbing/clicking. I usually ride say 3 times per week & train with weights or swim about the same. I guess I just have to resign myself that riding might be as good one day, but upper body strength might not be for a longer time or maybe ever?