I’ve decided to buy a bike. As with most things, there are a couple of reasons, but the two biggest themes are health/fitness and environment.
I want to ride to work to lose some weight and get active (some personal health issues have stopped me doing this for a while). But I’m also wanting to reduce my footprint - although I catch public transport to work, it’s still nice to go neutral - well - except for the CO2 I breathe out!
Plus I get to avoid the morning crush…
I’m trying not to get sucked into the style of things, but also looking for something that I enjoy and feel confident riding.
It’s been a long time since I’ve had to actively look at bikes, and it’s a bit daunting. Do I get a mountain bike (what I’m used to), a street bike or a hybrid? What’s the difference between a flat bar and whatever other options are around? Is Shimano the only brand when it comes to components? And what’s the real difference in components (so far the answers have been “longer lasting and more serviceable - which almost makes sense)?
I’ve been lucky enough to have a friend who rides a lot helping me out, but I thought it would be worth asking all you Futuremakers for your thoughts.
My requirements are:
- Mainly street riding, with the strength to take a few bumps (pot-holes, the odd gutter jump etc.);
- Fits me - I’m 6′ 2″ - so I think I need a 50cm frame or bigger;
- Not too hard on my back;
- Looks clean and nice; not too flashy, not too dull;
- Doesn’t take up too much space in my apartment (a 1 bedroom loft in Newtown).
I also wonder if there are any other environmental criteria I should be thinking of/looking out for when bike hunting?
As I live in Newtown, I’ve been to Cheeky Transport and I’m trying out a Vivente Novara Elite.
But there’s also a chance I might be able to get a foldable bike, but I’m concerned that with my height and the distance I’ll be traveling (and my want to do more riding on weekends to lose weight) means that’s not a suitable option.
Any suggestions would be much appreciated.
Note to self: Must get that “Buy a bike” action up.
If/when I get one, there’s a few tips that I’ve found for “getting started” with commuting - so I’ll try to post them too…
Good choice Grant - I myself am a pushbike commuter, i sold my car and stopped driving once I moved to the city (Melb) about 2 years ago and never looked back. (Plus i hate polluting anyways)
Bikes are fantastic full stop, around the city/surburbs there awesome, I ride a mountain bike with an alloy frame, front suspension, with road tyres (slicks) as big tread can be quite chunky to use.
It wouldnt suggest a hybrid for the fact the thin wheels can get you in a bit of a mess if you unfortunately get “tram-tracked”. (wheel caught in tram track) and a MTB has a bit more strength, especially with the wider wheels.
It does the job pretty awesomely. Also deck yourself out with LED lights everywhere, you can never have enough of them. Both front and back (c:}
Down here in Melbourne, the Train system so i use bike+train to get everwhere.Hope it helps man.
bike are awesome, but there are awesomer’ - http://www.bmeres.com/bambooframe.htm
I recently went through the same thing - after living in Amsterdam for a year and riding round on a step through I really wanted to find something similar here.
As a female rider I perhaps had different priorities, like being able to wear a skirt!! Nonetheless maybe think about:
- Weight of bike, as you will find yourself carrying it up/down stairs on occassion and it may have a rack with things on it that add up the weight even more, so make sure you can pick it up - you don’t need to go super light or anything but just think of these kinds of situations
- Gears - unless you are super fit or riding with not much to carry you will want some good gears for Sydney: there are lots of snazzy internal hub gears coming about but they can be pricey I almost went for a 7 speed but luckily decided upon the 20+ one it’s just nice to have the options
- Cheaky Monkey are awesome they will adjust your bike to be just the way you like it - for instance I added different handle bars so I would be more upright ie comfy, a good rack, lights for night riding, reflective tape, bell, basket, mud guards - it’s all these nice little extras that help make it more comfortable and usable - they will add up so make sure you factor these into your budget.
- Suspension- I initially didn;t want these as they add weight but in the end had no choice to get the step through I had to get these (within my price range) and now I have them they are good for smoother riding. But my partner seems to survive without them so really just a comfort thing.
- A male mate of mine recently bought an Urban Trek bike - they are quite sleek and great for commuting. You could have a look at Clarence St Cycles too they have a good range & are really friendly.
I am not sure about the eco dimension when it comes to bike purchases beyond getting one that will last so you don’t need to buy a new one so soon.
Just make sure you go for a lil test ride, how does it feel to ride the bike etc?
Goodluck - enjoy riding!!
Thanks for the tips. I did a test ride of the Vivente early evening yesterday and decided to go with it.
Cheeky Transport were great - they adjusted a few things before I took the bike home (raised the handlebars a bit and did a few tweaks). I noticed that the front brake was squeaking on the way home, so I dropped in this morning and they ended up replacing the pads - no questions, no fuss. They just did it.
Then I took it for a ride
I went from Newtown up to Annandale and back - a fairly short loop, but it’s my first time riding for ages.
I’ve already learnt heaps about how to ride a bike in the city thanks to a booklet I got called “Bike-It” and advice from friends and the guys at Cheeky. I’ll try to post some more as I learn more.
It felt good to be a) doing exercise, b) reducing road traffic and c) not emitting any CO2. I hope that the triple-benefit-whammy is enough to keep me at it over the longer-term.
The only question I have outstanding about the bike I got is if I’m going to regret going to the road-bike end of the hybrid range. Although I don’t have to contest tram lines like Dan does (!), until I’ve done some more riding I won’t know if that’ll be an issue. A good friend of mine rides and commutes a lot and he has a road-bike, so I’m hoping this won’t be an issue…
Oh - I ended up buying a bike a bit more expensive than I originally planned mainly coz of the same point Natalie raised: “getting one that will last so you don’t need to buy a new one so soon.”
There were a few cheaper options there, but it was visibly clear that some of the components were quite cheap. So I spent the extra $$ in the hope that they’ll last longer.
Also - when you’re planning and budgeting, don’t forget to incl. accessories in your estimation. All up the bits I got (a lock, helmet, and lights - 2 for the bike, one smaller one for my helmet) cost about $200. And that cost is pretty much fixed regardless of the price of the bike you get…