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…

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…

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!!

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.