Cycling in Melbourne Australia
Bikes for women
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Ritsardo on -
CyclestylAU have some pretty panniers and a Dutch brand Basil are very good.
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Permalink Reply by John E. on -
If you have a good idea of your criteria check out BikeExchange.com.au, I've found it helpful in deciding on bikes for people, even if you don't go and buy one of the ones on there (although if you are after a new bike it will help find a good price). Otherwise just wander into your LBS and talk to them & tell them what you are after. Good on you on ditching the car! Lots of carrying devices out there, if you are carrying more than a loaf of bread then you'll probably need panniers. Good luck with it.
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Permalink Reply by Cory on -
Yup. Test ride some.
In my opinion, you won't need suspension, so that'll rule out heaps. Think about distances and hills around you. Saddles can easily be swapped (and frequently are). Think mudguards and lights as well.
This is SWMBO's commuter. A few extras on it. She LOVES!!!!! it!
Still a few kicking around on Bike Exchange for $899 (that's about $400 off), last time I looked. Oh, and she uses a Basil Mirte pannier/bag. Loves that too!
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Permalink Reply by Etienne de Brignell on -
If you prefer to shop in person then there are a number of great new stores in the inner city that cater for basic transport cyclists, particularly women.
My partner and I use a collection of Basil products to pick up groceries and whatnot. It's amazing how much stuff you can fit in these things.
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Permalink Reply by Cory on
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The great thing about bikeexchange is many of the shops offload their old stock on it. So... all the convenience of searching online. AND the convenience of trying out a ride or three.
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Permalink Reply by Little Nemo on -
First, a disclaimer- I have no vested interest in any of these bikes, or the people who sell them.
These are some women's bikes i have seen around that seem good quality and are not terribly expensive- upright city bikes with racks mudguards etc- like what most people in the world ride when they aren't doing some sort of sport.
Allegro - W3 W8/11 and the new mixte 1x9 bikes are all good quality bikes, designed in melbourne. My housemate has the w3 and rides from brunswick to VCA everyday and really likes it,
Pilen swedish bikes, sturdy and comfortable, come with leather brooks saddles and dynamo hub lighting, a bit more expensive than some bikes but good lighting makes life much more pleasant.
Giant Via W about $500 for an 8 speed, less for single speed, a nice bicycle for the price. I ride the mens version and it suits me fine for getting around town, and a friend has the single speed women's version and is very happy with it. The basket on the front is quite handy, but it would be improved with a rack and panniers for carrying reasonable amounts of groceries.
Linus bikes clean and simple looking, the dutchi and mixte are nice straightforward bikes. I believe velo cycles and human-powered cycles are stockists.other bikes- creme seen them out on the streets and they look ok, the masi soulville, which cory has put up a pic of.
Gazelle make some nice bicycles, but I would be a bit wary of getting something like a toer populair- they are very comfortable and stately to ride, but they are heavy and hard to get up hills.
Personally, I don't reckon much of suspension or supension seatposts- I think on a city bike a good saddle and good frame geometry are more comfortable in the long run and need less looking after.
bikes I personally probably wouldn't buy- indian and chinese made classic style bikes eg avon or flying pigeon- too heavy, poor quality and often less standard parts. The old fashioned brakes don't work well. xds/progear "retro" bikes and reid cycles very cheap, ok if you are on a tight budget but if you could afford more you should get something better- cheap bikes in my experience pay you back with needing more maintenance more often and more frequent replacement of parts- you generally get what you pay for.
I hope this is helpful.
Simon
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Permalink Reply by Cory on
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"Allegro - W3 W8/11 and the new mixte.."
VERY pretty! (Spied at AusBike) and... a linus at DirtyDeeds Cx
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Permalink Reply by Ritsardo on
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Some good replies above.
Consider a Giant Via. Being a Giant, they'll be good value and work properly. They are slightly retro euro style bikes. They look a bit like an old Peugeot or Raleigh. I think there are a few models with single or multi gears. The ones I have seen have the integrated basket on the front for carrying stuff where you can see it.
Cheers
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Permalink Reply by Cory on
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If you want to pretend you're in the Netherlands, this is great value!
https://www.theagendadaily.com/melbourne/sale/lekker/ (Today only, at this price, I believe)
via cycleStyle
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Permalink Reply by Cory on
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And http://www.wheelsanddames.com.au/ (good to see they fit alloy rims standard) (also via CycleStyle btw)
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Permalink Reply by Sten Roger Kalla on -
Hi I know of a bicycle store in Healesville that imports Swedish Skeppshult brand bicycles for women (and men ) they have got a sale on right now on Skeppshult Swedish hand made frames with quality gears, brakes, panniers etc..
Check this web site out www.cykla.com.au...
Roger
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