Starting Out

Comment

Comment by Aggy G on February 25, 2013 at 6:27am

Has anyone got any tips for putting your bike on a country train? I have an electic Gazelle bike that weights about 25 kg. On some Geelong to Melbourne trains, it has to go with the conductor in a special carriage up the front.

Unfortunately, the bike must have fallen over very heavily (my metal drink bottle inside a pannier was severly dented) and one pedal crank was dented.

Any tips on how to avoid this? I did tell them not to sue the stand, but rather to lean the bike up against the end. I am now going to try to get them to lie the bike down, but I would really like a better idea.

Comment by Alexander Langman Hender on December 1, 2011 at 2:34pm

I'd hugely second Richard's comment: "if the staff in your local bike shop are unwilling/disinterested to have a wide-ranging conversation with you and also listen to what you want and don't want, leave the shop and go to the next one."

There are plenty out there and you don't need to put up with anything less than good service.

 

As a starting point, I am actually a fan of single-speed bikes if your ride is not hilly. When my missus started riding, I built her a single-speed mountain bike with good brakes, flat bars, a rigid fork and a little rack on the back. It was the most basic bike possible but she still loves it 12 month later.

 

So I'd say keep it simple and if you're not comfortable sitting on the bike straight away, then don't buy it. Fit and comfort and more important than anything else.

Comment by Cory on December 1, 2011 at 1:29pm

Hi Carmel.

Where (ish) are you located?  It's good to be friendly with your Local Bike Shop (LBS) as it just makes things very convenient.  (Note, an LBS close to work can suffice - or even be better!)

What sort of distances are you doing?  What is your budget? 

Comment by Richard Monfries on December 1, 2011 at 9:28am

Hi Carmel
Welcome to MC and welcome to Melbourne.
Cycling methodology is a rich zoo of different styles these days.
A good local bike shop will help tailor your choice of bike to your daily needs.
Your choice should come down to what you will want to ride every day (excuse me if I presume you are new to daily riding.)
For daily ease of use I suggest you get a hybrid/comfort bike.
These bikes come with 21 or so gears, so while they are heavy, they are easy to ride, are usually well built, so will last with regular maintenance.
Have mudguards fitted and decent lights front and back.
If you want to shower when you get to work have a rear rack fitted to either fit a basket or pannier bags, as you may need a change of clothes.

I suggest you buy new if you are new to the scene - and one last bit of advice - if the staff in your local bike shop are unwilling/disinterested to have a wide-ranging conversation with you and also listen to what you want and don't want, leave the shop and go to the next one.

All the best

Richard
(PS I've blogged this stuff here http://the3rdquarter.com )

Comment by Carmel Walsh on December 1, 2011 at 8:29am

New to Melbourne - want to buy a bike - any advice?

Hi all, I'm new to Melbourne and am keen to buy a bike as soon as possible.  I will be commuting to work so I expect to use it every day.  Do you have any advice on what type of bike I should buy and recommend where to buy?  Should I buy new or try 2nd hand first?

Thanks for your help.