Post by harrybiker on May 7, 2011 20:12:26 GMT -5
Hi, I'd like to introduce myself. I'm Harry and I'm a bike nut. That's the confessional part out of the way, now you get the sermon!
Cycling is the most environmentally sound means of transport. It's the most efficient way of getting a human being from point A to point B (as long as point B is not too far from point A, and it's not raining!).
I'm on a mission to get as many people cycling as I possibly can. You dear reader are now part of that plan.
Over the next few weeks I intend to post tips on how to get a bike, how to repair and maintain it and how best to fit cycling into your normal routine.
I'll start with how to get a bike.
I assume that if you're reading this forum it's because you're environmentally aware and keen to save money. The good news is that in my experience you should never have to pay anything for a usable bicycle. The bad news is that you normally have to spend a little time (and sometimes a little money) to get it working well.
"How do I get a free bike?" the answer is, you ask. Tell people you are interested in taking up cycling but can't (or don't want to ) spend a lot of money on a bicycle in case you don't like it. You will be amazed at how many people reply that they have a bike in the shed, in the garage, embedded in a hedge at the bottom of their garden (not a lie, I actually had to cut a bicycle out of a hedge once!).Frequently these bikes have not turned a wheel in years and were lightly used anyway.
If asking doesn't get results then advertise. Put a card up in the local shop or your church (or mosque, synagogue, beaten patch of earth in the local forest with a mysteriously disembowelled chicken etc.)
Tell people you are going to do a sponsored cycle and need a bicycle, but only if you're prepared to do a sponsored cycle.
Try freegle. That's where I give away bikes that I have saved from the crusher. I fix them up to be safe and rideable but be aware that most of the bikes offered are likely to need work.
If you can't get a free one check with your local charity shop that takes furniture. Frequently they will get bicycles when doing house clearances etc. If you leave a contact number and ask them to call if they get a bike in you may be surprised what turns up. I got a beautiful Peugeot ladies racer for only £25 this way. If I didn't believe in Karma I could have sold it on Gumtree for at least £100, but I resisted temptation and passed it on to a friend who is still using it regularly three years on.
If you have a choice there are a few things to look out for when getting a free or cheap bike.
Avoid anything with suspension. Suspension is great on £500+ bikes because at that price the suspension will work. On a cheap bike the suspension will be heavy, ugly and useless. Avoid!
The fewer gears the better. This may seem counterintuitive but generally most people can manage with three gears. One is more than enough as long as it's the right gear. If you get into your cycling and want to ride more than 20 miles at a time then you may need more than 3 gears.
Try to find a bike that has all its bits. Bike parts are expensive and it can be hard to find some parts to fit older bicycles. Most bicycle parts can be salvaged even if on first inspection they look awful.
Get a bike that fits. You won't enjoy riding a bike that is too big or too small for you. When starting cycling you may want to be able to put your feet down whilst sitting on the saddle. This is not the best position for efficient cycling. The saddle should be set so that your leg is almost straight at the bottom point of the pedal stroke. When you stand astride the frame in front of the saddle there should be a gap of at least 2 inches (50mm for you youngsters) between the frame and your tender parts. When you need to stop you hop off the saddle and stand astride the frame, When sitting in the saddle you should be able to hold the handlebars without hunching over and without having your arms fully extended.
Well that ends the first lesson.
I would welcome comments, remember the best form of cycling is re-cycling!
Cheers,
Harry
P.S.Older bikes are generally better made and longer lasting than modern bikes
Cycling is the most environmentally sound means of transport. It's the most efficient way of getting a human being from point A to point B (as long as point B is not too far from point A, and it's not raining!).
I'm on a mission to get as many people cycling as I possibly can. You dear reader are now part of that plan.
Over the next few weeks I intend to post tips on how to get a bike, how to repair and maintain it and how best to fit cycling into your normal routine.
I'll start with how to get a bike.
I assume that if you're reading this forum it's because you're environmentally aware and keen to save money. The good news is that in my experience you should never have to pay anything for a usable bicycle. The bad news is that you normally have to spend a little time (and sometimes a little money) to get it working well.
"How do I get a free bike?" the answer is, you ask. Tell people you are interested in taking up cycling but can't (or don't want to ) spend a lot of money on a bicycle in case you don't like it. You will be amazed at how many people reply that they have a bike in the shed, in the garage, embedded in a hedge at the bottom of their garden (not a lie, I actually had to cut a bicycle out of a hedge once!).Frequently these bikes have not turned a wheel in years and were lightly used anyway.
If asking doesn't get results then advertise. Put a card up in the local shop or your church (or mosque, synagogue, beaten patch of earth in the local forest with a mysteriously disembowelled chicken etc.)
Tell people you are going to do a sponsored cycle and need a bicycle, but only if you're prepared to do a sponsored cycle.
Try freegle. That's where I give away bikes that I have saved from the crusher. I fix them up to be safe and rideable but be aware that most of the bikes offered are likely to need work.
If you can't get a free one check with your local charity shop that takes furniture. Frequently they will get bicycles when doing house clearances etc. If you leave a contact number and ask them to call if they get a bike in you may be surprised what turns up. I got a beautiful Peugeot ladies racer for only £25 this way. If I didn't believe in Karma I could have sold it on Gumtree for at least £100, but I resisted temptation and passed it on to a friend who is still using it regularly three years on.
If you have a choice there are a few things to look out for when getting a free or cheap bike.
Avoid anything with suspension. Suspension is great on £500+ bikes because at that price the suspension will work. On a cheap bike the suspension will be heavy, ugly and useless. Avoid!
The fewer gears the better. This may seem counterintuitive but generally most people can manage with three gears. One is more than enough as long as it's the right gear. If you get into your cycling and want to ride more than 20 miles at a time then you may need more than 3 gears.
Try to find a bike that has all its bits. Bike parts are expensive and it can be hard to find some parts to fit older bicycles. Most bicycle parts can be salvaged even if on first inspection they look awful.
Get a bike that fits. You won't enjoy riding a bike that is too big or too small for you. When starting cycling you may want to be able to put your feet down whilst sitting on the saddle. This is not the best position for efficient cycling. The saddle should be set so that your leg is almost straight at the bottom point of the pedal stroke. When you stand astride the frame in front of the saddle there should be a gap of at least 2 inches (50mm for you youngsters) between the frame and your tender parts. When you need to stop you hop off the saddle and stand astride the frame, When sitting in the saddle you should be able to hold the handlebars without hunching over and without having your arms fully extended.
Well that ends the first lesson.
I would welcome comments, remember the best form of cycling is re-cycling!
Cheers,
Harry
P.S.Older bikes are generally better made and longer lasting than modern bikes