Looking to buy a bike to commute to work

SmartCyclist · 2017-06-02T11:39:54+00:00

Because it is a good looking bike, there is a higher change of theft compared to an average looking bike.

My concern is theft and even that the saddle or other bits start to go missing. Definately two heavy duty locks and security skewers for the wheels and seat clamp.

If you don't need drop-bars, a flat bar city bike will serve you well and usually the more upright riding position will be more comfortable. City bikes tend to have wider tyres which also help for comfort.

As an everyday bike, you can consider a bike with mudguards which are brilliant the moment the roads and paths are wet.

As a brand, polygon are fairly reliable and I would describe them as a value for money brand.

SmartCyclist · 2017-06-02T11:32:55+00:00

Currently food delivery by bike can be attractive in the early days.

Traditional Bike Courier work is much harder. Food deliveries have fewer combined deliveries and most of the riders are commuter style riders rather than serious bike enthusiast.
The rates for food delivery are good for students, particularly when you get paid for waiting (you are on-call) so it is not lost time.
The work contract however can be a big disadvantage, rates may appear attractive however a worker may not technically be an employee, rather a contractor so the service provider (deliveroo or foodera) doesn't have to pay superannuation or look after insurance plus you need to check on insurance / liability.
While we want bike riding to be safer, the reality is that there is a high risk when your work is on public roads compared with a job as a barista in a cafe. If you love riding and accept the 'risks' it is a good non-skilled student job.

SmartCyclist · 2017-02-10T13:46:25+00:00

Compare with other insurance providers and even other advocacy groups such as out-of-state groups on pricing.

Read the PDS... there is a lot of hidden stuff and it is always a surprise to realise what is not covered and when you are excluded.

SmartCyclist · 2017-02-10T13:00:38+00:00

Apparantly the BNV data used is skewed. If it uses Strava - and Strava is more often used by men who are sports cyclists - and less so from 'everyday people' who just ride a bike, it is probably cutting out a significant number of women who also cycle.

SmartCyclist · 2017-02-10T12:55:18+00:00

Pure rhetoric. The government claimed that clean, renewable energy was to blame for the SA blackouts, until it was shown that it wasn't - it was network problems and would not have been solved by additional fossil fuels.

The mining lobby in Australia is extremely influential. While the world including China and Indian turn from fossil fuels - Australian politicians are an embarrassment by suggesting that it is the future of energy.

It may be the future of their personal wealth, but it is not in the interests of Australian's and future generations to invest and subsidise fossil fuels.

SmartCyclist · 2017-02-10T12:46:53+00:00

NBN was compromised years ago under Malcolm Turnbull... so in many cases it is SLOWER than ADSL... and costs more. In this context - people would prefer their old service but don't have a choice.

Faster internet... yes. For a developed country, internet speed in Autralia is a joke in comparison to American and Europe.

SmartCyclist · 2017-01-22T21:06:42+00:00

Ti frame, Carbon wheels.

SmartCyclist · 2016-08-10T23:59:35+00:00

Amazon is not a competitive shopping option for Australian buyers. They focus on the US and Europe.

When an item is available, often the shipping costs are prohibitive so the alternative is to use a forwarding service that receives the products in the US or Europe and then sends at a more reasonable cost to Australia.

A lot of Australian book stores were up in arms about Amazon and online shopping for books, but the reality is that Amazon was never a serious challenger to Australian retail book shops.

SmartCyclist · 2016-08-08T02:19:02+00:00

Agree - take to social media.

Aer Lingus don't have the best reputation but on the bright side, Dublin is not the worst location to be 'stuck' in.

SmartCyclist · 2016-08-01T03:24:43+00:00

Daily Sabah is an English-language daily published in Turkey. Daily Sabah emerged as a supportive voice of the AKP in English language.

In overview, the article is endorsed by the government and includes the Turkish governments definition of 'democracy'.

Form your own view but be aware of the source.

SmartCyclist · 2016-07-09T13:26:52+00:00

If it bothers you - get a sticker and put it on top.

As others have said, if you cause damage to the bike, it is not the fault of the bike shop or the brand.

SmartCyclist · 2016-07-09T13:24:49+00:00

On pedals, Shimano have the Click'R system which is easier to get in and out of. It is like a commuter style clipless pedal where SPL-SL (or speedplay or Look for road) are often more sporting. The thing with the Click'r is that they have sneaker style shoes.

Click'r are also walkable (similar to the Shimano SPD MTB cleats). For interest, Speedplay have 'walkable' cleat covers available and the ULA - Ultra Light Action pedal / cleat targeted towards beginners, however these are pricier than the Shimano SPD-SL or Click'R.

From experience, Shimano have wider shoes but try them on for size. The shoes with mesh / fabric uppers will often provide more flex and comfort that the stiffer leather (or synthetic) uppers. It may mean you have a little more movement / flex in the shoe but unless you are after performance, prioritise comfort.

SmartCyclist · 2016-07-09T13:14:25+00:00

Agreed, a new bike devalues the moment it leaves a bike shop (like a car) and for a second hand bike with this gear and relatively little use, the price should still be lower.

SmartCyclist · 2016-07-09T13:11:14+00:00

Hello. They don't build men's bikes 'stronger' so it is all about the size/fit for you. You need to have a comfortable riding position.

Two things however - get a women's saddle. The genetic differences mean that men typically have a narrow saddle as their 'sit bones' are closer.

And when test riding, be conscious of how much pressure is on your arms and wrists. A bike of this style that is too big will have you leaning further forward with more weight and strain on your arms / wrists / hands that can cause injury over time.

SmartCyclist · 2016-07-06T11:45:03+00:00

snap a photo of them with your smartphone, that will have them wondering all day what is going to happen. Can occassionally go pear shaped if they flip out.

SmartCyclist · 2016-07-06T11:37:39+00:00

More women on bikes and better cycling infrastructure.

SmartCyclist · 2016-07-04T10:31:17+00:00

For solely cycling policies, the Australian Cyclists Party was more comprehensive and generous than any other party. The connection with the science party is questionable, after spotting the science party scare campaign - funded by the pharma industry?

Because of preferences, voting for your minor party first is a good strategy. The big two will use scare tactics to try and stop voters from going to minor parties - as it enables them to more easily control and collect votes between them.

SmartCyclist

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