Planning to buy a bicycle..need some advice and help?

Question

distance between my office and home is 9 kms in mumbai,india..although i have a car and a motorbike , i know it sounds crazy..but im willing to try it...also fuel prices are increasing day-by-day and becoming eco-friendly is also a good option....

what are the things i shud make a note of while buying a bike...all suggestions welcome

Answer 1

take a bike which gives mileage dont go on looks

Answer 2

Well first off you are not crazy. Plenty of people ride further than this to get to work . Most of us do it because we love it. It is only a bonus is that it is usually a bit cheaper and environmentally friendly than the motor vehicles. You may find that travel time is comparable. (when you factor in heavy traffic, parking time and the walk to the office.)

The first thing you should consider is security. Having somewhere safe to stash the bike will make a big difference to how money you should invest in it.  

Take a visit to a few of the bike shops in your area and see what is on offer and try to work out a budget and the style of bike you like. For a commute of this size I would suggest something like a flat bar road bike or a mountain bike.

When you know what you want and how much your happy to spend you will then need pick one that FITS you. The shops should help you out there.

Bikes are generally priced according to which level of components are fitted. Take a note of the names written on the cranks and deraileurs. (things that the chain runs through)

This is probably the best way to compare different brands. If you see the same names on different brands of bike you will be looking at the same component level and usually comparable bikes.  Buy the best components you can afford the gears will change easier and the bike will give better service with better components.

Other than that you might want to have a shower/ clean up and change clothes when you get to work.  Most commutes tend to leave a few sets of work clothes at work to minimise what they carry on the bike.

Have fun

Answer 3

9kms is not to much, even if it feels so at first.

Get a good sound mechanically speaking bike. Get a bike suited for commuting! A comfortable riding position, with extras that will make a world of difference like: crud guards, panniers for your stuff (extra clothing, rain gear, food, or whatever you might need to take and bring from work) Also lighting is important.

If you do not have to climb hills not much gearing is needed either.

Answer 4

Approach a Police Station at Sion or Kurla where there are lots of stollen bicyles.  You can select the best among them and bargain the price with the cops. If you are lucky you can get a cycle with gears for less than Rs.1000/-. Try it.