[Dazzler]

@Aussie Keith @Lakes @eye30 and anyone else who rides a pushbike.

Now I have a hatch again I'm toying with buying a pushbike. I've read and been told that cycling is quite good for people with Parkinson's.

Being that I will just take it by car to various sealed bike tracks I don't need anything fancy. I don't want to spend more than say $500 including a good helmet as I might not end up using it much. I will probably buy it as a Xmas present for myself so have a bit of time to decide. Although knowing me I might buy one today if I see a bargain! 

Comfort is important (So I probably want a decent gel? seat) and I think I would prefer "Cow Horn" handlebars for control and comfort... So am I best off going for a mountain bike style? How many gears and what brand? Are Shimano still the best for a cheap bike. Most bike tracks are fairly level around here so I guess I wont even be using gears much. I think I like the idea of the slightly bigger tyres on a mountain bike too. Less likely to get a puncture maybe or slip if the track has a bit of loose gravel section.

Are cheap bikes from Kmart or Super cheap that bad? 

I might go out shortly and make a short list of what's about and even take a few photos.

[mickd]

Hi Dazz,
As your starting out,  either get the cheapie from kmart , they have gel seat options too, or go 2nd hand  from local bike shop. Pushies lose value faster than a 323 with a dead engine   
Shimano are everywhere, from cheap to dear.

If you enjoy,  spend the bucks  then.

[John B]

Get a Unicycle Dazz, then you will only have to buy one tyre when it wears out.

[CraigB]

Don't buy Kmart crap Dazz, their junk is bloody dangerous.

Look for a 2nd hand Giant or similar, should be able to find a $1500 bike down to $400 or abouts after only being a year old.

Hardtail rear end is all you need with suspension front forks., don't worry to much about the seat as you can always grab yourself a comfy one at the bike shop with gel and springs for $40.

[Surferdude]

I have a Kmart bike I bought in Sydney about 15 years ago for $99. "Huffy" brand.

It's still the best I've had and still going strong. But I don't know what they're like now.

I agree the best option is a second hand one. Giants are fairly popular at Cash Converters and around $400 will get you something pretty good.

[CraigB]

Some of the girlfriends friends bought Kmart bikes a few years ago, I had a ride one one and the crank shaft sheared off just about took out the Crown Jewels 

[Dazzler]

  Guys, some good thoughts there... MMM unicycle I like the lateral thinking about replacement tyres...

Went to Kmart for a look but very little range and very basic looking bikes so gave them the miss...

Two Devonport bike shops have recently closed  (which I hadn't noticed until I went looking)

I went to one called Derrico's (owned by a local Cycling family) but as I expected they didn't do "cheap" - by my standards anyway (the bloke told me to try the Reject shop!) 

They had three or four salesman who appeared to be more like car salesman than anything else! He showed me one for $529 but of course the $850 "cheapie" was much better... "Of course you don't get disc brakes or anything for that price"..



Anyway, as I said in my original spiel I was fairly likely to buy one today if I got a bargain....

Went to Supercheap and a very friendly helpful lass bent over backwards  to find me one from last weeks Father's Day catalogue.. Note the disc brake..  (not that I need one!

$158 (20% off) - because I had a rain check  They offered to bring it over from Burnie for me (closest stock - last one around) but I'm happy to pick it up. Any excuse for a drive. 

[AlanHo]

I reckon you she saw you coming..................

[Dazzler]

I reckon you saw you coming..................

Yeah, I can sell myself anything!

[Aussie Keith]

And that will do the job for sure. Chances are you will never get a flat, but see about buying a pump anyway to keep the tires inflated, kmart or Big W is the place to get stuff like that for not much $$. A helmet is also a good idea, again kmart or big W. The bike shop will want to sell you one that costs more than the bike.

Enjoy.

[Aussie Keith]

Three words on bikes at cash converters. Unknown provenance. Wrecks.

You really need to know what you are looking for there and be prepared to take a big chance if you don't.

[John B]

@Dazz. Are you going to paint the disc brake caliper red.

[AlanHo]

You are going to get a lot of road noise from those knobbly tyres. You will need noise cancelling earphones.

There are few more extras to consider -
A helmet
A drink holder
A saddle bag for your first aid kit
Vaseline - if you don't know what for - you will soon find out.
Puncture repair outfit, tyre levers etc
A nice loud bell or horn
A tight high viz Lycra cycling outfit (photo please)
Horse linament
Goggles
Cycling gloves and shoes
Mud guards
Holder for your Smartphone (to be used as a sat nav)

Do you still want to go cycling..........

[eye30]

So tour de tassie photo's will be hitting the club soon.......

[Dazzler]

Thanks guys, got a snazzy orange helmet to match from K mart for $18... I was tempted by the $8 one! I might have to invest in a couple of the things on your list Alan ( and a pump - thanks Keith)

[The Gonz]

I'd add a bikelock to that list. I use a large U-bolt type that slots into a holder vertically attached (like the pump) under the seat when travelling. Elena recently got a chain type that she just wraps around the crossbar (no girl's bike for her!).

Oh, and have some fun getting a nice cheap bike computer off eBay.

[Dazzler]

I'd add a bikelock to that list. I use a large U-bolt type that slots into a holder vertically attached (like the pump) under the seat when travelling. Elena recently got a chain type that she just wraps around the crossbar (no girl's bike for her!).

Oh, and have some fun getting a nice cheap bike computer off eBay.

That's a good idea Gonz. I was thinking I wouldn't be leaving my bike unattended much, but I forgot coffees and wees...

My Garmin smart watch has a cycling mode...

[eye30]

Thanks guys, got a snazzy orange helmet to match from K mart for $18... I was tempted by the $8 one! I might have to invest in a couple of the things on your list Alan ( and a pump - thanks Keith)

I use my car foot pump at home but carry a small one along with puncture repair kit and spare inner tube, tyre levers and multi spanner.

Did consider a gel repair kit you just put on valve and it inflates tyre and pumps in gel to bung the hole.  Decided against due to cost and i would have to replace inner tube when i got home.

[mickd]

Well Dazz, sounds like you're almost sorted.
May I recommend some Voltaren cream and tablets and some Staminade .
ENJOY  👍

[Dazzler]

Well Dazz, sounds like you're almost sorted.
May I recommend some Voltaren cream and tablets and some Staminade .
ENJOY  👍

Cheers Mick! I already take 12 tablets a day! The staminate isn't a bad idea though (better add drink bottle to the list)

[AlanHo]

One thing I forgot for the list is bike stabilisers to ensure safety while you re-learn how to ride a bike

http://tinyurl.com/yalvbtva

For extra safety get Trish to run alongside you holding the saddle for the first couple of kilometres until you get your balance..............

[John B]

 

[Dazzler]

One thing I forgot for the list is bike stabilisers to ensure safety while you re-learn how to ride a bike

http://tinyurl.com/yalvbtva

For extra safety get Trish to run alongside you holding the saddle for the first couple of kilometres until you get your balance..............

Probably close to the truth.. the PD does affect my balance some days.. 

[Dazzler]

So here it is assembled. Alloy rims (I know they are only basic ones), Front disc Brake, Nice light but sturdy aluminium frame. Grip based gear changing (whatever you call that). Note the "matching" orange helmet. Waiting for some settled weather (probably Sunday) to go for my first ride.

[Surferdude]

 

[CraigB]

That should hopefully do you for a while Dazz

[mickd]

Great stuff Dazz,
Orange Lycra  to match bike & helmet  ? ?   

[John B]

Looks a mean machine Dazz.  Enjoy your first ride on it.

[The Gonz]

Just one more performance add-on for you, Dazz,

(click to show/hide)

[CraigB]