I’ve not owned a bike since my last one was stolen years ago. Recently I’ve been very irritated with catching the bus to do what would be a fairly short bike ride. I would probably have to leave the house at the same time, too.
The problem I have is with getting the bike on the train all the time. I’ve heard stories of people not being allowed on because there was no room, etc. I don’t want it to end up costing me even more of what little time I have for myself after work.
I’m fairly sure there’s nowhere safe to chain the bike up at Mansfield Train Station, or the surrounding area. What I really want is a bike locker, or at least a security camera pointing at my bike, or some kind of insurance so I know I won’t lose a quick-release wheel or something bigger while I’m at work.
Suppose I should just buy a cheap-ish bike and see how it goes. At least I’d have a bike for the summer (or a small part of it).
My solution to the problem of having nowhere safe to park a bike at work was to buy a folding bike. I fold it up, take it up in the lift, and keep it in the corner of the office. I’ve since come to love the flexibility: I can take it on the tube or train, and I can put it in a shopping trolley when I go shopping. I ride mine (a Dahon) 10 km each way every day.
In most cases, there are no restrictions on folding bikes on trains; you might need a cover on some TOCs.
Ooh, I do like the look of some of those. I think that’s the kind of bike I could quite easily spend £500 on though.
I think for now I’ll get some recreational style bike, and then purchase a folding bike (perhaps the Dahon Boardwalk at <£200 on eBay) for my commute specifically. I want to try to do a lot of cycling for pleasure as well as the commute. I'll keep the Dahon bikes in mind though, they look awesome. Which one do you have?
I was going to suggest folding bike!
http://www.foldingbikes.co.uk/
Booo for someone beating me to it!
Surely MDC still have the bike lockers knocking about the town centre? I think there is on in the entrance to Walkden Street carpark? Near to the disability parking?
I’ve got a Dahon Mu Uno, but I’ve customised it quite a bit (lower handle post; different bars, saddle, tyres, pedals). Here’s a photo.
That is a nice looking bike! Kind of destroys the initial image of a folding bike in my imagination. 🙂