beach bike

Photo: Ian MacPherson.

Summer holidays! Riding my $12.50 Ebay special on the beach. A world away from commuting through Sydney streets during peak hour.

Garth

Photos: Ian MacPherson.

Name: Garth
Bike: Coventry Eagle Reynolds 531 frame, Sturmey Archer 3 speed hub gears, Dynamo lights
Occupation: Architect
How many days a week do you commute by bike?
Everyday.
Why do you commute by bike?
Always have, grew up in the country riding to school still going. All the new bike lanes make it a bit safer which is good.
Do you have any rain strategies?
Bike has full mudguards front and rear, these make a huge difference, no stripe up the back, no road filth sprayed all over legs and shoes.
Advice for new cyclists?
Give the bike lanes a go, they might go around the world a bit to get to where you want to go but it’s safer and less stressful. Plus if they don’t get used they might go away.
Name your dream bike.
Sorte Jernhest cargo bike.  I saw one of these in Copenhagen, it’s a rear wheel steer box bike, looks more or less completely mad, but seems to operate quite reasonably. Not sure how it would go on the hills around Sydney.
Favourite cycling shop/website?
Sheldon Brown, for more information than you could ever need on anything to do with “older” bikes. Disraeli Gears, for a vast array of info on drivetrains.
Bikeclub in Redfern is a great place to meet up and build or repair your bike. Monday and Wednesday nights in the car park near the corner of Philip and Cope St. Just turn up…
Would you recommend commuting by bike?
For sure, it’s the best way to get around, keeps you fit is fun and might be good for the planet.
Favourite café?
Cafe Sophia at Erskineville.
Additional Comments?
Get an old bike and fix it up, they seem to last longer than the new ones. Plus if you fiddle around enough you get to really know the thing. Also baskets are better on the front than the back. If stuff to fall out on the back it’s gone forever, on the front you can try and beat it all back down as you’re riding along.

Susan

Photo: Ian MacPherson.

Name: Susan
Bike: Giant Upland aka “the shopper”
Occupation: Designer
How many days a week do you commute by bike?
Everyday
Why do you commute by bike?
Not only is it the fastest way for me to get to work it by far the most enjoyable.
Do you have any rain strategies?
If I am riding to work and it’s raining I pack a spare set of clothes into a waterproof bag, if I just get caught in the rain I have a jacket. I quite like riding in the rain so am not too bothered if I get a bit wet. My ride is quite short so I tend to just wear my work clothes but in the rain I’ll wear my cycling kit as it’s more comfortable and better suited for the rain.
Advice for new cyclists?
Ride your route on the weekend before you start that way you are familiar with the road and won’t be worried about timing etc. Choose quieter roads where possible and ride with confidence.
Name your dream bike.
Too many to name but am currently thinking about a CX bike, maybe something made by Sweet Pea Bicycles.
Favourite cycling shop/website?
I’ve quite a few favourite shops, having a good local bike shop is a must. Favourite site would have to be www.rocketfuel.net.au but am massively biased as it’s my own!
Would you recommend commuting by bike?
Yes! It’s a great way to start and end the day and its great exercise as well.
Favourite café?
Don’t currently have a favourite, will have to find one!
Additional Comments?
If your ride is short you can most likely ride in your work clothes, but if you want to excericse a bit harder or have a longer ride some quality cycling specific kit will make the ride more comfortable and as it’s quick drying will be ready for the ride home. Sometimes even small changes in your attire will make a big difference in the comfort of your ride so don’t be afraid to try something new.

Green Grocer On Wheels, Jakarta

Photo: Ian MacPherson.

Now I know this is not a bicycle, but you have to be impressed. He rides this everyday , I probably couldn’t ride it around the block, in fact, I probably couldn’t get it going from a standing start. I was told he would load up early in the morning, purchasing everything at the market, then ride around selling his produce. He also takes orders from his regular customers for them to collect off him the next day. It’s a great service, one I could do with because every time I cook a curry I always forget the coriander.

On the rear chain stay, near the tyre there is a large U shaped bolt that he places their to serve as a hand brake. Also notice he rides this in a pair of thongs. Would love to see how well this guy could ride a sub 8kg road bike, I reckon he’d fly!

Jakarta Bike Stores

Photo: Ian MacPherson.

I would  say that every large city in the world today has a strong bike scene and Jakarta is no different. When I was in an area called Senayan I spotted through a window of a large building what appeared to be a bike shop. I was with my father-in-law and my wife’s uncle at the time and we were heading out for lunch. I asked them if they wouldn’t mind if I had a “quick look” in that building because I thought there was a bike shop inside. When I entered the building it was a three level mall with not just one bike shop but about twenty. I couldn’t believe my eyes. And the quality and uniqueness of the bikes was incredible. I knew that a “quick look” was not going to be possible but a steak lunch was waiting. I knew I would have to come back if I could ever find my way.

Check out more pics at, Ciclo Fissato.