Peter
Photo: Ian MacPherson.
Name: Peter
Bike: Trek 1.2
Occupation: Digital Producer
How many days a week do you commute by bike?
5
Why do you commute by bike?
I commte by bike because it’s the fastest way to get to work. I also love riding and find it’s a great way to start and end the day.
Do you have any rain strategies?
I have to confess that I don’t ride in the rain.
Advice for new cyclists?
Many people say they would love to ride to work but are too nervous about dealing with Sydney drivers. My advice would be to start riding in an area where the traffic is minimal, build your confidence and steadily expose yourself to more traffic. Your confidence will grow- much like when you learnt to drive.
Name your dream bike.
Trek Madone 6 Series
Favourite cycling shop/website?
Clarence St Cyclery although I’m about to start buying a lot of stuff online. The prices are so much cheaper.
Would you recommend commuting by bike?
Definitely
Favourite café?
Bourke St Bakery
Additional comments?
I’m about to move to Leichhardt and hope that the City West Link gets the go ahead by the NSW government. It will only cost $5 million and be a godsend to my daily commute. As the website says- The City West Cycle Link (CWCL) will make cycling from the inner west to the CBD accessible to all.
Tony
Photo: Ian MacPherson.
Name: Tony
Bike: Giant MCR Pro
Occupation: Design engineer
How many days a week do you commute by bike?
5
Why do you commute by bike?
It’s the fastest way to get around and when I get to work I’m awake and feeling good.
Do you have any rain strategies?
Deal with it.
Advice for new cyclists?
Be aware of what’s happening around you. Know your rights but don’t expect drivers to know them. Obey the road rules and keep cool. There’s a lot of anger out there on they road, don’t play into it.
Name your dream bike.
I love bikes that stand out from the crowd like my mcr. The dream would have to be the ceepo viper.
Favourite cycling shop/website?
Favourite shop is Jet Cycles. Website has to be eBay.
Would you recommend commuting by bike?
Definitely! But be prepared. Don’t expect to ride 50km a day from the start. Build up to it so that it’s a joy, not a burden.
Favourite café?
Kent St Specialty Coffee.
Mike
Photo: Ian MacPherson.
Name: Mike
Bike: Clamont flat bar.
Occupation: General Insurance Motor Portfolio Manager.
How many days a week do you commute by bike?
5
Why do you commute by bike?
Faster, cheaper and more enjoyable than public transport or driving.
Do you have any rain strategies?
The faster you get there the quicker you’re in the shower.
Advice for new cyclists?
Taxi drivers: just because they drive for a living, doesn’t mean they’re any good at it.
Name your dream bike.
Bianchi Oltre Nero Limited Edition.
Favourite cycling shop/website?
Probikekit
Would you recommend commuting by bike?
Absolutely, safety in numbers.
Favourite café?
Any pub a mate is drinking at on the route home.
Robbie
Photo: Ian MacPherson.
Name: Robbie
Bike: SE Lager Single speed plus “Purple Lady” Single speed project built from scratch
Occupation: Photographer/ Part time ‘House wife’
How many days a week do you commute by bike?
Mon-Fri plus weekend Joyrides
Why do you commute by bike?
To escape Peak hour traffic chaos, excellent way to kick start the day. Doing my bit for the Environment!
Do you have any rain strategies?
Make sure to pack dry socks and spare shoes, be extra vigilant with traffic conditions and slippery roads.
Advice for new cyclists?
Build up your confidence slowly, respect all existing road rules and earn respect your self.
Name your dream bike.
A new Single Speed project, possibly with an old Italian made frame and top quality components….a Sexy Beast!
Favourite cycling shop/website?
Fyxomatosis, Wiggle, Ebay
Would you recommend commuting by bike?
Absolutely without a doubt, if you live within approx. 15 kilometre radius from your workplace give it a try.
Chances are you will get to work faster than a car AND/OR even public transport.
Favourite café?
Changes periodically, currently loving Sonoma @ Dank Street (best almond croissants) and great coffee too.
Additional comments?
I am a cyclist but I also drive a car, by being able to commute to work by bike I rely less and less on my car which basically serves to drive longer distances on weekends or holidays. Saving money on fuel and running costs not to mention one less vehicle on the roads!
Jimi
Photo: Ian MacPherson.
Name: Jimi
Bike: Bianchi Cameleonte VI
Occupation: Graphic Artist- retoucher/Illustrator
How many days a week do you commute by bike?
5
Why do you commute by bike?
So many reasons – because I always enjoy being on a bike, for the fitness/health benefits, for that feeling of being in the weather and close to nature; for the alert and invigorated state that I arrive to work in; for green reasons and the satisfaction that’s comes from powering your vehicle with your own steam; because I hate driving; because it allows me to have endless but enjoyable discussions with my fellow commuter comrades about geeky bike tech stuff!
Do you have any rain strategies?
Take a change of clothes and accept that you are going to get wet and muddy, then enjoy it like a kid jumping in puddles! Oh, and I am a recent convert to hydraulic disc brakes!
Advice for new cyclists?
Assume everyone is a blind idiot, and that’s not a deliberate go at car drivers – I mean pedestrians, other cyclists and pets too!
Name your dream bike.
My Bianchi is fulfilling it so far, my only possible complaint is that for a carbon bike, its on the heavy side – so maybe a lighter wheel set?
Favourite cycling shop/website?
I will admit to a Wiggle addiction.
Would you recommend commuting by bike?
I firmly believe that becoming a commuter can change your life. I use to do a 12km each way commute for years, then moved to a workplace in a crappy cycling area, with no shower facility so I had to drive. The effect on me was quite significant, I was unfit and could not seem to wake up or function until late morning after at least 2 strong coffees. Now I am riding again, I feel alive, non-stressed and fit enough that if someone says ‘lets go down the park and chuck the footy around’ I feel like I can do it without the paramedics on standby!
Favourite café?
So many, so I will just say the last one I went to – Sonoma in Dank Street Waterloo. And it’s a mighty fine bakery too! Some buddies and I went there after doing the Centennial Park circuit a few times on Saturday.
