Cycling

[Spooky_D]

So, I have been offered a job from a friend of mine as a bike messenger.

With the economy being what it is, its a welcome opportunity, as well as being good for me, so I have decided to take the job.

However, I dont know shit about bikes. I mean, I know how to ride a bike and all that, but I have never done it professionally, all I have is some crappy beach comber that I ride every so often.

So, I was wondering if any bluelighters are a part of bike culture, and if they could help me out with suggestions on what kind of gear I should get for pretty much daily use, while maintaining some sort of budget (suggestions for 2,500 dollar bikes do not apply to this poor poster)

Thanks.

 

[Mehm]

you probably want a somewhat "aggressive" style mountain bike with only front shocks. The lighter the better. Also, there is a type of tire called "semi-slick" which is smooth on the middle yet treaded on the outside..great for riding where you want speed with the ability to ride through dirt and gravel. This would be fine to start with. Check craigs list and the local bikeshops for used rides.

 

[Spooky_D]

Ah, thanks.

 

[lostNfound]

What Mehm mentioned is known as a hardtail mountain bike

Go find some bikes you like in your price range then ask questions.
What exactly can you afford, i know 2.5K isnt on the cards.

Im in Aus but you I would expect to spend at least $600 for barnd new bike to get something half decent that I was to be riding everyday but that's less font shocks, which you dont really need.

Personally I'd recommend a single speed racer like the one below, these make for the best courier bikes if you're working inner city. light as a feather but looks can be deceiving on these with cost, try and look for a good second hand bike if you can and if you get one in good nick you get something for the half its original cost with all extras you want.

Bikes in general are fairly over priced, Ebay is a great start for some good deals though I've found in the past.

 

[Dave]

I was just going to say something like that lnf. These days, nearly every bike courier I see rides a fixed gear. Makes sense seeing as how it's basically a sprinting bike. Plus they look pretty cool; very minimal.

 

[lostNfound]

^ one thing to note, if you're someone that's been much into cycling and aren't comfortable with those handlebars, remember you can always swap them for standard straight ones.
I actually prefer the single speed like that for around town.

 

[Spooky_D]

I think used is my best bet. Thanks guys. I will scour craigslist