Golders Green <-> City

[stustd]

Used to bicycling (...coming from the Netherlands...) for my new job in January I'll be commuting between Golders Green and the City. Preferring a bike ride I have the following request and question:
1) Any useful information, besides what London's route planner provides me, is very welcome.
2) I'm looking for a decent secondhand urban bike; what are good shops and website in London to visit?
Thanks.

 

[Cycleops]

Hello and welcome to the forum.

I don't know of any shops in London that specialise in secondhand but maybe someone else does. I should try selling site Gumtree, there's always a good selection on there. As you know bikes presumably you'll know what to look for. I think something with gears would be useful as you'll have to climb up to Hampstead from Golders Green and down the other side to the city.
Here's an example of a commuter popular on here which might suit;
https://www.gumtree.com/p/for-sale/carrera/1321301363

Edit; Camden Cycles, not too far from Golders Green and just a few stops on the underground have some second hand stuff;
http://www.camdencycles.co.uk/our-bikes/secondhand-bikes/cat_192.html

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

Used to bicycling (...coming from the Netherlands...) for my new job in January I'll be commuting between Golders Green and the City. Preferring a bike ride I have the following request and question:
1) Any useful information, besides what London's route planner provides me, is very welcome.
2) I'm looking for a decent secondhand urban bike; what are good shops and website in London to visit?
Thanks.

Cyclestreets.net is very good for route finding, and gives 3 versions (fast, moderate, and quiet).

Sorry, no idea as to bikes, other than to choose a bike you know you'll be comfortable riding in all weathers.

 

[SkipdiverJohn]

Get something secondhand cheaply off eBay, January is a good month to get bargains in my experience. Don't buy "nice" bikes as commuting hacks. Buy bikes that are visually unattractive and not obviously worth stealing. Theft of bikes, theft of parts from bikes, and mindless vandalism are all serious problems in many areas.
Take route planners with a pinch of salt. I generally find I end up using a route that is different in part to all three suggested routes on TfL's journey planner website. I plan journey times on a basis of 10 mph max average speed, irrespective of the route. Personally I would give the Hampstead and Highgate areas a miss as much as possible when riding a bike unless you enjoy killing your legs climbing hills.

 

[Pale Rider]

You could fully embrace London commuting and buy a Brompton.

Whichever way you go, the ride home will be a long drag upwards.

You might appreciate having a bike you can fold and take on the train - Northern Line at a guess.

 

[Cycleops]

Regarding the route he could avoid the hill over Hampstead by going down Finchley Rd to Swiss Cottage and then to Camden Town, Kings Cross and on to the city. Longer route but worth looking at.
He doesn't have to buy an expensive Brompton as all types of folders are accepted on the tube at any time.
https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/cycling/cycling-in-london/bikes-on-public-transport

 

[stustd]

Thanks! I've been riding a Shimano 7-gear hub for years the convenience of which I loved. I trust with an 8-gear hub I should be able to scale Hampstead Heath hill reasonably comfortably...

I am a bit surprised though by the low-volume 2nd hand bicycle market, at least when it comes to urban bikes; not sure why...

I have to take the bike up into the flat so a grease-less belt driven option, like https://www.leisurewheels.co.uk/m9b0s21p19613/CUBE-Hyde-Pro-2018, is a welcome innovation.

In London is it a viable (i.e. responsible) option to park your bike on the street temporarily (e.g. for some quick shopping) and properly lock it to a gate (or something similar, ...as we do in the Netherlands all the time..., except in Amsterdam...:-)?

 

[vickster]

Thanks! I've been riding a Shimano 7-gear hub for years the convenience of which I loved. I trust with an 8-gear hub I should be able to scale Hampstead Heath hill reasonably comfortably...

I am a bit surprised though by the low-volume 2nd hand bicycle market, at least when it comes to urban bikes; not sure why...

I have to take the bike up into the flat so a grease-less belt driven option, like https://www.leisurewheels.co.uk/m9b0s21p19613/CUBE-Hyde-Pro-2018, is a welcome innovation.

In London is it a viable (i.e. responsible) option to park your bike on the street temporarily (e.g. for some quick shopping) and properly lock it to a gate (or something similar, ...as we do in the Netherlands all the time..., except in Amsterdam...:-)?

There are loads of bike stands (although they are busy in the warmer months around the City unless you're early), some railings are ok, some will have signs saying no bikes, if you have the right locks you might be able to use a street sign or pole, as long as not obstructing the pavement. You'll want insurance (cheapest via home contents) and a couple of good D locks (budget up to £100)

Gumtree is probably the main source of used bike, but hub gears are rare. Also, lots of stolen bikes, so make sure the bike is being sold by the rightful owner (question them about the bike, ask for a receipt)