Just unpacked my Elephant

[annedonnelly]

We've only been out together a couple of times (I'm still recovering from my injury). The Elephant is called Maisie and she's a rather robust - some might say heavy - lady, and not as nimble as some bikes. I certainly get more of a workout than I do on the Brompton.

My postman is very interested in her. He's a keen cyclist anyway and used to ride one of these as a mail-bike. He tells me it's like the difference between a Rolls Royce and a Mini. He recalls not worrying about being "doored" as the car door always came off worst.

Hopefully Maisie and I will be venturing a bit further soon and she can help with carrying the shopping home.

 

[kayakerles]

We've only been out together a couple of times (I'm still recovering from my injury). The Elephant is called Maisie and she's a rather robust - some might say heavy - lady, and not as nimble as some bikes. I certainly get more of a workout than I do on the Brompton.

My postman is very interested in her. He's a keen cyclist anyway and used to ride one of these as a mail-bike. He tells me it's like the difference between a Rolls Royce and a Mini. He recalls not worrying about being "doored" as the car door always came off worst.

Hopefully Maisie and I will be venturing a bit further soon and she can help with carrying the shopping home.

I certainly understand, Anne, and I wish for you a steady, full recovery. I know what it's like to have your new toy and not to be able to use it as much as you'd like. When I had just turned 18, I got a new surfboard. Just about the same time I got mononucleosis. After a few shots of antibiotics and iron, my doc told me absolutely NO water activities until my bloodwork came back the way he liked it. The problem was, I felt GREAT! Ready to go SURFING. I looked at my board in the corner of my bedroom before being able to use it, many weeks later. Those were long weeks!

Looking forward to your pics with Maisie in action, basket occupied with cats, groceries, whatever! You're on your way... you'll get there!

 

[tyred]

We've only been out together a couple of times (I'm still recovering from my injury). The Elephant is called Maisie and she's a rather robust - some might say heavy - lady, and not as nimble as some bikes. I certainly get more of a workout than I do on the Brompton.

My postman is very interested in her. He's a keen cyclist anyway and used to ride one of these as a mail-bike. He tells me it's like the difference between a Rolls Royce and a Mini. He recalls not worrying about being "doored" as the car door always came off worst.

Hopefully Maisie and I will be venturing a bit further soon and she can help with carrying the shopping home.

I own an example of the previous model Mailstar from the early '80s and it is deceptively nice to ride.

 

[grldtnr]

I own an example of the previous model Mailstar from the early '80s and it is deceptively nice to ride.

Many of the posties I fixed bikes for have said that, I too thought that , a better ride, but it didn't carry the weight so well.
All academic in the end, the Royal mail scrapped the bike fleet, using vans.
A poor decision, they would have been better served by Cargo bikes/ trikes, but the post union pushed for that on grounds of safety.
Riding a loaded bike in traffic was deemed dangerous, Postmem,/ women could carry more mail, an oxymoron since volumes of letters had fallen, and the rise of packets & parcels.
I resigned my commission over it,o didn't want to be in a van, I had no debts, so took my pension early, 10 yrs early!

 

[tyred]

Many of the posties I fixed bikes for have said that, I too thought that , a better ride, but it didn't carry the weight so well.
All academic in the end, the Royal mail scrapped the bike fleet, using vans.
A poor decision, they would have been better served by Cargo bikes/ trikes, but the post union pushed for that on grounds of safety.
Riding a loaded bike in traffic was deemed dangerous, Postmem,/ women could carry more mail, an oxymoron since volumes of letters had fallen, and the rise of packets & parcels.
I resigned my commission over it,o didn't want to be in a van, I had no debts, so took my pension early, 10 yrs early!

The post office here still use bikes in urban areas. I'm not sure who makes the bikes they use but they do have derailleur gears with triple chainset so hills wouldn't be problem. They are pretty long wheelbase bikes with front basket and rear panniers.

I have often watched the postman cycle around the industrial estate on my way to work and think how much I'd love his job

 

[byegad]

I spotted this and nearly reported the OP to the RSPCA or WWF.

Unpacking a pachyderm indeed!

 

[annedonnelly]

I spotted this and nearly reported the OP to the RSPCA or WWF.

Unpacking a pachyderm indeed!

You wouldn't have wanted me to leave her trapped in a box

 

[classic33]

The post office here still use bikes in urban areas. I'm not sure who makes the bikes they use but they do have derailleur gears with triple chainset so hills wouldn't be problem. They are pretty long wheelbase bikes with front basket and rear panniers.

I have often watched the postman cycle around the industrial estate on my way to work and think how much I'd love his job

You missed a chance.
https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ire...y-its-fleet-of-old-bikes-to-charity-1.4335008

 

[byegad]

You wouldn't have wanted me to leave her trapped in a box

Yes, but now you just have a Derm!