Newbie needing advice

[Cirsten]

Hi all,

I'm Cirsten and I'm new to the site.
Let me start with a little background info.
My son will be getting a new bicycle this year from Father Christmas. He's very excited and has mentioned that he'd like to start riding his bike to school (he's 7). I think it's a great idea and always try to encourage things like this. But obviously he's too young to ride to school by himself, so this would also be the perfect opportunity for me to get back in the saddle!

Unfortunately, like a lot of people, I haven't ridden a bike since I was a teenager. I'm a bit overweight and a bit unfit. Although I don't drive either, so we do a lot of walking to get to where we need to go.

The journey to school would be 0.8 miles each way. I'm then also hoping to eventually work up to cycling to work, which would be about 2.5 miles each way. Other than that we would just be using our bikes for trips to the park, shopping, etc.

I'm not looking to cycle any races or anything like that at the moment (maybe I'll work up to that), so my question is, does anyone have any experience with "dutch" upright bicycles? Would a bike of this type suit my purposes?

Any advice would be appreciated!

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

Sounds like you need the advice of @Puddles who has a Dutchie 8 speed.

I think that this type of bike sounds ideal for the type of riding you describe. Shortish journeys at a comfortable, leisurely pace are the sort of thing they are designed for.

Edit: Hi and by the way.

 

[Puddles]

Yes I have a Dutchie, 8 speed chic and she is lovely to ride, nice and upright, easy on the legs and I do about the same mileage as you re-school and playschool (your work) each day, I am not fit I have never ridden more than 10 miles in one day (and that was with cinema and a long break in the park in between) I do not do the exercise thing! I don't do fast.

http://www.dutchie.co.uk/dutchie-chic-8-speed.html this is the one I have, there are lots about, I found Dutchie really helpful and nice.

There are lots of dutch style bikes about in bike shops (Avoid Halfords) I would also go and try a few at shops they will be most helpful there too!

 

[Cirsten]

Great, I was hoping this would be the case! And if I do then decide to progress to a more physical style of cycling, it gives me an excuse to buy another bike lol
@Puddles, that is a beautiful bike! I think I just prefer the idea of taking it easy and being able to enjoy the ride without feeling like I have to go 100miles per hour.

 

[midliferider]

Welcome.
It is great to hear about you and your son's plan.
Ductchie bike, though will meet your need, look expensive at nearly £400.

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

Just a thought, you might like to look at the Pashley range as well: Link

They're slightly more expensive than the Dutchies but are good quality and well respected (and made in the UK which is a rarity these days).

Or going the other way price-wise, Dawes do a range of classic style bikes: Link

 

[MikeW-71]

The journey to school would be 0.8 miles each way. I'm then also hoping to eventually work up to cycling to work, which would be about 2.5 miles each way. Other than that we would just be using our bikes for trips to the park, shopping, etc.

I'm not looking to cycle any races or anything like that at the moment (maybe I'll work up to that), so my question is, does anyone have any experience with "dutch" upright bicycles? Would a bike of this type suit my purposes?

Welcome!

I think it would suit it just fine, particularly if it's fairly flat on your trips. Also consider some of the more relaxed Hybrids which may have more gear range if there are bigger hills to get up/over. (something like this) and you can still attach a pannier rack for luggage.

You might be surprised how quickly you will be able to do the work commute too if you ride reasonably regularly

Good luck!

 

[Cirsten]

A friend of mine actually suggested the Viking Prelude http://www.viking-bikes.com/products/Heritage/5011-Prelude?from_fab=1 (any opinions are welcome) as a starter bike. But I'm determined to get onto the saddle and stick with it for a long time to come, so I don't mind paying the odds for the right bike

 

[midliferider]

I suggest that you go to a local bike shop and sit/ ride some bikes and see how you feel.
Have a look at this as well.
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/original-hybrid-bike-3-id_8245553.html

 

[solidthegreat]

I know nothing about this type of bike, and I usually don't say the words Halfrauds, however they do the Pendleton cycle range that is reasonably priced IMO and would be worth a look. You even get a free wicker basket at the moment as well, woooooooo.

 

[Cirsten]

Thanks @midliferider I hadn't considered a hybrid, but maybe I should!
I've been into the only two actual bike shops in my town ( I have steered clear of Halfords) but they don't stock the dutch type bikes as standard. They're seen as more of a summer bike and would need to be ordered in

 

[Cirsten]

It's all about the wicker basket!

 

[Linford]

My daughter has got a plan to get a Pendleton bike at some stage. How big are the hills around your way ?

 

[Cirsten]

There aren't really any big hills on the route I plan to take. Well, there is one on the last leg of my journey to work, but I can detour around this via a side round and not really lose any time on my journey. We're lucky enough to have some decent cycle paths too. (Can you tell I've planned my whole journey already?!)

 

[Puddles]

As one who learned wicker baskets are crap unless they have an inner to them, I got one from Halfords with matching panniers that has a rain cover and lots of pockets and zips, I also have a beautiful wicker basket that although looks great is useless.

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_809159_langId_-1_categoryId_165643