May 1995 by Laura Pottie SSSSSSS If you’re buying new, you can count on getting what you pay for. It is possible to buy a bike for $100-250, but don’t plan on it lasting very long. This price range will get you a steel frame which is heavy and steel wheel rims which are not very practical in terms of braking in the rain. This could be a problem. Bikes in this range also tend to be constructed in a manner that precludes replacement of parts, so when it breaks it stays broken. $300-500 is a prime place to look ‘for a medium use commuter bike. In this range you can expect a lighter aluminum frame, cantilever breaks, and a generally longer lifespan since parts | Gear ‘in the vegetable ward?” dent. standards. won't be out a lot of money. The first thing you need is of course a helmet. Helmets are not re- quired by law, but as John so aptly men- tioned, “How cool are you going to look The fit of your helmet is very im- portant for safety, and if you want pro- tection from serious high impact situa- tions, look for a helmet made with Gset foam. My CD Cycle source showed me the spot on his helmet where he was knocked off of his bike by way of a head to tree collision and there was barely a Another good thing to see is the SNELL approval sticker. SNELL is a - private firm which adds their approval to helmets which meet strict safety The law requires that your bike be equipped with a light if it will be on the road after dark. You can spend $20-25 on a standard beacon light that will make you seen and will probably be useless in a year or so, but at least you If you want a light that will last, John says that your best bet is to jump right up to $150 or more and invest ina Purchasing a bicycle can be a confusing and costly endeavour. John Quayle, owner of Commercial Drive Cycle, was gracious enough to fill me in on a few details to look for. can be repaired or replaced. You can also look for a ‘chromoly’ frame at this price range. Chromium is an alloy of steel which is stronger and lighter. This helps to mini- mize unnecessary weight and increase riding efficiency. Look for the sticker that says “full chromoly” though, if the sticker doesn’t use the word full chances are only parts of the frame have that fea- ture. For those with longer commutes or who are looking for an investment in terms of resale value, there are more expensive bikes. The performance and weight of a bike tend to improve incre- mentally with price, but know your means! good light which should come with a lifetime warranty. Anything between these two ranges is not cost effective. A good lock is also important un- less you have stellar karma, which some claim to possess. For the rest of us, a U-lock is a good buy, although keep in mind that a larger shackle equals more room for leverage to break it. If you have quick release wheels and want to keep them, one way to pro- tect yourself is with a “rhino cable”, which you can run through the wheels and frame and attach to a U-lock. Special clothing is, of course, op- tional, but some things do have their advantages. A good pair of biking shorts have padding for comfort and allow unrestricted movement. Cloth- ing with a Lycra/cotton blend is soft and easy to wear, and a wool blend provides good warmth. For those planning to brave the elements (such as they are here in Van- couver), there are winter face covers and headbands with ear covers, as well as neoprene booties to keep your feet warm. The Other Press Pedal Pushers: The Wheel Story The OP Goes In Search of the Perfect Cycle Tires: Tread Lightly! An open tread, or in layperson’s terms, a tire with big nubbies, looks cool but really isn’t necessary unless you’re planning on some serious off-road us- age. - A centre-beam tire, or one with a bare strip down the centre and treads on either side, is much more efficient on the road, and is also functional for off-road riding if you let a little air out. Contrary to popular myth, a bare tire is actually better in wet conditions than a tire with treads, since there is more rubber in contact with the surface of the ground. According to John, you’d have to be going 100-120 km/hr to hy- droplane on a bike with bare tires. That could take some practice. Service With A Smile When it comes to retailers, expect to get access to free basic maintenance advice from the store you’ ve given your money to. If you’re buying used, many places will take a quick look at the bike for you and give you their opinion on the deal. Any good retailer will also offer a service warranty on the bikes they sell. Some sell it at an additional cost and others integrate the warranty into the price of the bike, so it’s a good idea to ask. Some of the retailers in Vancou- ver offer maintenance courses, and you can also find courses through groups such as Cycling BC and Our Commu- nity Bikes. Last but not least, don’t forget your “One Less Car” stickers!