Quick tips for the urban cyclist

Quick tips for the urban cyclist
By Time Out Singapore

1. Hybrid bikes are best. Hybrid bikes – a cross between a speedy road bike meant for competitive cycling and a rugged mountain bike for rough terrain – are best for urban cycling, according to Mohan, director of operations and marketing at Treknology3. The handlebars of a hybrid are designed for upright riding so you can look straight ahead in traffic.

2. Invest in a foldable bike. Don’t want to stick it out for the entire journey? Invest in a folding bike. They can be taken onto public transport during off-peak hours (LTA are working on revising this rule) and tucked under your office desk. Diginexx sells ten international folding-bike brands that come in different wheel sizes with single or multi-speed. Or try JZ88, where you can rent a foldable bike for a week for $20 before deciding on buying.

3. Find a day storage for your bike. The Bike Boutique (Tel: 6298 9528) on Chinatown’s Amoy Street offers storage for your bike, shower facilities to freshen up and lockers to store your gear. Prices start from $80 per month.

4. Advice for street parkers. Parking on the street makes your bike more vulnerable to theft, but not everyone is ready to add another monthly bill to their outgoings. Those willing to brave the dangers of street parking can take this expert advice from Willie Loo, store manager at BikeHaus (Tel: 6468 3887): ‘Never park in the same place outdoors. Use a heavy duty lock such as a Kryptonite lock, or a long lock to chain up both the front and back wheels. Leave as little space as possible between the bike and lock.’