Step through bike for beginner commuting

[amw18]

Hi all,

I’m interested in buying a bike for my commute to work - google maps says 4.3km, mostly flat and a 17 minute ride. Considering that’s how long it takes me to drive and park a 10 minute walk away from the office, I figured cycling might be a better option and a good way to get some more activity.

I like the aesthetic of vintage-style bikes like the Reid ones.
- I’m also 182cm tall so I need something that can adjust to my height.
- Step through
- Basket/ability to add a basket
- Budget up to $300/$350

What would you recommend? Is it worth buying something brand new, or is second hand fine?

Thanks!

[Derny Driver]

Hi all,

I’m interested in buying a bike for my commute to work - google maps says 4.3km, mostly flat and a 17 minute ride. Considering that’s how long it takes me to drive and park a 10 minute walk away from the office, I figured cycling might be a better option and a good way to get some more activity.

I like the aesthetic of vintage-style bikes like the Reid ones.
- I’m also 182cm tall so I need something that can adjust to my height.
- Step through
- Basket/ability to add a basket
- Budget up to $300/$350

What would you recommend? Is it worth buying something brand new, or is second hand fine?

Thanks!

I'd recommend an Electra Townie or Electra Amsterdam. Great bikes.
Theres a pink Townie on fleabay at the moment, Fitzroy North.
Something like that.
They are about $1000 new but go for $300- $350 second hand.
I bought one for my girlfriend and she absolutely loves it.
Aluminium frame, 7 gears, basket. Upright comfortable position.

[Thoglette]

or is second hand fine?

Second hand is fine, if it looks pretty much new.

A lot of "step throughs" get bought, do few short trips and get parked.

If you go down that path and are worried, spend $50 to have the local bike mechanic check the brakes (and other critical items)

For what you're planning to do, you're looking at the right sort of bike. Fat tyres, mudguards, lights and space for cargo.

On your height, the critical dimension is your pubic bone height. Here's an article all about PBH (from Rivendell). But at your height you should have no problems - it's the 5' nothings who are poorly served by the current market.

[fergy1987]

Partner bought a brand new Trek 7.1 FX step through a while ago for $350 - Does the job.

Although I gave it a wash on the weekend and damn thing weighs a tonne!

[RobertL]

Reid sell a "vintage" ladies' bike for $280: https://www.reidcycles.com.au/reid-vint ... -plus.html

My sister bought one of these (and never rides it). It's a good bike for that price.

[AUbicycles]

I agree, there are lots of options and it should be influenced by your budget.

Second hand on a decent (and suitable) bike will be fine. A tune up of the brakes, potentially new tyres and you are set. Just make sure it does what you need and factor in any costs, but a rule of thumb is that most second-hand dutch step-through bikes should be low budget purchases.

For a new bike, the Reids are at the lower price range, Lekker mid-to-high and Electra is high (going by the retail prices) so the latter two may not be in budget.

For a new bike. if you have the choice, go for a bike with internal gears. 3 gear for a flat commute will usually be fine. I recommend the dynamo - in short, usually the front wheel has a chunky hub and it generates power for your front and rear lights. This is far more convenient that rechargeable and the current era of onboard dynamo powered lights is great.