http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: Haymarket bike hire begins 15th June en Mon, 18 May 2026 04:55:22 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14965&page=2#post-245981 Tue, 04 Apr 2017 09:36:26 +0000 cb 245981@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>We saw two of these bikes heading towards Edinburgh on the canal towpath* just as it passes under the B8046 (Near Old Philpstoun).</p> <p><em>If</em> they were Haymarket hires then that would be a 60km+ trip via the canal, both ways.</p> <p>However I see from the Bike &amp; Go site that there are bikes at Linlithgow (and Falkirk) so perhaps a local hire was more likely.</p> <p>*The towpath is now tarmac east of this point (not sure how far) and work underway to tarmac to the west. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14965&page=2#post-208110 Mon, 11 Jan 2016 13:52:35 +0000 paddyirish 208110@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><a href="http://road.cc/content/news/174564-one-user-every-six-days-merseyrail-bike-go-bikes">Oh Dear</a></p> <p>Seems Edinburgh is no better... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14965&page=2#post-206805 Tue, 15 Dec 2015 10:33:16 +0000 paddyirish 206805@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@fimm</p> <p>taking a hire bike on a train is tame. Look at what <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUWCeAzkc2Q">could be done</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14965&page=2#post-206804 Tue, 15 Dec 2015 10:19:05 +0000 fimm 206804@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I spoke to someone who had hired one. He seemed happy with the experience. I got to speak to him because we were sharing the lift up from the platform at Haymarket. I don't think the intention was that they be hired and then taken somewhere else on the train! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14965&page=2#post-206803 Tue, 15 Dec 2015 10:11:13 +0000 PS 206803@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I suspect that a lot of folk need to see other people like themselves riding branded hire bikes before they really consider the possibilities for themselves. Starting with a couple of handfuls of bikes at one location means that sightings of them in action will be very rare, so take up will be slow. </p> <p>It probably doesn't help that Haymarket is a particularly unattractive junction to start riding a bike from at the moment. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14965&page=2#post-206793 Tue, 15 Dec 2015 08:19:15 +0000 I were right about that saddle 206793@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Ran a finger over the hire bikes at Haymarket on Sunday. They were all clean and dusty. I fear they may not have been out lately. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14965&page=2#post-206787 Mon, 14 Dec 2015 23:05:28 +0000 paddyirish 206787@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@Laidback - 7 speed and a reasonable range -was able to climb a few small hills in relative comfort in low gear and get up a bit of speed in higher gears. </p> <p>Average speed over 15 miles was about 10mph, about 3mph less than I was doing on my own bike before the bridge shut. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14965&page=2#post-206771 Mon, 14 Dec 2015 18:32:03 +0000 LaidBack 206771@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Thanks for sharing your experience. I was wondering whether the hire rate would go up... and it has, albeit from a very low base.<br /> Bikes should be adjustable for all sizes of rider though.<br /> Was it three speed gear? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14965&page=2#post-206760 Mon, 14 Dec 2015 16:14:30 +0000 paddyirish 206760@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Thanks @tulyar, a great story.</p> <p>Interesting re the charges- still think the £3.60 I expect to be charged is good value- much cheaper and faster than the sum of public transport costs I would have had. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14965&page=2#post-206755 Mon, 14 Dec 2015 15:10:14 +0000 Tulyar 206755@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>The options for bikes were evaluated by the Merseyrail Cycling Forum holding a joint meeting with the Northern Rail Cycling Forum in an empty floor of new offices in Liverpool 1 (test riding bikes on carpeted 4th floor of an empty office block was slightly surreal)</p> <p>Options had been thinned to Pashley Pronto/Mailstar and the Batavus (Raleigh)- a design which I had seen in use in 1996 for the Rotterdam automated bike hire scheme (very little changed). One thing to remember is that the hubs used worked in the reverse sense to Sturmey ones.</p> <p>As a comparison Glasgow bikes cost £1 to join at the high rate, and you get reciprocal deal with City Car Club/Co Wheels membership for the low rate tariff. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14965&page=2#post-206751 Mon, 14 Dec 2015 14:04:29 +0000 slowcoach 206751@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><a href="http://www.bikeandgo.co.uk/locations/scotland/haymarket/#">bikeandgo</a> still shows 13 bikes currently (13:01 14/12/15) available, as it has every time I've looked apart from once, months ago. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14965&page=2#post-206745 Mon, 14 Dec 2015 12:51:41 +0000 paddyirish 206745@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Since the bridge was shut and I couldn’t bring my bike across, I have done zero cycling, and have had to walk, train and bus to get to work near the airport.<br /> Had a number of things to do in central Edinburgh today that I normally would have used my bike for. I thought I’d give bike hire at Haymarket a try. I did 10 miles on it this morning in Edinburgh and out to work and will do another 5 back into Haymarket tonight. Here are a few thoughts.</p> <p><strong>What went well?</strong><br /> Online registration was quick and card arrived next day.<br /> Very straight forward to hire the bike- got it at ticket desk about 7.15am and spent less time there than buying a rail ticket.<br /> Plenty of room to store rucksack on bike, dynamo worked well for rear but Front useless to see by - gears Ok once I worked it out.<br /> Gear range fine, once I worked it out.<br /> Brakes perfectly reasonable.<br /> Lock neat- everything stays attached to bike, and key attached to lock while cycling.</p> <p><strong>Things I worked out that would have been better if I’d known beforehand</strong><br /> Took a while to get familiar with bike- stuck in 2nd gear for ages before I worked out it was a twisty thing... was pressing buttons, but no change- legs spinning around like crazy.<br /> Tried putting locking mechanism back in place while I rode, but right heel kept clipping it- had to stop and sort it out.</p> <p><strong>What didn't go well</strong><br /> Bike is very, very heavy (23-25kg I think I read somewhere) and tricky to manoeuvre if walking.<br /> Seat was just too low for me at max height- I could place both feet flat on the ground with knees bent while seated. I'm 6'5" and have short legs for someone of that height.<br /> Front dynamo useless to see by - I had my bag on the front luggage rack and until I went under a bridge west of Murrayfield 5 miles, I had no idea if it was working.</p> <p><strong>Summary</strong><br /> Good system, thought through well, but would like a better front light and a bigger range of saddle heights.<br /> Will I use it again? Only if desperate- it just isn’t built for someone as big as me<br /> Would I recommend it to anyone under 6ft tall? Absolutely. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14965&page=2#post-206486 Wed, 09 Dec 2015 22:15:19 +0000 Stickman 206486@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Fair point. I'm not sure how strictly those hours are kept. When I'm heading to/from work it's sometimes open and sometimes shut. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14965&page=2#post-206483 Wed, 09 Dec 2015 21:18:11 +0000 Blueth 206483@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>8 until 7 weekdays seems to cover all but the very leanest commuting hours.</p> <p>I've "seen the lights on" much later than that and I daresay a knock on the door by a desperate rail traveller would not go unheeded. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14965&page=2#post-206477 Wed, 09 Dec 2015 18:36:42 +0000 Stickman 206477@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>....which isn't open early or late... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14965&page=2#post-206475 Wed, 09 Dec 2015 18:16:53 +0000 Blueth 206475@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>.......... with a bike/repair shop only a few paces away across the road. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14965&page=2#post-206390 Tue, 08 Dec 2015 20:32:32 +0000 gembo 206390@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>The blurb before the Haymarket one penned did mention shop selling bike tuff no repairs. The station concourse is also vast and empty.... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14965&page=2#post-206366 Tue, 08 Dec 2015 17:19:42 +0000 Stickman 206366@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I was in Leeds today and saw the station cycle hub. I didn't get a chance to look inside, but it seems to be a good facility. It's in a small separate building beside the station, has a shop which does repairs, bike hire and secure covered cycle storage. </p> <p>I think the current Edinburgh scheme is an opportunity missed. </p> <p><a href="http://www.cyclepoint.org/index.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.cyclepoint.org/index.html</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14965&page=2#post-195068 Thu, 06 Aug 2015 13:17:45 +0000 slowcoach 195068@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><a href="http://www.bikeandgo.co.uk/locations/scotland/">bikeandgo </a>locations shows 11 bikes currently available (13:16 060815) so it seems some are being hired today. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14965&page=2#post-195017 Thu, 06 Aug 2015 09:52:22 +0000 chdot 195017@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"</p> <p>In a bid to get more people to sign up to the service – launched two months ago – rail chiefs have introduced an on-the-spot sign-up option to let busy commuters hop off a train and immediately hire a bike. </p> <p>In the past, passengers had to apply for a membership card to be sent out in the post – a process which could take a week. </p> <p>Obree’s involvement comes as ScotRail revealed the service is to be rolled out across ten Scottish stations by the end of March next year, with facilities 
at Haymarket and Stirling 
already up and running. </p> <p>"</p> <p><a href="http://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/transport/cycle-hero-graeme-obree-backs-boris-bike-plan-1-3850914" rel="nofollow">http://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/transport/cycle-hero-graeme-obree-backs-boris-bike-plan-1-3850914</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14965#post-194825 Wed, 05 Aug 2015 08:40:30 +0000 fimm 194825@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I was buying tickets a few weeks ago and there was a chap returning his key. I should have asked him how he'd got on! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14965#post-194819 Tue, 04 Aug 2015 23:29:57 +0000 stiltskin 194819@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I haven't used one, but a few weeks ago I saw two at Fiveways corner and last week I saw four being ridden down to the Barnton Golf course path. I conclude they are being used. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14965#post-194812 Tue, 04 Aug 2015 22:51:26 +0000 chdot 194812@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Passed through Haymarket at 10 and 4 today. </p> <p>17 bikes available both times.</p> <p>Anyone used these bikes? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14965#post-191478 Fri, 19 Jun 2015 22:31:59 +0000 paddyirish 191478@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>As I am currently bikeless, I have signed up to use one and will try once I get my card.</p> <p>Maybe try Haymarket to South Gyle to Fife to Haymarket over a 7am to 8am next day...</p> <p>In the spirit of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUWCeAzkc2Q">Boris vs Ventoux</a>, </p> <p>does anyone want to try the Bealach?</p> <p>Or is that just the wine talking? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14965#post-191476 Fri, 19 Jun 2015 21:29:27 +0000 SRD 191476@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"so long as the size is correct."</p> <p>?? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14965#post-191472 Fri, 19 Jun 2015 21:05:32 +0000 Stickman 191472@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I'm guessing that this comment on the EEN article is by someone here. A lot of detail abort the bike specs:</p> <p>"I went to have a look at the bikes to see what they were like.</p> <p>Firstly the article mentions gears and I can confirm they are present, they are a nexus hub made by shimano. Owners who remember the old sturmey archer hubs may be familiar with such a kind. These can be operated even when stationary unlike derailers.</p> <p>Dynamo lights are present and after using some on my own bike they should be up to the job save for the lack of a stand light for when you're stopped and lights.</p> <p>There is a bell on these units too (rotary), it's just not present in the photograph.</p> <p>Brakes fitted are Rollerbrakes. Kind of a similar operation to drum brakes but a separate unit from the hub as opposed to being built in.</p> <p>The tyres are made by schwalbe who tend to make tough comfortable tyres so long as the size is correct.</p> <p>Locking system is a horseshoe lock with included cable.</p> <p>Only downsides are the heavy frames but at least they should be strong. It's a step through so little chance of bad dismounting.</p> <p>Saddle is a bit much though, not so much little padding but wrong shape for this kind of bike.</p> <p>Told by station staff to hire one once you registered on the website to go to the ticket office to pick up a key to unlock the machine." </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14965#post-191414 Fri, 19 Jun 2015 11:12:13 +0000 PS 191414@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>"the bikes’ weight – which he estimated at between 25 to 28 kilos"</em></p> <p>That seems about right, perhaps with a bit of bias:<br /> Boris bikes are 23kg, Velib 22.5kg, and they're fine for getting around. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14965#post-191405 Fri, 19 Jun 2015 10:37:55 +0000 dougal 191405@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"the bikes’ weight – which he estimated at between 25 to 28 kilos"</p> <p>In the name of the wee man!</p> <p>I'm keen to know what a cycling expert is though. I suppose it's the opposite of the EEN commenters, who remain unaware of the invention of raincoats and geared bicycles. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14965#post-191388 Fri, 19 Jun 2015 09:40:56 +0000 chdot 191388@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"</p> <p>A PIONEERING Boris Bikes-style scheme has got off to a slow start – but it has been tipped to pick up speed soon.</p> <p>With a promotional campaign in the pipeline and a positive reaction from cycling experts, the team behind Haymarket station’s Bike &amp; Go service hope commuters will soon be switching to two wheels in their droves.</p> <p>"</p> <p><a href="http://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/transport/will-haymarket-bike-hire-scheme-pick-up-1-3806866" rel="nofollow">http://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/transport/will-haymarket-bike-hire-scheme-pick-up-1-3806866</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14965#post-191043 Tue, 16 Jun 2015 08:22:41 +0000 dougal 191043@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>So, has anybody? Did anybody? I saw them last night in a fetching shade of red but they were all lined up neatly for display and looked unused. </p>