CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: Try-a-bike?

CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: Try-a-bike? http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: Try-a-bike? en Mon, 22 Jun 2026 15:12:42 +0000 DaveC on "Try-a-bike?" http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3489&page=2#post-39172 Wed, 24 Aug 2011 13:43:49 +0000 DaveC 39172@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ Oh Smudge I'm salivating as I type..... (as well as figuring which child Josie will mind the least, me selling...) Smudge on "Try-a-bike?" http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3489&page=2#post-39162 Wed, 24 Aug 2011 12:08:42 +0000 Smudge 39162@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ Hmmm, don't really want to sell... otoh, I can see large bills looming :-( If you have a rough figure in mind maybe you should drop me a PM (will be gutted if you convince me lol), it's Classic Kiss 038 with original displays etc, 5 litre bottles (full, 02 and air dil). DaveC on "Try-a-bike?" http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3489&page=2#post-39077 Tue, 23 Aug 2011 14:14:03 +0000 DaveC 39077@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ Oh I might be interested.... I can see a large overdraft looming... Smudge on "Try-a-bike?" http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3489&page=2#post-39075 Tue, 23 Aug 2011 14:02:16 +0000 Smudge 39075@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ Although with a sprog imminent it may be for sale soon :-/ (Will keep the SCCR though ;-)) DaveC on "Try-a-bike?" http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3489#post-39074 Tue, 23 Aug 2011 14:01:08 +0000 DaveC 39074@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ Yes I lost my Suuntos Vyper and SK7 the weekend of the 13th in St Abbs. I'm still a bit annoyed at loosing them. Smugge also dives, and has the same type of Rebreather as I used to own. Roibeard on "Try-a-bike?" http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3489#post-39072 Tue, 23 Aug 2011 13:52:54 +0000 Roibeard 39072@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ @Dave - Greenends Gully also mapped... Let me guess, you'd be missing a dive computer and compass too? I keep meeting diving cyclists/cycling divers at the moment! Robert SRD on "Try-a-bike?" http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3489#post-39069 Tue, 23 Aug 2011 13:27:59 +0000 SRD 39069@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ yes, we'll probably bring tea and picnic as well (although the pub there does quite decent food). chdot on "Try-a-bike?" http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3489#post-39068 Tue, 23 Aug 2011 13:22:21 +0000 chdot 39068@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ "we could meet at the end of the road/prom/path to Cramond Island here" aka <a href="http://www.cyclestreets.net/journey/to/55.980724,-3.299551/Start+of+the+Cramond+Causeway" rel="nofollow">http://www.cyclestreets.net/journey/to/55.980724,-3.299551/Start+of+the+Cramond+Causeway</a> DaveC on "Try-a-bike?" http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3489#post-39067 Tue, 23 Aug 2011 13:17:06 +0000 DaveC 39067@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ Well I'm told he's getting the bus up from London so I guess it'll be mid morning? Plus I'm sure we'll have a few final bits to move that morning, but I'm planning to complete everything this week in the evenings. If I can make it I will even if I'm only on my own. *************************** Calling all others, we could use this as a social meetup too. I figure we could meet at the end of the road/prom/path to Cramond Island here: <a href="http://www.bing.com/maps/?v=2&cp=55.98012414550221~-3.3002949009446802&lvl=17&dir=0&sty=s&sp=Point.t9c74vgtsqcg_Greenends%20Gully____~Point.tbcg3zgq95b9_Dunfermline%255falloa%20path____~Point.t9x0jqgqrgb2_CCE%20Meetup.____~Point.t9x1b6gqrfph_Untitled%20item____&eo=0&where1=Cramond%2C%20Edinburgh%20City&form=LMLTCC" rel="nofollow">http://www.bing.com/maps/?v=2&cp=55.98012414550221~-3.3002949009446802&lvl=17&dir=0&sty=s&sp=Point.t9c74vgtsqcg_Greenends%20Gully____~Point.tbcg3zgq95b9_Dunfermline%255falloa%20path____~Point.t9x0jqgqrgb2_CCE%20Meetup.____~Point.t9x1b6gqrfph_Untitled%20item____&eo=0&where1=Cramond%2C%20Edinburgh%20City&form=LMLTCC</a> and then make our way to a grassy area east of the rendesvous point, where we could sit and chat in between cycling. I'm planning on bringing a flask of tea and a small picnic I think. If you want to join us do say here and turn up, I'm sure we'll be found easily, just head for the group with lots of bikes. If I get my new bike I'll bring it 'Cotic >X<' I also have a Dawes Galaxy and a Spec rockhopper, but can only bring one. Dave C Roibeard on "Try-a-bike?" http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3489#post-39058 Tue, 23 Aug 2011 12:09:29 +0000 Roibeard 39058@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <bump> This has rolled round and is now this coming Saturday! Forecast today is for light showers, so we might just remain dry... @Dave C - I know the day's not perfect for you, do you know your landlord's movements? Robert Roibeard on "Try-a-bike?" http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3489#post-37393 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:03:40 +0000 Roibeard 37393@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ My stoker has been campaigning for a recumbent tandem - she'll be disappointed to be told that its too big for her. It somewhat depends, my 11 year old daughter is almost long enough in the leg to manage it and can contribute usefully even if at the "bottom" of the stoke she's only just on the pedal. For the younger ones, it's been assumed to be a child seat without a belt and although they're not helping, it's no worse than a trailer, I'd suppose. Robert SRD on "Try-a-bike?" http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3489#post-37390 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 15:52:42 +0000 SRD 37390@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ @roibeard - absolutely! My stoker has been campaigning for a recumbent tandem - she'll be disappointed to be told that its too big for her. Roibeard on "Try-a-bike?" http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3489#post-37389 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 15:12:37 +0000 Roibeard 37389@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ @SRD - May I place a vote for the Helios please? Although the Pino can be fitted out with kiddie cranks, they cost ~£250! I don't think we'll be opting for that, and will consider the Pino to be primarily Mummy and Daddy's toy... Robert DaveC on "Try-a-bike?" http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3489#post-37388 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 15:11:28 +0000 DaveC 37388@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ I may have to break the meeting as at the moment this is when my lease ends and I have to hand over my house on this day. I'll see when my landlord arrives though as he's getting a bus from London (he must be daft - I'd get the train). Cheers, Dave C SRD on "Try-a-bike?" http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3489#post-37383 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 13:53:19 +0000 SRD 37383@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ We'll be back by the 27th, and would be very keen to try the Isla bikes (I had actually posted a while back asking if anyone on the forum had one we could try!!! - before Roibeard joined I guess). Happy to let anyone try tandem, tagalong, trailer, various seats.... Roibeard on "Try-a-bike?" http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3489#post-37369 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 12:12:51 +0000 Roibeard 37369@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ @Laidback - I'd been taking Ben's comments to heart and didn't want to press you. Looks like you've got a busy few weeks ahead anyway heading to Stirling and then East Fortune. Just popped over to the Cycle Stirling website - they've even got loan/trial cargo bikes! Or rather Keep Scotland Beautiful have them available for a month at a time in return for promising to use and look after it. <a href="http://www.cyclestirling.org.uk/page/cargo-bikes" rel="nofollow">http://www.cyclestirling.org.uk/page/cargo-bikes</a> <a href="http://www.laid-back-bikes.co.uk/page1/page1.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.laid-back-bikes.co.uk/page1/page1.html</a> Perhaps we should instead organise a forum-only Laidback tour, looks like we could have quite a bit of fun for a day sometime! No doubt it would be 17 quid well spent... Robert LaidBack on "Try-a-bike?" http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3489#post-37348 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 10:49:02 +0000 LaidBack 37348@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ That would be great except I've been booked to do an event in Stirling. Cramond sounds a perfect idea too and would be less hassle but.... Emily at 'Going Carbon Neutral Stirling' is inviting people for their Big Bike Fun Day over and I'm letting people play on a trike and a tandem as I did at SECC and Scotland Outdoors events. May take a bike too. These 'gigs' really only cover their costs and I may have ot use a lift to get to the carbon neutral event (Bikes on train are ok but the trike even folded might annoy Scotrail) Other option is for CC to got to Stirling - event is only from 12 - 4 and they got 700 people last year. is beside Stirling station. <a href="http://www.cyclestirling.org.uk/ ">Cycling Stirling</a> <a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6142/6011360050_584378f025_o.jpg"> <img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6142/6011360050_d497278dcb.jpg"></a> DaveC on "Try-a-bike?" http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3489#post-37337 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 09:52:32 +0000 DaveC 37337@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ Cheers chdot, so at least I know we'll not be making the walk out to the Island on that day. chdot on "Try-a-bike?" http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3489#post-37318 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 08:25:33 +0000 chdot 37318@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <a href="http://www.cyclestreets.net/journey/to/55.980724,-3.299551/Start+of+the+Cramond+Causeway" rel="nofollow">http://www.cyclestreets.net/journey/to/55.980724,-3.299551/Start+of+the+Cramond+Causeway</a> <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=55.980724,-3.299551&ll=55.981914,-3.286371&spn=0.021944,0.082741&client=safari&oe=UTF-8&gl=uk&z=14&layer=c&cbll=55.980109,-3.300586&panoid=LP_gmXUCLSsLcSN_5l26Lw&cbp=12,24.24,,0,10.49">Nearest point viewable in Google StreetView</a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chdot/2398970365/in/set-72157605532032840"> <img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3227/2398970365_65ae66f7a0.jpg"> </a> Tide coming in <img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6027/6011175572_95fe065851.jpg"> Roibeard on "Try-a-bike?" http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3489#post-37317 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 07:39:42 +0000 Roibeard 37317@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <grin> I think they should be fine, although there's always a risk that it might be "look, but don't touch"! So how about 11:30, Saturday 27th August at the start of the Cramond causeway? That's a landmark I'm pretty sure I can find... Robert DaveC on "Try-a-bike?" http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3489#post-37313 Thu, 04 Aug 2011 23:38:36 +0000 DaveC 37313@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ There is one pub I know of and one cafe on the river side. There is usually an ice cream van no the end tto. Alternatievly we could have picnic on the grass a km west of the Cramond village on the grass or beach depending on tides. I can see your children becoming a little jealous if you lend their bikes out tot other children. Dave C Roibeard on "Try-a-bike?" http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3489#post-37302 Thu, 04 Aug 2011 21:30:52 +0000 Roibeard 37302@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <bump!> @Dave C - Grand, how about a bit of family get together then? Cramond sounds fine - a Saturday would be ideal, as it's 8 miles from home... How about 27th August? Say, 11:30 or so? We could aim for a picnic lunch perhaps. I'll bring the kids, so that means a selection of Islabike Beinns (20" small, 24", 26" small, if they all come) and probably the Pino. Other forumers with kids might be interested in seeing these in the metal too. Where do you suggest we meet? I'm not so familiar with that part of town. Of course, the invite extends to others without kids too! Robert DaveC on "Try-a-bike?" http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3489#post-36489 Thu, 28 Jul 2011 09:52:29 +0000 DaveC 36489@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ Well I'm up for this. We could do it somewhere nice flat, and a cafe/pub at one end. Cramond springs to mind. I only have a Dawes Galaxy and a Specialzed Rockhopper, but I'm willing to bring one of them along. Alternatively a longer ride where we ride together there and back swapping occationally might suit. Would have to be a weekend though, and I might have to bring my trailer and one of me wee boys. BenKinetics on "Try-a-bike?" http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3489#post-36475 Thu, 28 Jul 2011 08:45:20 +0000 BenKinetics 36475@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ Fantastic, good to see the Pino being used :) About hiring / test rides: I've been doing this for about 15 years, and unfortunately I've found that having bikes for test rides at events (even specialist bike events) is pretty much a waste of time. At best, the time, effort and breakages that result are just about made up for by a sale or two, but generally the people who try and buy are people who would have travelled to the shop to try anyway, tehy've just taken the opportunity to try at the event. In other words, they would have come to me to try a bike anyway. It's sad to have to be so commercial about it, but basically I can't afford to have demo bikes for the fun of it, they need to pay their way. Roibeard on "Try-a-bike?" http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3489#post-36472 Thu, 28 Jul 2011 08:26:19 +0000 Roibeard 36472@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ @LaidBack I'm happy to do something but don't expect a rush. Thanks LaidBack, yet I know you're one of the places that does indeed hire more unusual (I hesitate to say "funny"!) bikes, and I wouldn't wish to undermine part of your living! Perhaps it does need the "what's in it for me?" factor for owners, so dealers may be more able to participate given that there's a chance of a future sale. Would you be prepared to participate in an internet date where a stranger rides your pride and joy? As the photos above show, I'm mad enough to let a strange man propel me through the Meadows - Hi Dave! *waves* Check out the grins - I wasn't planning to buy a tandem, never mind a Pino, but rode it and bought it purely on the grin factor! Robert chdot on "Try-a-bike?" http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3489#post-36469 Thu, 28 Jul 2011 00:07:06 +0000 chdot 36469@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ " So rather than, "who wants a ride?", the question is "who would be prepared to offer a ride?" Would you be prepared to participate in an internet date where a stranger rides your pride and joy? " I think if there is a time and place people could turn up and 'swap'. Enough people know enough of the other forum members for there to be not too many 'strangers' turning up with junk bikes hoping to get a 'new bike'! And I know all user names and e-mails... Wilmington's Cow on "Try-a-bike?" http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3489#post-36468 Wed, 27 Jul 2011 23:51:35 +0000 Wilmington's Cow 36468@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ You too can end up smiling like this... <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackpuddinonnabike/5982974976/"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6013/5982974976_38a63127ac.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackpuddinonnabike/5982974976/">Hase Dave</a> by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/blackpuddinonnabike/">blackpuddinonnabike</a>, on Flickr <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackpuddinonnabike/5982414317/"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6128/5982414317_1acaebbffb.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackpuddinonnabike/5982414317/">Hase Profile</a> by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/blackpuddinonnabike/">blackpuddinonnabike</a>, on Flickr <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackpuddinonnabike/5982976860/"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6024/5982976860_8f62164dc3.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackpuddinonnabike/5982976860/">Hase No Hands</a> by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/blackpuddinonnabike/">blackpuddinonnabike</a>, on Flickr kaputnik on "Try-a-bike?" http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3489#post-36467 Wed, 27 Jul 2011 23:09:21 +0000 kaputnik 36467@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ Yes Laidback, it is nearly festival time, have you got a cyclable piano in your fleet yet? LaidBack on "Try-a-bike?" http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3489#post-36464 Wed, 27 Jul 2011 22:38:20 +0000 LaidBack 36464@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ Steveo liked it. Should have gears by then. Yes - LB aka "Funny Bikes" Ha, ••••• ha You'll all be laughing on the other side of your faces when the Safe Route for Swans Intitiative is up and running with Laid Back Bikes and the Scottish Government Logos side by side! RBS are wanting in on the action too. Then the festival comes and no-one takes me seriously.... Arellcat on "Try-a-bike?" http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3489#post-36462 Wed, 27 Jul 2011 22:33:35 +0000 Arellcat 36462@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ I also don't think the risk of accidental damage can be mitigated much, and that might understandably rule out some. This is kinda the reason why recumbent bike riders quite often shy away from giving test rides, because the learning curve is distinct and the risk of the bike being dropped is non-zero. Recumbent trikes, though, can be ridden more or less straight away. For my work's Cycle To Work scheme I tried out various shapes and styles of Brompton at Kinetics and Biketrax before deciding on a M-type, and then later changing my mind and buying a S-type instead. I've seen some instances (in a land far, far away) where a bike shop charges for test rides. Not just "give us your name and address, and we'll hold onto your credit card thanks", but actually charging for the pleasure. Fine line between justifying the cost of having a demo fleet to turn potential customers into happy customers, and turning away potential customers.