Gazelle Basic R3T advice please

Greentopia

Hi guys 'n gals, first post on the site so be gentle

I'm strongly thinking of buying this lovely bike:
http://www.bikedock.com/posit/shop/productinfo.php?partno=GBATR39+++++++++++++&srcwind=%2Fposit%2Fshop%2Findex.php%3Fcategory%3D17%26group%3D33

I have a few questions though before I go ahead, that people here might be able to help me with.
Firstly, would 3 hub gears be enough in Dublin or would I need more?
I'm hoping to move up there within the next 6 months or so and not sure if the topography of Dublin is flat enough for my rather unfit, slim built self to cycle round on a 21 kilo bike! Though it would be one way of getting fit quickly I guess!...:D
I'd want it for transport within the city, pootling to the local shops, parks
that kind of thing. I'm not a speed demon so a gentle ride like this would suit me I think.
Second, would this need to be set up before I ride it, and how?
Is there any one bike shop/mechanic I should go to for this? I know these
kind of bikes are rare enough in this country and am a bit concerned no-one would have the experience with these 'Granny' bikes.

I think the back brake is a coaster so not sure how easy they are to get used to as I've no experience with a bike with one, and read they're not great in wet weather; though according to Sheldon Brown we should all learn to use the front brake 95% of the time anyway, except in certain circumstances.
The front brake is supposed to be a good one though anyway I believe.
Are coaster brakes as good as other types like drum, caliper etc.?

Has anyone bought a bike from Bike Dock in the North?
What's the service like? They say free delivery within the U.K. and Ireland,
but for a bike this heavy? hmm...guess I can ring them and find that out.

Any advice?

gzoladz

Hi there, I am on the market for the same type of bike to replace a 3 hub gears Raleigh - that bike to get around is perfect. I used to service mine in Cycleways but I am sure that nearly any bicycle shop should be able to do it.
Coaster breaks are grand - I have owned another model of Gazelle in the past with coaster brakes and they are brilliant.
I have never dealt whith them but with Chain Reaction Cycles. They are good, they do deliver free to IE and they have an equivalent model on Electra that I am looking at.

Check out this link:
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Categories.aspx?CategoryID=161

ba

the bikes are fairly simple to set up... just you'll need a set of wrenches to adjust saddle and handlebar height to suit.

as a former mechanic, they are a horrible job to repair. but sure they're a nice ride for around the city at a gentle pace. rented one when over in holland. good fun.

ah, i see you're buying online. might wasnt to drop it into a bike shop for them to build it up. you could prob do it yourself but requires patience.

Lumen

I am awaiting delivery of a Pashley Princess Sovereign from BikeDock.

They have been good to deal with so far, although delivery has been delayed due to a erratic parts supply from Pashley.

Might be an idea to go up there and see the bikes, then you can compare (Electra, Gazelle, Pashley). They have them all, I think.

There's not much point in buying from a real shop (and paying retail markup) if you don't take advantage of the physical browsing opportunities.

Greentopia

Thank's guys. Helpful advice.

Gzoladz-yes I read your post that you're thinking of getting an Electra.
I was on that site earlier and saw them, nice bikes.
I considered choosing one of them but prefer the style of the Dutch bikes and because the geometry of them is a little different to the Gazelle, the Gazelle being more ergonomically good for me I think because I have a gammy left knee, the knee would have to work a bit harder on a cruiser type bike like that I reckon. Also the Gazelle has the inbuilt o-lock on the back wheel, saving me having to lumber around a u-lock to lock the back wheel.
I like the range of colours they come in though, specially the blue one

Ba-yeah, they're fun alright aren't they? I lived in Sweden for many years and most people there rode those type of bikes. I wish there were distributors for brands like Gazelle, Azor, Batavus in the Republic but I couldn't find nary a one
Sad that we don't see cycling here like on the continent, simply as transport using bikes like these. We seem more interested in the U.S. way of thinking of bikes as just being for sport needing lycra, a million gears, cleats and so forth before we can get up on one, instead of just riding a bike in our normal clothes to work and around our cities like millions of Europeans do.
Sorry, /rant:P

gzoladz

Green, completely agreed. I would all the way go for a Gazelle rather than an Electra. Main advantage on the Electra side at the moment is that there is a nice promotion in CYC.
I am exploring bikedock now as they have a nice range too.

Greentopia

Lumen-A Pashley was on my shortlist too but they were a bit out of my budget.
Hope you post a photo when you get it
I understand what you're saying about it being better to look and try out the bikes in person but I don't have transport up to Belfast and I know the Gazelle is the one I want now. Thank's for the advice anyway.

Caroline_ie

i saw this one in town today, pink, really pretty in real. i wouldn;t cycle one myself, but they do look amazing.

Greentopia

Yep, gorgeous bikes but all pink wouldn't be for me. Regency green would be my choice if I was getting a Pashley.

Lumen

Greentopia wrote: »

Yep, gorgeous bikes but all pink wouldn't be for me. Regency green would be my choice if I was getting a Pashley.

What is it with green?

I argued strongly with wifey to get a black one, but she insisted on green. Even the "black goes with everything" argument held no sway.

I then dropped the "Q" bomb - i.e. that it was Regency Green so her choice was basically celebrating x hundred years of Irish oppression by the evil swine over the sea.

No effect. I give up.

Greentopia

Lumen wrote: »

What is it with green?

I think it looks great in contrast with the Brooks saddle and the basket, it stands out more and green's just a lovely summery calm colour
Anyway, she'll stand out more cycling a green bicycle so it might even be safer to ride! Ok, that's a stretch but it's possible

Why do you want her to get a black one? Black's cool an' all, it'll be mainly the colour of the bike I'm getting, but the green gives it a very 'vintage' style I think in the Pashley. Evil oppressors be damned

petethedrummer

Great to have another potential member of the high nelly club. This is my sweet ride. I was gonna tidy it up but its fairly unstealable the way it is. We should form a third boards spin group that involves a quick jaunt to the beach with picnic baskets and rugs, NO LYCRA. NO WHITE SHOES, Brown only.

gzoladz

My other bike is green too It's my favourite color.
For a traditional dutch-english bike I think black is the way to go, although there are beautiful versions in other tones too!

Greentopia

Great to have another potential member of the high nelly club. This is my sweet ride. I was gonna tidy it up but its fairly unstealable the way it is. We should form a third boards spin group that involves a quick jaunt to the beach with picnic baskets and rugs, NO LYCRA. NO WHITE SHOES, Brown only.

Heh, thank's. Nice bike even with all the rust it'll probably last longer than many of the carbon frame high-tec bikes around to-day. Good for another 10, 15 years I'd say
The high nelly club sounds great. Count me in when I get my bike!
If we ever get the weather this year for picknics and jaunts along the coast...

gzoladz

Green, please update how you get on with the delivery etc. I am considering not getting the Electra and going for the Gazelle above.
Anyway, I still have to wait until next week when (hopefully) my company will launch the cycle to work scheme.

gzoladz

Hi Green..., how did you get on with the bike?

gzoladz

I finally got the Gazelle myself too. Lovely.