Cycling from Heuston to Drumcondra: best options?

DoctorBoo

As per title, I need to cycle from Heuston to Drumcondra (near Fagans pub) as part of my daily commute. What do Boardsies think would be the best cycling option? Dublin bikes? Fold up bike? Leave bike at the station?

cdaly_

Dublin Bikes sounds like an option. Nearest station to Fagan's is North Circular Road 1km away. Wouldyou do the trip under the 30 min though? Or swap bikes at an intermediate station?

smacl

I'd say mid-range fold up is most convenient, as it will always be there for you in good nick once you take good care of it, and will get you door to door with no hanging about the place. You also don't have to worry about locks as you can stash it indoors near where you're working (assuming that's indoors).

You can also rent bike lockers at Heuston which could be another options, see http://www.bikelocker.ie/

OldBean

Depending on budget, I'd agree with a mid range folder (or go all out with a Brompton or Moulton) Or leave a 50 quid hack at Heuston, with a decent lock. Put another 50 quid away for when it gets nicked.

DoctorBoo

I discussed the fold up with a guy in a bike shop and he was very negative about the whole thing. One thing I would worry about would be the weight of it when folded. I'm quite small so anything heavy would be impractical. Also I don't have the money to spend on an expensive one (at least not right now).
Leaving a bike at Heuston looks like the best option. Obviously the lockers would be most secure. Does anyone know where they're located?

DoctorBoo

I'm trying Dublin bikes today so I'll let you know how I get on ;-)

ROK ON

DoctorBoo wrote: »

I discussed the fold up with a guy in a bike shop and he was very negative about the whole thing. One thing I would worry about would be the weight of it when folded. I'm quite small so anything heavy would be impractical. Also I don't have the money to spend on an expensive one (at least not right now).
Leaving a bike at Heuston looks like the best option. Obviously the lockers would be most secure. Does anyone know where they're located?

Lockers located on way into the car par - you enter via the road adjacent to the Liffey. I pass them a few times as I have parked my car in Hueston (best value paid parking in Dublin).
The lockers look reasonable. During daytime there is always security staff around - but that is to police car park from fare evaders.

smacl

DoctorBoo wrote: »

I discussed the fold up with a guy in a bike shop and he was very negative about the whole thing. One thing I would worry about would be the weight of it when folded. I'm quite small so anything heavy would be impractical. Also I don't have the money to spend on an expensive one (at least not right now).
Leaving a bike at Heuston looks like the best option. Obviously the lockers would be most secure. Does anyone know where they're located?

Cheap bikes of any kind tend to be heavy, cheap folders even more so. You also don't see a great mid-range of folders in local shops. Something like the Tern C7 is as low as I'd go personally, which comes in at €343 and roughly 12kg or more locally a Carrera intercity at €419 and 12.7kg.

tomasrojo

A Brompton would work very well, but it's not cheap., so I guess it's out

(Carrying isn't much of a problem, as you can wheel it when you're not allowed to cycle. Indeed, you can push it along on its rollers even when it's folded, by just unfolding the handlebars to push along.)

Dublin Bike and walk a bit if necessary would be my second option.

DoctorBoo

So I tried Dublin bikes on Friday. The cycle was manageable (15 mins) but the walk from the last station to work took a further 15mins. I found the walk so frustrating - after getting off the bike, walking seemed so slow and pointless!

I have an old bike I'm getting fixed so I'll try parking it in Heuston and hope no one steals it. It's my best option in the short term. If the cash starts flowing I might invest in a fold up.

OldBean

Spend a few quid on anti theft bolts, well lubricate and grease everything that needs it to keep water out, and get two decent locks. A few friends of mine have been doing it for years with 50-100 Euro bikes, and budget to have to buy a new one every two years due to rust/being kicked about/being stolen.