Yikes, no bikes!

Away With The Fairies · 31-05-2020 9:15pm

magicbastarder wrote: »

i have one bike too many now. i have a bike that was mainly used for commuting but that hasn't been used since the end of january.

I'm enjoying cycling so much now that I'm looking at other bikes. Is this a thing? Will I eventually end up with a collection of bikes?

magicbastarder · 31-05-2020 9:22pm

i have five (down from six, i sold one a few months back).
summer bike (no mudguards, and it'd be a crime to put them on it)
winter bike
commuter bike
cheapo single speed for trips to the shops
criminally underused mountain bike.

CantGetNoSleep · 31-05-2020 9:51pm

Definitely - I've got:

A summer bike
A winter bike (until last week this was my summer bike - so not cheap by any means)
A Brompton - I go everywhere on this
Another road bike that I intended to commute on but I just find the Brompton too convenient around town so now this is permanently on my turbo trainer

I have older or cheaper road bikes in my parents' and in laws' too

07Lapierre · 31-05-2020 9:55pm

Away With The Fairies wrote: »

I'm enjoying cycling so much now that I'm looking at other bikes. Is this a thing? Will I eventually end up with a collection of bikes?

You've only ONE bike?
I've got 3 bikes, 1 spare frame, 3 spare wheel sets..and as for cycling kit? Let's not go there!

31-05-2020 10:22pm

Did anyone see the cycling piece on the news? Got a chuckle from the couple who were definite bandwagon jumpers and that queue at cycling superstore :eek:

Wishbone Ash · 31-05-2020 10:38pm

07Lapierre wrote: »

You've only ONE bike?
I've got 3 bikes...

How can you get by with just 3? I've got 6 and I don't think it's enough.

If 2 are off the road I start to get worried as it means I'm down to my last 4. :eek:

Away With The Fairies · 31-05-2020 11:34pm

CantGetNoSleep wrote: »

Definitely - I've got:

A summer bike
A winter bike (until last week this was my summer bike - so not cheap by any means)
A Brompton - I go everywhere on this
Another road bike that I intended to commute on but I just find the Brompton too convenient around town so now this is permanently on my turbo trainer

I have older or cheaper road bikes in my parents' and in laws' too

Is the Brompton a folding bike? I was looking at a folding bike and interested in getting one.

CramCycle · 31-05-2020 11:37pm

1 x BMX
1 x Commuter / CX
1 x Racer
1 x Track

I need 2 MTBs and a rugged single speed, then I am done, maybe a TT bike if I retire but there is no fun to be had on them, it would be solely for compettive reasons.

magicbastarder · 31-05-2020 11:51pm

magicbastarder wrote: »

i have five (down from six, i sold one a few months back).
summer bike (no mudguards, and it'd be a crime to put them on it)
winter bike
commuter bike
cheapo single speed for trips to the shops
criminally underused mountain bike.

FWIW, this is the one i'd keep if you put a gun to my head. i needed to put panniers on a bike, bought one with that in mind and then realised after i bought it that the pannier mount points were directly behind the rear brake caliper. so i turned a bike i'd not intended to be a commuter, into a commuter.

Wishbone Ash · 01-06-2020 12:26am

CramCycle wrote: »

...I need 2 MTBs and a rugged single speed, then I am done....

Good God no - what about summer and winter road bikes, a back-up commuter and an audax/touring/long hauler?

Thargor · 01-06-2020 1:19am

Deleted User wrote: »

Did anyone see the cycling piece on the news? Got a chuckle from the couple who were definite bandwagon jumpers and that queue at cycling superstore :eek:

Was laughing at that aswell, the young one in particular basically just said "I jump on every bandwagon going and when I heard cycling was popular at the minute I said why not and bought this".

Looking forward to picking up a decent MTB for Winter commuting from the glut on Adverts when the weather turns...

bbari · 01-06-2020 1:42am

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Did anyone see the cycling piece on the news? Got a chuckle from the couple who were definite bandwagon jumpers and that queue at cycling superstore :eek:

https://www.rte.ie/news/2020/0531/1143707-bike-boom-covid-retailers/

bilbot79 · 01-06-2020 1:57am

I think at least it shows that if the infrastructure is such that people are more confident about cycling then they will take to it.

Would love to see us be like Copenhagen

beauf · 01-06-2020 2:18am

Well that and people jobs being closed.

Wishbone Ash · 01-06-2020 6:03am

bilbot79 wrote: »

I think at least it shows that if the infrastructure is such that people are more confident about cycling then they will take to it....

More to do with good weather, people with more time on their hands, and parents trying to occupy/entertain children than anything to do with infrastructure I'd say.

CantGetNoSleep · 01-06-2020 6:54am

Away With The Fairies wrote: »

Is the Brompton a folding bike? I was looking at a folding bike and interested in getting one.

Yes - they are expensive but definitely worth it. I've had cheaper folding bikes in the past but the Brompton folds so small and quickly, and has great luggage storage etc

Peter T · 02-06-2020 8:08am

http://www.stickybottle.com/latest-news/ten-fold-sales-hike-website-forced-to-stop-one-irish-bike-shops-boom-story/

Bonkers

LeChienMefiant · 02-06-2020 10:11am

billyhead wrote: »

They will be back in the car and on public transport when the weather turns and when the winter draws in.

I hope you're wrong. I think the numbers cycling is more about the reduction in motor traffic than the weather, although recent weather is also a factor. I was at Dollymount yesterday and the numbers cycling and walking in the car free area was way more than would be seen where there is traffic. People have stopped walking and cycling in this country as it is unsafe. We see the evidence in an increase in road deaths among vulnerable road users as their numbers swell.

Marlay · 02-06-2020 10:26am

Seeing a steady stream of 'please look out for this stolen bike' posts on Facebook. I hope people that do manage to get new bikes are investing in good locks at the same time.

Canis Lupus · 02-06-2020 1:15pm

Away With The Fairies wrote: »

Didn't Australia have the same issue as well? Couldn't get bikes.

Took up cycling a few months ago and really enjoying it. Saving so much instead of using the car or the bus. Now, I'd take the bike out first before anything else.

Yeah, missus has been toying with getting a proper bike as she only had a horrible bike shaped object from Aldi. So finally decided to bite the bullet in lockdown here in Brisbane.

Called around and most bike shops all said the same thing. 6 months of stock sold in 3 weeks and everything is on order at least in relation to more budget friendly options.

Luckily we still got a Merida Scultura 100. She's currently trying to get used to drop bars and giving me a heart attack watching her.

When lockdown first kicked off around here the bike paths were absolute jammers. Families everywhere but restrictions have eased and it's gone back to being quiet. I imagine there will be a killing to be made on second hand bikes in a few months.

Macy0161 · 02-06-2020 1:19pm

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

More to do with good weather, people with more time on their hands, and parents trying to occupy/entertain children than anything to do with infrastructure I'd say.

I'm not so sure - quieter roads has played a big part where I live. Obviously the weather is a factor, and people stuck in the house, but some of it must be less traffic (which is essentially an infrastructure issue)?

Hurrache · 02-06-2020 2:54pm

I think a lot is due to less traffic. I was out a few times with kids over the weekend, even stopping off in Kilbride, a route that many will be familiar with. There was the usual large number of groups out for their rides around that area, but while we enjoyed some ice cream during our stop there were many more individuals, duos and groups (groups were mostly kids) that you wouldn't normally see out sauntering around, pretty relaxed. When we pulled out a group of cars caught up, previously having been behind an individual, and all gave us our space as they passed, apart from a construction van who was a bit of a dick and overtook us, and others, in stupid places.

The road into Kiblride, from the 3 directions, can often be unpleasant with many motorists ignoring the reduced speed limit into the village.

MojoMaker · 02-06-2020 6:19pm

It's all about the reduction in traffic. We had a 7-week heatwave in 2018 and there was no great uptick in cycling, certainly not compared to this one.

All down to how much safer families and cyclists feel being out and about. Weather aids this for sure but the base imperatives I'm convinced are safety (traffic reduction) and opportunity (lockdown/nowhere else to be).

beauf · 02-06-2020 6:33pm

All?

A vast amount of people are not at school or work.

Even those who are WFH have about 2~4 hours extra due to no commuting.

Also a lot of car parks are reduced or closed at parks until recently. The only way of getting to them is by foot or cycling.

LeChienMefiant · 02-06-2020 7:17pm

beauf wrote: »

A vast amount of people are not at school or work.

To a lesser extent this happens every summer, yet we don't see a massive rise in cycling and walking during the summer.

beauf wrote: »

Even those who are WFH have about 2~4 hours extra due to no commuting.

I pity anyone commuting 2 hours a day. Personally, If I had to commute 4 hours a day I'd take a long hard look at my life choices.

cletus · 02-06-2020 7:21pm

LeChienMefiant wrote: »

To a lesser extent this happens every summer, yet we don't see a massive rise in cycling and walking during the summer.

I pity anyone commuting 2 hours a day. Personally, If I had to commute 4 hours a day I'd take a long hard look at my life choices.

My wife has close to that commute.

We bought where we bought because it's what we could afford. Subsequently my wife went back to work. Given her line of work, the city centre was the only real option when it came to resuming her career.

Our kids lives are where we live, school friends, sports etc, and there's no way we could afford to move to Dublin, even if we wanted to.

Which of our life choices should we be taking a long hard look at

beauf · 02-06-2020 7:40pm

LeChienMefiant wrote: »

To a lesser extent this happens every summer, yet we don't see a massive rise in cycling and walking during the summer. ...

Really? I see a massive difference. Do you live in the Sahara by any chance?

LeChienMefiant · 02-06-2020 9:18pm

cletus wrote: »

Which of our life choices should we be taking a long hard look at

I said "personally". I couldn't picture myself in your situation and I don't know your values.

The Noble Nudge · 05-06-2020 12:03pm

Is it time to start a rip off Ireland alive and well bike shops during Covid thread?
I'm not talking small LBS's but should the bigger shops be allowed get away with it.
I understand I cant name the big shop for legal reasons but I hope all the new custom will always be there for them.
I for one will certainly be going elsewhere possibly even abroad given the increase and how it was done experience I was on the back end of.
Anyone else find that??

fat bloke · 05-06-2020 12:12pm

You talking servicing or what?

Bikes have well established RRP's so it's easy enough to know if you're being overcharged. But... whaddya gonna do? Supply and demand innit.

The Noble Nudge · 05-06-2020 12:22pm

fat bloke wrote: »

You talking servicing or what?

Bikes have well established RRP's so it's easy enough to know if you're being overcharged. But... whaddya gonna do? Supply and demand innit.

The well established RRP was changed after I expressed interest in the bike...
No ones buying this bike regardless of supply and demand Im talking very top end.
Typical Ireland I suppose sicken you to the teeth.
Rant over

fat bloke · 05-06-2020 12:28pm

The Noble Nudge wrote: »

The well established RRP was changed after I expressed interest in the bike...
No ones buying this bike regardless of supply and demand Im talking very top end.
Typical Ireland I suppose sicken you to the teeth.
Rant over

No ones buying this bike regardless of supply and demand

Well, there's your answer I would have thought. A business is in no real position to fleece if there's no market for what they're selling - walk away and shop somewhere else. "Very top end" is 10 grand plus nowadays. Bike shortages and price gouging I would have thought would be absolutely restricted to the lower end , sub 800 bracket. There's no queues out the door of any shop for high end stuff and in my opinion the world is still your oyster in terms of choice and availability if you've a healthy wedge to spend on a bike.

Neighbour is waiting at the door for imminent delivery of a Focus Izalco Race with full dura ace, snapped up for 1999 !!! -Lucky devil, got lucky with sizing and timing.:)

magicbastarder · 05-06-2020 12:43pm

The Noble Nudge wrote: »

The well established RRP was changed after I expressed interest in the bike...

contact the manufacturer/distributor to ask if they have a policy on supplying shops pulling this sort of tactic.

beauf · 05-06-2020 12:43pm

Well known shop regularly changes prices on bikes. One bike is about 220 in their normal "sale". At the moment its 300.
But really its ok for a shop to make money on something that in demand. No?

But this isn't just because of Covid. Some retailers are well known for this, which is why you get price tracker websites.

The Noble Nudge · 05-06-2020 12:45pm

I might just keep up the running and wait until BTW is due to further discount my efforts...:D

To any women looking at Fat Blokes figures no one has a budget that big for a bike................:eek:
You may need to delete that post lad!;)

magicbastarder · 05-06-2020 12:47pm

magicbastarder wrote: »

contact the manufacturer/distributor to ask if they have a policy on supplying shops pulling this sort of tactic.

actually, do you mean they changed their previous price, or they're now pricing it *above* RRP? RRP and 'typical' retail price can be very different things.

The Noble Nudge · 05-06-2020 12:49pm

beauf wrote: »

Well known shop regularly changes prices on bikes. One bike is about 220 in their normal "sale". At the moment its 300.
But really its ok for a shop to make money on something that in demand. No?

But this isn't just because of Covid. Some retailers are well known for this, which is why you get price tracker websites.

Im not disputing them making money I know how sales work...
Its the way they did it and the amount 10% to 20% on low priced sale tagged items no worries its when the list price is of a higher value.
I was in the shop had the bike in my hand so to speak was calling back to see it assembled out of the box.

fat bloke · 05-06-2020 12:53pm

The Noble Nudge wrote: »

I might just keep up the running and wait until BTW is due to further discount my efforts...:D

To any women looking at Fat Blokes figures no one has a budget that big for a bike................:eek:
You may need to delete that post lad!;)

G'wan, sure at this stage you may as well tell us the bike and and shop. Or the bike and the price at least!

As for the above - I'm on a long term campaign. Significant birthday in 5 years time. Expecting to be bought, or facilitated in the buying of, a new bike. So it's in my interest to inflate budgets and expectations!

easygoing39 · 05-06-2020 4:59pm

The Noble Nudge wrote: »

I might just keep up the running and wait until BTW is due to further discount my efforts...:D

To any women looking at Fat Blokes figures no one has a budget that big for a bike................:eek:
You may need to delete that post lad!;)

In fairness to Fat Bloke,you did say very top end in youre post about the bike you wanted to buy.I'd consider €10,000 to be the starting figure for a topend bike.Plenty of normal working people spend €5,000 easy on a bike,so when you mentioned topend, €10,000 came into my mind as well as Fat Bloke's.

rubadub · 05-06-2020 5:52pm

The Noble Nudge wrote: »

I understand I cant name the big shop for legal reasons but I hope all the new custom will always be there for them.

I don't what you are going to reveal, but if it's simply a price they are asking for a model of a particular bike I see no reason you cannot say this, sure we have a bargain alerts forum with people stating prices for thousands of items, not all are good prices but that should not matter. If the price is publicly advertised I can't see the issue.

There is also a rip off forum naming shops charging loads for stuff.

MojoMaker · 05-06-2020 7:37pm

One place I know that tinkers with the RRP frequently is CSS. As it's their own business they can do whatever they want, no law being broken, and no possibility of any legal issues arising.

It is kinda poor customer service and a bit 'dicky' however, but again, that's not going to lead to any legal issues.

mh_cork · 05-06-2020 7:56pm

magicbastarder wrote: »

FWIW, this is the one i'd keep if you put a gun to my head. i needed to put panniers on a bike, bought one with that in mind and then realised after i bought it that the pannier mount points were directly behind the rear brake caliper. so i turned a bike i'd not intended to be a commuter, into a commuter.

I know this is late and off topic, but you can fit a rack to this bike. I had that problem on a bike as well (Genesis Equilibrium). You can fit a rack to the bike using a p-clip. Worked for me on LEL 2017 (1400km)

magicbastarder · 05-06-2020 8:27pm

you have a photo of how you did it?
what made me lazy possibly is that i own both a disc and non-disc equilibrium. and it was easy to fit to the disc one.

mh_cork · 05-06-2020 8:41pm

magicbastarder wrote: »

you have a photo of how you did it?
what made me lazy possibly is that i own both a disc and non-disc equilibrium. and it was easy to fit to the disc one.

I cant do a picture, I took the rack off since I'm not commuting. But this is what you're looking for:
https://www.sigmasports.com/item/Tortec/P-CLIPS/5IYN
That goes around the chain-stay just above the bolt and the rack connects to it. Putting it just above the bolt on the chain-stay means it cant slip.

I had the rack on a Genesis Flyer (same frame as Equilibrium) and commuted for 2 years without any problem.

magicbastarder · 05-06-2020 9:09pm

aha, so you're essentially creating your own mounts rather than trying to jerry rig the ones already there.

CramCycle · 05-06-2020 9:24pm

If you want the bike at RRP and they are jumping the price, just say it. If it was me I would, they are not exactly quick sellers, they will either take it or loose it to someone else.

bilbot79 · 05-06-2020 11:34pm

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

More to do with good weather, people with more time on their hands, and parents trying to occupy/entertain children than anything to do with infrastructure I'd say.

I see a lot of mums and dads showing their young ones to cross the road safely and then enjoy the traffic free roads in the park. In that scenario I'm sure it's the lack of traffic. I also know plenty of grown men that think they have an 80% chance of getting knocked down if they cycle on a road with cars

Wishbone Ash · 05-06-2020 11:51pm

bilbot79 wrote: »

I see a lot of mums and dads showing their young ones to cross the road safely and then enjoy the traffic free roads in the park. In that scenario I'm sure it's the lack of traffic...

Possibly but, if the weather was shite for the past two months, and if both parents were at work, but there was lstill ess traffic, would those parents have time to be in a park in the pissing rain showing their children how to cross the road safely?

(BTW - why would parents be showing their children how to cross the road safely when there is no traffic? Surely they should choose a very busy road instead for greater effect?)

beauf · 05-06-2020 11:54pm

Can't get to the park without cycling on the roads... With traffic

LeChienMefiant · 06-06-2020 10:01am

bilbot79 wrote: »

I see a lot of mums and dads showing their young ones to cross the road safely and then enjoy the traffic free roads in the park. In that scenario I'm sure it's the lack of traffic. I also know plenty of grown men that think they have an 80% chance of getting knocked down if they cycle on a road with cars

Unfortunately the traffic regularly doesn't stop at traffic lights on our route to school so it's impossible to teach them to cross on their own.

Yikes, no bikes!

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