[Wahlet]

My wife needs a bicycle. Are bikes in NZ much more expensive than in the States? Would it be worth my while to find one here and bring it over?

And secondly, we'd really like to get her a decent classical Dutch-style bike with upright seating, steel frame, full fenders, racks, lights, etc, AND with at least 8 speeds to tackle the Wellington hills. It's hard to find these in the US for less than $1500, which is pushing what our budget can handle. We'd be quite happy with a solid used one. Here in the States, since bicycling is a sport and not a way to get around in everyday life, most of the bikes available are either mountain bikes (efficient, but uncomfortable crouched riding position) or road bikes (light but impractical and even more uncomfortable riding position). Is it any easier to find good practical city bikes in NZ (and Wellington in particular)?

I've looked on some NZ bike shop websites and couldn't find what I was looking for, so I'm hoping someone here can help with my questions.

Thanks!

[dilanium]

Have you thought about a recumbent? Also have you thought about a commuter style bicycle? They're more comfortable for my husband and it's like a combination of a road bike and a mountain bike.

[Wahlet]

Hi Liz,
Yeah, recumbents are pretty neat. I wouldn't mind having one. But my wife and I have decided on the Dutch type bike for her. It was either that or a cruiser, both of which have a great upright riding position, and the Dutch style won out because it's more practical. I want to encourage my wife to get out more, and the romance of a Dutch bike appeals more to her. Picture a little lady with a straw hat and flowers in the front basket riding down the harbor promenade, with dog beside. :)

David

[Wonderbob]

AND with at least 8 speeds to tackle the Wellington hills. It's hard to find these in the US for less than $1500, which is pushing what our budget can handle. Is it any easier to find good practical city bikes in NZ (and Wellington in particular)?

I've looked on some NZ bike shop websites and couldn't find what I was looking for, so I'm hoping someone here can help with my questions.

Thanks!

Most people in Welly ride Mountain bikes mate, and once you've been here you'll understand why, 24 and 27 speed bikes being the most popular. They are cheap enough, I bought new 18 speed MTB's for the kids this year(6 + 8 yr olds) and one was $139, the other $149, now that's cheap I reckon. Unless you've got thighs like an olympic cyclist, I think you'd struggle with an 8 speed Dutch bike to be honest, and no I've never seen a new Dutch bike in any of the bike shops, but I have seen speciality US cruiser style bikes, like Schimm (spelling?) available new here.

[sweetpea]

Yep, you'll need the extra gears. Avanti makes hybrid bikes that keep the rider in a more upright position than mountain bikes. I'm shopping Trade Me for one right now :D I think they run $600-$800 or so new.

I think you could get something equally good in the States for less money, especially if you buy used, and it costs less than $100 to bring it on the plane with you. Plus, bikes sold in the US need to meet higher safety standards (always a good thing!)

[Silverwing86]

Hi Wahlet,

It is indeed difficult to find the kind of bike that you are looking for. I tried to find one and settled for a Giant Cypress City ($ 795) because I need the low instep due to an arthritic condition. Unfortunately the bike shop has been having huge (unexplained ?!) delivery problems for it and, many months later, I still don't have it :no.

Apparently though, we are not the only ones looking, check out this link (http://www.vorb.org.nz/ftopic-69250-days0-orderasc-0.html) (which has a picture of the Giant Cypress City on page three by the way) which has some useful information and links. I found this one (http://urbanbicycles.googlepages.com/home)especially useful.

Good luck and please do let us know if you find out more useful information on this.

Silver

[Wahlet]

Silver, great links, thank you!

[dilanium]

Picture a little lady with a straw hat and flowers in the front basket riding down the harbor promenade, with dog beside. :)


A cocker spaniel even? :)

edited to add image:

http://www.dsf.health.state.pa.us/health/lib/health/womenshealth/waterandactivity.gif
from: http://www.dsf.health.state.pa.us/health/cwp/browse.asp?a=174&bc=0&c=35775

[Silverwing86]

Silver, great links, thank you!

You're very welcome Wahlet, I really hope it helps you find what you are looking for.

Would love to hear how you get on.

Cheers,
Silver