Hard News by Russell Brown

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Hard News: Wanna Route?

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  • Lisa Black,

    Thanks, Ben! I might give them a call.

    I'll be in Mission Bay & going back & forth from the city so may need something less casual, but I'll definitely see what they can do.

    Wellington • Since Jul 2010 • 71 posts Report Reply

  • BenWilson,

    Heh, that's a pity, the closest pickup spot is at the start of Tamaki Drive (there's always several bikes there).

    It's a bit of an oversight of them not to have a collection/dropoff point in Mission Bay - Tamaki Drive is one of the most popular rides in Auckland, and people stopping in Mission Bay tend to want to linger.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 10657 posts Report Reply

  • Steve Reeves,

    And I hope all the Hamilton cyclists have been to the (fairly) new Velo Espresso in Garden Place....a café, a bike repair, hire and purchase shop. Loads of magazines to read.

    Browsing the mouthwatering goodies (and things to eat) while chatting and drinking is a great thing. Also watching Le Tour. Highly recommended!

    Near Donny Park, Hamilton… • Since Apr 2007 • 94 posts Report Reply

  • Don Bain,

    Hi Slightly off topic but can anyone tell me where the Oakley Creek bike/walking path path starts? Is it behind the BP on Great North Rd? does it eventually come out near Pak N Save?

    Avondale • Since Jul 2010 • 2 posts Report Reply

  • Russell Brown,

    Hi Slightly off topic but can anyone tell me where the Oakley Creek bike/walking path path starts? Is it behind the BP on Great North Rd? does it eventually come out near Pak N Save?

    If you're going west, it's just past the overbridge, on the left.

    And no, sadly, it doesn't go to Pak 'n' Save, although you can fight your way somewhere near that (but still the wrong side of the railway tracks) if you veer off into the sports grounds near Unitec. Otherwise, it emerges in a little park just by the lights at the Blockhouse Bay Rd intersection.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 22850 posts Report Reply

  • Geoff Lealand,

    And I hope all the Hamilton cyclists have been to the (fairly) new Velo Espresso in Garden Place.

    Thanks, Steve. I have noticed the new addition with interest. Must cycle on down there soon. Garden Place certainly needs something like that.

    I have been doing a bit of late night Tour d' France viewing and I now harbour a yearning to go see one live. What is the best one of doing that? Join the camper van mob, or get around some other way?

    Screen & Media Studies, U… • Since Oct 2007 • 2562 posts Report Reply

  • George Darroch,

    The new Mangere Bridge will be open to walkers and cyclists this Sunday, for all those who feel like a cycle out that way.

    Also on topic, I bought one of these on Monday. It beats riding my old ten-speed. Very fast and comfortable - I put 10kgs of groceries in a rear basket last night and got home at about 45kph.

    WLG • Since Nov 2006 • 2264 posts Report Reply

  • BenWilson,

    Antoine wrote a nice post on cyclingauckland.co.nz about a ride around Mangere Bridge. I checked it out myself yesterday, and fully concur with Russell that the ride back up to Hillsborough is pretty hard, if you're getting there via the Isthmus Cycleway. Also note, you can get onto the cycleway from Sandringham Rd, no need to ride up to the start on Maioro Rd.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 10657 posts Report Reply

  • Lisa Black,

    George - how did you find the handling with a basket? I have panniers which are great because the centre of gravity stays low but are a pain to remove. I've been wondering if a basket would be a worthwhile substitute - but it's hard to know what a higher centre of gravity would do to the handling of my old but highly responsive bike.

    Wellington • Since Jul 2010 • 71 posts Report Reply

  • BenWilson,

    I can tell you that baskets definitely affect the handling when heavily loaded. But you get used to it, and ride accordingly. It's hard to describe the feeling, other than that you get 'steering delay', and need to use a lighter hand. Don't take sharp turns at speed. Also, note that they will make your rear brake less effective, and your front brake more, the exact reverse of panniers. They add to the wind resistance some. This wind can be good if you have cold goods in there, though.

    They're great for carrying a small amount of stuff, takes about 2 seconds to hook them over the bar. Cheap as chips too, Warehouse and K-mart have them for under $20 for a wire frame one. If you want style, of course you'll pay more.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 10657 posts Report Reply

  • JackElder,

    I know a bloke who makes a few bob on the side refurbishing old bikes and selling them on eBay. He reckons that the fastest way to get a bike to sell is to put a basket on the front. It's the accessory du now!

    Wellington • Since Mar 2008 • 709 posts Report Reply

  • Stephen Judd,

    Lisa: my Ortlieb panniers have a very nice quick-release mechanism. As I lift them up from the rack they unlatch themselves. I think many other manufacturers have similar systems. So if you don't like your current panniers, it may pay to check out other ones rather than get a basket.

    Wellington • Since Nov 2006 • 3122 posts Report Reply

  • Ian Dalziel,

    My morning commute is travelling West to East, into the rising winter sun, as it brings light to a foggy Hagley Park. A magic moment, always enjoyed at the end of Kilmarnoch St.

    I have memories of the surreal sight of cycle-powered disembodied heads floating along, above the Hagley morning fog...

    Christchurch • Since Dec 2006 • 7953 posts Report Reply

  • George Darroch,

    They're great for carrying a small amount of stuff, takes about 2 seconds to hook them over the bar. Cheap as chips too, Warehouse and K-mart have them for under $20 for a wire frame one. If you want style, of course you'll pay more.

    Mine is a sturdy wire-frame on the back, and works well for me - as noted above, I can carry a 10kg sack of potatos without great effort. Since I don't own a car, it's a much better alternative than having to grab a taxi to carry groceries. I don't notice much effect on the steering, since the centre of gravity is lowered slightly below my hips are and over the rear wheel. Having any significant weight over the front wouldn't make me comfortable.

    The upside of wire-frame is that they pose little wind resistance when unloaded, and draft reasonably behind your body when they do have something in them. You can also carry large and bulky items. I've taken home an office chair strapped into it.

    Panniers might work out for me, but I don't feel any need to get them now. But for those getting a new set-up they could work fine. And they're usually waterproof these days, a definite plus in southern climes.

    WLG • Since Nov 2006 • 2264 posts Report Reply

  • Lisa Black,

    Thanks guys, appreciated.

    Wellington • Since Jul 2010 • 71 posts Report Reply

  • Christopher Dempsey,

    I've taken home an office chair strapped into it.

    So that wouldn't be you with a sofa strapped into it snapped a few weeks ago and featured in Sideswipe?

    Parnell / Tamaki-Auckland… • Since Sep 2008 • 659 posts Report Reply

  • Russell Brown,

    Regarding carrying goods on the bike, I got a decent cycle backpack (Kathmandu sale, again), which I'm extremely happy with. I use it nearly all the time.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 22850 posts Report Reply

  • George Darroch,

    So that wouldn't be you with a sofa strapped into it snapped a few weeks ago and featured in Sideswipe?

    Very much on topic: Canberra's couch-bicycle-boat beast, the SS Mitzie. It has to be seen to be believed.

    WLG • Since Nov 2006 • 2264 posts Report Reply

  • Russell Brown,

    Cycling notes on three Auckland volcanos:

    Mt Albert: Not all that high a climb, but most of it's in a straight line over the first kilometre. Steep, and nothing much to do or see when you get up there.

    Mt Eden: If you're reasonably fit, you should be able to do this fairly easily. Steepest part is the 100m up to the summit car park. Buses and cars allowed back there now.

    One Tree Hill: A glorious ride through Cornwall Park, but the last couple of km are harder and the final stretch to the top is gut-busting. Brilliant once you're there though.

    Must nip up Mt Roskill next time I'm passing it. Anyone have any other volcano notes?

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 22850 posts Report Reply

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