Every since we stayed in Morecambe last month, I’ve been thinking about getting a bike. I can’t believe it really because I’ve not ridden a bike for 30 years but now I’m obsessed with the idea of it and I’ve been doing the usual intensive online research.
We decided to avoid Halfords because although they’d be cheaper I really wanted to get some expert advice on how to pick the best bike for us. We went for a drive out to Charnock Richard Cycles aka Buy A Bike (presumably after the incredible success of the rather annoying but catchy jingle that has haunted north west radio listeners for years!). Supposedly the UK’s largest independent outlet, we were initially underwhelmed by the selection until we realised that it wasn’t just one showroom but a random collection of outbuildings across the site each offering a different selection of bikes.
Being able to try the bikes before selecting one was a big plus. This is the one I bought
https://www.buyabike.co.uk/base-areve-700c-gents-superlight-hybrid-bicycle.html
Of course, I ordered it there and then despite specifically ‘only going for a look, I’m not buying anything today’. Chris was no help she was supposed to save me from myself but ended up just egging me on!
We went back the day after to look at getting something for Chris. Originally, she was going to have a go on mine first but then decided that it was just wasting time as the bikes would take a week to build before being ready to collect (not a problem because I then needed to get the boot lock repaired on the car which of course gave up the minute I wanted to get into it).
She was a bit nervous about trying the bikes in front of the guy there but he was really nice, taking the time to explain what features to look for and the differences between models.
One of the main differences is the saddle, women’s saddles are shorter and wider to support child-bearing anatomy. It was at this point things got a bit weird. Despite having chosen my bike the day before and being perfectly comfortable on it I decided I needed to try the ladies saddle ‘just in case’. I asked the bloke if I could try it, he agreed but looked at me as if I was losing the plot. It suddenly dawned on me that I was passing – he had no idea at all that I was assigned female at birth and therefore had no idea why on earth I’d be interested in trying a ladies saddle. An awkward couple of minutes followed as I hastily mumbled/explained that I had child bearing anatomy down below and just wanted to make sure I had made the best choice between the two options. I think we were both relieved when I determined that I had so we didn’t ever need speak of it again.
A little bit embarrassed but massively elated I went to the counter and finalised the order for Chris’ bike – she opted for the women’s version of my bike
https://www.buyabike.co.uk/base-areve-700c-ladies-superlight-hybrid-bicycle.html
Although we’ve only gone for entry level hybrids, I’ve never had a new bike before and I was super excited when we went to collect them earlier today. I can’t wait to get out and about on them and of course it’s the perfect excuse to go shopping for cycling gear!
I am Jonathan 