alba-ny

I just joined, but I ought to have a few weeks ago because it would have helped me a lot! I've been googling for the last month about one bike thing after another, and many links were to this site.

I was researching because I trying to buy an omafiets, and knew nothing about cycling before. It arrived last week, and I am still not done reading so why not join?!

The plan is to use my new bike as a car, going ot the grocery store and all that since I live in NYC. I hope I can do this, but might not get too far because of health problems. It has been hard already, but I rode more than I expected to be able so far.

My husband (and my mother) hate the look of my bike, but I love it. They call me Mary Poppins, but it fits me so well. Besides, I always wear skirts so a skirt guard was a must! I hope the bike won't be stolen (I have BIG locks) but they tell me no one will even go near it

So, I think that is a good little summary. I really want to go browse!

East Hill

Hello alba-ny, who cares what the bike looks like if it enables you to get around NYC without a car ? And, they could be right, it's less tempting to thieves! Where did you get your omafiets?


Welcome to BF, and feel free to PM me with any questions !

East Hill

alba-ny

I bought it from a very unfortunately named vendor in Germany that I found to be the only one with decent shipping. (I had to pick it up at JFK.) I waded through so many sellers, considered a Batavus, ignored Electra and Flying Pigeon, and went with Golupde from eBay... not eBay though, their site sort of. It is just named unfortunately enough that it would be against the rules to post? *shakes head* Very funky name.

I love the old fashioned look When a LBS worker also told me he though theives might not touch it I wondered if I ought to believe him. Am I crazy to like this bike, lol?

East Hill

Hmmm, that name does present a problem! Send me a PM describing it, and I'll see if I can't make it palatable enough so that others might be able to figure out where they can get an omafiets too .

No, you are not crazy to like your bike! It is going to be a growing trend in the US, as soon as people realise that petrol prices are too high for driving the SUV that quarter of a mile for some milk or bread .

East Hill

alba-ny

Ah, well I took a look now, and although their name is not board safe the link would actually be www.golup.de so it is okay, just be prepared to laugh at their lack of brand researching! I think the site is only in German. Their quality probably can't be the best because their prices were low, but the frame is lugged steel. I was able to specify exactly what I wanted (such as a drum brake, nabedynamo, etc.)

Another intro note, I was thinking to look out for a nice Raleigh Sport for my husband (who is disinclined to spend more than 50$) hoping to luck out at a yard sale or trash day Upstate. I was inspired by the "bicycles saved... thread" and it could happen. I mentioned it to my dad today when I arrived home for a visit, and he told me he used to ride "an old postman's bike" that my grandma might still have. I called her, and it is now mine. Yippee! She said it is from 1930. I need to learn a bit now about fixing that up as the sprocket is going, aside from tyre issues I imagine. I am thrilled though... hope hubby doesn't mind.

East Hill

Oh, very cool! We must have photos when you retrieve it .

East Hill

Tude 

At least you get a Mary Poppins .... my ex husband used to hum the Wizard of Oz background music when Miss Gulch was bicycling taking away Toto.