How To Buy A Bicycle In New York City
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Step #1: Find someone who genuinely cares about reducing your carbon footprint to take you: These “earthy folks” are probably already members of the “bicycle club, nyc” and will therefore not only know where the best places to buy one are, but will make sure you know the rules of the road, get the best lock, basket, helmet, etc. My guide was Timothy Polmateer, co-founder of Envirolution. I met him through Stephanie Wei, who has been teaching me her “green” ways for months now.
Step #2: Make sure you shop around: Go to several stores, and even ask advice from people who know you as to what bike they think would suit you. I called my friends and sister to make sure I was making the right color choice (I really wanted red but my favorite model only came in baby blue, or dark purple, after much discussion I settled on the retro blue)…More story and photos:
- We started at Sids Bicycle store on 34th first, I wasn’t that impressed…
- We walked down to Metrobicycles on 14th. I found the Trek model that I loved but wasn’t convinced it was the right color for me so we made one more stop to:
- Busy Bee’s Bikes on 6th street in the East Village: this was by far my favorite store but the models were a bit too rustic for me and my yuppie ways.
Step #3:Take your test drive: When I finally decided that I just couldn’t wait for shipping on a “red” bike that I chose online, I opted for my original Baby blue Trek version. Claire had the same model out east in yellow and I fell in love. After riding it up and down 14th street I decided it was the one for me.
Step #4: You are going to need a lot of accessories: Buying a bike is like buying a dog. You can’t just buy the thing, you need the food, doggy bowl, leash, outfits (kidding). Well, I needed a helmet for one. And a bell. After that I added on a basket, night lights, kickstand, and water bottle holder; pimp my ride style. Tim suggested the gloves and spandex zip down shirt, but I didn’t want to over do it.
Step #5: People are mean: The last time I bought a bike was around 7th grade. I think my lock was a New Kids On The Block themed one that I could have probably broken myself even despite my scrawny arms, and served more of a “cool accessory” (along with my wheel beads), than a theft deterrent. Well this is the big city and people here can be tools. After spending close to ten minutes discussing which lock would be the best for me, I decided on the newest gadgets available: Pinhead-brand locking skewers which require a key to open and are installed in place of quick-release wheels. I bought 3 (for wheels and seat) as well as the kryptonite lock with a code…because god knows I don’t need another key to carry around.
Go HERE for a great guide on bike locks.
Step #5: Get Icecream afterwards: Buying a bike is hard work! Plus, it makes you feel like a kid again, and you might as well milk that feeling for all its worth on a summer evening. Go and get some gelato in the village! Just remember to keep an eye on your new pet!
I am now officially a member of the “bike club” and I have to tell you, my life has dramatically changed. I have been opened up to an entirely new New York. From 5:00pm onwards into the evening, I strolled through the village and LES like I owned the place. Thank you Tim for making me a happy, happy girl! Matthew Modine would be proud.
I have my new pet (actual model of my bicycle HERE), now I just need a name for her. Any suggestions?
[Envirolution: The Next Generation Of Sustainability]
[How To Reduce Your Carbon Footprint]
[Matthew Modine Wants Us All To Go Ride Our Bikes]
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July 29, 2008 4:57pm
Great information and very useful! Thanks!
Thanks Rachelle ! …and I thought I was the only one who was ready to get a bike.!
My only concern is that I ‘d like to take it out East on weekends but I will have trouble putting it in the Jitney. Any suggestions?!
I was JUST thinking about that today! maybe they can store it underneath?
July 29, 2008 10:44pm
I don’t know if I like the design, but your steps should make my purchase alittle easier. Thanks
July 29, 2008 10:51pm
I love that a girl who drives a ‘99 range rover out east all summer is trying to reduce her carbon footprint in Manhattan???
Hey NEstor Jazmin Dutan…don’t hate. I’m trying. I didn’t PICK my car it was rented to me and it does the job out there. I can’t bike my way around the east end….sorry
July 30, 2008 4:05am
Congrats on your purchase, you’re going to have a great time with it. I’ll be sure to say hi if I see you on the road.
I think I might be able to fit in your bike basket. Would you mind sharing the commute to work? Let’s call it a bikepool.
I’ve been wanting to bring a bike out east too and have the same dilemma. But last week, I saw two girls bring bikes to the jitney (on a Friday) and they just stored them underneath without a problem!
Thanks for the info K. I am definitely getting a bike too- will be on the 14th street shop right after work.
Congrats on trying Rachelle. Try to keep us posted on how you enjoy biking!
July 30, 2008 12:12pm
dont forget football shoulder pads and rib guards for the random nypd cross-check into the sidewalks.
Day Two and I have saved around $60 in cab fare!
July 30, 2008 2:51pm
“I’m trying. I didn’t PICK my car it was rented to me and it does the job out there. I can’t bike my way around the east end….”
So renting a car is not a choice?
“I called my friends and sister to make sure I was making the right color choice.”
Sadly, this does not appear to be a joke. Astonishingly lame!
Does your manicure match your bike?
“Day Two and I have saved around $60 in cab fare!”
How much do you spend on gas weekly for that Range Rover?
Now did you use Daddy’s or Hubby’s Amex?
Setting back the woman’s movement one to the Edwardian era.
TJ:
I got my car LENT to me, wrong wording. I RARELY drive it, it is used when we need to get around out east and fill up about twice a month, the thing I like the least about driving.
my sister is an important part of my life, why not include her in on the fun? It was no joke..however it’s been 4 months since i’ve had a manicure (sadly no joke either) and the shade is usually always nude or clear…my friends tell me to live a little so every now and then i’ll do red.
Gas on range rover: around $79 a fill up. Sucks. you got me
Daddy hasn’t given me a dollar since I graduated 4 years ago, but still sends me handwritten letters of support in the mail, which are worth more than all the riches in the world. I don’t plan on being married for a long time and used my own amex to buy.