Since I decided to retire from active employment, I was looking at some form of light exercise in addition to walking. (Jogging is also one of my favorites, but doing so with a mask is challenging.) I thought cycling might be a good one, and bought one of those "modern city (aka hybrid) cycles" online (my review is here). So, it has been about 3 months since I took the first ride on the bicycle. Read on for experiences.
Past experiences with cycling
Now, before getting into the current details, I think a bit of my past experiences will help understand this post better. When I was a teenager, I have been the owner of a BSA SLR and a BSA Roadster (unfortunately also called the "bhaiyya" cycle that is used by milk delivery folks). I used the cycle more as a transport to get me to pre-degree college. The roads on Mumbai (especially the area I live) were not congested at all back then, and it used to be a good way to get around. Heck, I even remember that my dad and I used to visit the municipal vegetable market every Sunday to get back veggies for the week. Side note: This was something that my mother would detest as she was of the opinion of using fresh veggies only; not bought one week back and stored in the refrigerator! But dad reigned supreme. Anyways, I enjoyed those trips, as well as some occasional exercise rides along the road by the beach. Much later, I used a second-hand Atlas cycle to get around campus for a couple of years that I was doing my masters.
The important points I am trying to make is that my experience with cycles goes way back when there was a limited choice of cycle models, and secondly, the traffic in my routes were not that dense.
Cut to the present
As I mentioned earlier, I purchased a cycle online about 3 months ago. Though I had ordered a different brand, there were multiple delays, and I cancelled the order, and ordered another brand. I was looking at a Rs. sub-10K cycle (preferably with a multi speed gear, but I could only find single speed ones at the price range I was looking at.
Assembly
This one came with useful tools like an Allen key and a multi size spanner. However, no screwdriver is provided. This is needed for fitting the reflectors and the brakes. After watching the video as well as the instructions in the booklet, I was able to easily assemble most of the bike, except the brakes and the saddle. Even so, I decided to take the first ride. Within a minute, I had to abort the ride because the saddle became tilted. Later, it turned out that I had not fitted the saddle properly.
I went to the local bicycle repair stall, and they quoted Rs. 300 (Mumbai price) to do a thorough checking and tuning of the cycle. I wanted to negotiate, but I gave in since I was excited to be cycling again. They went about their job tightening various nuts and bolts.
First proper ride
Now, after the guys had assembled and checked it, the repair stall guy took a test ride to see if everything was proper. Once he handed over the cycle to me, I did not start riding immediately as I was not confident. I took the cycle by pushing it until out of the stall people's sight. But when I tried to mount the cycle, it was as if I had forgotten how I had to ride a bicycle. Also, the traffic was intense, and I was a bit scared. So, I kept pushing the cycle to an inner road that had almost no traffic. There, with great trepidiation, I mounted the cycle, and started riding it. After a couple of wobbles, I was now feeling more confident. Elated, I returned home deciding that I would ride later that day.
The fun in cycling
Usually, you will come across two kinds of folks in casual cycling in cities. One, who keep riding in safe areas (like within a gated area), and two, those who hit the streets. The first kind of folks, I daresay, do not get the necessary ups-and-downs of a street terrain ride. So, I wanted the second option. That's when I decided I would hit the (unsafe) streets of Mumbai. I had to choose timings and the route with lesser risks accordingly. It was still wintry season, so I narrowed down on 3 timings: 7 am, 2 pm, and 5 pm. I did not want to cycle in the dark. And, boy, did I have fun riding 3 times a day. What with the inclines, a superb exercise for my lungs and thighs. Remember, it is single speed.
Somewhere down the line, during a casual conversation, someone suggested a route change that takes one onto an almost no-traffic street. I made the modifications to the route, and that was it. The risks were reduced, but not totally. I still wanted to see the sea (pun intended).
Accessorizing the bicycle
When I got it assembled at the bicycle stall, I also got a mechanical bell fitted.
I had also ordered the mudflaps / mudguards separately which I wanted to be fit, but the cycle stall owner advised against it. He said those will be useful only during the monsoon, and can be fitted then. He further said that if those are fitted now, then there is a chance that it may break when mounting / dismounting the bicycle.
I had also ordered a bicycle chain lock that could be used to secure the cycle to a fixed object (like a fence or a post).
Finally, I ordered rear view mirrors as well as a speedometer / odometer. I could fit both of these without anyone's assistance.
3 months down
After 3 months, it is now early summer in Mumbai. I now ride only in the mornings. It has been a pleasure of an exercise.
Overall, I think this will continue until rains start in Mumbai during the monsoons. I will figure out what to do then. But, my experience with these "modern" bicycles has been truly superb.
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