Newbie bike question

veganrun

I recently started cycling after a long time away from it and I am finding it surprisingly enjoyable.  I don't have my own bike so I have a subscription to my local Coca-Cola public bike scheme which is useful as my commute is less than 30 minutes.

The bikes are quite simple and are similar to what I used to ride when I was younger - very few gears as such, maybe 1 or 2?

What type of bikes are they?  They don't seem to have a lot of gears, if any, which I tend to prefer.  I'm not planning to buy a bike anytime soon but if I was, I think I'd like something similar to these public bikes.

Thanks

Wishbone Ash

veganrun wrote: »

....I'm not planning to buy a bike anytime soon but if I was, I think I'd like something similar to these public bikes.

Thanks

Those bikes are designed to be practically vandal proof. You'll be able to get a bike that weights half as much and have twiceas much fun if you buy your own. If you like simple gearing you could go for a single speed bike which will require very little maintenance.

veganrun

Thanks, I think I'd prefer a single speed one if I was going to buy.

Any suggestions for brands or places to buy from?

clod71

veganrun wrote: »

Thanks, I think I'd prefer a single speed one if I was going to buy.

Any suggestions for brands or places to buy from?

Go fixedgear instead of single speed... They're much more fun! And get a frame instead of a bike and build one yourself exactly the way you want it.
I find spd pedals a great option.

iwillhtfu

veganrun wrote: »

I recently started cycling after a long time away from it

Welcome back

Don't do this.

clod71 wrote: »

Go fixedgear instead of single speed... They're much more fun!

If you do decide to go single speed pick up one with a flip flop hub and you can decide which way you'd like your teeth to remain

veganrun

Thanks. I don't think I will buy something I have to build myself, just some sort of city bike is enough.

I'm surprised how much I enjoy cycling though. It's been over 20 years since I cycled at all really and it's surprised me how much I have been enjoying it since I started back this week. I only really started to shorten my commute to work and for fitness. I didn't expect to get enjoyment out of it!

clod71

veganrun wrote: »

Thanks.  I don't think I will buy something I have to build myself, just some sort of city bike is enough.

I'm surprised how much I enjoy cycling though.  It's been over 20 years since I cycled at all really and it's surprised me how much I have been enjoying it since I started back this week.  I only really started to shorten my commute to work and for fitness.  I didn't expect to get enjoyment out of it!

Cycling makes you happy. It's a fact... https://cyclingtips.com/2015/02/why-cycling-makes-us-happy-the-positive-psychology-of-being-on-the-bike/ ;
There are loads of single speed bikes around, most of them coming with a flip flop hub.
Pick one that you like and enjoy

veganrun

What does a flip flop hub do?

The city bikes I have been using I think have 3 gears which is enough for me. Are they single speed bikes?

07Lapierre

veganrun wrote: »

What does a flip flop hub do?

The city bikes I have been using I think have 3 gears which is enough for me. Are they single speed bikes?

Fixed sprocket on one side and a freewheel hub on the other (I think?)

Example: https://sonabikes.com/bikes/mark-1-black/

gaffmaster

Fixed gear isn't for everyone. I've only ever ridden one on the track (where I think they belong).

I've owned a single speed for cycling around Dublin and while it had a flip flop hub, I never opted to use the fixed gear side.

OP, there are lots of good websites to give you an idea of what kinds of bikes are out there. (Cycle Superstore, Chain Reaction Cycles, Wiggle, Sigma Sport, Evans, Canyon, etc). It might be a good idea to pop into your local bike shop too and see what they can offer; especially if you're not interested in maintenance/bike building etc.