Getting the right equipment

Tim suggested I bring the old bike in and they would quote on fixing it. Then I could decide whether to do that or buy a new one. He said that by the sounds of it (new tyres, new saddle, look at the gears and the brakes) it would not be anything below $200. Heard that joke about the farmer's axe that has had 10 new heads and 5 new handles?

He showed me three bikes: a Giant (American) for $585 that had big tyres, ergonomic handles and turnoffable suspension; an Avanti (NZ) for $585 that had wide tyres and fixed suspension; and, another Avanti for $399 that had thin tyres and no suspension. The saddles were all the types with the holes (yay!). He did not go much into brakes and gears except to say they were similar to all three and that the main thing for me would be comfort.

Comfy in the saddle

Pushing straight over the poor focus, my saddle is showing the elements, with just a hint of gizzards pushing through in one spot.

Still a long way to go to reach the dizzy heights of the charmer below which was nonchalantly propped against a wall at the Royal Cruising Yacht Club at Rushcutter's Bay.


My son-in-law has just purchased a Gary Fisher bike for $2K so, on the assumption he is not just being profligate, I will ask him about saddles and padded pants.

We will fly out on Saturday 18th September 2010 and return Saturday 9th October. Two weeks beside the canal - with hired van and bikes - and a week in Paris.