Update: on 28 Jan 2011, I completed my 50000km cycling in Bangalore. Read more at https://santoshpm.blogspot.com
When I started cycling in 2000, everyone was shocked at the very thought of cycling on the roads of Bangalore. Back in those days, it was a lot lot less crowded than what it is now, but people think cycling is dangerous. And even today, I get the same questions - is it safe enough on bangalore roads?
I have not had a single serious accident on bangalore roads, except once when a mahindra scorpio hit me at about 5km/hr from behind and caused the rear wheel to bend!:) but I was completely unhurt - I did not even fall from the bike.
There is a common misperception about trucks being dangerous. Actually I have felt that the people who make these claims the most - software engineers who have bikes and cars - are the sloppiest drivers on the road.
Cycles have a poor image in india. You are mostly thought to be a worker doing menial jobs or a postman or something like that. Group 4 security guys are also mostly on cycles. So this kind of association is always there - one can hope it will change in course of time.
I have been kicked out of FORUM mall in bangalore. They plainly said cycles are not allowed to be parked inside. Ditto at ITPL campus - when I went for the paid parking for two wheelers, the guard stopped and said the parking is only for two wheelers. I asked him to check how many wheels my cycle had! Of course, since my company interfered on my behalf I did not have any problems.
I have three bikes - a hero hawk 5 gear, a merida tfs100 mountain bike and a bsa foldman. I use the hero hawk most of the time, and as I write this, it has completed 34200 km(thiry four thousand plus), beginning July 2001.
I thoroughly enjoy my daily commute to work and back on my cycle - 21x2 km everyday. In the mornings, I take about the 0-5 mins less than the ITPL bus to reach office.
But those of you who wish to start cycling in bangalore - please do so at all costs! It is fun. Dont give a damn to the nay sayers and dooms day experts. It is a lot of fun - even in this traffic.
I have not yet met a single person who has downright expressed contempt on cycling. but we keep doing that indirectly towards cyclists all the time - be it excessive honking of outrage when a cycle comes in front of a car in a traffic jam or in cases like my ejection from Forum mall.
Most folks who know I am cycling to work tell that it is a very good idea and congragulates me on the same. But their appreciation remains just lip service - most of them think it is too much to cycle! This kind of pseudo-feelings towards cycling wont help. If a feeling does not compel you to action, recognise it to be a pseudo feeling. Most of my friends think it is a good thing to do, but never end up doing it themselves - like most of the good things in life. We always end up doing only the bad things, and we keep "reflecting" over the good ones, doing nothing more.
NEW IDEAS:
There is a new bike showroom called Decathlon in Sarjapur Road, Bangalore. They have some really really nice bikes, with very competitive prices and a 5 yr frame warranty! Check them out guys - they are really good. You can read more on https://decathlon.in
TI cycles has opened a high end cycle shop in Bangalore and Delhi, that stocks very good models from Bianchi and Canondale. For those aspiring to ride quality bikes above 30K(thirty thousand rupees for a bike) please have a look there. The number of the showroom, name Track and Trail, is 080-41530762. Before you buy, check if they have the spares of the bikes you are going to buy. Otherwise DONT buy.
*TIPS:
In Bangalore, it is better to have geared bikes. There are enough ups and downs here, that you may not note when you are in a automobile. But dont go for 18 gear models. 5-7 gears are more than enough.
If you really wish to buy a bike, dont go for the fancy mountain bike imitations. They are too heavy to be of any good use in daily life. Always prefer a lighter bike. These days there is a folding bike named Foldman from BSA. Hero hawks sport cycle, with 5 gear is a good one to use, but requires maintenance. It is decently light and can give good speeds.
When you buy a bike, and intend to use it all year, buy one with long mudguards. Otherwise you end up spoiling the back of your shirt in rainy season. Even otherwise there is enough cow dung on the roads to mess up things!:)
To make cycling interesting, try installing a analog or digital speedometer on your cycle. You can get the digital speedometer at ebay. Vetta V100 is a very good model to use. Battery lasts more than 2 years.
Shimano equipment is really good, but our own indian Starlit gears are good too. I have been using a Starlit on my hero hawk and it has covered 32000km. I replaced it recently for a new Starlit gear assembly. But you need to maintain these gears well. Otherwise they dont last. The trouble is there are not too many folks around who know to work on gears.
SERVICE/ REPAIRS:
The best GEAR mechanic I know is Laloo of Raja Cycle Emporium in JC Road(phone number: 080-22297180, 080-51140112). He can work magic on gears. A highly trusted mechanic. Recommended unconditionally. After one year of search for a good mechanic, I found him. After that I have never let any other fellow touch my bike. Only problem is in summer months you may have to wait to get him to look at your bike due to the school season.
WHERE TO BUY:
Raja cycles is a very good store to buy your bikes from. They provide good service. You can also get a analog speedometer here. For me, this is the place where Laloo works!:) So you can reach them on 080-22297180 or 080-51140112.
Many folks think it is OK to buy your cycles from anywhere. Not really. If you have a geared bike, and a dumb mechanic, you are done with. All your cycling will end right there. It is extremely important to have a very good mechanic for the gears. And this is where Raja cycles scores!
Please note that Firefox bikes in Indiranagar has a mechanic who is not good at his work. I know folks who come to Laloo with their Firefox bikes.
*CHEAPER GOOD QUALITY BIKES:
*LA Sovenier. Their frames are aluminium. and they seem good. Definitely work a try and worth every penny.
BIKES TO AVOID:
Firefoxis a bike to avoid, if possible. Their dealer Jayant cycles of Bangalore has a reputation for being really rude.
Merida.Very poor after sales service. Avoid the dealer. He is only interested in selling bikes and making quick bucks, apparently. But the bikes are excellent. I own the TFS 100 but regret buying it now.
