Buying Guides and Advice
Buying Guides and Advice
All You Need To Know About Commuting By Electric Bike
Why not switch out the car for a more convenient and eco-friendly transport option? Commuting to work by electric bike is a terrific alternative to the daily drive or train trip, and 99 Bikes has the low-down on everything you need to know. Why Commute by Electric Bike? Commuting to work by electric bike boasts many benefits. Firstly, you'll save time and frustration by not sitting in peak hour traffic jams. Plus, you can ride in your work clothes, arriving fresh and sweat-free, skipping the need to shower and change. It's also a simple way to incorporate daily exercise into your routine. While e-bikes have assistance, you still have to pedal but can choose different intensities for more of a workout. Another great advantage is the money you'll save. There are no ongoing fuel costs, ludicrous inner-city parking fees, tolls, registration, or expensive servicing fees. Finally, and perhaps best of all, is it's better for the planet. The European Cyclist's Federation (ECF) conducted a study to calculate the entire carbon footprint of various transport options. The results showed electric commuter bikes produce just 22 grams of CO2e per passenger kilometre travelled, compared to 271 grams for a car. What Makes a Commuter Bike? There are a few things that set a commuter bike apart from other styles. Generally, they're a mix between a hybrid bike and a road bike, incorporating elements of both, including lightweight components. Most provide an upright riding position with a flat bar, which is more conducive to carrying a backpack and better visibility. They're also often designed for a slightly more leisurely pace and easy gearing because it's not the Tour De France to get to the office. This means they're not only great for commuting but also excellent for casual weekend rides. While there are some common features, commuter bikes do come in all shapes and sizes, depending on your needs and where you're riding. You can opt for a foldable design for easy storage, a drop bar for faster speeds, a road bike for pavement only travel, or a mountain bike for more varied terrain. However, one of the best options is an electric commuter bike. Often they won't have top of the line specs and fancy extras but will have all the necessities, such as power and range, for a safe and comfortable commute. Plus, you can enjoy the ability to customise your bike, with mounting space for accessories such as storage and mudguards. This also means that they are better value for money. Electric or Pedal Power Electric commuter bikes are always a great option, but if you're still unsure about pedal versus electric power, here are some questions to consider. How long has it been since you've ridden? Electric bikes are brilliant if you're new to cycling, if it's been a while since you've ridden, or if you have physical limitations. They make it easier, but you can adjust your assistance levels as you get fitter and more confident. How far are you travelling? Electric commuter bikes are excellent for all distances, with a standard bike boasting a range of up to 100-180 kilometres. Even city commuters can travel up to 60 kilometres on a single charge. Can you shower at work? If not, then arrive sweat-free, thanks to pedal assistance on your e-bike. How intense is the journey going to be? If you've got a mix of terrain, lots of hills, or just a long distance, then an electric bike will make the journey effortless, so you're not worn out and ready for a nap by the time you arrive. What are your bike storage options and risk? Once you arrive at work, you will need to keep your bike stored safely and out of the way. Do you have access to lockers, either at the office or even the train station? Is a folding bike an option to keep under your desk? Of course, you'll also need to consider your storage solutions at home too. What's your budget? While electric bikes can be a significant upfront cost, they can save you cash in the long run, with no fuel, registration, or parking costs. However, 99 Bikes has various payment options available to ease the initial outlay, such as Zip and Afterpay. Riding Gear and Accessories Other than your bike, you might want some extra accessories for safety, comfort, and an even more enjoyable ride. The essentials are a well-fitting helmet and lights for safety. However, beyond those, there are plenty of other optional extras that you can consider once you get more acquainted with your bike and route. Additional safety features include a bell and high-vis or reflective clothing. If you want to listen to music or a podcast as you ride, the Shokz headphones are the best option, with an open-ear design to ensure you maintain full situational awareness. Comfort extras can include a different saddle, bags, panniers, baskets, mudguards, water bottle holders, and locks for security. Another great thing about electric commuter bikes is that you can wear regular clothes; however, there is plenty of cycling apparel if you prefer. Finally, you'll need to consider maintenance tools, such as a puncture repair kit, tubes, lubes, a multitool, a pump, and a repair stand. If you're not sure what you're doing, or maintenance isn't your thing, then 99 Bikes has expert mechanics who can repair and service your bike, so it's running like new. Alternatively, you can also upskill by joining a local maintenance class. 99 Bikes Picks For MTB Enthusiasts: Electric Mountain Bikes are loaded with technology so you can dominate the trails on the weekend plus make it to work comfortably. For easy-storage and transport: Folding electric bikes Convenient electric commuters bike that fold in half for travel and simple storage. Can often be stowed under the train seat and are perfect for apartment living where storage space can be limited. Women's Electric A variety of electric bikes now come a step-through frame design, which makes mounting the saddle easier, especially in a skirt. Value Our range of Pedal Electric Bikes offer great value options for commuting. Coming in simple, classic designs with good value-for-money components. All-round Electric: The Merida Espresso range offers fantastic everyday solutions that comes with everything you need to get started commuting. Top Tips from Veteran Commuters Now that you've decided to start commuting to work by electric bike, here are some tips to keep in mind: While you may feel enthusiastic, start slowly by commuting one day a week or riding to the station. Easing into a new physical routine is the most sustainable approach, so you don't burn out too quickly (plus, it can some time to get used to a bike seat if you've not ridden in some time!) Have a backup plan to get to work in case of bad weather, injury, or you're just not in the mood. Pre-plan your route , so you know exactly where you're going and won't get lost. Go for a practice ride on the weekend so you have a more accurate idea of timing, route, and potential obstacles. Learn and follow the road rules to keep yourself safe and out of trouble. Remember to keep your eyes and ears open while you ride, maintaining good situational awareness. Learn how to look after your bike and change a tyre with a maintenance class. Track your rides with an app such as Strava to measure health and performance, and connect with others. Finally, learn to use your gearing correctly to get the most from your ride they're there for a reason, after all! Purchasing and Sizing There is a wide range of electric commuter bikes available both in-store and online at 99 Bikes. You can check out the sizing chart under each product when you shop online to ensure you pick the correct size. Plus, enjoy the convenience of Click & Collect or check for stock at your local shop find yours with the Store Locator. Not sure? Test ride an electric bike today at your local 99 Bikes store.
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Aldos Great Start On His Commuter Challenge
Written by Aldo, one of our four sponsored riders in the Commuter Challenge. "Being selected for the 99 Bikes Commuter Challenge could not have come at a better time" It has been an exciting two weeks into the 99 Bikes Commuter Challenge, which started off with me picking up my Lapierre Xelius SL 600 from 99 Bikes Fitzroy North. The team made sure that I chose a bike that I liked and suited my riding style. As I started my commutes to work, my Strava stats showed that I was beating my previous best times, reinforcing that the bike selection and bike fit was spot on. I am looking forward to seeing further improvements in my commuting time as my fitness levels improve throughout the Challenge. Lapierre Xelius SL 600 Being in my 40s, measuring 170cm in height, weighing 82kgs and having a waist circumference of 101cm – I have all the signs of the “middle-age spread”. Putting these figures into BMI calculators, I am told that I am overweight and have an increased risk of developing heart disease, Type 2 Diabetes and some Cancers – being selected for the 99 Bikes Commuter Challenge could not have come at a better time for me. I am hoping that the end of the three month challenge I will be able to report back with some more favourable statistics, to inspire others to ditch the car for the bike and live a healthier lifestyle. If you are interested in commuting to work here are some useful tips to get started: If you are in Victoria, Google “Travelsmart” and the name of the municipality you will be riding through and you will gain access to maps which show where bike paths are located. If you are not a confident rider look for routes which have dedicated paths for bikes. Do a trial run on a weekend to gauge how long it will take for the commute to work. If your workplace does not have shower facilities look at using your local pool/gym’s shower facilities. If you are travelling into the CBD see if your city has “end of trip” facilities such as: Cycle2city (King George Square Cycle Centre) in Brisbane Bike Pod or Bike Park in Melbourne I ended the fortnight of the Challenge by taking the advice of the team at 99 Bikes Fitzroy North to get involved in their Tuesday morning shop ride or the Ascot Vale store’s Saturday morning ride, I took their advice and joined the riders at 99 Bikes Ascot Vale. It was a great ride and I met some friendly staff and riders. – Aldo
Cycling For Weight Loss In 2026
Cycling is a fantastic way to start your weight loss journey, for many different reasons. If the thought of exercising is one that doesn't appeal to you, cycling is a low impact, and completely enjoyable activity. There are many ways and places to ride a bicycle to suit your physical ability, so read on to find out the advantages of cycling for weight loss. Great exercise for beginners Cycling is a great way to target weight loss in the legs and tummy area and fantastic for toning up leg muscles. Unlike running, cycling is a low impact sport, which is easy on the joints, meaning it's actually a great option for those who are overweight to start burning calories without putting excess pressure on the ankle, hip and knee joints. Injuries can easily occur in high impact sports, particularly if you haven't exercised in quite some time, but cycling can reduce the incidence of stress on the major joints making it a great place to start with some gentle physical exercise. Cycling is fun There is nothing more punishing than trying to lose weight and doing it with an activity that you don't enjoy. Cycling is something that most of us were lucky enough to do as kids, and is filled with childhood nostalgia. You can travel further distances on a bicycle than you can by foot, so the opportunity to explore new territory on your bike is a great reason to start riding for fitness. You can take in the beautiful scenery on a bicycle, which is the perfect distraction from the thought that you are exercising. If you can get enjoyment out of your exercise, you are more likely to stick to your new routine and make it a regular occurrence which will help you to achieve that weight loss goal quicker! It's easy to set new goals Cycling is such a popular sport; you can opt to ride on your own, or join a few friends and go cycling together. There are loads of amenities and support for cyclists now, including cycle ways, cycling events and cycling clubs and groups. You can challenge yourself by increasing your kilometres cycled per week until you build up to some really decent distances, or you can create a segment that you like to ride and push to beat your best time. Apps like Strava make it really easy to compete with other local cyclists in your area to see who the fastest cyclist is in a particular street try and get yourself on the leader board for cyclists in your area. The motivation to continue riding will remain high if you have some targets you're trying to achieve. Cycling is the gateway to other sports When you start to master cycling and you are craving the next level of fitness, you might also like to try another low impact sport such as swimming. Eventually if you segue into running, you'll find yourself training for a duathlon or a triathlon, two events that can be extremely rewarding for your weight loss goals, fitness goals and sense of personal achievement. Shop Cycling Essentials Getting started with cycling requires a few things to begin. Things such as helmets and lights are essential for safety, see below essential items required: Shop Bikes Shop Helmets Shop Lights Shop Water Bottles & Cages Shop Gloves Shop Locks
Cycle Challenge How To Ride 12 000Km In 12 Months
Two wheels and the open road is a cycling challenge calling you? There's no question that cycling is an incredible way to get outdoors and stay fit. But if you're thinking of taking your daily cycle habit to the next level, there are a number of things to consider first. Read on to discover how best to prepare for a 12,000km cycle challenge! Equipment you'll need When you are kicking your cycling game up a notch, having a few items on hand will help to improve your performance. A lightweight road bike The sky's the limit when it comes to how elite you want your road bike to be. Bikes can range from $500 up to $10,000. For a more in-depth assessment of which bicycle is right for you come into 99 Bikes and speak with our friendly staff. Helmet There is a difference between a basic helmet and a road bike helmet. Helmets can be designed for better performance, and a good helmet should be light weight and breathable to keep you cool when you're working your hardest. Accessory kit Don't leave home without this particularly on a long ride! You'll be ready for punctures with all the necessary tools packed into a compact kit . Clothing and kits A professional cycling kit will help with comfort and performance. Don't underestimate how important it is to have gloves for colder climates, and cycling eyewear as opposed to your regular every day sunglasses. Planning your trip Planning your trip is key to success in your training. If you head out without thinking about where you're going or how far you want to ride, you've not set yourself up for targeted success. To reach your quota, think about how many rides you need to do in the month to reach 1000km. Will you do a few short early morning rides and one long ride on the weekend? And how many kms do you need to cover to take you a step closer to your goal? Create an itinerary for your weekly and monthly training to reach your distance goal and to mix your cycling up and keep it interesting. Great Aussie bike rides If you want to change things up and go on a ride that offers you spectacular scenery there are some great Australian bike rides that can help you on your way to achieving that 12,000km cycle challenge. Head to Victoria for the stunning Queen Victoria Loop, a 250km loop a ride that isn't for the faint hearted and one to do towards the end of your training to get your fitness levels up. The Great Ocean Road is a picturesque and iconic ride the most popular section is from Lorne to Apollo Bay. In NSW, try the Akuna Bay and West Head loop in Ku Ring Gai Chase National Park for a nice 40km route. Or for something totally different, try a trail ride in Tasmania such as the Darlington to Haunted Bay trail in the National Park. Or if you want to smash your monthly goal take a ride from Cairns to Cape York, a tropical, coastal ride that in its entirety stretches out to 1600km. Tracking apps There are loads of great apps out there to keep you tracking along with your kilometres. Some of our favourites include Strava , where you can follow other local riders and compete for the title of KOM (King of the Mountain) in segments near and far, and also keep track of your weekly progress. We also like Garmin Connect an app created by Garmin where you can share your stats and photos of your rides, as well as discover maps and new routes to tackle. This app gives you access to Garmin Coach where you can receive personalised advice, articles, videos and more! You can connect with friends and compete in challenges, allowing you to earn badges and cheer on friends. Support a charity Why not pick a charity that's close to your heart to push you that extra bit harder? Once you commit to doing some riding in order to raise funds and awareness for a charity, you have more than one reason to get out there and get some pedalling done. If you want to join in with some other like-minded cyclists, there's plenty of cycling charity rides happening throughout the year. Some of the rides include the Great Cycle Challenge Australia , Tour de Cure Can4Cancer, the Bowral Classic and the Ride for Relief. Visit 99 Bikes in store and online for the best gear to support you on your cycle challenge.
Accessory Kits Buying Guide
It doesn't matter whether you're a roadie, a trail warrior or a daily commuter, every rider should have a well stocked accessory kit. The best bike accessory kits will include everything you need to get you out of trouble including a pump, patch kit and tyre levers which can be conveniently carried in a durable saddle bag. See All Accessory Kits
Aldos Top 3 Bike Commuter Tips
This article was written by Aldo, one of our four sponsored riders in the Commuter Challenge. Aldo has been leading the way in Commuter Challenge, turning his 24.5km journey from home to work into a bike ride on most days. Admitting he would love to drop a few extra kilos, we were pumped to hear Aldo has already lost 3kg since he started Commuter Challenge! Riding to work is a great option for Aldo, who saves on average 15 mins each way by trading in the congested Melbourne roads, for purpose-built, traffic-free bike ways. This means Aldo is currently saving around 2 hours a week worth of time by leaving his car at home. This is not to mention that he is also getting his exercise done at the same time, so is not having to add that on before or after his commute. Three Bike Commuter Tips from Aldo: Plan the week and check the weather forecasts so you choose the best days to ride. Most rides home at this time of year will be in the dark. Good quality lights are very important to see and be seen. Download an app called ' Snap Send Solve ' which let's you quickly and easily report incidents to council. You can take a photo of a pothole for example and the app uses your geo-location to direct it to the right local authority.
5 Benefits Of Road Bikes Vs Exercise Bikes
The age old argument of a road bike versus an exercise bike is still a conundrum most people encounter when they decide they want to get fit and lose some weight. So which option is better for weight loss? And which one is best suited to the beginner cyclist? Here's our top 5 reasons to choose a road bicycle over a stationary exercise bike for weight loss. 1) Avoid boredom and burnout A stationary bike (or exercise bike) is usually something that you keep in the garage and eventually, it ends up collecting dust. You might put it in the lounge room so you can watch TV while you ride, but let's face it sitting on an exercise bike, pedalling your heart out and going nowhere just doesn't compare to the great outdoors and the beautiful scenery you can take in on a road bicycle . You can change your route on a bicycle to keep your rides interesting, and you've got the benefit of being outside in the fresh air, which can help you to stay on the bike for longer periods than if you are indoors and overheating. If you are truly looking to achieve long term, steady weight loss, the more interesting you can keep the exercise, the better chance you have of sticking with your goals. 2) The weather One of the biggest reasons people opt for an exercise bike is because they might want to avoid particular weather situations, but if you are training for an event as part of your weight loss goal, the truth is you are better training in all weather conditions. You can never predict what the weather will be like on race day, but if you are conditioned to all of the fun that incremental weather can throw your way, the better chance you have of completing your goal. Outdoors exercise isn't just about the distance, but the environment and the terrain. The best way to train for outdoors rides is by riding outdoors. 3) The cost The cost will be a big factor in your decision, and if you are completely new to cycling, it can be far more cost-effective to opt for a standard road bicycle to get you started. Eventually, you may want to purchase a bike that is built for high performance, but to begin with, a couple of hundred dollars will get you a fantastic bicycle to get you started. Exercise bikes can be a costly piece of equipment, particularly if you want to buy one that can be adjusted to emulate outdoors riding, with steep inclines and heart rate monitors to keep track of your goals. But with the range of fitness watches and bike GPS computers available on the market, you can track your outdoors cycling activities just as easily, whilst saving some dollars on the bike itself. 4) Overall workout A road bike or a mountain bike can offer a more intense, full-body work out as opposed to the stationary exercise bike, which targets legs and buttocks. Road bikes and mountain bikes require a strong core to control the bike and keep you balanced on uneven terrain, meaning it also hones in on your stomach muscles and even your upper body can get quite a workout, depending on the type of riding you're doing. Legs still get the biggest overall workout on a road bicycle, but you also get a mental workout because you need to remain alert and navigate the course while you're outdoors on your bicycle. 5) Seats Seats or Saddles might seem insignificant in this argument, but in fact, there is an important reason to consider the benefits of a road bike versus an exercise bike. Exercise bikes come with one seat and don't usually have interchangeable parts. The seat is usually small, and the posture of the exercise bike isn't something you can easily change. A road bike can be adjusted to your frame and size. You can change everything from seats to handlebar positioning and pedals . Why is this important you might ask? Because you will get longevity out of a road bike that is customised to suit your frame, and avoid lower back injury and discomfort if the bicycle has been set up for you to ride. If you purchase a bike in-store at 99 Bikes , you can get one of our friendly technicians to help you adjust your bike and change any parts you like to make your ride more comfortable for you. Bonus Tip: If you love your road bike that much, but really want to stay inside and avoid the weather or just watch some Netflix while you ride, try an indoor trainer and combine the two to get the best of both worlds. You can ride on Zwift and get that realistic road experience that tests your limits, or just enjoy the comforts of your roadie without leaving the lounge room. If you need some more information on indoor trainers we have a helpful Indoor Trainers Buying Guide . Shop Road Cycling Essentials Getting started with road cycling requires a few things to begin. Things such as helmets and lights are essential for safety, see below some essential items required: Shop Road Bikes Shop Road Helmets Shop Lights Shop Water Bottles & Cages Shop Gloves Shop Locks Shop Computers
Kids At Home Keep Them Busy And Healthy
Isolation, social distancing and homeschooling are only some of the things that weren't so common to us not long ago, but are currently part of our daily routine. Kids' lives have been impacted greatly by the coronavirus crisis, and parents are busily searching for activities that help kids stay busy, active and healthy. It's the perfect time for kids to learn to ride a bike, master a mountain bike with gears or learn cool scooter tricks to impress their friends when social distancing ends. New bike, New Life Riding a new type of bike or upgrading to a more serious ride will be a completely different experience for your kid. The skills required to ride a BMX differ greatly to a mountain bike or a road bike . Kids BMX Bike A BMX is the perfect choice to turn a normal bike ride into an exhilarating blast of fun! BMX bikes have durable, compact Hi-Ten steel frames and smaller tyres, which makes them great for kids. Kids love learning tricks on a BMX bike and practising them a hundred times. They're also great for riding through puddles or jumping off dirt ramps that you can build yourself in the garden or the driveway. Shop BMX Bikes Kids Mountain Bikes Mountain bikes are versatile and a great option for your kids to upgrade to from smaller bikes. They have lightweight alloy frames , multiple gears for easier riding on different gradients, reliable v-brakes or disc brakes, fatter tyres and suspension to handle all terrains. Best of all? They're easy to ride for short and long distances and they're long-lasting. Shop Kids Mountain Bikes Upgrading The First Bike As beginner riders grow their confidence, they can improve their riding skills and further their enjoyment by upgrading from the bike they learnt to ride on. Offer them a bike that's faster and bigger, but still easy to ride and handle. The best kids entry-level bikes are similar to mountain bikes but don't have the suspension, the gears or the chunky tyres of a mountain bike. These are great value for money. Shop 20" Mountain Bikes Learn To Ride A Bike Isolation and holidays at home could just be the perfect time to learn to ride a bike. A balance bike is a great introduction to getting on two wheels for kids up to 2 years old. They come with 12" wheels and have no pedals, so kids can develop their balance without the worry of pedalling. The next level up is a 12" wheel bike with pedals and training wheels . You can add a guidance bar, to give your child that extra bit of help. Shop Balance Bikes Scooters, More To Them Than You tHINK Scooters are fun, easy to ride and always a popular choice! But there's more to scooters than just a fast ride. They come in a wide variety of styles and can give a whole new riding experience to your kid. Kids Convertible Scooter Try a convertible kids scooter , a multi-purpose ride that kids can ride on as a normal scooter or sit on like a balance bike. If they're younger they can even be pushed along. Hours of fun guaranteed! Shop Convertible Scooters Kids Freestyle Scooter Unlock a world of fun with a freestyle scooter. They allow kids to master cool tricks and stunts, which will keep them entertained for much longer. Shop Kids Scooters Kids Electric Scooter An ultramodern ride not just for adults. Some electric scooters come with an adjustable height steering column and comfortable handgrips, perfect for kids. Shop Electric Scooters Accessories Make Everything More Fun! Pump up the fun of your kids' ride with our wide range of bike accessories. Try a bike bell or horn, a colourful bike helmet, a bike basket, handlebar streamers, cool lights, and even a seat for their favourite doll! Shop Kids Accessories
A Guide To Cycling Photos On Instagram
The ride is more than just the kilometres you cover. It's about the feeling of freedom as you pedal, the breathtaking view you've worked so hard to earn, and the small moments of joy along the way. Whether you're a weekend warrior conquering hills, a daily commuter navigating the city, or a trail-seeker chasing muddy adventures, your rides are stories waiting to be told. We want to see your journey, your perspective, your passion. Every time you're out on two wheels, you're part of a huge community of riders, and now it's easier than ever to share that experience. Next time you're on a ride and snap a sneaky selfie at the top of a gruelling climb, or capture the stunning panorama from the summit, tag your post with #nowletsride. By using the hashtag, you allow us to feature your amazing content and share your passion with cyclists everywhere. What does your ride look like? Share your favourite post-ride coffee shop where you refuel and relax. Take a satisfying video of your mountain bike getting a well-deserved mud bath after an epic session on the trails. Or maybe it's the subtle-snap of your Strava stats, celebrating a new personal best that only fellow riders can truly appreciate. From the golden light of a sunrise commute to the gritty satisfaction of a wet and wild trail ride, the opportunities are endless. Your story inspires others to get out and ride. So, how do you capture these moments safely? We all know the struggle of fumbling for your phone. To make sure you can grab those shots without worry, get your phone kitted out with a Quad Lock. It's the secure and easy way to keep your phone accessible for photos, navigation, and tracking your stats. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there, create some memories, and share them with the community. Now, let's ride.
99 Bikes Pedals To Employee Empowerment
This year, 99 Bikes is launching a unique employee giving initiative that gives back with the valuable gift of bikes. Employees have the opportunity to donate 1% of their annual wages to four bicycle aligned charities: Qhubeka, Good Cycles, Bikes4Life, and Traction. These proceeds will contribute towards a larger company-wide goal of donating 100,000 bikes to those in need. Matt Turner, founder and managing director of 99 Bikes, said the wealth distribution around the world wasn't quite right, so as a company, they wanted to create a cycle of hope. u "Bikes are often the backbone of life in many third world economic and provide much more than just recreation",Au Matt said. AuThey are more than just a means of transport to places of employment and education, but also provide access to food, water, medicine and shelter,Au he said. AuThe initiative is not just about giving, but also about creating opportunities to engage employees and allow them to make a difference,Au he said. AuWe have the systems in place to make it easier for employees to give to their chosen charity and allow them to see the direct results from their donations.Au Matt added that all 99 Bikes employees were incentivised based on their performance, so the better they performed in their own roles, the greater the positive impact they would have on the people in these communities. Mark Kingston, sales consultant at 99 Bikes, strongly supports the company's purpose and believes that those who can help have a responsibility to do so. "AuIt is a special honour to be a part of a company that thinks this way and uses its influence to expand to help others",Au said Mark. AuHelping another person in need is one of the most gratifying experiences a human being can have",Au he said. 99 Bikes is among many companies to have implemented employee giving programs, alongside Flight Centre, Red Cross and PwC, yet Matt encourages other retail companies to get onboard. Au We have noticed a general shift in companies moving away from being all about profit to being driven by purpose,Au Matt said. AuBy establishing our initiative, we hope to encourage other companies to follow suit and develop a corporate giving program of their own. Our four beneficiaries are: Qhubeka - Every $250 delivers one bike to Qhubeka, the charity based in Cape Town, South Africa. The bikes linked to those with good school attendance and academic results. Good Cycles - Every $300 delivers a bike to Good Cycles based in Docklands, Melbourne. The program works with asylum seekers, refugees, long term unemployed individuals and youth. Bikes are used to educate, empower and employee. Bikes4Life - Every $100 delivers a bike to Bikes4Life, a charity based in Melbourne that also works in remote Australia and Africa. The bikes are sent in a container to remote, disadvantaged communities with the container transformed into a workshop to keep the bikes operational. Traction - Every $150 delivers at least on bike to Traction, based in Capalaba Queensland. Helps young people deliver their talents, build self-belief and create their own successful future. Funds will buy new BMX bikes. For more information about this initiative, visit our company website.
Best Cycling Tips For Safe And Fun Riding
What do you think that riding your bike, tying your shoelaces and playing the guitar have in common? Once you've learnt how to do any of these activities, you'll never forget them. They become stored within what's known as procedural memory. So if you've recently started cycling, congratulations! You've just added valuable long-lasting information to your memory. What's next? To learn some simple and important cycling tips for beginners that'll make your ride more fun, easier and safer. They too, will stay with you for life. SAFETY FIRST Wearing the right cycling clothes is key because they help you ride more securely by allowing your body to move more freely. They also protect your body from all weather conditions. Wearing a bike helmet is a national road law. Riding a bike is usually a safe activity, but unexpected accidents can always happen. If you're wearing a bike helmet, you can potentially reduce the risk of a head injury, as well as reducing the chance of neck and face injuries. Shop Helmets BIKE LIGHTS, ALWAYS Make sure you have a good front bike light and a rear bike light before you hit the road, and turn them on even during the day. Lack of daylight is not the only factor that can cause an accident involving a cyclist. Many times, distraction or tiredness can cause a car driver, a pedestrian or another cyclist not to see you, and having a bike light on during the day will alert these other road users of your presence. Also, as we head towards the winter months, daylight hours are becoming shorter, and you must increase your visibility at all times. Azur and other recognised brands now offer bike lights that include a mode specifically designed for daytime. Shop All Lights Shop Front Lights Shop Rear Lights CONTACT POINTS: THE KEY FOR COMFORT The two main contact points when riding your bike are: your hands and...yes, your butt! If you want to fully enjoy your bike rides, they both must be well-protected and comfortable. The must-have features for a good pair of bike gloves are a gel-padded palm area, and silicon grips that prevent slipping. When it comes to your backside you can make your bike ride more pleasant by having a good pair of cycling Knicks and the right saddle. Some characteristics of the best cycling knicks are: padded areas, improved stretching on the legs, silicone grip and reinforced stitching. Your bike saddle should have a good anatomical design. Some of the most advanced models easily adapt to your body and use memory foam for even pressure distribution. Other cycling clothes that can improve comfort are arm warmers and knee warmers, a cycling vest and a cycling jacket. Some cycling jackets also have reflective trims or are reversible with a full-reflective side, both great options for that late commute home. Shop All Clothing Shop All Saddles LOVE YOUR BIKE And your bike will love you back! You'll enjoy much smoother rides, and for much longer. Cleaning and maintenance for your bike is as important as it is for your car. Remember to have it serviced regularly by a qualified bike mechanic. There's also maintenance that you can do at home, but to do it in an easy and efficient way, you need the right products. Krush products are great to clean your bike with after every ride, and Rock N Roll lube to keep your drive train lubed and working smoothly. A good quality floor pump is another key element in your bike kit, as it'll keep your bike tyres at the right pressure and make them last for longer. View Workshop Services Shop Maintenance PRACTICAL BIKE ACCESSORIES Bike accessories can help you fully enjoy those first bike rides, and will continue to be useful when you become a more regular bike rider. Consider getting a saddle bag to store your keys and other small valuables, panniers for carrying larger items like your laptop or the groceries, a practical bottle cage and a good quality bike bell . Shop All Accessories Shop Cycling Bags Shop Water Bottles & Cages
5 Things To Consider When Choosing Your Childs First Bike
I want you to think back to your childhood. Don't sigh, it wasn't that long ago! Think back to when you got your very first bike. Do you remember how you felt? I do; nothing could describe it better than pure excitement. While only being five years old, it was my first taste of independence. It was like being trusted with the keys to the city and with each new trick that was learnt, a big thumbs up from the folks made the struggle to learn all the worthwhile. Now, the day has come where it's time to buy your own child a bike; to create an unforgettable memory. Hold the brakes though, before we get too involved in sentimental feelings, we've actually got to choose the bike first. A task that is much harder these days, given the smaller selection of bikes our parents had to choose from. It's so easy to get caught up in colour and decorations that practicality often gets thrown out the window. To make the process easier, here are five things to consider when choosing your child's very first bike. Have You Thought About Balance Bikes? What is your like? Some are dare-devils who will tackle anything head on, usually resulting in constant cuts and bruises. Others tend to be more cautious. If this is the case, then start by riding on a Balance Bike. A Balance Bike is a modern version of the hobby horse bike. It has no pedals, crank, chain or training wheels, so your child can simply scoot their feet along the ground to gain momentum and raise their feet to cruise along. To stop, all they have to do is drag their feet along the ground. The idea is to teach a child to steer, maintain balance and stop, before moving on to the more challenging task of pedalling. Choose The Right Size When determining what size bike for your child, there are three rules of thumb. When their bottom is fully seated on the bicycle, their feet should easily touch the bottom without having to stretch to reach the ground. They should also be able to grip the handle bars with ease and finally, they should be able to sit comfortably on the bike no knees near the ears! Tip: It can be tempting to buy your child a larger bike that they will grow into, until they do, it's particularly dangerous as they will struggle to control the bike, making it not very fun for them to ride. Invest In The Correct Safety Gear The law in Australia is that no person is allowed to ride a bike without the correct safety helmet. Don't even consider giving your child a bike without this crucial accessory. It's important that it fits well and your child likes it. The helmet should fit snugly on their head, rest 1-1.5cm above their eyebrows and be bright in colour so that it can be easily recognized. How Much Assembly Is Required? First bikes come in all price ranges, but if you know that they might only be riding it for a year before they need a new one, then there's no harm in buying a cheaper one from a department store. These bikes normally come pre-assembled, but it doesn't and there's too many bits and bobs to put together, then it's best to take it to a bike specialist like 99 Bikes . Their team will be able to put it together in a matter of minutes and you can rest assured that it will meet all safety requirements. Do You Need Training Wheels? Training wheels are recommended for children between the ages of two to five to build confidence while learning to balance. Some argue that training wheels can be dangerous if the bike picks up speed, but as long as they are going slow to start out with, training wheels are a smart choice. After all, you can easily detach them once they get the hang of it. Choosing your child's bike is an exciting time, it's important to have fun and enjoy the experience of teaching them how to ride.
6 Reasons Why The Riders Vs Motorists Debate Needs To Go Home
It's a debate that seems to roll on perpetually, motorists hate cyclists and vice versa. In the age of GoPros and smart phones, road rage incidents are caught on camera and put on the internet, adding a fresh supply of fuel to the fire for both sides of the debate. You'll occasionally notice parts of the media on a warpath with cyclists, perhaps forgetting that part of their readership are also riders. The argument is getting a little tired, and here are a few reasons to cast-aside the controversy. 1. Most cyclists are also motorists It's much easier to understand both sides of the story if you're on both sides of the problem. A motorist who is critical of cyclists could learn a lot by becoming one for a day or a week, as Jeremy Clarkson once did. If there's criticism of a cyclist's conduct on the road it makes them a bad road user, not a bad cyclist. 2. Motorists don't own the road, really Roads are funded by everybody, not just motorists. Registration fees cover a tiny fraction of what is spent each year on road infrastructure. This means that roads are made to be used by cars, buses, motorbikes, and bicycles. All road users should expect to be safe on the road, and everybody carries responsibility of care. 3. Bikes out-sell cars every year Bicycle sales in Australia have exceeded motor vehicle sales every year since 2000. At 99 Bikes alone, we put about 40,000 new bikes on roads each year. Cyclists are a growing community and increased attention should be paid to providing the correct infrastructure and facilities to this new wave of active travellers. 4. More bikes means less traffic Motorists are much better off with a bunch of 20 cyclists, than stuck behind a line of 20 additional cars. Especially at peak times, if more commuters are using active methods of transport it will make life much better for those in cars. In the UK bikes make up one sixth of central London traffic for one main reason - it makes sense. Commuters who make short journeys should be encouraged to get out of their cars and onto their bikes. 5. Build cycling infrastructure Cyclists would much prefer to ride on bikeways or in bike lanes. Offering cyclists the option to remove themselves from motor traffic will increase rider safety and also make a better driving experience for motorists. It's in the interests of both motorists and riders to have more cycling-specific infrastructure on the main arterial roads of cities. 6. Bad road use isn't a cyclist thing Every group has some bad apples. Not all cyclists are perfect and neither are motorists. Particular care should be taken when passing cyclists, they don't have a couple tons of met surrounding them consequence of contact is heavily weighted against the cyclist. Take care out there. See All Commuter Bikes
