With fuel prices spiralling upwards and no end in sight, I finally threw in the towel and bought a bicycle. But my decision on the type of bicycle to buy was not a spontaneous one. Rather, I did some research on the net, studied the types of bikes that are available in the market; pondered on the pros and cons of multi-geared and single geared   bicycles ….

To put it simply, the decision making was a laborious process. Some things I figured out after discussions with various bicycle shop owners (and which will hopefully help potential bicycle buyers) are as follows :

1. For city riding, always opt for bicycles with narrow tires. Thick tires are good for off road cycling.
2. If the area in which you intend to ride the bike has a flat terrain – ie devoid of any hilly regions, always buy a single geared  bicycle. Multi-geared bicycles are only useful to climb steep terrain or to ride fast. In cities, it will be suicidal among horrendous traffic to ride fast so that is out of question.
3. Always keep in mind that flashier the bicycle you buy, more are the chances of it getting stolen. So you are safer settling for a more common bicycle.
4. If you are buying a multi-geared bicycle, always ensure there is a reliable bicycle repair shop near the place you live, where they know how to repair geared cycles.

Keeping the above tips in mind, I decided to settle on a common Indian roadster. The brand I bought was Avon – a Ludhiana based bicycle company. After one week of cycling, I am really satisfied with my choice of bicycle. Believe me, the feeling is awesome.

The bicycle cost me (all inclusive) a modest Indian Rs 3150 which is around US $63. I also bought an ordinary hand pump for Rs 180 ~ US $3 because the bicycle shop told me I have to pump air in my bicycle tires every 3 days.

Here are a few photos I took of my bicycle.

My Indian Roadster Bicycle

The bicycle has Rod brakes which look sturdy.

Regal Logo of Avon and ISI mark

Sturdy bicycle pedal

Bicycle frame with beautiful logo