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Ladies Bike Wanted

Posted: Sat Aug 12, 2017 9:23 am
by hatusu
Good quality ladies bike wanted in good condition.

Re: Ladies Bike Wanted

Posted: Sat Aug 12, 2017 11:10 am
by Dusak
I tend to think that most, if not all lady bikes in Luxor are in fairly bad condition. They have had a tendency to have been rode hard by many, lack of care, dry and rusty parts, and no doubt, wobbly wheels. Much better to go for a new one, around 1,000 Le. :up

Re: Ladies Bike Wanted

Posted: Sat Aug 12, 2017 11:32 am
by hatusu
The problem is Dusak that Im not 100% sure that I want one, or could manage the tracks round here on the West bank,so I thought Id start out with a secondhand one and see how I got on. (Ive not ridden one for 25 yrs!)

Re: Ladies Bike Wanted

Posted: Sat Aug 12, 2017 12:52 pm
by Mad Dilys
I'm hiring one first, wish me luck! :up

Re: Ladies Bike Wanted

Posted: Wed Aug 16, 2017 8:32 pm
by BBLUX
That's a good idea. There are plenty of bike hire places near you Hatusu. I'm sure you could negotiate a cheap deal for a few days.

Re: Ladies Bike Wanted

Posted: Thu Aug 17, 2017 5:07 am
by carrie
Don't do it, tried it myself and nearly got killed, the drivers here take no notice of anyone else on the road, open car doors just as your passing, cut you up on the road and some seem to deliberately come close to make you wobble. :)

Re: Ladies Bike Wanted

Posted: Thu Aug 24, 2017 5:00 am
by Hafiz
Assuming that vehicle drivers and wayward pedestrians aren't going to kill you could I make some suggestions?

Carbon frames are light, strong and expensive but maybe older chrome/alloy/steel combination options are light and a better price but are usually typical of European manufactured products.

China manufactured bikes are usually poor quality and often not as cheap as you would expect.

Given poor road conditions strong tyres and wheel frames are probably a priority - what they should be I don't know.

Poor road surfaces usually provide an comfort/control incentive for off road bike types with a front suspension.

An over investment in an alarm/horn would not be a bad idea, nor would investment in a helmet.

There are a number of middle class bike clubs in Cairo which might be worth googling for second hand options/spare parts.

Are there Luxor stores which can do maintenance/service/repairs?

Heat and dust have big impacts on maintenance/oiling/tyre vulnerability. Given climate and heat a robust rather than a minimal tyre tread would be worth thinking about

Wearing of a specialist high visibility top whilst cycling increases your security/visibility to pedestrians and drivers as does the usually theatrical use of streamers/high flags.

In a hot climate using a back pack isn't always a good idea so panniers attached to the bike might be worth thinking about but the cheap versions of these are usually heavy.

Will the local trains and buses allow you to take a bike?. If so it might provide a strategy to do cycling from public transport locations to areas you are interested in?

Attachments to the bike to hold water bottles is a good idea.

Oiling and high volume washing of a bike will add to its longevity and efficiency.

Cycling on windy and dusty days is always a bad option.

Bright colored bikes are more visible and might increase your security.

Installation of flashing lights and using them during day cycling might also increase security.

Accessing Youtube videos on tyre repair might be worth it as well as a tyre repair kit you always take with you.

Not all bike valves are compatible with the air supply systems in garages and you may need adapters or take a pump with you.

Chains and locks to prevent stealing is always a problem because of the weight of high security systems and the physical burden of carting them around.

Be careful about your preference for a traditional (old style) female bike frame. Its not always the case that they are as efficient/easy to use as a male style bike or a unisex style. Wouldn't there be a preference, in any event, to cycle in shorts or trousers? Cycling in a skirt has a number of risks.

Good luck..and good planning. If the bike is cheap its probably heavy/chinese and requires a lot of energy to propel.

Re: Ladies Bike Wanted

Posted: Thu Aug 24, 2017 9:51 am
by Winged Isis
"Chains and locks to prevent stealing is always a problem because of the weight of high security systems and the physical burden of carting them around."

You can get lightweight plastic-coated wire cable ones from any good bike shop, you just need a solid combination padlock. I have used one when travelling to safeguard my luggage.

Re: Ladies Bike Wanted

Posted: Thu Aug 24, 2017 11:45 am
by Dusak
There are many bike repair shops in and around Luxor. As for the plastic coated security chains to keep your bike safe, I've lost count of how many I have spotted securing what ever the chain is wrapped around, but no bike. Only once have I seen a bikes wheel, minus the rest of the bike, secured to a lamp post. It pays to have a spanner in your pocket while walking round the streets. :up

Re: Ladies Bike Wanted

Posted: Thu Aug 24, 2017 12:59 pm
by DJKeefy
Just shows how times have changed big time since the revolution, In the Mubarak era you probably could leave you bike unlocked in the middle of the street with a sign saying steal me and no one would touch it 8)

Re: Ladies Bike Wanted

Posted: Thu Aug 24, 2017 1:37 pm
by HEPZIBAH
Winged Isis wrote:"Chains and locks to prevent stealing is always a problem because of the weight of high security systems and the physical burden of carting them around."

You can get lightweight plastic-coated wire cable ones from any good bike shop, you just need a solid combination padlock. I have used one when travelling to safeguard my luggage.
Can you explain more please. I'm trying to think of an occasion I'd use a chain and lock for my luggage, but failing. (But it's been a long hard morning here and strong cleaning fumes are in the air.)

Re: Ladies Bike Wanted

Posted: Thu Aug 24, 2017 1:46 pm
by newcastle
HEPZIBAH wrote:
Winged Isis wrote:"Chains and locks to prevent stealing is always a problem because of the weight of high security systems and the physical burden of carting them around."

You can get lightweight plastic-coated wire cable ones from any good bike shop, you just need a solid combination padlock. I have used one when travelling to safeguard my luggage.
Can you explain more please. I'm trying to think of an occasion I'd use a chain and lock for my luggage, but failing. (But it's been a long hard morning here and strong cleaning fumes are in the air.)
I have this vision of WI, having chained her hand luggage to a seat in departures, struggling to remember the combination when her flight is called.

Panic!! :lol:

Re: Ladies Bike Wanted

Posted: Thu Aug 24, 2017 2:17 pm
by Horus
I only have one motto when it comes to locking stuff up and that is "Locks only keep HONEST people out" ;)

Re: Ladies Bike Wanted

Posted: Fri Aug 25, 2017 11:34 am
by Dusak
When my four friends came to stay a few months back, when they got their luggage at Luxor, all the cases had had their locks cut off. Two of the hard cases had been smashed and cracked badly. They do not know at which point this happened and nothing was missing from the cases, including my four family sized bags of ''big Daves dry roosted planters.'' :eat Luckily I had several good quality locks at home from the UK, so replaced them as the ones they bought here, would not lock. They return this Tuesday for another month, again with four of big Daves dry roasted planters. :up and my replacement laptop, so here's hoping that the cases do not suffer the same fate as last time.

Re: Ladies Bike Wanted

Posted: Fri Aug 25, 2017 1:14 pm
by Horus
The thing is that all cases have to be open to inspection by customs/security, so fitting a none standard lock is asking for trouble. There are many locks available that airports have a pass key to, thus avoiding damage. OK I hear some of you say “but that means that anyone with a key can get in my case” Yes, but so can anyone with a hammer, bolt cropper or a pair of pliers. All baggage is at some form of risk and no suitcase is totally secure, you may as well just use the standard locks and straps then add a bit of extra security to deter casual theft such as shrink wrapping the case or as I usually do and put several heavy duty cable ties through the zips of soft cases with a few spares inside the case and a polite request that security/customs replace them if the case is opened.

Re: Ladies Bike Wanted

Posted: Fri Aug 25, 2017 3:07 pm
by hatusu
Many thanks for everyone's helpful advice. I would like to say though that the bike I get will not be getting a lot of punishment. I will not be going far on it, not using the main roads much, only for shopping and visiting friends locally.The reason I stopped driving a car was because of the maniacs on the roads here, and I suppose, like the poor, they will always be with us. Even on the back streets I shall have to keep a wary eye out for the blind man driving his tuctuc.

Re: Ladies Bike Wanted

Posted: Sat Aug 26, 2017 12:25 am
by Winged Isis
Hepzibah: When going on short overnight side-trips from where I'm staying and only needing a small bag, I cable and padlock my suitcase (if it has stuff in it) to an immovable object if possible. I knew someone once who put the bed leg through it! :D Not foolproof, but better than nothing. A determined theif will find a way.
On more than one occasion I have unavoidably had to spend long periods in transit, and if I need to sleep can group my luggage to the seat/lounge I'm on. I use my handbag as my pillow to protect that.

newcastle: Absolutely no problem, three easy digits I've used for decades. It's part of my DNA now I think! :D

I also use padlocks that can be opened by airport officials so no damage or loss of padlocks is necessary. I always carry a spare, plus a spare label in my hand luggage.

I use LuggageLocks (https://www.bagworld.com.au/shop/detail ... -10-pack-/) through the loops of my zipper tags, which work like cable ties. There are other brands, surely available in UK. Tamper Tags is one here, but LuggageLocks have brighter colours (see below).

From their website:
Upon arrival at your destination, inspect the seal to ensure that no one has tampered with your luggage. If the number on your tab is different to that on the seal, it's very likely your luggage has been tampered with, and you should report it to the authorities as soon as possible.
From me: They are the best ones to deal with this. As soon as you leave the airport you will have major troubles with your insurance claim if you haven't reported it. They will want proof you've taken the correct steps; get something on paper from the airport.

No sharp implements or tools are needed for the removal of the LuggageLock - just rip the tear-off tail until the seal breaks apart.

Cable ties are not uniquely serial numbered and are commonly available; anyone may purchase another cable tie and relock your luggage.

Tear-off number tab - This convenient number tab allows you to apply the seal and check-in the bags without wasting time memorizing numbers or writing on reference cards.

Unique number - Every seal has a unique serial number. You will not find any LuggageLock with the same number in its colour type.

Metal Jaw - A metal jaw locking mechanism provides a higher level of security while delivering a user-friendly smooth pull action.

Tool-less removal - There are times where you may need to open your bags during your journey. The ability to remove the seal by ripping the tear-off tail will allow you access to your luggage easily and without additional tools such as knives and scissors.

Small diameter stem - The small diameter of the stem allows the seal to be applied to even tiny zipper heads.

In addition to these features, LuggageLock is designed and manufactured by an internationally renowned security seal company. LuggageLock's locking mechanism has been approved by the UK and US Customs.

They are bright fluoro colours which help identify your luggage on airport carousels. I also use GO brand labels, (https://www.bagworld.com.au/shop/brands ... gage-tags/) which have a cover to conceal your details from easy perusal, in the same colour as my locks to also add to quick visual ID. On other sides of my suitcase I superglue a matching small spot sticker, available from newsagents and stationery suppliers, so no matter which side is first visible as it comes around the carousel, I can see it clearly. Not to mention the "NOT YOUR BAG" plastic label (https://www.colourblocker.com.au/funny- ... ge-id-tags) :) I always try to stand near the end where luggage comes out, but I once I couldn't, and I saw a woman go to grab my bag before I would have been able to reach her, saw her read that with a smile, and leave it to wait for hers. Phew! Having had a bag taken once, it was worth the few dollars for the tags (I bought more than one, having lost one in transit once). Spare stickers and funny label also kept in my hand luggage with the spare address label and lock. Tiny, and weigh nearly nothing so no burden.

Don't forget to take some replacement LuggageLocks with you for the return journey, or for each destination. I just take whole the packet.

Re: Ladies Bike Wanted

Posted: Sat Aug 26, 2017 3:55 pm
by hatusu
I have just taken possession of a small European foldup bike called an Armadillo, and gone to visit a friend up the village. I have to admit to being a bit wobbly at first (well I did say it was 25 yrs since I rode one), but made it there and back without falling off.

Re: Ladies Bike Wanted

Posted: Sat Aug 26, 2017 4:22 pm
by Horus
I hope that when you came back down the hill you flung your legs wide off the pedals and shouted "Wheeeeeeeeee" :lol: