Headed to Melbourne for a while (start with a month, then could go to a year) and am trying to figure out if it is worth bringing a bike, and if so which one? I’ll be staying downtown and I don’t believe I’ll have a car so I’ve thought a bike would be good for basic transport but is Melbourne at least moderately safe for that and how big of a risk is getting my bike stolen if I lock it up and such? Then you factor in that it is racing season (not sure what license or permits I’d need to race tri’s there yet) and it makes me want a bike for that too but then I want my tri instead of my road since I’m pretty much a tri person and not a roadie.
Last but not least - what sort of bike fees will I see for bringing a bike case along on the plane with me on United (to LA) and then Qantas (to Melbourne)?
Was out of town for work in a suburb of LA once, regretted not bringing my bike everyday. EVERY day. I did some running until some hick threw a bottle at me, and then for the rest of the month I just drove to the beach and got fat. If I were you and had some extra cash, I’d just buy a cheap bike there. If I’m stuck there more than a month, chances are I’m flying home at least once (or I would bribe a “friend” to come visit me) and I would go get my bike at that point. Everyone’s comfort level is different - my gf’s brother came back after living the life in NZ and Australia, and he’s not a biker but he was busy bungee jumping, hiking, sailing etc. There are so many other things to do there, why burden yourself with a bike you might not ride too much? (I’m conflicting myself aren’t I? )
I would recommend a road bike with clip-ons – an imperfect compromise for both applications (tri and road) – but a set-up which will allow you to have a maneuverable transportation alternative and also a nice little racing option. Tri bikes are, unfortunately, a bad traffic bike. Ask one of my clients who was struck by a cab commuting on sidewalks through Denver on his custom Elite Razor.
United is unfortunately one of the least accomodating for bikes on planes, and I would call ahead to get pricing and make sure you won’t get hassled by any security issues. I know that they are now routinely opening cases looking for C02 cartridges, and this could delay your bike arriving with you.
I’m not sure where prices stand right now, but in the past I was always told that bikes are quite pricey down under.
maybe bring your tri bike for racing and see if you can buy an old steel frame that you could get converted into a fixie or seven speed or something. just my 2¢
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