The Bike of Doom

Yesterday, at my daughter’s request, I went with her to Canadian Tire and bought her a brand new SuperCycle SC1800 18 Speed men’s mountain bike. She wanted it for getting to work and getting to school. She hasn’t really cycled much before this year, but has been using her mother’s Specialized Hardrock when she does. She mentioned last week that she hasn’t felt comfortable locking the Hardrock in public places, at the mall where she works, or at University. She specifically asked for a cheap bike.

I’m not going to track the mileage she puts on, but it seems to me that this is an opportunity to observe how a cheap bike does under normal cycling conditions. By normal, I mean being ridden by somebody who weighs substantially less than I do, will be riding substantially fewer kilometers (5 Km per day), and will generally use the bike as a commuter. I will maintain and adjust it for her and keep an eye on safety issues. I do find myself slightly more concerned about the safety of the bike now that my daughter is riding it; on the other hand, the bike has survived with me on it for six months, so it should be okay.

Typically, Kate did not want the women’s version of the bike. She thought the lower and angled crossbar was “stupid”. I bought her a helmet, too, as you can see in the picture. We already have spare locks around the house. She’s talking about removing the stickers and spray painting the bike something less shiny. I’m not sure why.

She offered to create more BIKE OF DOOM stencils and apply them to the bike. I told her that wasn’t necessary. I don’t think we need to see another one of those on the street just yet.

Related posts:

Spare parts for the taking - 3,740 Km

SuperCycle SC1800 Girl and Boy Versions

Another Budget Bicycling experiment