A Docking Station
First impressions of the Barclays Cycle Hire scheme bikes:
Docking/undocking is quick and easy – the bikes are, of course, extremely heavy but the low gearing (apparently 32-44-60) makes them fine on takeoff and even up steepish inclines like the Pentonville Road. Although on the flat they’re chuffing slow.
Very high riding position, so much so that I could even see over the top of vans. Couple this with the fat tyres and the handling’s rather skittish, but not dangerously so.
Oh and the hub brakes are more or less effective depending on the bike. Sometimes they are a little over tightened. I’ve had to return one already thanks to an overtightened rear brake – apparently quite a common issue.
In summary the bikes are functional and not an utter chore to ride. They are built for occasional 20 minute hops, not as a town bike replacement.
