blog

Bike Otago Garage Sale

With the new workshop set-up and running at full pace we need to clear out some old stock to make some space before summer hits!

Come and check out the new workshop, meet the team, talk bikes and grab yourself some bargins.

10 - 80% off everything instore

If you're short a few parts for that winter project or just like ogling at bike parts, chances are we've got what you NEED.

Smart Motion Electric Bikes - Video

Smart Motion NZ have just released this nice video showcasing their fantastic range of electric bike. 

We stock all three models here at Bike Otago, so you are very welcome to come in to see one for yourself and also to test ride (we currently have the eCity and e20 available to demo)

For more information, check out the electric bikes page here.

Electric Conversion Kits from Lekkie!

A lot of people have been asking us whether we supply electric conversion kits. For ages the answer was no, but then we got in touch with Kiwi company Lekkie. We fitted one of their kits a few months ago and were seriously impressed, so we've decided to become a dealer - so now the answer is YES!

Lekkie supply two electric conversion kits - but how do you choose between them? If your main use will be commuting or relatively gentle paths/trails, we'd recommend the Explorer. It's a simple bolt-on conversion that replaces your rear wheel, and in our eyes it looks a little neater too. If you're more interested in speed and performance, or if you've got a bike with particularly big/small/fancy wheels, or if you've got an unconventional frame (like a full-suspension bike, a cargo bike, or a recumbent), then the Summit is for you. Neither kit is "better" than the other, just different, and the price is the same - starting at $1,690 plus $180(ish) for installation. If you're unsure, talk to us about it, or bring your bike in.

Enough words, take a look at these awesome conversions from the Lekkie website:

   

   

   

Pedego Cruiser

We've just sold this Pedego Cruiser and we're very sad to see it go. Electric bikes never looked so good, or rode so well!



Check out our electric bike range here.

Getting Ready for Single Speed Champs

We've just got some great Surly kit in, perfect for the Single Speed Champs which is being hosted in Dunedin on 26th April - chainrings, sprockets and tensioners, as well as single chainring bolts and a selection of chains.
Lewis has been testing the Surly stuff on his On-One pictured, and really rates it - the drivetrain feels smooth and silent, the tensioner has a strong action with no chain slap, and the stainless sprockets and rings will last forever. 
We'll be adding this kit to our online shop soon, so keep your eyes peeled!

 

Dear Motorist

Councillor Lee Vandervis... hello?

Dunedin Councillor Lee Vandervis recently mis-represented us at on official council meeting while discussing the new update report on cycle-pedestrian safety on the One-Ways. Lee stated that the people at Bike Otago do not support cycle lanes, which is of course completely untrue. 

We were just sent this youtube clip from the September 23 Council meeting and we think it would be appropriate to make our opinions publicly known.

 

If you just watched his performance above, then we are 'those' blokes, the 'seriously heavy duty cyclists' from the cycle shop across the road from the railway station that he is talking about and I am the owner of the shop. 

So we would just like to put a little context to what Lee tells the council here. Lee states that we said that cycling lanes actually give cyclists a false sense of security... But what Lee has missed out is the words 'painted on'. For sure, we, like almost all cyclists you ask are against the painted on cycling lanes, similar to what we currently have on our one way system. 

What Lee has forgotten to mention is that we are strong advocates for separated, or 'protected' cycling lanes where there is a physical separation between cyclists and motorists. This style of cycling lane has been proven around the world to reduce accidents for cyclists and increase numbers. 

What Lee states about intersections not being separable is not something that we would consider hard to fix... it would just take a bit of good planning to ensure everyone can enjoy the roads safely together.

The 'protected' cycle lanes idea has been proven around the world and we passionately support the new initiatives by the current council to examine options for implementing protected cycle tracks on the one-ways for the benefit of all riders. 

So clearly Lee Vandervis has misquoted us in order to push forward his own agenda. Not quite the kind of behavior we would expect from a councillor, or what do you think?

I also urge readers to consider the options outlined in the NZTA/DCC report and support the need for separated lanes on the One-ways. SPOKES Dunedin have  made it very easy for all Kiwis to do this on their Submission Website.

Kashi Leuchs
Owner Bike Otago