Family Cycling

One of the most important things about cycling is that I get to do it as a family. After trawling the Internet, I came to the conclusion that fellow local cyclist Matt Chia has found a reasonable solution. I first read it on an older post but he has an updated one you can check out here.

Fixing up is easy and quick, 5 mins max. All you need is an allen key. This is how / where you attach the clamp to the seatpost.

Then you slot in the seat rails.

My wife rides the Brompton, me and son on the Dahon.

Making bubbles in the park.

The child seat is a Bellelli which I purchased from My Bike Shop. It is rated to carry a child up to 22 kg.

First LCSG Ride

This marks my first ride with LovecyclingSG.

Even before reaching the meeting point at Vivo, I'd already made some friends at Seah Im carpark. It's quite simple really; you see someone with a bike, and give a knowing smile or nod. Turns out it was their first ride too.

Meeting point at Vivo, ready to roll.

I was warmly greeted by Taiwoon, and walked around the group, checked out the variety of bicycles and had some small chats.

After a safety brief, we went off towards Keppel Bay. It was a first for me, riding in such a big group. There were probably 40 or so cyclists, age ranging from primary school children to retirees (my estimation) and all sorts of bicycles - road, foldies, mountain, recumbent, market...

Keppel Bay

Keppel Bay

It was really interesting going to places which I would probably never experience, and to places that I haven't been to in a long, long time.

Labrador Park - photographer's finger cameo appearance

My Ride went to Hell and back, unscathed

We went from Vivo - Keppel Bay - Labrador Park - Telok Blangah (breakfast) - Hort Park (plus killer slope!) - Haw Par Villa - Vivo. Something like that.

I didn't take many pictures as I was simply focusing on enjoying the ride, but photography is definitely in the plan for future rides. Did I say future? Yes, I will definitely join this group for more rides for a variety of reasons:

Inclusivity - anyone with any type of ride is welcome. There are fast rider groups and slow rider groups. Pick yours.

Fun - the group is not too serious. There are bike experts and there are noobs like me and all sorts in between. It's ok.

Food - do I need explain?

Adventure - How much of Singapore have you seen? You cannot say there's nothing to do and nowhere to go in Singapore.

If you want to find out more about the group you can check out the forum or facebook group.

Brompton and Dahon Folded View Comparison

Brompton LH

Brompton RH

As you can see, the folded package is very neat, with minimal protruding parts. Most importantly, the chain is not exposed on either side, which I feel adds to the friendliness of this bike should you carry it in public transport. There is little risk of another commuter getting grease from the bike.

Dahon LH

Dahon RH

The fold of the Dahon is not as elegant, and you have to be mindful of the exposed chain. Another thing to note is that I found the Brompton to be more stable in its folded state than the Dahon - when in a moving vehicle such as the MRT.