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Waiheke Wispers


Electric bike adventures on Waiheke Wispers

805 folding bikes

Hi James. It is not often that a product exceeds ones expectations but the Wisper 805fe does.

We gave up cycling some years ago because Waiheke's hills made riding more of a battle than a pleasure. Now our bikes flatten the hills and leave us with the fun part of cycling. I like being able to adjust the amount of assist according to how much effort I want to put in. 

It means I can for example push myself hard on the outward journey knowing that I can take it easy on the way back. Or I can just potter along both ways. Anyway, it is always an easy decision to get the Wisper out. Who needs a gym?

The motor assist means that two people of unequal strength can easily ride together with the electric assist. My wife gets up hills faster than I do because she is lighter. 

From Ron Martin

Cycle Safe on Waiheke

Ron Martin sent me a letter this morning, outlining his experience with a new 805fe folding bike, while rising between Sandy Bay and Ostend. I thought I'd take the opportunity to offer these riding tips, regarding strategies for relating to traffic. They've been very helpful to me.

  1. Most of the time, when riding on the road keeping well to the left is normal and considerate of other (and often faster) road users. However an exception to this is when approaching an intersection or roundabout.

    Think about coming up to the Donald Bruce Rd roundabout for example, or the ones in Oneroa. While still a short way off, I glance behind me to check if there are any cars approaching me and see how near or far away they are. If I judge it to be safe to pull out I do so, and take the middle of the road.

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Bike Central - near the ferry

If you need some parts, repairs, advice, a cup of coffee or to connect to the internet, go no further than Bike Central on the corner of Britomart Place and Customs St.

Their phone number is 09 365 1768  or  021 606 460
Email: paul@firstaidforyourbike.com
On the web at www.hirebikecentral.co.nz

They even have a Bike First Aid kit on the footpath for emergency purchases out of business hours. Check out the pics.

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Bike parts on Waiheke

Bicycle-inner-tube-natural-rub

I've recently learnt that there are two places which sell inner tubes for bicycles, in case you need them. Both Surfdale Motors (372-6409, 12 Beatty Parade) and Oneroa BP (372-8876, 4 Tui St) stock them. If you need other bicycle parts or maintenance, I usually go to Penny Farthing Cycles at the corner of Symonds St and Khyber Pass (379 2524).

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