David Tan or (his forum nickname davidtch) is a man who loves everything red. So it came as no surprise when he bought a red Strida to match his red messenger bag and red helmet!David lives in Upper Boon Keng Road and every day he cycles from home to his office at Millenia Walk and in the evening, he cycles home.
He works in the regional office of a large international insurance company and analyses the accounts of its regional offices in Asia. Strida Singapore was curious to find more about his daily ride to work; David was more than happy to share his riding experiences.
1) Where do you go with your Strida?
Mostly, I would ride it work and from office back to my home. I also ride it to run some errands.
2) What do you like best of your Strida?
Strida is compact yet uncomplicated. In the office, it is easily stored under my cubicle desk. at home, I can make it 'stand' in my service balcony.
In addition, I just need to learn once in order to fold and unfold the Strida. No complicated steps involved.
Strida has a very clean design. The brake cables are neatly hidden inside the tube frame. instead of brake calipers, drum brakes are used.
Lastly, I like the kevlar reinforced drive belt, which is cleaner than a steel chain.
3) If someone is looking to get a folding bike, in your view, what factors should he consider?
It has to be compact and light. In addition, it must be easy to use. I have been looking for a bike with these characteristics for a while now.
4) Do you get reactions from strangers when riding or resting your Strida? Any funny stories to share?
Since I started riding the strida last December, I have been getting smiles and strange looks from passers-by. strangers would walk up to me and ask me about Strida. sometimes, some of them have so much to ask or say that i have to find excuses to leave or i would be late for work!
5) How do you keep your Strida in "good shape" - do you polish the body or accessorise it with bike accessories?
The Strida is low-maintenance so I just wipe my Strida down once a week. however, on rainy days, I will wipe it clean once I get home. I have just recently got a cyclocomputer to complement my sunday jogging.
6) How do you store the strida in the office?
Actually, the Strida fits nicely below my office desk.
7) How long it takes you to cycle to work in the morning?
Usually it takes me about twenty minutes to work and back to home.
8) What is your usual morning ride gear (is it office clothes) or do youchange into bike or sports gear first?
Every morning, I will wear my long sleeve shirt, tie and pants to ride my Strida. After a few months of riding, I decided to buy a pair of BMX shoes. It is more comfortable.
9) Can you also describe your daily riding route?
I ride through Geylang Lorong 1 and Geylang Road. Once I cross the Kallang River, I will ride into Kallang River Park and continue via Marina Promenade. Once I reach the Sheares Bridge, I will turn right onto Republic Boulevard via a gravel road. From there on, it will lead me straight to Millenia Walk. Total distance is approximately 3 km. this route is really beautiful in the morning and in the evening. I can see the sunrise while going to work and the sunset when riding home.
10) What do you say when you come across people who ask you about the Strida?
I would tell them that this bike is very easy to ride and invite them to try it out. Well, some of them do take up my invitation ad they like it a lot. They even ask me where to buy it.
11) To people who may say riding a bicycle to work and from work to home is not feasible, what do you say? How do you do it?
Riding to work is feasible but you would need some planning ahead. I planned out the safest cycling route which is of utmost importance to me. For me, it would be through the park. After that, I did a trial ride from home to work to time the journey and then I could decide on whether I need another set of clothing for cycling.
12) How do you feel about your health since you have taken up cycling on a daily basis?Every morning i feel refreshed after riding to work. in addition, it also perks me up. No more morning blues.
13) In fact, why did you decide to cycle the Strida from home to work? Why not just own a car or take public transport? Is it uncomfortable riding in your office clothes?
It is a matter of convenience. Previously, I take the MRT and alight at Bugis MRT. It takes me at least 30 minutes to walk to office. Since I started riding Strida, I only need 20 minutes to reach my office. In addition, it is healthier to ride. When I cycle I am wearing my office clothes. Basically, I do not perspire except on really warm days. In fact, I actually perspire more when I walk from Bugis MRT to office!
14) In your view, would should one consider if he wants to cycle from home to work and/or vice versa? Any advice? Why not?
Those who do not stay near their office can also consider cycling as a form of commuting. There would be some form of commuting between home and the mrt as well as the mrt and office. So this is the best opportunity to ride your Strida. You would probably save bus waiting time and become healthier in the process. The most important thing is to plan the safest cycling route and this may involve taking a longer route. If you need to ride on the pedestrian path, priority should be given to pedestrians.
