Buzzbike - Review
Buzzbike review - A quick review of my experience using Buzzbike to commute with my daughter Violet
I have finally taken the plunge and brought a bike. Well, not exactly I signed up with Buzzbike. So this post is going to be half blog, half review.
Why do I need a bike?
The short answer is to commute; we have moved home, making the massive jump from Clerkenwell to Fish Island! Which is lovely (more of that later) but terrible for public transport.
I need to get Violet to her nursery in Clerkenwell until we can arrange one nearer. I didn't want to be one of those annoying dads with their kid on the back, but a bike was the only feasible option I could come up with now.
Also, like many people, I started riding during the lockdown and loved it. I used Santander bikes and also the brilliant Lime electric bikes. It will sound stupid, but I had forgotten how nice it is to cycle, and what a lovely way it is to see your city.
So after deciding to buy a bike, I needed to pick one. This is where I ran into trouble - the overwhelming choice and variety of bikes and the vast amount of reviews and advice.
So I have decided to fudge it. Buzzbike offers an excellent service and, in my case, a brilliant delaying strategy. It's not a perfect solution, but it's been pretty good so far, and depending on circumstances, it could be a great choice.
Buzzbike
The deal
For those who don't know, Buzzbike pitches itself the "Netflix for bikes", which is a pretty stupid tagline for what is a clever system.
It's basically a subscription or rental system for a bike. The current price is £29.99 a month, so you get a niceish bike suitable for London. Importantly, they will replace it if stollen and there is on-demand maintenance, which has turned out to be brilliant.
After I signed up online, the bike was delivered to our house within days; the chap who delivered the bike was knowledgeable and helped set it up. He mentioned that they have a few larger bikes, but broadly it is one size fits all, I believe, which is a bit of an issue at 6'4". But so far, it is okay.
Membership can be cancelled with 30 days' notice. I am renting through the cycle-to-work scheme, which further reduces the price depending on your tax bracket. Basically, I get a bike for a month for the cost of two pints! But if you sign up through cycle to work, you are locked in for a year.
The bike
I will not pretend I am an expert on bikes, hence why I am renting one. The bike is a reasonably basic city-type bike with three gears. It is designed especially for Buzzbike and seems to be aimed at a mix of hipsters and commuters. They have done an excellent job; it works without being too flashy or complex.
The bike has a lightweight steel frame that makes it agile; for most people, that is an attraction. I would prefer something a little sturdier with a two-year-old on the back.
They say you get puncture-proof tyres, but take that with a pinch of salt.
It comes with mudguards, and they throw in a massive lock, but no lights or helmet, so you need to budget for them. The lock is fitted to the frame was easy to use and felt sturdy. Unfortunately, I had to take it off to fit on the massive child seat; I now carry it around in a bag. Not ideal.
The bike is fun, light, and great to ride if there wasn't a little extra person clinging on the back, kicking you in the bum, shouting 'well-done dadda'.
The App
As you'd expect, they push the Buzzbike app pretty hard. It tracks things like distance ridden and has a reasonably good route mapper.
You can also earn rewards the more you ride, including Costa Coffee vouchers. Honestly, I used it for the first few days and then didn't bother.
Conclusion - was Buzzbike the right choice for me.
In the short term, yes, I have been pleasantly surprised and like the bike. For such a small amount of money, it has been an excellent way to decide if getting Violet to nursey by bike is a serious option. The bike is fine, and I think the service would be fantastic for the right person.
Ultimately I think we will stick with a bike. But unfortunately, I don't believe Buzzbike is the right one for us. I had a child seat fitted on the back, it works, and she loves to ride with me. But it's not the right bike for a bigger child; there is just too much weight on the back, making handling a little awkward. We need something bigger, sturdier and embarrassingly with a step-through frame - you try getting your leg over a kid seat when you are 44.
Also, I am tired and want an electric bike! I will go the other way and get an incredibly expensive Tern when I can afford it. For now, we will stick with the great Buzzbike.
I recently wrote about my experience of driving an RV, one lovely thing about Canada Dream is whenever you pass someone else driving one, you hooted and waved. I have seen quite a few other people on Buzzbikes, but so far I have managed to get anyone else to join in the fun!
If you decide it might be for you, I would be grateful if you could use the link below or use the referral code when you sign up. It helps me support my blog and you will get £10 credit to your account. Thanks
CHRISLLOYD316314
