Gotham hired two Norwegian interns for the summer, both named Bendik. Both are super-talented and a bit competitive. So we’ve pitted them against each other in a fierce constantly referring to the other as “the better Bendik.” We’ve asked them to share their experiences as newcomers to the Boston bike community. Here’s the first one:
Yesterday, I hoped onto my beach cruiser and started riding to work. In a matter of minutes, my seat has sunk down to minimum height, and I got little power in my pedaling because my legs are almost at my chest. My bike is brand new, how could this happen?
Two Days Earlier
I finally got the “high quality” $120 bike I bought from Amazon.com delivered to my new apartment. Since I will only be in Boston for two months and didn’t have time to shop for a bike at a bike shop, ordering this bike was the easiest and most economical way out for me. When it arrived I was devastated to learn that I had to assemble this thing myself. As my mother can attest, I can barely put together a remote control, never mind a moving vehicle.
Setting up the bike
The bike came in the following parts: frame + back wheel + back wheel guard in one, front wheel, seat, handlebars and front wheel guard. I put the bike together in “no time”, 90 minutes. It looked like this: notice anything wrong?
How about now?
Well, actually there are two fails. One, the wheel guard is attached the wrong way. Two, the front fork is the wrong way. It’s good that I didn’t decide to pursue a technical education.
Lessons Learned
What I can take away from this experience, other than that not everything should be bought online, is that if you’re not a builder and are getting a bike that has to be assembled, make sure you have a helper. You’ll save time and have safer bike.