Suffolk Bikes

My First Suffolk Bike- Layla Abdulbaki

The gap between “I want a bike” and “I bought a bike” is deep and far.  Taking into account things like price, safety, accessories, lights, helmet, locks- it can become very daunting very quickly.

In this light we are  introducing a new segment called My First Suffolk Bike.  We want to share with you stories and the ups and downs- of a Suffolk Student buying their first new bike

Layla Abdulbaki.  Nishiki Single Speed Conversion. Bikes Not Bombs. $500

How did you find out about Bikes Not Bombs?

I googled it- typed in the key words bikes in Boston and it was one of the first three options that came up. They had really good online ratings and decent prices so I decided to go there.

What was your general first impression?

I liked it because they had their own little private corner and street. They had all these bikes lined up outside that they were allowing people to just take and bike around to see if they liked them. So I thought that was really cool.

What stuck out about your bike, how did you choose it?

I loved the frame- the body of it and the color marroon The upright handlebars were appealing. When I saw the handlebars thats when I knew it was my love.

You test rode it around?

They said take your time, take the bike, see if it fits you and we can show you small adjustments for comfort. They were teaching me how I should me sitting on a bike which is nice for people who dont have a background. Teaching me things like leg extension and fit. They simply described lots of things about fit that I did not previously know.

How did you go from a bike shopper to a bike purchaser?

I’m pretty impulsive I have to say but I really needed a bike and I don’t necessarily commute everyday but it makes me feel happy like I’m five years old again. Test riding it- seeing how comfortable it could be- I just decided to go for it.

What did they tell you when you purchased it?

After I purchased it they told me to come back within a month so they can double check everything for me for free to see if they wires had stretched or if the chain was loose to make sure that everything was in order.

They suggested different grips bells and locks. Pointed me towards what kind of lock would work well in the city. Every question that came into my head they answered for me which was really nice.

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Then they just told me how to bike home- there is a bike path that goes right off of the store that takes you almost all the way back to campus. It was a really easy and safe ride back into the city. It was like nothing- what was a $30 cab ride out there turned into a thirty minute ride back.