So I’m taking on a job soon as a bike messenger and need to pick up some new gear that I obviously don’t currently have in my commuter lifestyle. I have little idea on what I need as a bike courier. Obviously I’ve checked out the essential tools threads and had a look through the many bag and shoe threads but what else do I need to get a package/letter/whatever couriers actually move these days, from A to B?
On hand I have a SS bike (with the flip-flop hub for out of work hours), my more than capable Kathmandu backpack, a D-lock, the FOA essential tools thread inspired toolkit, and a shocker of a Protec helmet which will soon be replaced by the Catlike Whisper I dreamt about last night.
Could my quick release front wheel be too risky for Sydney if I’m not hooking it into the D-lock? I’d hate to come out of an office and find my ride ghetto pimped.
Since I’ll be partly fresh to Sydney, do I need a maps system on my phone or will they provide some futuristic courier gps shit?
Lastly, what sort of wet weather gear do you beardos recommend?
but seriously, i cant talk for other cities, but in bris thin riding style jumper (like the wool chrome one) is all i have ever needed, rain/cold/whatever.
leg warmers are useful too. as are double socks with a garbage bag between them for ghetto water proofing your feet.
lots of shitty mx’s for stuffing your shoes after a rainy day
i always carry two spare tubes, a pouch or two for radio/pda/phone/pen/paper/reception desk lollies/whatever
google maps on your phone if your soft, or a good city/burbs map if your up for a challenge (in bris the “parking zone” maps are great)
maybe head in and introduce yourself to the other couriers before you start? im sure they will give you a bit of a heads up, but make sure to ask if its ok to ride a sweet fixayy
I checked out with the company about what you can ride and they said strictly no fixed gear bikes, I cried a little. So the flip-flop hub is the go. The garbage bag sock idea is easily the best idea I’ve heard so far, cheers.
So receptionists have sweet bowls? Schweet!
On the spoke card side of things, #3 and #4 are coming this weekend. My wheel looks a little pathetic right now.
Really? I’ve managed to go this far without a broken bone or ambo ride. In Adelaide we’ve always had the idea that it’s free to be treated on the side of the road by a paramedic but as soon as you step inside it’s a $500 ride you can sometimes go without. Is it the same for NSW?
So learning to stop at reds is a must, won’t that effect the whole ego thing?
Get some state specific cycling cover, most states have one ala BikeSA. Standard health cover won’t cover super-expensive stuff, and you’ll need separate insurance for your bike/gear otherwise.
I’m no courier but I keep a pocket UBD street directory in my bag, I reckon you’d probably “learn” the streets more than by following GPS directions step-by-step.
+1 to the cetma rack, messengers have commented on their site that it lets them do extra jobs other non-racked messengers aren’t able to do, due to size.
