Just got some tumblr-mail from the chap who runs Dublin Bicycle Depot (mentioned them in an earlier post about buying a second hand bike in Dublin), which was mysteriously deleted as soon as I tried to answer it. Hmm. Anyway, I’d taken a copy-paste of the content, so I’ll post it here for everyone to read, along with my response:

Anonymous asked you:

Hello paper girl, My name is Bob Byrne and I founded the Dublin Bicycle Depot. I’m alitle hurt by your reviwe as for the first year + I was all alone and had to leave the shop closed when out gathering bicycles or trying to talk with council members etc. We are now two mechanics and have moved to a larger premises on maxwell lane in rathmines. We recieve no funding from the state or other wise and still we pride our selfs on providing the cheapest bicycles on the market starting at 5 euros.

ps, our opening times are 10am to 7pm tue to friday and from 10am to 4pm sat. you are more than welcome to drop down for a cup and we can tell you what were all about at the DBD, well at least what we are trying to be. all the best, Bob.

Hi Bob, sorry if the tone of the review offended you at all, I was trying to share what I had heard from others in the most objective and neutral way possible, having never been to the place myself! I will fix the article later today and post the info you just gave me about opening hours too. 5 euros sounds really good for a bike! 

Had a question earlier from someone wondering where to get a moderately-priced bike in Dublin. Well, specifically they were looking for a lightweight skinny-wheeled young whippersnapper of a bike, but it was a good question, which I’m sure others might want to know the answer to.

So here goes: Papergirl Dublin’s Bikehunting Guide

First of all, the easiest and quickest way to find the Ride of Your Life might be the simplest way: take a look online. Gumtree.ie and Adverts.ie are always worth a look if you need anything even remotely secondhand in this city (if you don’t find what you want, you can always try to find the next Pigeonhorse). You might get lucky with these sites, one man’s treasure and all that…

So if that doesn’t really work, check out the Dublin Bike Man, especially if you’re looking for a more vintage bike. Not the cheapest but also not terribly expensive, it’s a bit like when you’re used to the ‘vintage’ in Dublin charity shops and then you go to Berlin. 

Another place I’d personally recommend would be Rothar, where they will build a bike to order within a week. That’s pretty good righ? You can bring a frame or beat up bike to them or pick one out from their stock of rescued bikes. Obviously the price will vary but it’s probably the cheapest place in Dublin to get that done. It’s also probably the most ethical place in Dublin to buy a bike, as they not only save bikes from landfill but also have programmes to help so-called ‘unemployable’ people train as bike mechanics and teach disadvantaged kids how to build their own bikes. And they’re all very nice in there. Two shops - bigger workshop in Phibsboro and a café and workshop on Fade Street.

There is a place called Square Wheel Cycleworks in Temple Bar, it has a LOT of second hand bikes and old frames but would be a bit pricier. Worth a look if you’re window-shopping I’d say.

Buildabike aka Cyclebike just off Capel Street would offer some second hand bikes but not many. They do fix up old bikes, but they always seem to be REALLY busy so it could take a while.

I’ve had a message from a chap called Bob who runs Dublin Bicycle Depot, they are a small operation and don’t have a website but word around town is that they ARE very helpful and Bob has confirmed that their starting price for a bike is €50. Which is dead good. They’re located on Maxwell Lane in Rathmines and their opening hours are 10am - 7pm Tuesday to Friday and 10am - 4pm Saturday.

As for Penny Farthing Cycles on Camden Street - never actually used them, looks like they have lots of choice though. Let me know your opinions on this place if you have any.

Cycling in Dublin newspaper is nearly 100% funded!

Needs about €300 more, anyone with ridiculous amounts of money falling out their trouser legs could do worse than give them some. Would be very cool if this got made!

bikeadlady:

interesting to see how Seattle cyclist ride in the rain no matter, with only an estimated 65 days of sun a year. Must be some of the most dedicated commuters out there.

Eh welcome to Ireland. 

Cycling in Dublin newspaper on Fund it

Yup, a fundit link. I’m a bit sick of fundit links too but if this gets made, it would be awesome.

Just to clarify, this is not affiliated with Papergirl Dublin in any way, but Papergirl wholeheartedly approves of it.