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FAQ (frequently asked questions)
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Will I find it cheaper elsewhere?
How do I choose the right helmet?
When should I replace my helmet?
How often should I lube my chain?
What do I need to know about cleaning my bike?
How do I know what valve type I have on my bike tubes?
What do I need to know about cycling clothing?
How can I choose the best bike seat?
What type of bike do I need?
There are lots of different types of bikes available, so it is important that you have a think about what you want to use the bike for.
Your Goldcross Team Member can help you here, or you may find our Bike Selector very helpful as it will take you through the selection process.
- Adult bikes
Will I find it cheaper elsewhere?
We offer a “Price Beat Guarantee”, which simply means we will beat any competitor’s price on products we stock.
We are committed to offering real value to every customer every day, so that our customers are not disadvantaged in any way.
That’s why on many products our everyday prices are already below our competitors.
Helmets and safety Yes. Cyclists are required by Australian Law to wear a helmet – on the road, footpath, bike path or in the park.
Ensure the helmet is certified to Australian Standards AS2063 – look for the silver sticker inside the helmet with this printed on it. Helmets provide vital protection and it is important that you choose the right style and size.
Helmets come in various sizes and most have an adjustable system – when fitted properly the helmet should sit low on your forehead and not move when you shake your head.
More expensive models have more vents for longer distance riding in hot conditions, and a visor can provide more sun protection.
BMX helmets are very strong and deep, designed for impact protection and do not have many vents for longer rides. IMPORTANT The polystyrene foam helmets are made from becomes brittle over time and loses it’s shock absorbent property, so it is recommended to change your helmet every three years.
After impact, fine cracks in the helmet construction can often not be detected so it is always best to replace the helmet after any impact. The answer is yes in Queensland at any time, plus Yes in other states where you are accompanying a child rider 12 yrs or under.
Cyclists must always give way to pedestrians.
It is best to check with your local Transport Department as rules may change.
Do you have finance?
Yes we offer a range of finance options through GE Finance such as 6 and 14 months Buy Now Pay Later, 18 mths interest free etc.
Your Goldcross Team member can help you get that bike sooner than you thought!
Accessories and Tools Within our Bike Selector section we have listed associated accessories which suit each bike.
Our interest in seeing you with the correct accessories is simple – to ensure that your purchase is complete and you enjoy your cycling experience as much as possible.
This short checklist will help you initially:
Helmet – Mandatory in Australia
Reflectors – Mandatory in Australia, both front and rear.
Bell or warning device – Mandatory in Australia
Lights – Mandatory in Australia if riding at night, both front and rear.
Pump – Don’t be caught in the middle of a ride with a flat tyre.
Spare tube – In case the damaged tube cannot be repaired
Tyre Levers – To remove and reinstall the tyre.
Patch Kit – Comes with patches and glue.
Spares Bag – Handy little bag hat fits under your seat and carries a tube, levers and patch kit.
Water bottle (Bidon) Cages – Carry special bottles so you stay hydrated.
Gloves – Protect you hands and add comfort and grip.
Sunglasses – Protect your eyes from both sun and grit.
Riding Knicks – Have internal padding called a “Chamois” for comfort.
Computer – A handy device to show your speed, distance travelled, time or day and many other functions.
Mudguards – To prevent water and dirt from spraying all over your clothes.
Lock – To precent theft if you lave your bike in a public area or at work. This is in addition to the accessories checklist in the previous question.
A multi tool will always come in handy – it contains allen keys and screwdrivers for any emergency repairs or adjustments when riding.
If you wish to conduct basic maintenance on your bike, you may also need chain removal tools (chain breakers), cable cutters etc.
Discuss this with your friendly Goldcross Team member.
Cleaning and Maintenance The rule of thumb is if you can hear your chain while riding, it needs lubing.
How often depends on where you ride and the conditions eg rain or off road.
When lubing, use a proper bike chain lube, don’t apply too much and wipe off excess to avoid it getting on your bike, wheel braking surface or even on you!
Most regular riders using their bike on the road would need to lube every second week or so – you may find that careful application of one drop of lube to every link will work for you and avoid using too much lube. Put simply, a bike which is dirty will not last as long or work as well as a clean bike. Dirt has gritty particles which will cause premature wear on the chain, brakes and wheel rims. A chain which is cleaned regularly will last up to three times longer than a dirty chain, and dirty brake pads and wheel rims will wear out quickly with costly results.
Use specific cleaning products designed for bicycles to clean and protect them. Other products not designed for bikes may actually damage parts, particularly seals and paintwork. There are two types of valves – Presta and Schrader.
Presta are the skinny types, normally fitted to road bikes and more expensive mountain bikes. Their advantage is that they are suited to higher air pressures in the tube (Road tubes often take up to 120psi pressure).
Schrader valves are the same as car valves, and are found on almost all kids bikes and mountain bikes up to the mid range level.
It is important to realise that these two valve types requires a different pump fitting and are not cross compatible (some more expensive floor pumps have a type of fitting which is suited to both valve types). Your Goldcross team member can help with advice. Generally a buckled wheel is the result of a spoke or spokes coming loose, in which case it can be straightened (trued) by a mechanic using a spoke key to tighten the spoke nipple.
If however the rim is buckled from hitting something like a pothole, it may not be able to be re trued.
Wheel trueing is best left to an expert as spoke tensions have to be properly set – we can provide a quote in advance
Servicing Yes we have experienced mechanics in every store to service and repair bikes of all levels. We can quote a fixed service price in advance or offer you an estimate on seeing the bike.
If you are a regular rider, regular maintenance will prove cheaper in the long run as minor issues can be put right before they become serious.
It is also a good idea to get your chain checked for wear every month or so as some high performance, lightweight chains will last only a few thousand kilometres. If they are left to wear out, you will also be up for the cost of a new cassette as well.
Cycling Clothing Cycling clothing is not only functional, but it makes the world of difference to your comfort as well.
It is made from breathable fabrics which wick moisture away from your skin so you stay both dry and cool in summer, and warm in winter.
Knicks (shorts) have padded chamois to absorb bumps and pressure points and are much more comfy than plain shorts.
Jerseys are designed to move with your body for comfort, and have rear pockets for phones, snacks, spare cash for coffee and cake, or other items of clothing eg a lightweight jacket.
The golden rule is to wear layers of clothing, particularly in winter. This can start with a synthetic undervest next to your skin, a jersey, some arm warmers and a lightweight wind proof jacket over the top.
Then as you get warm, you can remove the layers and store them in your jersey pockets.
Bike Seats Bike seats are purely personal – what works for one person may be pure murder for another!
As a guide, road/racing seats are narrow and lightweight. This helps prevent chafing, but they are not designed for just cruising around on.
Cruising and mountain bike seats are wider and more padded for comfort.
It is critical that the seat is correctly positioned and level to help avoid pressure spots.
Your “Sit bones” should take the weight towards the rear of the seat so that the narrow front of the seat is not causing discomfort.
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