Another Bicycle Sold!

We bought Nana’s Liv Alight Hybrid bike back in November 2020, right in the smack of Covid. That was when everyone was buying bicycles and cycling and so did we. We paid $560 for the 2nd hand bike, which the seller claimed that she had bought it just a few months ago. While it had been 4.5 years since we bought the bike, Nana probably cycled on it less than 20 times. The bike did go for a RI trip though, bcos a cyclist friend loaned it once. 

Trying to cycle as a family is a big logistic task and even more difficult as the kids grow older and have colorful social lives. Our last family cycling trip, which we amazing did 50km was sometime back in 2024. Ever since then (and a long time before that), Nana’s bike has been sitting locked outside the house. We sold Zaky’s hybrid bike for $70 in March 2025, when we bought his bike (also 2nd hand) for almost $200. He outgrew the hybrid and it was also in a not great condition due to the lack of maintenance. 

Given that we will be moving in a few months’ time, Daddy Lim and I are commencing our decluttering mission. We had recently sold our stock wheels for $30 and $45 (my and his). We changed to the Hunt wheels shortly after we bought our roadies and that was back in 2018. While the prices are on the lower side, we figured that we will just keep storing them in the storeroom and do the same when we bring them to the new house and eventually throw them away. A little money is better than nothing. 

With the same mindset, I thought of selling Nana’s hybrid bike bcos it is so underutilised. Keeping it longer will just lead to bigger depreciation. I listed it on Carousel for $380. I didn’t think that it would fetch such a high price given that it is almost a 5 YO bike. Yet again, it is one of the “cheaper” bikes on the platform. 

There was little interest and some lowballers. Then, a serious buyer asked if I was willing to let go for $300. He is intending to buy the bike for his wife and ask about the condition of the paint work. I said ok to the offer and he asked to view the bike.

While it is not obvious in the pictures, there were quite some marks/ stains on the bike frame. I didn’t even know if they were stains or scratches. Bcos he asked, I became conscious and made an attempt to clean up the bike on Sunday night.

Armed with degreaser, then some car wash spray, then added on the hand soap and finally down to Mr Muscle kitchen cleaner, I was wiping and cleaning for a good 30 mins. At 1st, I couldn’t remove many of the marks and half suspected that those were scratches. Eventually, Mr Muscle turned out to be the winner, alongside an old toothbrush. By the time I was done, I was so impressed and told Daddy Lim that I should charged $350 - the extras would be my labor cost. It was seriously hard work.

The buyer came to view the bike and bought it. My hard work didn’t go to waste! This $300 will go into my foldie fund. I am intending to get a new foldie to ride to work when we move. Hohoho. 

Mummy Lim

Zaky’s Bike Sold

When Zaky outgrew his kiddish Trek mountain bike quite some years ago, we bought him a 2nd hand Triban 100 hybrid bike. He was still fairly little at that time and was barely tall enough to handle the XS bike. It was a decent buy for $100. 

Over the years, he rode it occasionally. Initially, only during family rides, which are really rare, to riding more frequently in the last 2 years with his classmates. He has definitely outgrown the bike in the last few years but he insisted that he liked the bike and that it is ok. I bet he looked like a circus bear on a bike. Lol. 

Zaky still insisted that we keep the bike even when Daddy Lim passed him the roadie. Sadly, he only rode on the roadie once but that doesn’t change the fact that he is now too big for the hybrid. 

Both Zaky and Nana’s hybrid bikes are kept in the corridor and they are collecting dust. With the impeding move, I have decided that we will let go of Zaky’s hybrid. He didn’t object. 

I listed it on Carousell for $70. There are other Triban 100 listed at a higher price. 

There were queries almost immediately, asking on condition, etc. Sold! $70! 

The bike is seriously in a super dusty and dirty condition. Daddy Lim pumped up the tires, cleaned up the bike a little. There were quite some scratch marks. The buyer didn’t complain. Heng ah.

It is such good deal, to think that we had it for so many years and the depreciation is $30. Hoho. Daddy Lim is also happy bcos the buyer PayLah him and he pocketed the proceeds. Hoho. 

As I was looking through the blog for information of our cycling journey, I saw this.

I cannot help but make Zaky do this. 

Hohoho. 

Mummy Lim

Cycling with Zaky

Daddy Lim has stopped cycling for a long time. I think since post Covid confinement period. I don’t know why. I think he got bored and went into aggro skating instead. There are still occasions that he does leisure rides but on his gravel bike instead. His expensive Specialised is now part of the home decor. He did try several months ago to join one of the WWF rides. But cycling is a sports afterall and the months of not cycling tells….

For many months, he asked if we should sell his Specialised. The bike is about 5 YO and he will go into his speech of how bikes’ value depreciates. I get it but I am more worried about him asking to buy a new roadie not long after he sells this one. It happens…it always happen. 

We did try and posted on Carousell, asking for less than half the original price. We got several lowball offers that we rejected. 

Zaky is now slightly shorter than Daddy Lim but tall enough to fit the Specialised. He also started riding, though infrequently, with some of his classmates on his lousy Decathlon hybrid bike. We thought…. 

We got the tires, seat post, pedals and saddle changed, costing us almost $300, which I supposed would be $$ well spent if he utilises the bicycle. We got him to try riding a couple of rounds in the carpark and he seems fine. 

Last Sunday, he was gamed to go cycling with me. To avoid the traffic, we were on the road by 7am. It was a good timing as the sky was brightening too. Oh yes, we cycled on the road the entire way and he was riding behind me most of the time. We would ride abreast only if the road is empty. Zaky was very excited at how fast the bike can go with the same effort that he used on his hybrid. We were rolling at 26 to 28km/hr and he easily kept up. 年轻就是本钱. At times, he was free spinning; I was too slow for him ah. 

We didn’t go very far and stopped at WCP for MacD bfast. That was about 10km from our home.

I asked if he wanted to go further and he rejected me flat. Lol. We headed home after bfast, taking exactly the same route, but the opposite way, clocking about 23km in total. 

I am not sure how often Zaky would use the bike. With his speed, he should be able to keep up with WWF, but I am not sure about his endurance. Maybe one day..

Other than spending $$ on repairing the roadie, I also had to replace my cycling shoes. The cleats needed to be replaced (when I thought it was the pedals and had wasted $$ on new pedals) but the screws had rounded and cannot be removed. Sob. This was my 1st pair of cycling shoes and I got them in June 2020, though only started to use them much later. They are worn out anyway. 

My only criteria for the new pair? No need to be too expensive lah. Hoho. $125! 

I already tried them yday and they are good! 

My cycling computer went a little bonkers last week too and I couldn’t charge it. I got it barely a year ago! Just when I was sad that I had to spend $$ to replace it, it charged again! I am happy! Cycling is an expensive sports.

Mummy Lim

Night Cycling with the Kids

Daddy Lim had to work on Saturday morning and I went on the join the WWFs on my own. 

It was a short ride of less than 40km but I earned a nice bfast at Tiong Bahru Bakery. Oooo... I like bread.

This would be a last group ride for a while until the restrictions eased up again. Haiz. 

It had been a long time since we had gone for a family ride. The last one was just Zaky and myself and without going far, somebody asked to turn back bcos he was tired. Zzzzz. Out of the blue, Lil Shauna said that we should go for a night ride. Sure! 

Just that cycling as a family is hard work bcos we first have to charge the extra lights and pump the kids' bikes' tires. They have gone flat after the prolong non-usage. Zaky's chain has started to rust and we had to degrease and lub them too. I took the chance to do the same for my bike. It had been a while.... too long a while. 

We finally headed out and intended to cycle to Vivocity. Lil Shauna actually suggested Barrage but I think it is too challenge given the long break from cycling. 

The route was a combination of road cycling and PCN. We hit the road right at the start, crossed the spiral bridge and continued on road along WCP. I was worried that Zaky couldn't keep up but he wasn't too bad. We were rolling about 20kmh but there were several impatient drivers who either honked loudly at us or drive very close to us. Haiz. 

We went on the pavement somewhere around Lab Park when Zaky needed a rest. We slowed down and rode on the pavement all the way to Seah Im for the much desired dinner. 

See, see, cable cars! LoL. The lousy phototaking skill. 

Then, we found our way and rode across the Sentosa Broadwalk. 

Finally, it was time to head home. We cut into Lab Park.

Hit the road again after exiting Lab Park, all the way until Jurong Town Hall where we continued the rest of the way via PNC and pavements. 

The roads were a lot less busy in the night and cycling on the roads with the kids were a lot more enjoyable. At a traffic junction while waiting for the light to turn green, Zaky even turned and waved to the driver behind, who nicely reciprocated. So nice of the driver, who slightly compensated for the impatient drivers' experiences earlier on. 

We made it home safely. It was 9ish and Zaky declared that it was bedtime after shower. Exercising is hard work. Lol.

It was a nice experience overall. I do wish that the drivers can be more educated about cyclists on the road. I am sure we obeyed the traffic rules throughout the ride but that didn't stop motorists from honking at us, believing that we are in the wrong to ride 2 abreast on a 2 or more lanes roads. I also lost count of cars that sped closely past us probably intentionally trying to intimidate us. Unless there is a minimum speed or age for cyclists on the road? I don't think so. 

The kids had a great time though. They were very well-protected by their parents and cycling on the road is such thrilling experience. They did learn to watch the traffic alot more this time. We will now have to wait for the restrictions to be lifted before we do this again. 

Mummy Lim

First New Bike Rides

Daddy Lim and Lil Shauna were on a quest to replace my beloved Giant MTB that we easily and quickly sold off on Carousell. She wanted a hybrid bike too so that she could go as fast as Zaky. She could fit a size S bike and it wouldn't be too difficult looking for one for her. Daddy Lim tried persuading her to get a roadie instead but she rejected him flat. Haha. 

Unlike Zaky who bought the 1st bike that he could fit, Lil Shauna did a fair bit of "shopping". She tried a brand new Velo, one of those small wheels bike that could go fast but she thought the handling was too twitchy. She also tried a brand new Raleigh hybrid and this time, Daddy Lim said that it wasn't good enough bcos the parts were the "best parts" from China. She eventually settled for a 2nd hand Giant hybrid. Daddy Lim drove her all the way to Tampines to try the bike. Ya, better buy after the need to drive so far. 

The bike was a few months old and we paid $560 for it. I don't think Daddy Lim bargained. We were told that it was on sales as the seller had changed to another bike. 

On Friday night, we took the new bikes and went for our 1st new bike rides. We started on the PCN and switched to the pedestrians walkway in between connecting PCNs. It was not fun trying to navigate bumpy and winding walkpaths, which was made worse having to share with pedestrians. Then we switched to the roads on segments that were quieter. The kids were no stranger to road cycling but it is better to be safe than sorry. 

We rode all the way to Riverside. 

We were lured by the many cafes only to see that they were all crowded. We eventually settled for a drink and snack at one of the kopitiams on the way back. 

I had envisioned us cycling all the way to the barrage and beyond and back but I think that was too much to ask for a tiring Friday night. Nevertheless, the kids easily nailed 30km. They were definitely faster. Lil Shauna has again secured her 3rd fastest rider title. Zaky struggled a little on the returning trip but all good nevertheless. The kids had plenty to learn on how to work the gearing and road safety. 

Most of the times, Daddy Lim was leading while I swept bcos I didn't know the way. Haha. At many points, I saw how much the kids have grown - from their kiddy bikes to PCNs on their MTB to the adult size hybrids today. 他们又长大了. So emotional!

Mummy Lim

Another New Bike!

Zaky got his kiddy Trek mountain bike 3 years ago (I think). It was his bday present and it was almost $400! I almost fainted and learnt that I should never send Daddy Lim to go shopping with the kids. They will only come back with expensive stuff. Tested and proven a couple of times. 

Lil Shauna inherited my Giant MTB when I moved to my beloved Liv Langma. Even before that, Zaky would always be the slowest during our family ride despite her being on her Btwin kiddy MTB. We had been toying with the idea of buying an adult bike for Zaky. The only problem is that he is too short and even the smallest adult bike is a challenge, not to mention that it is super difficult to find a not too expensive new/ used one in that size. 

Daddy Lim had been on the lookout for a bike for Zaky as his bday gift. We had visited a few bike shops only to be told that the sizes are out. One of the shops' auntie even asked Daddy Lim if he had watched "前线追踪" - there is a surging demand for lower tiers bikes, they have flown off the shelves and are out of stock. 

Last Saturday, we drove to this neighborhood bicycle shop that advertised a size 47 Raleigh hybrid bike. We arrived only to be told that it had been sold. Chey, why they didn't update status. Over lunch, Daddy Lim found another ad for a Btwin XS hybrid bike. The seller is based in CCK and responsive. The next moment, we were in CCK viewing the bike. 

We were told that the bike is about 1+ yo and lightly used. Zaky tried the bike and was barely tall enough. He took to it easily while his poor mother was worried that he would crash and hurt himself and the bike. Heng ah, no ah. The bike probably hasn't been used for a while; its chain dropped when I was testing out the gears. We all got our hands black with the chain oil. Otherwise, the bike looks decent enough. 

We eventually bought it for $230 when it was advertised for $260. The brand new bike was about $370 from Decathlon. I only used my 三层 bargaining 功力 when Daddy Lim agreed to the deal; he said not to bite too hard on the young chap seller. Hoho. 

Zaky was so pleased and was asking to go cycling after his Maths class. Unfortunately, the weather wasn't accommodating and it was raining and drizzling non stop until the late evening. It was too dangerous for him to ride in the night. At least he got to ride in circles in the carpark while his mother paced up and down to ensure that the carpark is clear. I have to constantly remind him to watch out for cars, both moving and stationary. There were a couple of expensive cars in the carpark. Heng ah again, nobody and nothing got hurt. 

We did take a ride on early Sunday morning bcos there was forecast of rain in the later morning and we needed to be in time for Zaky's core 4 test. 

It was a short ride to WCP via PCN and pavements. This time, Zaky went 2nd in line and easily caught up with Daddy Lim. It was Lil Shauna who ended up struggling. She has the heaviest bike among all. We cycled a little on quieter roads on the way back. It wasn't too bad, we just have to watch out very carefully for the kids. 

We are planning for a longer ride. I think it will be fun now that Zaky can ride longer and faster without grumbling. Funnily, it was Lil Shauna who is whinning. Lol. She now wanted a hybrid bike too so that she wouldnt be the lowest in the family. Wah, like that no end right? Haha. 

Mummy Lim

WWF with Kids and Ice Skating 188: Dead

Somebody asked if anybody knew how to ride to Coney island and back via PCN. Upon hearing that the next ride would be via the PCN, Daddy Lim got very excited (much, much more than I was) and asked if we could bring the kids.

We did bring the kids but we didn't go to Coney Island bcos it is a freaking 90km route and our kids are not trained for that kind of distant. It was decided that we would head to the Bukit Brown cemetery instead via mainly pavement and PCN. Spooky!

PCN = slower speed and with kids = crawling speed. Other than our kids, the ride leader also brought his son and the other riders joining the ride were reminded that we would be crawling on this ride. To make up for the "long' ride, we started at 6am, 30 mins earlier than usual

The kids were very excited and it was easy to get them out of bed. I was hoping that their excitement would last throughout the ride. Yes, I was worried, particularly Zaky. We know how he can whine when he is hungry and tired. Not fun.

We were up at 5am and kids at 5.30am so that we would be on time. We were slightly early and the kids ran off to the nearby playground. Ya, at barely 6am in the morning.

While the intention was to use the PCN, we had to 1st find a way to get to the PCN and ended up riding on the road.. all the way until Chevron!

The kids had rode on the road before but usually on isolated roads and for short distant. We did that in Sunshine Coast too and their poor mother almost lost her heart. This time, it was very different. The kids were very well protected with adults in front, behind and beside them and they the totally enjoyed the experience. By the way, the ride leader son is a teenager at 15 YO and used to road riding having done RI with his Dad on several occasions.

The other riders were so patient and nicely rode at 15 to 18km/hr. I was so surprised that nobody fell off their bike due to the slow pace. Haha.

The PCNs were much welcome and were fairly empty in the early morning. We came across a whole family of otters crossing the cannel!

We hit back the road after the PNC at Buona Vista. Soon after we got on the road, it was up and down slope + hit repeat. At the initial steeper slope, Zaky finally gave up and stopped midway. It took a lot of encouragement before he began riding again up the slope and we eventually caught up bcos the rest nicely slowed down to wait for us. It didn't help that he has a kiddy mountain bike.

With each upslope that we encountered, I heard more and more of Zaky's whine and I was so worried that he would really give up. Lil Shauna was a champ and was riding in sync with the group. Fortunately, Zaky pressed on and we eventually arrived at Bukit Brown.

It was another fortunate that the sun was shining brightly and there was nothing spooky about Bukit Brown.

Until we saw what appeared like a horse appearing from one of the misty lanes. Seriously, a rider and horse in the cemetery? I got reminded of the jack'OLantern.

It turned out to be real and the lady kindly stopped for us to admire the horse. It was beautiful.

We did a quick tour of Bukit Brown before the most favorite activity - bfast, at the Adams Road Hawker Center. Zaky insisted on the nasi lemak. There were several stalls selling nasi lemak but were all awkfully slow. Zzzzzz.

The ride back was uneventful but Zaky's energy was also draining and I had to keep reminding him to pedal harder and not hold up the whole group.

We made it home safe and sound - 41.6km, completed in about 4 hours with bfast break. Not too bad.

It was indeed tiring for the kids. The moment they were home, they went for calories loading.

That was not the end for Lil Shauna. Not long after we were home, she had to go for round 2 - her ice skating class. Even before we arrived at the ice, I heard her grumble about how tired her arms and legs were. Ohoh.. never a good sign.

As expected, lesson was lousy. She claimed that she was tired and there were too many people. Zzzzz.

I know that it was indeed tired but I really need to grumble - she had been stuck at her axle jump, camel and broken leg spins for like months! Yawn.

Mummy Lim

Up Up to Mount Faber

The usual Saturday WWF rides are back in place after the long weekend disruptions. The routine is for somebody to volunteer as the ride leader, planned for the route and viola!

The chat was alive with discussion and the ride leader suggested to Labrador Park and back. That is an old route and worked out to be about 30km. I suggested a little further, perhaps to Seah Im. Then I got busy with work.

The next moment when I checked the thread, the group had enthusiastically took my suggestion but it was more than what I had bargained for - climb Mount Faber (MF). Zzzzzz.

I am never much of a climber; I am just a leisure rider. Lol. In the rare few occasions that the rides included MF, I always choose to wait out at the bottom. I remembered how tedious it was when we hiked up MF, I cannot imagine having to cycle up. Well, I was mentally prepared to push my bike this time if need be.

We had a break point before we started climbing MF so that the 1st timers (Daddy Lim and I and 2 other riders) could have a briefing. The advice was to go slow and steady. We were assured that it isn't that bad. There were hoards of other cyclists climbing MF as well.

With that, we started our slow ascend. Seriously, I couldn't go any faster even if I wished to. My eyes were focused on the cyclist in front or the road. I didn't know how much longer there was but realised that MF really isn't as bad as I imagined it to be. Steep sections were followed by short spans of flatter road, allowing me to catch my breathe before I meet another climb.

After several alternating climbs and flats, we finally made it to the top! I didn't stop to push my bike! Hohoho. The sense of achievement was overwhelming but I was quick to reject the ride leader's suggestion for another loop. Yes, cyclists looped MF like it was just another leisure ride.

We took pictures to commemorate our 1st MF ride and then took the exhilarating downhill back to the meeting point. I survived! It was the downhill ride that I had the luxury to look at MF surrounding.

As the group was small(er than usual), we moved faster for the return leg.

Woohoo! We conquered MF! We were also told that MF is more challenging than Pepys and I couldn't do Pepys the last time. I hope that means that I am a stronger cyclist now. Hohoho.

On Sunday morning, Daddy Lim decided to go for his long forgotten trail. Interestingly, the boy enthusiastically followed him even when it meant waking up at 6am. I heard that they went for bfast before hitting the trail. That was an excellent choice given how whinny Zaky can be when he is hungry.

The boys returned at 9ish and Zaky was excitedly relating his 1st encounter with a wild boar who ran across his path. Fortunately, it wasn't interested in them.

It had been a long while since Daddy Lim had gone on a trail and even longer with Zaky tagging along. Zaky absolutely enjoyed the experience. Daddy Lim also agreed that he now handles his bike better. There were a couple of near misses but no visible injury. Yay!

Mummy Lim