I used to be a bike snob.

It's true, I confess. Bikes had to be superlight and superfast. Aesthetics combined with technical superiority were paramount. Admittedly, I was a little spoilt for choice. I used to test ride bicycles and write reviews as part of my job, so I knew what good bikes were made of. Usually carbon fibre.

These days, I'm not so snobby. Actually, not at all. I don't really care what a bike weighs or what it's made of, if it brings the rider the joy of discovering the world in a new way, or a healthier way to get to work. Here in Alice Springs, cycling is an ideal way to get around, as it's mostly flat and not too far to get around town. Bikes need to be able to handle rough and bumpy road surfaces, and thorn-proof tubes and tyres are a must.

I've just added a new little number to my collection of bikes. This one is red. It has a basket and a bell. It's a singlespeed. It's got shiny red mudguards and a rack on the back. It's a little bit heavy heavy and it rattles. It has a kickstand. It was cheap and I bought it through Facebook and what's more, I LOVE it. It's perfect for pedalling lazily on warm (hot) summer days. To work, to the shops, to the pub. I'm imagining lots of summer adventures on this little beauty.

There's nothing light or fast about this new bicycle of mine, and I like it that way.