Equipment
You don’t need anything special to play Bike Polo, which is part of the charm. Initially just turn up on a bike and we’ll lend you a mallet. If you start to get more interested, there are a couple of things to consider…
Bike
It’s best to ride a bike that you’re comfortable with, and maybe something without too many expensive/pokey/fragile bits that could damage or become damaged during the game.
The ideal bicycle for polo has narrow or swept back bars to allow easier mallet swinging, a single (low) gear for fast acceleration and a decent brake for, well stopping. Many players prefer fixed wheel (no freewheel, brake with your legs) but this is a more advanced skill with its own merits and problems.
Mallet
We started off with broom handles attached to lumps of wood, which you just can’t beat for a good satisfying hit! However we have now begun to switch to ski poles with plastic pipe heads, sacrificing power for light weight and better dribbling ability.
For grass polo, wood still rules! Except when it gets waterlogged.
Protection
Polo isn’t particularly dangerous, but slow speed falls are fairly common. Wearing a helmet is recommended, but up to you. Many prefer without.
Gloves help grip the mallet, and protect hands from grazes if you decide to visit the concrete.
The best safety policy is simply to avoid Ivan. He’s the mad Czech with blonde hair.
