Adivce needed please!

[ufkacbln]

A few years ago the frame on my Airnimal split when on tour.

I calculated that by the time I had altered plans, paid full price train fares and cancellations for accommodation, then I was facing a bill of about £250

So I bought myself a Ridgeback Speed at £200

Not as comfortable or refined, but perfectly adequate as a bike carrying luggage and coping well with hills, downhills and mixed terrain.

I still have it and use it as an occasional runaround fro places I don't want to take one of the expensive bikes.

Providing you take time to make sure the bike is right for you, then the SUbways, or any of the Dawes / aleigh / ridgeback models should be fine.

 

[evilclive]

Thanks again guys.

I am just flipping a coin here though as I have no knowledge of what would be a better brand or bike whatever one is better I will buy.

The Carerra Subway LTD or the Saracen Urban Escape hmmm.

Is it worth making sure the fork isn't cut short, to give you the option of raising or lowering the bars? Dunno what length steerer these bikes come with from the factory though.

 

[Danny251]

Purchased the Saracen and it rides excellent very pleased

 

[vickster]

Excellent...what other goodies did you get? And you only went over your original budget by around a ton, fab

 

[Hip Priest]

Halfords Carrera range are well regarded at the budget end, such as this http://www.halfords....tegoryId_165534 (just steer clear of Apollo and Trax)

Not sure a £150 BSO will survive 3-4 outing a week for long?

Eek. I'm currently commuting on a £180 Apollo hybrid. 50 miles p/w (plus the occasional long weekend ride). I'm hoping it'll do me for a year. If it doesn't, at least I'll be able to forewarn any other newbie cyclists on here.

 

[Danny251]

Excellent...what other goodies did you get? And you only went over your original budget by around a ton, fab

I know lol I ended up just taking some of the money I saved up for a car because I realised bikes are so much better for commuting. Really excited to start cycling to work.

I ended up buying a £50 helmet, lights, mud guards, U lock with wire rope and bottle cage (they didn't throw that in for free because I was getting money off the bike in the first place lol )

Just went and ordered a high-vis top and black shorts too so it's safe to say I am doing all-right gear wise.

Just need a pannier rack and bag and I am sorted for commuting to work

Does anyone insure their bike out of interest?

 

[vickster]

Booo to no bottle cage!

You'll probably want some sort of waterproof, but breathable jacket too...especially as you are in Scotland

Yes, my bikes are insured on my home contents policy...assuming you have one, give them a call, usually much cheaper than a specific bike policy

Cycling is indeed much better than driving for you and the environment and have you seen the price of petrol nowadays!!

 

[Danny251]

Booo to no bottle cage!

You'll probably want some sort of waterproof, but breathable jacket too...especially as you are in Scotland

Yes, my bikes are insured on my home contents policy...assuming you have one, give them a call, usually much cheaper than a specific bike policy

Cycling is indeed much better than driving for you and the environment and have you seen the price of petrol nowadays!!

Lol yep rainy Scotland! Thankfully the jacket I got is breathable and waterproof

So expensive mate yep! I am 20 and insurance for a basic car was costing £3000 I really can't afford that I am a student with a part time job for gods sake! lol

I think from now on I will always own a good bike (even if I get a car) for small-medium journeys. My fitness isn't bad at all but I hope to get a lot fitter over summer for the longer journeys

 

[smokeysmoo]

Just need a pannier rack and bag and I am sorted for commuting to work
Does anyone insure their bike out of interest?

I've always presumed I wouldn't get away with panniers with my size 12/13 plates of meat? I just use a c, but it is an absolute cracker, My Rucksack

Insurance is on my house and contents