buying a new bike - help!?

[mjw]

Having borrowed my boyfriends Ridgeback cyclone over the last couple of weeks to commute to work (he's unable to ride it at the moment but back on the road as of a week today), I have decided to invest in a new bike.

I live in a first floor flat and have to carry the bike up a very narrow staircase every day so for me its important I have something lightweight. I'm looking at Hybrid's and wanted advice/recommendations for a good ladies lightweight bike.

At the moment am looking at a Giant Expression W 08 and my Dad's friend recommended the Optima Richmond Ladies 09 bike. If anyone has any thoughts I would really appreciate it. Am looking to purchase in the next week.

Thanks!

 

[VictorL]

I am a new member (and new to cycling) so don't take my opinion too much notice - but I just bought a Trek 7.3 FX Sports Hybrid (retail price £425) so similar budget to what you have.

But as most people told me on here - try lots of bikes before you buy one. To me there wasn't anything to compete with the Trek and so I stretched my budget to afford it.

In my opinion - well worth a look (I am planning to only use on roads / cycle paths - it may not be the ideal bike if you are doing any thing else).

 

[scots_lass]

Take your bathroom scales to the shop when you are looking at bikes. (I used to take my kitchen scales with me when buying hiking boots!). Not all bikes quote their weight and having to carry your bike up/down a flight of stairs twice a day makes this important! There are probably quite a few bikes out there that will suit your riding purpose but not many you will be happy to lug about!

 

[xpc316e]

I reckon that the frame configuration would make as much difference as the weight of the machine itself if you have to carry it regularly. For me a light bike that was not convenient to pick up would be come second to something slightly heavier that had easy hand-holds, or was comfortable on my shoulder.

 

[debk123]

Hi there,

I'm in a very similar situation to you, so you might want to check out the thread I posted:

http://www.cyclechat.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=38474

I'll have to carry mine up a spiral staircase so I feel your pain!

Hope it's helpful,

Deborah.

 

[HJ]

The thing is "light" and "cheap" don't go together in cycling, you can have heavy and cheap or light and expensive. If you want a light weight expect to pay. My wife has a Trek 7300 FX and has to take the panniers off before carrying it up the stairs (we live on the 3rd floor)...

 

[jimboalee]

I used to commute via Coventry Railway station where the quick way to the platform was over the footbridge. It is two flights, the same as a first floor flat.
It was a bit of a pain at first until I sorted out the way to pick the bike up.
I know it sounds daft. The usual method is to put the toptube on your shoulder with the seat tube resting on your scapula, holding the downtube with the hand. This is tricky when climbing stairs.

The simple method is to lean over the bike, grasp the seat tube at the front mech clamp and straighten the spine. The top tube comes up into your armpit. Grab the stem with the other hand and pull the front wheel up to clear the steps.

Over time, if you alternate from right to left hand lifting, your upper body and oblique abdominals will trim and firm up.