decent beater

[stalagmike]

Looking for a few makes/models of decent beater bike I could look out for 2nd hand for very little money? Something that can be maintained rather than a BSO? The type of riding I would describe as 'pootling'.

 

[GlenBen]

Something like a carerra subway? Theyre dirt cheap 2nd hand and not too bad.

 

[stalagmike]

Something like a carerra subway? Theyre dirt cheap 2nd hand and not too bad.

Yes. Have heard them mentioned. Anybody got one? Can they be worked on to keep them running sweetly..?

 

[biggs682]

Looking for a few makes/models of decent beater bike I could look out for 2nd hand for very little money? Something that can be maintained rather than a BSO? The type of riding I would describe as 'pootling'.

you want a good old 70 / 80's road bike ideal for pootling

 

[GlenBen]

Theyre mostly specced with low end shimano, good enough to be worth maintaining, but still cheap. I used to have one for commuting quite a few years ago and had no complaints.

 

[stalagmike]

you want a good old 70 / 80's road bike ideal for pootling

Indeed. But they are not that cheap anymore now the hipsters are involved.

 

[User32269]

Raleigh Pioneer. Still cheep. Bombproof. Not that appealing to thieves. Can be ridden off road. Will take any old parts you have in the shed.

 

[Alan O]

For a pootling beater, I'd say a 70s/80s/90s steel bike from almost any reputable maker (ideally a Reynolds 531 one). The famous auction site has many, often at very low prices - I've bought two seriously nice 531 frames over the past six months for less than the price of a couple of top-end spokes, and I've seen many decent whole bikes selling for silly money.

You'll almost certainly have to do a basic service at least - new cables, brake blocks, tubes (and maybe tyres), lubrication, probably some bearings, possibly chain. But the bits you'd need to get are also abundant on that same auction site.

And you'll end up with a bike made from the most resilient and long-lasting frame material ever invented, designed to last forever (with appropriate maintenance) and not just until next year's model comes around.

Alan

 

[stalagmike]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/302263470305

Possible...

 

[User32269]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/302263470305

Possible...

Could become a bit of a money pit? If you don't have parts already it's easy to spend far too much. Obviously, not speaking from experience myself

 

[Alan O]

Could become a bit of a money pit? If you don't have parts already it's easy to spend far too much. Obviously, not speaking from experience myself

Well, after buying a Raleigh Royal touring frame (one with cantilever brake bosses) last year for £45, it cost me around £200 for the parts needed to build it up (at famous auction site prices), and I reckon that's a great overall price for what I now have. OK, I added another £100 for a Brooks saddle, but that was a luxury

Alan

 

[NorthernDave]

Yes. Have heard them mentioned. Anybody got one? Can they be worked on to keep them running sweetly..?

Mrs ND has a Subway One and it's a cracking bike for the money, even better if you can find a lightly used pre-owned bargain.

 

[simon.r]

https://www.gumtree.com/p/bicycles/b-twin-5-hybrid-bike-decathlon/1228176641

 

[stalagmike]

https://www.gumtree.com/p/bicycles/b-twin-5-hybrid-bike-decathlon/1228176641

That's an interesting find. A bit far from me but good to know. I should have known decathlon would do something along the right lines. My training bike is a Triban.

 

[stalagmike]

Could become a bit of a money pit? If you don't have parts already it's easy to spend far too much. Obviously, not speaking from experience myself

Thanks for the warning. I have no parts at all. I am a bit of a noob to this game.