Did I make a mistake

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DJ

Formerly known as djtheglove
I have been commuting on my bike for almost two years now, all the way through the winter as well, doing 12 hour shifts (including nights). I started on my old steel frame racer that I thought I would re-build. I have learnt a lot about how bikes work I must admit! However I was still having problems with it in July and as the car has gone to the scrap yard (and has'nt been replaced) I thought to my self I must have areliable bike for commuting.
So I rushed on to the internet and within a couple of hours had spent as little as (I thought) possible on a new commuter.
A Dawes Giro200 2008 model.

It was'nt until I actualy rode the bike that I realised that I am not going to get any after sale service and that there are one or two points about the bike that I aint too keen on!

It was all driven by my lack of budget, around £200.00.

Could I have done any better had I shopped around?

Oh and by the way this is my first thread on here up till now I have been content with laughing at everyone elses hilarious comments.
 

ianrauk

Tattooed Beat Messiah
Location
Rides Ti2
Your local indpendant bike shop will be happy to service the bike. It will probrably need tweeking in a few weeks anyway once all the cables have stretched. I say LBS as you will get a far better service then any Halfords. It shouldn't be too expensive either.

SE London? Where abouts are you?
 

ianrauk

Tattooed Beat Messiah
Location
Rides Ti2
yeah that's the best thing. You can always save up for your next one. Nice new 2009 bikes are starting to make an appearence now.. Was in my LBS this afternoon drooling over the Marin full carbon Highway.... :evil:

Gypsy Hill... I was born in Gypsy Hill, Colby Road, my grandfather worked on Gypsy Hill Station all his working life.

Am now in Orpington.
 

RedBike

New Member
Location
Beside the road
You haven't said what you don't like.

I've never owned one but it looks typical of most £200 road bikes; and being Dawes it's probably well made.
 

Milo

Guru
Location
Melksham, Wilts
I have the dawes 300 and I found it great value for money parts have not worn out quickly or anything like that.
Though I think the giro 200 has downtube shifters?
 
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DJ

Formerly known as djtheglove
ianrauk said:
yeah that's the best thing. You can always save up for your next one. Nice new 2009 bikes are starting to make an appearence now.. Was in my LBS this afternoon drooling over the Marin full carbon Highway.... :angry:

Gypsy Hill... I was born in Gypsy Hill, Colby Road, my grandfather worked on Gypsy Hill Station all his working life.

Am now in Orpington.
Thats amazing I live in Colby rd!! Dont want to say which number on here, but that is quite an incredible coinsidence!! The station probably has'nt changed much since last Your Grandfathers time.

We always spell it 'Gipsy' with an I , However I believe either is correct.

Should it really be spelt with a'Y'
 

tdr1nka

Taking the biscuit
New Cross calling Upper Norwood.
I used to live in the vicarge of the church on Gypsy Hill!:angry:
 
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DJ

Formerly known as djtheglove
You are correct Milo it has down tube shifters! I should have checked I know, but I just assumed that it would have those lovely ones up on the brakes. The other point is in south East London I should'nt really have quick release wheels.?!!

Pleased to hear that they are well made though !

Are there any concerns about what would happen to Alloy frames in the case of an accident? a mate of mine said they just crumple in a collision?
 

tdr1nka

Taking the biscuit
Thats the one!
5m:eek:
Still, a fantastic view from the top, on a clear day.

The vicarage is down the side of the 'new' church on Highland Rd.
Back in the day(the 90's)a group of friends and I used to house sit/rent for the CofE on six or nine month contracts to stop their empty properties from being squatted.:angry:

The only thing we were ever religious about was paying our rent.:sad:
 
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DJ

Formerly known as djtheglove
Actualy you've just given me an idea! If theMortgage carries on going up any more I could go and squat one of the Cof E properties on Gipsy Hill better view than my place too I would think!

Better watch tho I believe the present Vic sends his kids to the same school as mine!
 

tdr1nka

Taking the biscuit
I love that part of London.
Now I've gone all nostalgic:rolleyes:

More shockingly I remember cycling the 3/4 up Gypsy Hill, home to the vicarage everyday, during a two week stint landscape gardening in Islington.:angry: Doubt I could do that nowadays.
 
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DJ

Formerly known as djtheglove
I must admit the hills are what I love about hte place, even walking up Gipsy Hill is a work out on its own.

Cycling up Farquhar rd with a child on the back is great and coming down hearing his squeels of delight is even better!
 
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