Friend asking for Bike Choice advice

[summerdays]

She has been cycling for years (on the same bike) but her old bike is not worth fixing according to the LBS. She has seen these two bikes and initially liked the Velocity but then was slightly swayed by the fact she would get the rack and mudguards on the cheaper bike. Now she's asked my opinion and whilst I know they haven't chucked those bits in for free and I can see differences in the spec's which one would you suggest. Me I've already said I'd got for the more expensive one and then pay for the extra bits so that would make it about £100/£120 more expensive. Is it worth that difference?

She has taken both bikes out for a ride. It will be used for commuting on roads/cycle track and occasional trips with her child to the Forest of Dean.

 

[- Baz -]

I've had a Ridgeback Speed since June which I've used every day (apart from the recent bad weather) for commuting a 14 mile round trip. 1400 miles so far. I notice the price has increased by £50 since I bought mine (Evans).

It's made to a price point. The pedals are made of cheese, so they'll need replacing straight away. Original chain (Shimano) I found similarly poor - lasted about 300 miles - and replaced with a KMC X8 99 with missing links. Brake pads will need replacing, too (Ashima are a good replacement). The headset needs checking and tightenting regularly (not a problem) - at least mine does. The el cheapo Tourney derailleurs and EZ Fire shifters have been reliable and have worked flawlessly without adjustment from day one and continue to do so. Cheap to replace should the worst happen, too. Shimano freewheel still has only minimal signs of wear. Had no problems either with the brakes, mudguards or rack. Seems excellent kit.

The bike is well built and sturdy - frame is particulary good - it's a comfy bike for the distance I do. Continental Contacts are a plus (though I've recently swapped to M+). Generic rims have taken a bashing and stood up to the daily rigours of Manchester roads, though no QR hubs. The supplied saddle is good, but I found it too soft after regular use and replaced mine with a Charge Spoon and love it - just personal preference.

I can recommend it as a great bike and excellent value for the money - I'd buy another if I had the same budget - with the above caveats. The Velocity MAY be a better bet if the bike gets high mileage.

Hope that helps!

 

[HLaB]

Its worth the difference for a much lighter better geared bike with better components (that'll last longer). My own experience was a few years ago I went to buy a speed but the velocity just felt so much better. 3 and half years (8000miles) on I'm glad I made the upgrade.

 

[summerdays]

Thanks for that ... she uses the bike daily so it will get plenty of use so I think on balance its worth spending the extra £100 or so to see if it will last her as long as the previous one did.