Getting more and more confused

[VictorL]

I keep finding bikes but then confusing myself.

I have looked at a Dawes 301 today and quite liked it. I also saw a 201 but one of the 'main' differences was that it had single rim as opposed to double rim wheels.

I have also looked at a Trek 7.0 as opposed to a 7.3 and was told that the 7.3 had a cassette hub which is much better.

I realise that as I spend more and more money the specs go up - but are there any 'basics' that I must have - ie the two above mentioned points (and any other)

Cheers in advance

 

[Globalti]

What are single and double rim wheels?

 

[gbb]

In simple terms, you're paying for 8 speed on the 301, instead of 7 on the 201, and the double wall rims on the 301 will be better quality.

What does it give you ?...stronger wheels with double wallled rims, and a smoother transition between gears with the 8 speed.

 

[VictorL]

But this is what I don't understand - what is stronger. Why would I need stronger wheels?

 

[jack the lad]

There is an engineering saying "Durable, Light, Cheap - pick any 2". The more you spend, in general, the better a bike you will get because it will be both lighter and more durable.

Marketing people know how to tempt you to spend more by having products (not just bikes) that are marginally better than others and only slightly more expensive. They tempt you to spend a lot more than you originally planned by leading you through in small easy stages until, by £10 increments, your £200 bike budget is now £500. Yes it will be a better bike if you can afford it.

Once you have done your research, stand back and think about what you want a bike for and how much you have to spend. Then find the bike that is most fit for purpose within your budget. Don't be tempted to spend out on 'features' that are not going to affect your riding experience. It may matter more to you, for example, to spend your budget on a rack and mudguards than on ultra lightweight carbon fibre knick knacks. A racer will have the opposite priority.

Don't forget the emotional side though - if it was only £10 more will you always regret not having gone for the chrome plated obulating thrunge rather than the brass one, or will you always feel smug knowing that you saved yourself from giving the oily creep in the shop that unecessary tenner?

 

[VictorL]

Thanks for that - pretty much what I expected. The £250 budget crept up to just under £500!

So, the plan is that I want to commute (5 miles each way, but often go back home for lunch or extend the journey) to work around 3 to 4 times a week. About 2 or 3 weekends a month I will go out for a ride by my self - hopefully up to about a 30 mile radius.

All my journeys will be on the road, so all my bikes have been a sporty hybrid. I do not have any plans to join any clubs or anything similar - the usage of the bike is mainly for fitness.

Do I need double walled rims and do I need a cassette hub?

Cheers

 

[jack the lad]

If you can afford it I would say yes. If you regularly commute 50 miles a week and add in some longish weekend rides you want a good bike that will last. Strong wheels with strong hubs are well worth including on your wish list.

Double wall wheel rims will be less likely to be badly affected by road conditions and get buckled (but check spoke tension regularly- they should all be quite tight and even, especially if you hit a pothole and get them retensioned before they go 'ping') and a cassette hub is stronger than a freewheel hub, and will be virtually maintenance free for your kind of road use.

 

[Amanda P]

Jack's advice is good.

Especially about the obulating thrunge.

 

[HJ]

If you buy cheap, expect to buy twice... for the sort of mileage you are talking about getting a bike with cheap components is a false economy.

 

[Sittingduck]

Decent wheels are a must if you want the bike to last / cycle on potholed roads / are heavier than the average bear or (like me) are afflicted by all 3!