Guidance Wanted Please

[Oldbiker]

I have been away from cycling for about 30 years and the cycle scene has changed a great deal since I last rode a bike regularly. I am about to buy a new cycle, but have a couple of questions
My first question is this. Since I last rode regulary I have put on a lot of weight and currently weigh 19 stones (120Kg) .Most modern frames are alloy of one sort or another and I am wondering if I should go for a modern alloy frame or would a steel one be stronger?
My second question is should I go for derailleur gears or an internal hub gear? Personally I'd prefer an internal hub gear as all the working parts are enclosed so are protected from water and grit from the roads which I think would improve reliability. I was thinking of buying a bike fitted with a 7 or 8 speed Shimano Nexus hub. However I have heard stories that they suffer with poor reliability, and cost a great deal to repair when they do go wrong. Also that the internals need cleaning and re-greasing every year. The bike will be used for commuting on a 14 mile round trip each day, mainly on "B" roads, with only one hill that has a 10% gradient .
I would welcome comments as to which way to go.
T.I.A
Oldbiker

 

[Fab Foodie]

Welcome Oldbiker... many return to cycling, so good on you.

OK. Need to know a bit more stuff, but am reading between the lines that you're looking for a 'hybrid' style bike, i.e flat handlebars, needs mudguards? Need a rack for carrying commuting stuff. Roads primarily. Need an idea of budget. Do you have a good Local Bike Shop (LBS) and what do they stock/Support?

Your weight shouldn't be a problem unless on the lightest race rocket, but worth checking with your vendor.
Regarding gears, modern indexed double and triple-gearing set-ups are very reliable, simple and durable, OK a small amount of TLC is required, a quick wipe and re-lube, but nothing onerous.
Something with slightly fatter smooth road-tyres might be an advantage, say 28c rather than super-skinny 23c. Slightly wider tyres will roll better anyway particularly on B-road surfaces and will provide a bit more 'suspension' and comfort. Avoid any suspension system.

Look at bikes like the Specialized Sirrus as an example. would tick the boxes...
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/sirrus-2009-hybrid-bike-ec016920

OR

If you want drop-bars then consider the Dawes Horizon, drop bars, good chro-moly steel frame for comfort and 30c tyres will provide plenty strength and comfort. Unfortunately, drop bar bikes are much more expensive than flat bar bikes due to the cost of the integrated gear-shifter/brake-lever systems. Great ready-to-go commuter/workhorse. Yopu could happily tour on this too, if that's your thing.

http://www.holcroscycles.com/productdetail/123/964/Dawes-Horizon-Touring-Bike-(2009).html

Hope that kick-starts some thoughts!

 

[oxbob]

Hi Oldbiker, FF has given some great advice as usual.I would not worry about alloy frames,they have come a long way since you last rode a bike.As for gears i would go for derailleur simply from a price/replacement cost

 

[Speicher]

I often read posts on here about people trying to choose a bike. If I say, as Oldbiker has, that I will be starting at say, 10 miles. Then really get back into cycling, how do I know if the same bike will cover/be comfortable for example, 50 or 60 miles. This would be on a similar terrain, quiet B roads. I do not expect to start racing. Or is it the cyclist that has more work/fitness to gain, and the same bike would continue to be suitable as I improve.

Please excuse the basic questions, I am sure I will get some very sensible answers.

 

[bonj2]

if you want mudguards i've got some i'm selling, i'll do you a cracking deal on them

 

[oxbob]

Would this be on the Eagle?

 

[Speicher]

Mudguards, not sure if I go fast enough to need them.

 

[oxbob]

The bike needs to fit you 1st Wol, try here and be as precise as you can with measurements http://www.competitivecyclist.com/za/CCY?PAGE=FIT_CALCULATOR_INTRO

 

[Speicher]

The bike needs to fit you 1st Wol, try here and be as precise as you can with measurements http://www.competitivecyclist.com/za/CCY?PAGE=FIT_CALCULATOR_INTRO

Looks like I might need some help with all those measurements. Perhaps I should visit Mr Bonkman of Malvernshire?

 

[oxbob]

 

[Speicher]

Why the , oh oops

I see, , its just that he is nearest regular poster on this forum, geographically speaking.

 

[oxbob]

 

[MacB]

I was in a similar sort of scenario at end of last year and I bought the wrong bike. It's very nice, Giant CRS Alliance, half carbon, flat bar hybrid. But it really isn't best suited to a heavy guy, on a long commute, with two fully laden panniers. I'm keeping the Giant but stripping it down and putting thinner tyres(currently 35mm) on and it will be a weekend/fun bike.

For the commute I've gone with a hub gear(the SRAM I-9) in a Surly Crosscheck steel frame. Out of all the 'off the peg' steel frames I looked at, this one won out. This was based on reviews and the frame potential to take tyres/rack/guards/brake systems and, most importantly, the horizontal dropouts to negate the need for a chain tensioner when running a hub gear. I chose the hub gear based on 2 aspects, the rear wheel with it cost £367 as opposed to £1100 for the Rohloff. Secondly removal of rear wheel was a much simpler process with the SRAM than the Shimano. But I would stress that the Surly will only be a commuter. If I find I love steel then a custom built frame, in a higher/lighter grade steel, will beckon.

At present I'm thinking, commuter workhorse = bike No1, quality custom steel tourer = Bike No2, stripped down fast road = bike No 3 and old steel frame 8/9 speed = pub/pootling bike. Thus believing I will be satisfied at 4 bikes. However I am painfully aware of the n+1 equation relating to the amount of bikes you need

Searching my user name on here will give you a lot of recent info on the sort of questions you're looking at.

 

[Oldbiker]

Thanks for your suggestions

Thanks for your help to my queries. Fab Foodie you read between the lines very well, a Town/City style bike is what I have in mind. As you suggested full mudguards and a rear carrier are essential. Comfort is very important to me. Thanks for your comments on tyre sizes I had not appreciated the difference in ride comfort that slightly fatter tyres will make. I will keep your suggestion in mind when making my final choice. I agree totally with you regards suspension systems, I see no need for them on a bike that will be used 95% on the road. I think the extra expense involved in suspension systems would be much better spent in buying a bike with a better frame/components.
Thanks for your suggestions about possible purchases. To me the Dawes Horizon is a really well built and solid cycle that will last a lifetime, sadly it's out of my price range which is £500 absotute maximum. I was a little confused at your suggestion of the Specialized Sirrus. While Specialized make excellent cycles, the Sirrus has neither mudgards or a rear carrier, but is the style of bike I had in mind. Sadly I don't have a good local bike shop here in East Berkshire, but do not see that as a problem. I have a car and am happy to travel 50 miles or so if necessary. I have picked out a three possibilities and would welcome your comments.
Raleigh Metro GLX
Raleigh Metro Elite 1
Claude Butler Legend
Thanks again to everyone that answered my queries

 

[Fab Foodie]

Hi Oldbiker

Of those you've quoted, 2 seem to have front suspension, avoid like the plague.. The Raleigh with the hub gear looks tidy though! Though there's possibly better for the money.
BTE: The Sirrus will take guards and a rack but they are extra.

Bike -shop wise if you can get to Caversham (Reading) then AW Cycles is the place. Very good, lifted £1200 out of my wallet!

Now we know what you are looking for and your budget it seems you have a lot of choice:

http://www.awcycles.co.uk/category/Bikes/Hybrid_Bikes/Leisure~Commuting_Bikes/71/p_1/index.aspx

I like the look of the fully kitted Ridgeback and the Bianchi! AW will also let you test ride and do a very good fitting service.
Specialized also do a city range with a Nexus Hub complete inc. lights... good looker too!

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/globe-city-6-2008-hybrid-bike-ec001481

I would say that buying from one of the 'bigger' brands like Specialized, Giant, Bianchi, Trek, Ridgeback is a pretty safe bet and usually better value for money too due to their huge buying power.

Just a thought.