Looking for the Ideal Bicycle

[CityCycling]

Hello

I've joined the forum in an attempt to find the ideal bike!

I cycle 28 miles a day, 18 of which are along the canal towpath (sometimes bumpy, stoney, holey!) and 10 of which are on London's roads. Each way (14 miles) takes me about 1hr 15/20 not including stopping.

I bought a second-hand bike that served me well for a while and now it's getting punctures all the time (twice a week at least) and not coping well. I took it in and they said it would cost me £160 altogether to get it fixed up and happy, and even then it'll still get regular punctures.

I also carry quite a bit on the back rack. I have a Raleigh fitted carrying case thing (don't know technical term obviously) and in there I carry my handbag and anything else like clothes and packages I take home from work. I'm afraid I don't have specific weights each day. So it would need to have strong tyres but also go fast!

Any suggestions? Not setting a budget, just seeing what options there are.

Thank you

 

[jamin100]

Boardman CX

http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/my-new-commuter-boardman-cx.95956/
http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/new-boardman-cx-team-2011.83618/

 

[Hebe]

Not an expert, but I think that putting puncture-resistant tyres on your existing bike should work out cheaper than a new bike and should decrease the rate of punctures. I'm sure someone who knows more on this will be along. Just in case you wanted a cheaper option to a whole new bike.

 

[Sittingduck]

Stick with the bike that has served you well for a bit longer but invest in some new and decent tyres. If you still feel the need for a new bike after trying that, you won't have spent much...?

Where did you take it that quoted you £160 to fix it up and exactly what were they planning to do to it?

 

[CityCycling]

Hi,

thanks for all the comments! Here are some answers/responses to posts.

Please bear in mind these are central London prices! £160 was quoted me because they said they would need to change the back wheel, the brakes are touching the wheel (true - another reason I took it in instead of fixing myself), the pedals are wobbly, they want to change the chain and gear hub and give it a full service (£70 on its own) and of course new inner tube and also tyre perhaps (optional)...

I'm just worried that in trying to save money by buying second hand I'm spending hand over fist on repairs. I wouldn't mind spending a chunk of money on a great bike that will not need so much maintainance! They know me in the shop by name now!

The bike hasn't exactly served me for that long - only about 200 miles I should think, as every time I get into a good routine something goes wrong and I have to start paying to get the tube again...

I hope this helps and I look forward to finding the right bike!
I've been recommended a Ridgeback hybrid for £399. I don't know the model I'm afraid but are these bikes generally good?

Thanks again

 

[mickle]

T-w-e-n-t-y e-i-g-h-t m-i-l-e-s a d-a-y ??????

Good Lord. That's some pretty serious mileage you're racking up there. It's no wonder you've destroyed your old un.

I'd buy something like a touring bike if I were you.

 

[CityCycling]

T-w-e-n-t-y e-i-g-h-t m-i-l-e-s a d-a-y ??????

Good Lord. That's some pretty serious mileage you're racking up there. It's no wonder you've destroyed your old un.

I'd buy something like a touring bike if I were you.

Haha - yes, I try my best to use the bicycle to commute, and it's quite far!

It's not too bad though, and I enjoy it. I'll have a look at touring bikes - thanks!

 

[mickle]

http://www.ridgeback.co.uk/bike/journey

 

[dan_bo]

http://www.ridgeback.co.uk/bike/journey

I've got the older version of that frame (solo world) and it's an excellent war/workhorse.

 

[mickle]

I'm very concious that by advising a 'newbie' to splash out £1000+ on a bike is asking for trouble. The trick is to decide which type of bike suits your needs, then narrow it down to which specific bike would best suit your needs, and then look back at your budget, and find the nearest bike you can afford to your ideal.

 

[heppy]

Have to agree with a CX or tourer type bike, try a search for last years model there are some good deals to be had if you look hard enough?

I've just picked up a 2011 specialized sirrus expert for £700, last year it was £1,000.

Good luck

 

[lulubel]

I took it in and they said it would cost me £160 altogether to get it fixed up and happy, and even then it'll still get regular punctures.

Please bear in mind these are central London prices! £160 was quoted me because they said they would need to change the back wheel, the brakes are touching the wheel (true - another reason I took it in instead of fixing myself), the pedals are wobbly, they want to change the chain and gear hub and give it a full service (£70 on its own) and of course new inner tube and also tyre perhaps (optional)...

Personally, if they've given you a quote like that, told you replacing the tyre is optional, and it'll still get regular punctures, I'd be looking for a new bike shop before I looked for a new bike.

The vast majority of punctures are caused by tyres that are either worn or not fit for purpose, and replacing the tyre with something suitable solves them (and you can get puncture resistant tyres in all shapes and sizes). Also, I'd question replacing the rear wheel because the brakes are rubbing. The brakes could be set up badly, or the wheel could need truing. It's possible you might need a new wheel, but not very likely. I don't know any bike shops in London, but I'd be very suspicious that they either don't know what they're doing, or they saw someone inexperienced come in the door, and their eyes lit up.

However, if you want to buy a new bike rather than solving the problems with your current one, there are probably a couple of sensible options. One, as has been said, is a tourer. Another is a kind of road-ish hybrid, but with a slightly tougher frame than a road bike, and the capacity to take wider tyres for comfort on the towpath. Or you could look at a cyclocross bike (like the Boardman CX that has already been recommended). They're capable off-road and quite quick on-road.

Probably the biggest decision you need to make is whether you want dropped or flat bars. There are pros and cons to both for commuting, so knowing which you want, and also knowing whether you want a more or less upright position, will help to point you towards the right style of bike.

 

[simon.r]

This bike looks interesting - I'm not recommending it as I've never seen one, let alone ridden one, but I hear good things about the belt drive and roller brakes. The hub gear would certainly need a lot less maintenance than 'normal' gears. May be worth looking at?

 

[AncientWyvern]

I would consider first changing the tyres to something like Schwalbe Marthon Plus' or somular with puncture protection. Changing the bike will not stop you getting punctures, it may also be worth you looking at your inner tubes, and wheels (make sure nothing from the week is poking into the inner tube). There are also lots of anti puncture products around that may serve your purpose, such as Tyreweld (though I wouldn't touch the stuff personally - it's cheating).

If however your needing an excuse for a new bike, first think of your needs...

As you're going over (potentally) a lot of debris then consider a hybrid or 29er something like:

http://www.rutlandcycling.com/34543/Giant-Bikes-Roam-XR-2-2012--Hybrid-Bike.html
http://www.rutlandcycling.com/39733/Scott-Aspect-29-Sport-2012---29er-Mountain-Bike.html

 

[Hebe]

I have a Specialized Vita (the female specific version of the Sirrus, I believe. Mine is the Elite version and was about gbp600. I added wider tyres for the odd bit of very gentle off-road.

Maybe think about taking your bike to a different shop and getting a second opinion?