My new commuter - LA-Sovereign Spider

[arnuld]

Okay, after a long wait, here is my Red Spider to please your eyes. Bought it at the price of 4500 INR (INdian Rupees) with a company provided lock and free bell. Check HQ images at 2200 pixels at my tinypic account:

http://tinypic.com/a/1jihh/3 or http://tinypic.com/arnuld


My friend was busy at work so I had to go to the shop for the photo shoot and he charged me 15 INRs per pic. I tried very hard but he did not agree on lowering the price or bargaining at all (except he was saying 20 INRs earlier), so have to pay 270 INRs

. But photos were essential, I can't make you people wait for too long

.

How about removing the rear panniers ? The only reason I am not removing then is to hang my lock on. Lock is too rigid to be wrapped around the seat tube, any solutions ? Mudguards I wanted to remove but can't because Indian roads are full of gutter water sometimes

. Any other advice for improvement ?

 

[gaz]

Change the pedals. plastic = useless.
You got options of metal ones with spikes or studs in for grip.
cleated pedals.
or toe straps.

 

[PpPete]

Hi Arnuld.
Congratulations on your new bike.
Looks like a good robust machine. If the gearing is right for you then you should enjoy many happy miles on it.

 

[threebikesmcginty]

Very nice commuter arnuld - you get a lot of bike for 4500 INR which is about £60 here!

 

[bauldbairn]

Good luck with the new bike arnuld.

 

[jig-sore]

i would change the brake levers. plastic ones flex too much and take all the power out of your brakes.

 

[Arch]

Shiney!

I would keep the rack, myself. A bike that can carry stuff is much more useful, and any load is better carried on the bike, than in a rucksack on your back.

So, now all you have to do, is enjoy it!

 

[Aperitif]

Tell us more Arnuld!
Post in 'Touring and Expedition' perhaps - about the conditions you ride in, what you do with other cyclists (on bikes - of course) and maybe dip into 'Commuting' to report on how traffic affects your cycling.
I'm sure it will be really interesting.
Good luck and take care.

 

[The Jogger]

nice looking commuter indeed !

 

[jimboalee]

Where are those two 'Bike Experts' who called the ASDA bike a BSO?

This bike is the modern equivalent of a gent's single speed town bike.

Keep checking, adjusting and lubing it OP, and it will last a fair few years.

Have a go at adjusting the V brakes. You may need to reposition the springs. Snipe-nosed pliers.

FIRST. Change the tubes to a pair with Schrader valves.

Try not to take it out in the monsoons.

 

[chris667]

Nice bike Arnuld! Keep the mudguards on, it will protect the headset and make the bike easier to keep clean. Plus, if you're out with your friends, they'll thank you if they're riding behind you.

Jimboalee, this is not the same thing as the ASDA bike at all. But I'm not going to argue with you, everyone else got bored.

 

[jimboalee]

Nice bike Arnuld! Keep the mudguards on, it will protect the headset and make the bike easier to keep clean. Plus, if you're out with your friends, they'll thank you if they're riding behind you.

Jimboalee, this is not the same thing as the ASDA bike at all. But I'm not going to argue with you, everyone else got bored.

No, it's worse.
To highlight some design cock-ups,

1/ the seat stay welds at the seat tube. Where are they?, three inches lower than the top tube joint. The seat tube is extended to allow the seat pin to end ABOVE the top tube weld. The frame has a bending moment where the seat stays meet the seat tube.

2/ The headset is the cheapest they can find.

3/ B/B is a 'cup and cone', not even a cheap cartridge bracket.

4/ Yes, the brake handles are plastic.

5/ V brakes are pressed steel.

6/ the stem riser is far too long for that head tube length. There is little or no adjustment to get the handlebars at an ergonomic position.

 

[chris667]

No, it's worse.

Pack it in.

This is Arnuld's new bike that he's paid for with his own money, slagging it off is showing a distinct lack of respect. It's what's available where he is.

 

[jimboalee]

Pack it in.

This is Arnuld's new bike that he's paid for with his own money, slagging it off is showing a distinct lack of respect. It's what's available where he is.

There are hundreds of ASDA, Argos, Sainsbury's et al customers who HAVE PAID THEIR OWN MONEY for their new bike.
Slagging those bikes off also shows a distinct lack of respect.

Or is it the ASDA, Argos, Sainsbury's et al customers are INVISIBLE from this chatboard, so they are 'fair game' for a piss-take?

 

[chris667]

Whoever said I took the piss out of them, or indeed slagged anyone's bikes off? For the record, I'd never tell **anyone** who bought a bike that it was a load of crap, even if it was.

I quite like this one, BTW. It's simple, and looks like it will do its job. No toy suspension units, and it's obviously been built by a bike mechanic. Probably heavy, but there's nothing wrong with heavy so long as it's honest.

All I said in the thread that started this was people would be better served by good secondhand bikes than bad new ones. But I'm not talking about it anymore, and you shouldn't hijack this thread with a discussion everyone but you has got bored with.