My turn to ask 'which new bike'??

[Morrisette]

Hi,

I have read through lots of other threads on this, and I know how much is personal choice etc BUT I'm still going to ask for ideas on Which New Bike to buy! My requirements/wishlist:

Budget: <£400. I have to lock it up in Cambridge so want to keep it fairly low-value. Saying that I don't want a clunky old BSO (already got one of those!).

I'm only 5'2'' so need a bike that they make in a fairly small size, and probably a ladies frame (or sloping top tube).

I'm leaning towards something roadie-ish, but would like rack and mudguards.
Tyres not too skinny - would mainly be riding round Cambridge, road surfaces are not too hot. I wouldn't be doing any off-road stuff.

Flat bars (I would consider drops if I could get comfy on them, I have ridden them before but didn't think it was great for my back riding on drops in traffic).

Any suggestions?? Thanks guys

 

[Sittingduck]

Hi Morrisette

What ever you do, don't read this post:
http://www.cyclechat.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=22709

Good luck and welcome
SD

 

[jimboalee]

5'2" hmmm.

Evans Cycles have a 'Women specific' section ( not in 'Complete bikes' )

I have even seen small ladies on 24" wheel bikes converted for the road.

 

[John the Monkey]

Morrissette, keep an eye on the sales - WSD bikes seem to get very cheap, and small frames even more so - I suspect that if you're patient, you could get quite a lot for your money.

 

[Morrisette]

Hi Morrisette

What ever you do, don't read this post:
http://www.cyclechat.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=22709

Good luck and welcome
SD

Er, thanks....I think. I'll go and have a look round. The problem will be that the shops won't have the small frames in stock, so I'll not be able to try out the bike I would end up buying (if you see what I mean) - so was hoping people could tell me some names to look out for (known for being good at smaller sizes, for example??)

There isn't an Evans near me, people always recommend them, but unless I buy online (which with a whole bike I don't want to do - I don't have the tech knowledge to set a bike up) I can't really use Evans.

Thanks so far!!

 

[jimboalee]

Rutland Cycles, the hire centre on the waterside, dispose of their rental bikes at this time of year.

Bargains to be had

 

[postman]

Our sympathies to you.No small sizes in stock and like us longuns 6'-4" no big bikes either.Why do we bother?You would not buy a car from a photo nor a house from a brochure.But we have to chance mucho money.

 

[giant man]

Don't forget Ely City Cycles, near Cambridge

 

[louise]

I am getting really fed up with places not stocking smaller sizes, at 4'11" I keep seeing a bike that I like the look of only to discover that its out of stock in the smaller sizes .

I know that they have to play to the market share and all that but do they not relise that there are some "little people" out there (and big people)