New bike recommendations...

[roar349]

Here's my shortlist as it stands...

Dawes XC 1.4 Disc 2009 - Not sure I need disc brakes, this was recommended by the LBS...

Specialized Hardrock Sport 2009

GT Avalanche 30 2009

Scott Sub 30 2008 - 26 inch wheels (not the 700cc version)

It's mainly for the 2 mile commute to the train station, mainly uphill on the way back with a 1/2 mile dirt track thrown in when it's light at 5am. Not necessarily getting from Evans Cycles (just got links there for ease).

Also seen a 'Shop' on ebay that has Dawes XC 1.6's cheap, I'm guessing they'll need to be assembled but not sure what exactly this will entail (I'm ok at the basics, and should really learn more).

Any recommendations for other bikes around the £300 mark?

 

[Angelfishsolo]

They are seem like good bikes for the price. Another one to throw into teh mix is the Vitus Bomp 2008

 

[roar349]

Leaning more towards a hybrid at the moment, but want something that will handle the odd dirt track (nothing too heavy), kind of leaning towards Giant and Specialized, possibly these:

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/ebw...QRY=C105&f_SortOrderID=1&f_bct=c003155c002910

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/ebw...QRY=C105&f_SortOrderID=1&f_bct=c003155c002910

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/ebw...QRY=C105&f_SortOrderID=1&f_bct=c003155c002910

 

[Ivan Ardon]

I'd not want to leave a nice bike at a train station all day.

For a two mile trip, I'd be getting an ugly old style MTB with decent components and using that.

Ask at the station, this type of bike gets abandoned at stations all the time - they sell them off for a tenner or so.

 

[ed_o_brain]

Yeah that's too good for leaving at the train station all day.

Where abouts in the country are you?
How tall are you?

 

[roar349]

5' 11"
In Basingstoke, Hampshire.

 

[ed_o_brain]

I've got an old Carerra in my shed that would be ideal but you are in the wrong locality. It's not worth the trouble of boxing it up and positing it.

Get an old but good MTB, get it serviced and adorn it with slick or semi-slick tyres.
Hey presto, your ideal commuting hybrid.

 

[roar349]

Thanks anyway...

I know it's a risk leaving a nice bike at the station, but I'm kind of set on a new bike. Did look at 2nd hand at the LBS but there wasn't much to see.

Also loooking to get out more in the summer so want something a bit decent.

 

[KrisMinar]

maybe it would be good if you would just have to take a walk going to the station so you would no longer have to leave your bike for the trip. Nothings seems to be stolen then.

 

[roar349]

I do that sometimes, but a bike means an extra 30mins in bed, and when I have to be on a train at 5.39am....

 

[Sittingduck]

Well, if you're set on a new bike and there's a risk of theft - spend as little as possible...
I'd get a Carerra Subway 1 for £230 from Halfords. Decent bikes by all accounts and probably not as flashy or thief-magnet-ish as some more costly hybrids.

SD

 

[roar349]

Showing as 259 on the website, besides can get a Vienna 2 cheaper, or a Vienna 3 for another £30 or so (due to the 15% off at Edinburgh Cycles this weekend)...