The battle of style v. substance.

[Mrs M]

Aw, that's a shame.
I sat on a Parabike in Halfords to test out the size. That was January last year though and the bike was soon reduced, maybe no longer in Halfords

 

[Cycleops]

How about this at Evans? Reduced from twelve hundred quid. Looks like a perfect commuter and a cross between a sit up and beg and a hybrid.
https://www.evanscycles.com/cannondale-contro-3-2016-hybrid-bike-EV297610

 

[snorri]

I've got a Raleigh Pioneer that I bought new in June '96 which has served me well including a LEJOG and my first foreign tour.
Not sure if that's much help really, the only common factor between my bike and the one in your link, would appear to be the name!

 

[atalanta]

My wife has a Bobbin Brownie, we're not impressed with it and wouldn't buy again. Cheap components (e.g. stamped chainring which has warped), economies in construction (chain guard is held on by the bottom bracket lock ring), generally impossible to stop it rattling

Good to know, thanks Dan. This is exactly what I'm worried about - a bike that has sacrificed good quality construction for the "look" of the moment.

ETA: can you clarify what exactly is cheap about a stamped chainring? I have no idea.

 

[atalanta]

How about this at Evans? Reduced from twelve hundred quid. Looks like a perfect commuter and a cross between a sit up and beg and a hybrid.
https://www.evanscycles.com/cannondale-contro-3-2016-hybrid-bike-EV297610

Ooh, definitely one to keep in mind. I've just done their little bike quiz thing and this Ridgeback is one of the ones it spit out - I don't know this make.

https://www.evanscycles.com/ridgeback-tradition-2017-hybrid-bike-EV289238

 

[atalanta]

I've got a Raleigh Pioneer that I bought new in June '96 which has served me well including a LEJOG and my first foreign tour.
Not sure if that's much help really, the only common factor between my bike and the one in your link, would appear to be the name!

I wish I could find a photo of the old 10-speed Raleigh I had growing up - I think it was a bit of a cannibalisation job, as it had flat handlebars but gear shift levers on the drop bar. Split top tube too. I loved that bike.

 

[Dan B]

ETA: can you clarify what exactly is cheap about a stamped chainring? I have no idea.

I may be using the wrong terminology, but what i mean to say is that the chainset (the big cog in the middle where the cranks and pedals attach) is made out of very thin metal and has bent, so that when you pedal the bike the chain wiggles from side to side.

Which might not in itself be a problem except that it causes the chain to scrape on the inside of the chainguard, which is a horrible noise

 

[Cycleops]

Ridgeback are well know respected and established brand who produce a wide range of bikes. The Tradition you highlighted looks like it would suit. The reviews seemed quite positive.

 

[Vantage]

I believe you'd be hard pressed to do much better for value for money. I've been running an Acera drivetrain on my own bike for 5 years and I've no complaints.

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/hoprider-520-city-hybrid-bike-id_8307666.html

 

[keithmac]

If you're ridding through all wethers I'd have a quick look Carbon Belt hub geared bikes as well.

Near as damn it maintenance free..

 

[Tin Pot]

So I'm looking to start commuting through central London by bike rather than sweat it out on the bus. I used to ride my bike everywhere, but I grew up in a very quiet little town and London is a whole new experience for me. I'm working out a route I can take that involves quieter roads, so I don't need anything super top of the line in terms of speed and performance.

I've narrowed down some of the things I'm hoping to find in a bike: sit-up handlebars, a classic Oxbridge-type frame, between 3 and 8 speeds, nothing too heavy, quality brakes, and if possible an enclosed chain. The trouble is that a lot of bikes that I like visually are difficult to assess in terms of quality. The vintage-style frame I like so much is really in style now, and it seems like a lot of these bike places are selling a lifestyle brand rather than just a hardworking machine. I want a good-looking bike - who doesn't? - but it's way more important that it be a proper bike, not just another accessory to go swanning about on.

Here are some that I've found that I'm considering. You'll see they are a real range of prices and types. My budget is about £500 with a little wiggle room either way.

Reid Vintage Roadster:
https://www.cyclerepublic.com/bikes...ge-roadster-mens-traditional-hybrid-bike.html

Raleigh Pioneer:
https://www.cyclerepublic.com/bikes/hybrid-bikes/raleigh-pioneer-1-mens-hybrid-bike-2017.html

Tokyobike CS (I know this may make me a Shoreditch sucker, but I'm 5'5'' and the slightly smaller wheels sound good to me):
http://www.tokyobike.co.uk/tokyobike-tokyobike-cs26.html

Electra Loft 3i: (this one has an internal hub, which my brother says is the way to go)
http://actionbikes.co.uk/electra-loft-mens-3i-army-grey.html

Are any of these value-for-vintage? Any others to consider? Am I an absolute dilettant for thinking any of these are anywhere near practical?

Spend as long as you like procrastinating and debating, then go and buy the one you like the look of . You'll enjoy it more and ride it more regardless of quality*

*Unless it's a BSO of course.

 

[jefmcg]

I believe you'd be hard pressed to do much better for value for money. I've been running an Acera drivetrain on my own bike for 5 years and I've no complaints.

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/hoprider-520-city-hybrid-bike-id_8307666.html

I wouldn't pick a suspension fork for london commuting. But decathlon has some fine bikes, I have a friend who is very happy with the cheapest of the city bikes they sell.

 

[atalanta]

I believe you'd be hard pressed to do much better for value for money. I've been running an Acera drivetrain on my own bike for 5 years and I've no complaints.

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/hoprider-520-city-hybrid-bike-id_8307666.html

That bike looks great (if a bit sporty) but sadly I think the medium frame will still be too big for me...

 

[atalanta]

I wouldn't pick a suspension fork for london commuting. But decathlon has some fine bikes, I have a friend who is very happy with the cheapest of the city bikes they sell.

How cheap is too cheap, though? My neighbour advised me that she wouldn't cycle on anything in London that was worth less than £500. There must be a point at which you have to say you're making an investment.

 

[vickster]

Why not? Not sure I'd commute in London on anything worth more than £500 given how high the theft risk is

Where are you commuting from and to?