dhague
New Member
- Location
- Virginia Water, Surrey
I'm very happy with my Giant Expression N7 for commuting (OK, only 3 trips so far): it fits into your budget (lists at £450, available for £400) and comes with mudguards and a pannier rack. The main advantage for commuting is the internal-geared 7-speed hub, which means you avoid a lot of maintenance and wear compared to dérailleurs. Likewise, the enclosed hub brakes are also low maintenance, and unaffected by weather.
In addition to the bike, I spent about £50 on an Abus lock ("soldsecure" silver rated), about £30 on lights, £10 on a water bottle & cage, £30 on a bike computer that measures cadence, £60 on MT-21 shoes, M520 pedals and easy-release cleats, £75 on a briefcase pannier to hold my laptop (and a kit to make it fit the Giant's rails) and £5 on chain lube.
I already had suitable clothing (buff headgear, windproof gloves, wicking baselayer, breathable waterproof jacket, waterproof trousers) from my hillwalking days, and had a small bike toolkit and some other small bits & bobs from an earlier experience with a BSO.
Hope this helps,
Darren
In addition to the bike, I spent about £50 on an Abus lock ("soldsecure" silver rated), about £30 on lights, £10 on a water bottle & cage, £30 on a bike computer that measures cadence, £60 on MT-21 shoes, M520 pedals and easy-release cleats, £75 on a briefcase pannier to hold my laptop (and a kit to make it fit the Giant's rails) and £5 on chain lube.
I already had suitable clothing (buff headgear, windproof gloves, wicking baselayer, breathable waterproof jacket, waterproof trousers) from my hillwalking days, and had a small bike toolkit and some other small bits & bobs from an earlier experience with a BSO.
Hope this helps,
Darren
