Worth spending on bits for a cheap bike?

[Batgirl]

Hi,

FWIW experience counts a lot on such an endeavour, and if you haven't
done rattle-can (presumably) jobs before it is not a simple as it seems.

I understand a frame and forks can be shotblasted and powdercoated for £30.

rgds, sreten.

Thanks Have done spray projects before but for £30 or so it'd be better otherwise. will have a look locally to see what can be found.

 

[sreten]

Hi,

I deleted my reference to £30 or so because I realised it was quite a few years back
in the post I was looking at (on another forum) and think now it would be a lot more.

For a cheap bike and respray on the cheap it can be done very cheaply.
Especially if you like black and know a few £1 / 99p shops ....
Wirewool rather than strip and go for it ....

rgds, sreten.

FWIW the third front sprocket problem is likely to be a stop screw issue on the front derailleur,
if not, then likely an issue with the cage alignment, if not, then consult the LBS.

 

[slowmotion]

As others have said, brake pads and tyres are a good investment. Beyond that, you will probably be throwing your money away by trying to upgrade individual components. Save up your money and buy a new bike at some stage in the future when you reach your financial target. A new bike represents spectacular value for money compared to the total cost of all its components bought separately.

 

[Cyclist33]

It is tempting to throw money at a new toy and I think we have all been there .
I bought a Defy 5 to see if I liked cycling and after wanting to upgrade it I decided to buy a better bike . Now I am upgrading that all the cast offs are going on the Defy 5
Soon it will be a DefyTCR1 advanced monster But its fun to play with toys

I think this is quite an important reply. You will see a lot of advice on cyclechat saying, get the best frame you can afford and you can upgrade parts later, when the reality is in most cases the cost, faff and laziness of the rider mean that'll not happen and they'll just buy a new bike! I mean the Defy 5 here is a "good" bike in the sense that the apollo isn't, and yet the decision was taken not to upgrade little by little.

With that in mind and if you're prepared for the effort, suggest you look for a good second hand frame and start collecting parts, try the classifieds here for starters!

 

[outlash]

Decent brake pads on the front perhaps, not much else.

What about the back brake?

 

[User16625]

Well it is inevitable that I would be thinking about this, but would like 2nd opinion, though I think I know already what the opinion is going to be on this one.

I have a rather cheap bike from Halfords - just to get me started. Is it worth spending on bits for it? Or saving up for a better bike?

The reason I bought a cheap bike to begin with is to make sure I will like cycling and I think I can safely say I will.

I've bought new tyres, but don't want to go mad, but is there anything else I can replace on the bike to make it a bit easier to ride? I would imagine I've already changed the biggest component already though!

I would have thought a crap bike would actually put you off. Sort of like trying cheap booze to see if you like champagne or something. I would personally save for a better bike regardless of what type your after.

 

[dee.jay]

Yes I will get a better one - thinking about a Trek FX at some point but I want to lose weight first. 18 st 9 and dropping :-)

 

[si_c]

Yes I will get a better one - thinking about a Trek FX at some point but I want to lose weight first. 18 st 9 and dropping :-)

You'll really feel the weight loss, I know I did, started at 19st down to 15st 10lbs now, made a huge difference to how I felt on the bike, not least of all on my backside Like you am riding an MTB atm, been very happy riding it, so wouldn't rush to change it too fast. The trek hybrids are good though, my Dad has a 2012
model he bought last year in the sales used it a couple of times, quite good.

 

[dee.jay]

Nice! Yes my bottom was very sore to start with but I'm just going to stick with that and carry on - it's getting more used to it lol.

To be fair, I know I only have a cheap bike but I think I was lucky - I've not experienced any issues (yet) in the 50 miles I've ridden it but still early days yet I guess. Really fancy the bright green Trek FX I've seen abour £525 I think. From what I've read, £750 gets me into the top end of Hybrids so I think that'll be a good bet - it'll be a bike that I will want to last for many years so will be a good investment - but - as I say, let's get some weight off first....

 

[Elybazza61]

I would be tempted to look at cross bikes as they can be the best of both worlds;a good on roads and the messier stuff;also I don't know if spending £700 on a hybrid is really worth it,if you really want to do this long term it's best to spend more than you think and get something that will last a good while.

Good time to look around as well as the reductions on this years models is starting.

If you could maybe wait and save to stretch the budget a bit this looks stonking;

http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBPXLDNRIV/planet-x-london-road-sram-rival-22-road-bike

Or these;

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/pinnacle/arkose-one-2015-adventure-road-bike-ec071305


http://www.evanscycles.com/products/pinnacle/arkose-two-2014-cyclocross-bike-ec054865

I have a mongrel version(built up from a frame) of one of these which is brilliant for tow paths and roads(no bosses for rack and guards though)

http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBPXXLS105/planet-x-xls-shimano-105-cyclocross-bike

 

[dee.jay]

Cross, as in Cyclocross?
Yes am willing to look at those as well

Thanks for the suggestions, more Bike porn