Bike Expertise Requested

Posted by: Dougunn on 22 July 2006

Dear All

I know many here are dedicated bike users (push not motor) and I would like to ask for your expertise.

Previously I have used a Marin Sausalito and then a Trek 750 - both what were then (at least 5 years back) referred to as Hybrids.

I am now eager to return to cycling (communting to work and for pleasure but not into off road, mountain biking at all). I've looked at what is available and think what I'm after is a what's now referred to as a city bike or road bike i.e light racing frame, flat bars, higher ratio gears, slick tyres etc. Models that look interesting include Marin Lucas Valley, Trek SU600, Cannondale Synapse Flatbar. I am fit and like to ride hard and fast (traffic permitting) and want a bike thats designed for this but is also tough and reliable.

I'd really appreciate any tips anyone can offer (budget up to £1000 max).

Also any suggestions as to good bike shops, places to buy (online?) also appreciated

Many thanks in advance

Doug
Posted on: 24 July 2006 by Gary S.
Doug

I should have mentioned, technically you lease the bike, but at the end of the payment period you pay a nominal ammount and the bikes yours.

All the saving come about as a result of VAT/tax/NI savings.

Gary
Posted on: 25 July 2006 by David C
Doug,
Where are you based, where will you be commuting? I used to ride a hybrid for commuting on in London, if disc brakes had been available then I would have used them. I wore through my rear rim about once every twelve months. I appreciate that I ride very aggressively and am not the lightest person in the world, but discs really cut down on eating into rims, especially if you ride through the winter when the salt and grit levels are higher.

I ride significantly more miles now, but wear far fewer wheels as I don't have to brake very often living in a rural backwater.

At £1000 you are just about getting into the entry level for some really great bikes, Mercian, Bob Jackson, Condor and Roberts all spring to mind. If you can get a bike from any of these that is in budget you will not be disappointed. The advice that a custom builder gives should be first class.

However!!! If you are riding in London depending on where you are parking I would give very different advice. I have my bikes insured, but they are only covered if secured with some REALLY crazy locks, ie weight more than me and cost as much as a cheap bike from e-bay. As such it is worth tailoring the bike to the need rather than the budget, as the ancillary costs can be high. If it was a pure pleasure bike then you can really indulge as you are less likely to leave it soemwhere and have it stolen.

David
Posted on: 26 July 2006 by Dougunn
Hmmm

Not impressed by bike buying.

It seems as soon as I find something I'm interested in I'm told its out of stock and can't be ordered because the 2007 stock is coming in next month!

Quite taken with the Specialized Sirrus Pro but and Extra Large (my size) is no longer available. Interestingly the 2007 model does away with disc brakes in favour of lighter bits.

And I thought this would be easy . . .

Doug
Posted on: 26 July 2006 by Milo Tweenie
quote:
Originally posted by Dougunn:
Hmmm

Not impressed by bike buying.

It seems as soon as I find something I'm interested in I'm told its out of stock and can't be ordered because the 2007 stock is coming in next month!

Quite taken with the Specialized Sirrus Pro but and Extra Large (my size) is no longer available. Interestingly the 2007 model does away with disc brakes in favour of lighter bits.

And I thought this would be easy . . .

Doug


Unfortunately, this is normal. Most dealers are out of stock of the popular bikes now. In practice you'll find 2007 models coming through anywhere between Sept and Nov.