I need a bike - opinions sought....
Posted by: Richard Dane on 27 May 2004
Well, my daughter is growing up fast and has taken to bicycling as her favourite way to get about. Fine, except it has been years since I sold my old Peugeot racer and the years have meant that replacement with a similar machine is not really on the cards… A quick visit to the bike shop in Salisbury was quite an eye opener - things have really changed in 20 years!
So, dear friends, I’m hoping somebody with bicycle knowledge can assist me. I am looking for something that can cope with a mix of country lane and track , is comfortable to ride (I’m beyond contorting myself in the way I used to with the Peugeot), not too heavy, not too flash, and relatively inexpensive (so I don’t get too upset when it inevitably gets knicked….). My friendly local bicycle shop has recommended a Claud Butler Legend or Urban 300. I tend to favour the Legend, it looks a bit more comfortable although I’m concerned that it may not cope with some of the tracks we have around here. The long and the short of it is, anybody got any other good suggestions…?
Yours in anticipation,
Richard
So, dear friends, I’m hoping somebody with bicycle knowledge can assist me. I am looking for something that can cope with a mix of country lane and track , is comfortable to ride (I’m beyond contorting myself in the way I used to with the Peugeot), not too heavy, not too flash, and relatively inexpensive (so I don’t get too upset when it inevitably gets knicked….). My friendly local bicycle shop has recommended a Claud Butler Legend or Urban 300. I tend to favour the Legend, it looks a bit more comfortable although I’m concerned that it may not cope with some of the tracks we have around here. The long and the short of it is, anybody got any other good suggestions…?
Yours in anticipation,
Richard
Posted on: 28 May 2004 by Steve G
quote:
Originally posted by Matthew Robinson:
a decent local independent bike shop is a great thing to have.
Indeed. Wish I had one.
I don't use shops much these days though - I order parts mail order (or buy them 2nd hand) and do all the work myself.
As my wife is returning today I should be giving my Cotic Soul it's first proper run (and pictures) soon!
Posted on: 28 May 2004 by Two-Sheds
I've just picked up a Gary Fisher Mariln which I'd imagine is around 300 to 400 in the UK. So fat I've been using it on road/cycle track and a few tracks and hoping to get off road properly in the coming few weeks, but living in the city with no car it's not that easy.
Anyway I've found it quite easy to ride the front forks seem good (although I have little to compare with them). They only thing I really don't like about it is the saddle which I'll be off to change at the weekend.
I'd definitely recommend finding a local shop which it looks like you have since they are seem more interested in helping you find the right bike to keep you coming back as a loyal happy customer.
Anyway I've found it quite easy to ride the front forks seem good (although I have little to compare with them). They only thing I really don't like about it is the saddle which I'll be off to change at the weekend.
I'd definitely recommend finding a local shop which it looks like you have since they are seem more interested in helping you find the right bike to keep you coming back as a loyal happy customer.
Posted on: 28 May 2004 by nodrog
Reading all these biking threads here has reminded me what I've been missing. Oh for the carefree days of couriering in central London. It wasn't much of a career, but I was in better shape than I've ever been since, or will be again - all without really trying (unlike my recent gym antics).
Have to agree with Two-Sheds about the Gary Fisher Marlin. I bought mine 5 years ago (no suspension) and it's still a great ride, despite being abused and, for a year or so at least. forgotten and left out in the elements on my balcony. A squirt of lube and a wipe down with a damp cloth and it's back in action.
On the subject of backache and cycling: no connection, in my experience. The sport that's caused the biggest problems for me has been golf, surely the ultimate 'middle-aged man's' activity. Cycling actually helps prevent backache. A well-fitting bike is the key.
I recommend Gary Fisher bikes.
Have to agree with Two-Sheds about the Gary Fisher Marlin. I bought mine 5 years ago (no suspension) and it's still a great ride, despite being abused and, for a year or so at least. forgotten and left out in the elements on my balcony. A squirt of lube and a wipe down with a damp cloth and it's back in action.
On the subject of backache and cycling: no connection, in my experience. The sport that's caused the biggest problems for me has been golf, surely the ultimate 'middle-aged man's' activity. Cycling actually helps prevent backache. A well-fitting bike is the key.
I recommend Gary Fisher bikes.
Posted on: 28 May 2004 by Richard Dane
Thanks to all of you for your opinions and assistance so far.
At lunch I walked over to Stonehenge Cycles in Salisbury and put my case. The young guy who served me seemed to know exactly what it was I wanted (hooray!) and offered some sage advice, much along the lines I have divined from this thread - i.e. forget anything fancy, just go for simplicity and quality. Make sure that it'll stand up to the roughest tracks and forget about rear suspension unless you're willing to spend quite a bit more. So, you ask, what is the Nait of the road & track bike world...?
Well, we looked at the Specialized Hardrocks (thanks Steve) and also at a couple of Marins, the Northside Trail and the Bolinas Ridge. I have arranged to return when I have more time for a test ride so you'll have to wait until then to find out. I'll go to the other bike shop in town and also check out the Claud Butler Cape Wrath at similar money. Liked the look of the Marins though and Stonehenge seem like a dealer I can really trust.....
Richard
At lunch I walked over to Stonehenge Cycles in Salisbury and put my case. The young guy who served me seemed to know exactly what it was I wanted (hooray!) and offered some sage advice, much along the lines I have divined from this thread - i.e. forget anything fancy, just go for simplicity and quality. Make sure that it'll stand up to the roughest tracks and forget about rear suspension unless you're willing to spend quite a bit more. So, you ask, what is the Nait of the road & track bike world...?
Well, we looked at the Specialized Hardrocks (thanks Steve) and also at a couple of Marins, the Northside Trail and the Bolinas Ridge. I have arranged to return when I have more time for a test ride so you'll have to wait until then to find out. I'll go to the other bike shop in town and also check out the Claud Butler Cape Wrath at similar money. Liked the look of the Marins though and Stonehenge seem like a dealer I can really trust.....
Richard
Posted on: 28 May 2004 by Mick P
Richard
If you are prepared to take advice from "the forums biggest self opinionated windbag", I will just let you know that Mrs Mick and I have spent the last hours or so cycling down a cycle track near our house and then around Coate Water which is a local beauty spot with a dirt track.
Mrs Mick has a Claude Butler city bike and we both did the journey with ease.
Your average city bike is fine.
I find things like mudguards and carrying baskets indespensible. It is OK looking like a boy racer but you do need to do it in some degree of comfort.
On a seperate note, I think I may cancell my gym membership and cycle instead, certainly during the summer at least.
When I made my first cycle journey of 4 miles, it nearly killed me, now I do it with consumate ease. It is certainly good for exercising the heart muscle which, at my age, is the most important muscle you have.
Regards
Mick
If you are prepared to take advice from "the forums biggest self opinionated windbag", I will just let you know that Mrs Mick and I have spent the last hours or so cycling down a cycle track near our house and then around Coate Water which is a local beauty spot with a dirt track.
Mrs Mick has a Claude Butler city bike and we both did the journey with ease.
Your average city bike is fine.
I find things like mudguards and carrying baskets indespensible. It is OK looking like a boy racer but you do need to do it in some degree of comfort.
On a seperate note, I think I may cancell my gym membership and cycle instead, certainly during the summer at least.
When I made my first cycle journey of 4 miles, it nearly killed me, now I do it with consumate ease. It is certainly good for exercising the heart muscle which, at my age, is the most important muscle you have.
Regards
Mick
Posted on: 28 May 2004 by Rasher
Last weekend I lost the bike from under me (forwards while raising the front too high) and landed flat on my back. Fortunately I wasn't going too fast, athough I slid a few feet, and I was on grass - but even so I was winded and had pins & needles down my arms for a hour afterwards. Later on I turned my ankle, and it was this that gave me trouble on Monday, having seized up overnight. But by Tuesday all ill effects had passed and all sign of any injuries gone - so I walked to work as usual (I limped to work on Monday 2 miles with a support bandage on the ankle).
My point?....I'm older than you lot, so stuff all that old man slowing down crap.
My wife has a friend who is 30 and has MS. Within 3 years she will be gone. She lost her sight this year. If you have health, then go out and kick ass.
Sorry Mick, don't mean to have a dig at you, but you are as old as you want to be.
My point?....I'm older than you lot, so stuff all that old man slowing down crap.
My wife has a friend who is 30 and has MS. Within 3 years she will be gone. She lost her sight this year. If you have health, then go out and kick ass.
Sorry Mick, don't mean to have a dig at you, but you are as old as you want to be.
Posted on: 28 May 2004 by JonR
Blimey Rasher, I've just checked your profile and can see your 10 years older than me! I'm surprised because you appear to, as it were, "exude youth" in your posts!
(Meant as a compliment by the way
)
Regards,
JonR
(Meant as a compliment by the way
) Regards,
JonR
Posted on: 28 May 2004 by Rasher
I'm just one of those sad bastards 
Posted on: 28 May 2004 by JonR
Aaah yess...I thought you looked familiar....
Posted on: 28 May 2004 by Alex S.
Another vote for the Specialized Hardrock and completely ignoring any advice from Mickbag.
Posted on: 28 May 2004 by Rasher
Maybe at this stage with Richard getting down to the shops, someone would like to explain the XT - XTS equipment levels to look for?
I'm not up to date on this stuff.
I'm not up to date on this stuff.
Posted on: 28 May 2004 by Steve G
quote:
Originally posted by Rasher:
Maybe at this stage with Richard getting down to the shops, someone would like to explain the XT - XTS equipment levels to look for?
There are various options for 21 and 24 speed (Alivio etc) but these days most bikes from about £350 or so and up will be on 27-speed.
Deore is the entry level and presents excellent value for money. The chainset is paricularily good and lasts well due to the steel inner and middle rings. The shifters and mech work quite well although the front mechs don't tend to last all that long. The Deore hydraulic disk brakes are excellent value. Deore disk hubs are a bit heavy but very reliable.
Next up is LX. I find the shifters significantly better than Deore but am pressed to tell the difference with the mechs. The chainset is a little lighter than the Deore one but benefits from being available in a pimpy black/gold finish. Next years LX is being revamped and looks very nice indeed - including the inclusion of an LX disk brakes for the first time. LX also goes dual control (flippy shifters) for the first time.
XT is often specced on bikes around the £2K mark and above, with the occasional bit below that. The shifters are excellent (much better than Deore and noticeably better than LX), the chainset is good (this years has an integrated BB) but the alloy rings wear quickly, the front mechs last a lot longer than Deore, and all the rest is at least good. The XT disk hubs and brakes are very good indeed.
XTR is the luxury spec stuff and is generally very expensive. The rings on the chainset wear quickly but it's very stiff and light, and everything else is supposed to be excellent. I've only used the rear mechs and cables (XTR cables are superb and I wouldn't use anything less now).
There are some compatability issues as Shimano is rolling out some new innovations (e.g splined hubs, dual control shifters, integrated BB's).
Deore is great value, LX is nicer, XT is good if you're doing a lot of riding, XTR is very, very nice but also very expensive. You pays your money and takes your choice.
My No.1 bike has mostly LX and XT with some XTR cables. No. 2 bike has XT with a couple of XTR bits and No.3 bike is Deore with LX shifters and cassette.
The LX/XT mix on no.1 bike works really well - I've bought XT and XTR bits for it but so far not fitted them as I don't see the point in changing bits that are already working well - I'll fit them when the others wear out.
Hope this helps!
Posted on: 30 May 2004 by Rasher
I passed a bike shop yesterday and caught a look at the 2004 Marin Mount Vision.
Bang goes the chance of a CDX2 this year!!
Bang goes the chance of a CDX2 this year!!
Posted on: 30 May 2004 by Not For Me
I bought the Wife a full suspension bike yesterday, as it was her wedding anniversary.
What's the word on the Specialized Hardrock XC then? is it the best sub £300 bike for use on track, trails and cycle paths?
DS
What's the word on the Specialized Hardrock XC then? is it the best sub £300 bike for use on track, trails and cycle paths?
DS
Posted on: 30 May 2004 by Steve G
quote:
Originally posted by David Slater:
What's the word on the Specialized Hardrock XC then? is it the best sub £300 bike for use on track, trails and cycle paths?
It's certainly up there with the best and tends to do very well (or win) most of the bike mag tests in that sector.
My wife has one and it's a decent bike.
Posted on: 30 May 2004 by Mekon
Rasher
Check your PTs.
Check your PTs.
Posted on: 30 May 2004 by Tim Jones
I'm sorry - I'm trying to stay clear of these non-race bike threads, but Fred, you are wrong about derailleurs. My first Dura Ace rear mech has over 10,000 miles on it and it's never even twitched...
Tim
Tim
Posted on: 30 May 2004 by Not For Me
Steve,
I am just under 6ft - should I go for a 19" frame ?
DS
I am just under 6ft - should I go for a 19" frame ?
DS
Posted on: 30 May 2004 by Jonathan Gorse
Richard,
Just one thing worth thinking about - if you're going to be riding 40% on road try to change the tyres on the MTB's to something a bit less knobbly than a full on off road tire. You could even think about having a second set of wheels made up with road-orientated tyres so you can quickly switch the tyres and associated wheels to suit where you plan to ride.
One other pointer, seems to me that Dawes have a good range. I've certainly began to suspect that Dawes, Claud Butler etc actually offer better value than American brands like Specialized and Scott etc.
Mick, you don't want a basket on that Pashley, what you need is a Carradice saddlebag. Built in Lancashire from waxed cotton duck, completely waterproof and will last you a lifetime. Definately the right traditional look to complement a Brooks saddle and a Pashley. See www.carradice.co.uk I'm toying putting one on my Scott mountain bike (I've already put a Brooks Conquest saddle on there much to the disgust of my local bike shop!)
ATB
Jonathan
Just one thing worth thinking about - if you're going to be riding 40% on road try to change the tyres on the MTB's to something a bit less knobbly than a full on off road tire. You could even think about having a second set of wheels made up with road-orientated tyres so you can quickly switch the tyres and associated wheels to suit where you plan to ride.
One other pointer, seems to me that Dawes have a good range. I've certainly began to suspect that Dawes, Claud Butler etc actually offer better value than American brands like Specialized and Scott etc.
Mick, you don't want a basket on that Pashley, what you need is a Carradice saddlebag. Built in Lancashire from waxed cotton duck, completely waterproof and will last you a lifetime. Definately the right traditional look to complement a Brooks saddle and a Pashley. See www.carradice.co.uk I'm toying putting one on my Scott mountain bike (I've already put a Brooks Conquest saddle on there much to the disgust of my local bike shop!)
ATB
Jonathan
Posted on: 31 May 2004 by Steve G
quote:
Originally posted by David Slater:
Steve,
I am just under 6ft - should I go for a 19" frame ?
You'll have to try and see. I'm 5'10" and ride 17"/18" bikes (or a medium in the Specialized range). You'd probably be somewhere between medium and large for frame sizes (18"-20") but the only way to know for sure is to try them out.
Posted on: 31 May 2004 by Mick P
Thanks for the information.
The Pashley has a Brooks saddle as standard. The bags you mention look interesting.
Many thanks.
Mick
The Pashley has a Brooks saddle as standard. The bags you mention look interesting.
Many thanks.
Mick
Posted on: 31 May 2004 by Alex S.
Are they wind-bags by any chance?
Posted on: 31 May 2004 by Mick P
I am not a windbag, I repeat, I not a windbag, I am not a windbag, I am most certainly not a windbag, do I make myself clear, I am not a windbag.
I am not, I am not, I am not.
I am not, I am not, I am not.
Posted on: 31 May 2004 by Steve G
quote:
Originally posted by Mick Parry:
I am not a windbag, I repeat, I not a windbag, I am not a windbag, I am most certainly not a windbag, do I make myself clear, I am not a windbag.
I am not, I am not, I am not.
Maybe we should have a poll on that?
Posted on: 02 June 2004 by Richard Dane
OK, getting back on track....
thanks everyone for your assistance so far. Curosity piqued by a couple of other concurrent MTB threads on this forum, fatally I succumbed to having a quick leaf through an MTB mag... oh dear...
The last three days have been spent concentrating on finding a bike with the best spec for least possible cash. This should get me a great bike, surely?? And what about mail order? Wow, all those '02 and '03 bikes at great savings! Then, of course reality took hold and I started to think again like I was making a hifi purchase. In other words, forget the spec, go with a good quality make, choose the bike that feels good and trust your dealer (i.e don't go for a mail order bike unless you really know what you're getting).
Only disappointment so far has been that none of the shops here have been able to offer a demonstration ride. I don't know whether this is normal or not but I guess that once ridden they would then have to sell the bikes as second-hand... Or is it just because I am a beginner to world of Mountain biking?
So, despite the temptaion of the Claud Butler Rock and Cape Wrath (Cape Wrath got a great review in the mag I bought - great spec but it felt wrong and really my heart was already lost to another...), I have decided to go for a Marin Bolinas Ridge in a 20" frame. Perhaps not the most exciting bike out there but it seems like an excellent all-rounder that is more than the sum of its relatively modest parts - a bicycle equivalent to the NAIT perhaps? I only have one small niggle nagging at me, that's the Marin Bear Valley on sale online.... oh dear....
thanks everyone for your assistance so far. Curosity piqued by a couple of other concurrent MTB threads on this forum, fatally I succumbed to having a quick leaf through an MTB mag... oh dear...
The last three days have been spent concentrating on finding a bike with the best spec for least possible cash. This should get me a great bike, surely?? And what about mail order? Wow, all those '02 and '03 bikes at great savings! Then, of course reality took hold and I started to think again like I was making a hifi purchase. In other words, forget the spec, go with a good quality make, choose the bike that feels good and trust your dealer (i.e don't go for a mail order bike unless you really know what you're getting).
Only disappointment so far has been that none of the shops here have been able to offer a demonstration ride. I don't know whether this is normal or not but I guess that once ridden they would then have to sell the bikes as second-hand... Or is it just because I am a beginner to world of Mountain biking?
So, despite the temptaion of the Claud Butler Rock and Cape Wrath (Cape Wrath got a great review in the mag I bought - great spec but it felt wrong and really my heart was already lost to another...), I have decided to go for a Marin Bolinas Ridge in a 20" frame. Perhaps not the most exciting bike out there but it seems like an excellent all-rounder that is more than the sum of its relatively modest parts - a bicycle equivalent to the NAIT perhaps? I only have one small niggle nagging at me, that's the Marin Bear Valley on sale online.... oh dear....