A lightweight Pashley?

thepiman

I'm looking for a lightweight bicycle that will provide me with the most ergonomic riding position. I like the riding position of the Pashley but these are very heavy. Are there any ways around this? Ideally I'd want something that can be easily taken up three flights of stairs. Titanium?

alfablue

I think the ergonomics are relative to use, certainly the riding position of the Pashley may be comfortable, but not conducive to efficient transfer of power. I presume you like the high bars relative to the seat. Some Thorn tourers have this sort of geometry, and they would be lighter, but still would be a chore for 3 flights of stairs. What about a folder? They can usually be configured with a high handlebar, and whilst not necessarily lighter than a standard bike, they would be much easier to carry up flights of stairs.

I don't know of any Ti bikes that resemble what you want, though I understand XACD in China will make whatever you ask for.

I used to live on the 4th floor, so 8 flights of stairs, and happily took my mtb and road bikes up and down, but I appreciate you may have different crcumstances.

thepiman

Thanks Alfablue,

Your knowledge is very useful. Indeed the high handle bars appeal. I'm not too bothered by efficiency as I could do with the maximum cardio workout on my 25min commute. However, I have lumbar problems whcih prevent me from lifting anything heavy.
I used to have a Brompton but gave it up because it was too heavy, though maybe I should go down that route although I understand that you only save 4lbs which although significant would probably not be enough.

I will contact the chinese manufacturers you mention - my only reservation is that they will not be included in the government's cycle to work scheme.

What about buying a racing bike and putting a really high pashley style handlebar on it, or would that not work?

Thanks for your help.

alfablue

Hi thepiman

I suppose a folder could be 10 to llkg, whereas a £1000 plus road racing bike might still be 8kg, to get down to 6.5kg (which I believe is the UCI lower weight limit, and therefore generally as light as bikes go) will start to cost £3000 or £4000 ish. I don't think the weight saving of Ti frame will make enough difference, good quality frames are available at around 1.2kg in most materials, and probably the lightest are around 950g, but they are only about 15 or 20% of the total bike weight, so however light the frame you still need very high end components to achieve a very light bike.

The advantage of a 10kg folder is that you can hold the weight close to your abdomen (the safest place, reducing loading on the lumber spine) and I think it would still be easier and less hazardous to lift than a full size, even ultra light bike, where you are not holding the load in the ideal position, and there is also likely to be twisting of the spine as you manouvre. But then as you've said, the Brompton didn't help.

I reckon most bikes could be configured how you want, by changing stem, or maybe getting different forks with an uncut head tube, and using spacers, I just don't want you spending loads on a custom Ti bike when it probably won't solve the problem.

I guess storage downstairs is out of the question.

alfablue

If you have reasonable funds, £1500 ish, I reckon the best bet would be a completely custom made bike maybe from 853 or 953 steel, by someone like Robin Mather in Bath. This would sort the ergonomics for the actual riding at any rate. There is a directory of custom bike builders here. Many of these will be extremely helpful and do a thorough personalised fitting.

alfablue

There are very lightweight folders at a price, like the Bike Friday Pocket Rocket Pro 7kg / £2400 (lower specs available with prices from £1700). Cheaper but still light, the Dahon Mu SL, 8.7kg, £800. There are several other options.

andrewc3142

You might want to look at one from the Koga Miyata range. Lighter than a Pashley (my wife has the Sovereign for shopping and though good it definitely is on the heavy side). Bikefix sell them.