I've just bought this Ridegback as a commuter - good buy?

daniel_b

For my girlfriend actually, will it make a good commuter?

Plan is to fit mudguards and a rack.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=180230977999&ssPageName=STRK:MEWN:IT&ih=008

daniel_b

Silence........

is that a good thing, or a bad thing

Oh well, viewing it tonight to pick it up, so will see what it is all about then.

Dan

woodford2barbican

it'll be fine!

daniel_b

Thanks w2b!

Just wondered if people thought it was a reasonable price, seems to be kitted out ok groupset wise, and is about a 2005 model I believe.

They seemed to sell for around £450, so I 'think' it seems like reasonable value if it is in as good condition as stated.

Also, my only slight concern is that the tyres might be a bit narrow, so I might want to change them for wider more grippy alternatives, as she has to go across a common at one point - what tyres would you recommend, and what size?

Dan

TheBoyBilly

Putting a rack and mudguards will make this a fine commuter and with regular servicing should last a lifetime. I don't see how you can go wrong for that money, well done.

daniel_b

Thanks for that TBB, much appreciated.

I was in 2 minds about bidding for it last night, I have a Subway one which does me fine for my commute, and only cost me £80, no problems so far, so I was erring towards a similar route for my gf, as they come up pretty frequently 2nd hand, but alas not so frequently in an 18" frame, more so the 20" which is too big for her (That is the size I have so we know!)

I've stuck SKS guards on mine, and it had a really good heavy duty rack already, and it does the job perfectly.

This one sounds good, and if it is really 2 years old, and really only has covered 200 miles should be a good buy.

The other thing that put me off, is that despite searching online for hours, i could not find any pictures of another Bullit in the same paintscheme, the 06 & 07 models are a light grey, which means, I think that it must be an 05 model at youngest
The current ones seem to have nice carbon forks as well, and sell for £700, this era seemed to be around the £400-£500 mark.

Any tips for what to check when i go and see it, ie take it for a ride, check the gears and breaks, check for a loose headset, dodgy bottom bracket etc?

Cheers

Dan

TheBoyBilly

By the way, regarding your tyre question I can recommend Schwalbe Marathon Plus tyres. I have this on my folder and they are really good with good grip, puncture resistance and wear resistance. For your Ridgeback they come in 700c sizes from 23 all the way to 38 so you should find something that you're happy with. Conti Gatorskins are very good too.

daniel_b

Thanks for that Billy, I have just had a lok on Wiggle, and can see those Schwalbe's - they look pretty impressive.

I imagine a 35 or 38 would be a good compromise between out and out speed, and grip/safety?

Cheers

Dan

TheBoyBilly

Daniel, have a look in "Readers Ads-Road Classifieds" for a checklist for when you go to pick up the bike. At least most faults will be pretty easy to find. Smooth operation of all the controls and components should mean a clean bike, and can quickly be identified. Frame alignment might be a bit harder for the untrained eye but I'm sure you'll get a feel if something is amiss. You can't really total a frame without damaging the paintwork for example, so a nice frame (this is a 200 mile bike remember) should be on this bike. Ask for any proof of purchase and compare numbers etc.
As far as I can find out this bike comes with 700c x 37 tyres so I'd stick with that size. Let me know how it goes.

Bill

daniel_b

Thanks Billy,

picked the bike up last night, both the brakes are sticking a little bit, frame has a few marks, but nothing of concern.

Tyres look fine, and wheels seem straight and true - berst thing is it feels really light, certainly quite a bit lighter than my Carrera, so that will help her on the big hill she has to get up.

Has flat bars, so if she needs a bit more height, may need to fit some risers - can't remember off the top of my head whether the stem can be flipped to provide more height, will check tonight.

Will probably spend the weekend giving it a good clean, and and some TLC, to see what we can make of it, but so far I feel it has been a good purchase.

Many thanks

Dan