Old Chap Needs Advice

steveal

After 5 years or so riding a recumbent trike (Trice), I decided to try my old Giant GSR Comfort ‘mountain bike’ a couple of days ago.
Of course, after 5 years, an upright bike felt strange.
Once I’d got rid of the seat (which was why I got into recumbents in the first place...) I was blown away by the 'new' experience.

So, the time has come to purchase a more sensible upright bike.

My normal riding is a leisurely 15 to 40 miles on roads in reasonably hilly Lancashire countryside, and I've never been tempted by anything rougher than a canal towpath. I'm retired, so no commuting to do!

At first, I was tempted by the looks of a touring bike - everything from a Raleigh Royal to
custom Paul Hewitt Cheviot, but realistically I'm never going to go on a multi-day expedition. At the extreme, I'll probably try a century again one day.

Handlebars. Over the 50 years or so I've been riding bikes (Harry Hall tourer, Moulton Jubilee, etc.) I don't think I've spent 20 minutes in total actually 'on the drops'. so flat bars with bar ends or perhaps butterfly bars seem most appropriate.


So, I think my needs might be met by a 'hybrid'. Something upright and comfortable with low range gearing, mudguards and a rack (both of which can probably be added to most bikes in my bracket).

To the questions:

- is frame material important? Do steel frames really 'ride better'?
- If I set a sort of minimum quality level for components (say, Shimano Deore or better), is
there any particular make of bike which represents great value?
- Conversely, if I set a budget of £700 what is the best bang for the buck for that ammount? Do I even need to go that high for the type of bike I want?

Any suggestions or thoughts would be most appreciated.

Steve

crankycrank

Just go out and test ride as many bikes as possible. There are so many different types of bikes now to cover about any type of riding it makes my head spin. No need to buy a tourer since there are plenty of flatbar roadbikes that would suit you I'm sure. A bike with nice wide tyres and steel frame(if you can find one at that price) would be more towards the comfort end. A lighter bike, most likely with an alu or CF frame and skinny 700c road tyres will take less effort to pedal since it will be stiffer and lighter but may have a harsh ride. These are broad generalisations and "better" is a highly subjective opinion thus the recommendation that you test ride quite a few. So I guess after my long winded post I really would have to say just do some test rides to find out what works for YOU.

skyd0g

I wouldn't get too hung up on frame materials - there can be good bikes made of aluminium, carbon, steel or titanium - also bad ones.

If it were me, I'd seriously consider the Boardman Performance Hybrid Comp @ £499 - it will do all you need, good frame & spec (and has pannier fittings), plus some spare cash for a pannier rack, panniers, mudguards etc.

northpole

I was going to suggest the entry level Specialized Roubaix but the current rrp is a slightly ott £1,700 - way beyond your budget. If you can find a 2008 or 2009 model at a decent discount this would provide you with a great upright riding position and a half decent groupset.

If you can, look out for Shimano 105 or Campagnolo Veloce groupset - these are the starting points for their quality stuff.

Then again, I have always had a soft spot for the Dawes Galaxy/ Super Galaxy. There always seem to be some available on flea bay and these may fit your budget too

http://shop.ebay.co.uk/?_from=R40&_trks ... Categories

Peter

steveal

Thanks to all who replied.

an interesting idea from skydOg, with the Boardman hybrid. I'd never considered a bike without a granny ring. I often ride and avoid using the lowest chainring, but always like the insurance of having it there.
Does no one here rely on LOW gears?

Steve

skyd0g

On the Boardman Hybrid, there's a compact 50/36 up-front and a 11-32 cassette so it gives a pretty wide range of gears to choose from.
The 36/32 combo would give you 30.4 gear inches - pretty low.

Specs here: http://www.boardmanbikes.com/hybrid/hybrid_comp.html

gbs

My experience may be relevant. Aged 66 I bought a new utility hybrid for towpath, light offroad, shopping etc. Within weeks I bought an old Bianchi - Al alloy with race frame geometry, not quite the right size and twitchy. Although I was not comfortable on the road bike genre with drops, skinny tyres something - pride and unwillingness to admit to being scared perhaps - caused me to persevere and after I am now very happy with a c/f Pearson Pave and a Ti Van Nic Yukon.

The latter style of bike and material may be appropriate in yr case; or perhaps a sports hybrid if you wish to be less committed. IMO, the point is that even we retired persons can grow into activities that initially seem daunting and so when buying we should assume future some development in skills and confidence and not settle within the current comfort zone.

The first two mentioned bikes have been sold; I need a utility bike so I am thinking of a Specialised Single Cross - it is flat around round here in Fulham and on the Thames bank. A geared version of that bike may suit you.

steveal

skyd0g

I'll visit Halfords this very afternoon...

gbs,

Those are some exotic bikes. Maybe someday...

Does anyone have an opinion of the Dawes Discovery range? I'm thinking maybe the 501 model.

Steve

steveal

Well, I visited Halfords (and every other bike shop in the North West...).
The Boardman Hybrid was interesting, but it seemed that money was spent on those disc brakes which might have been spent elsewhere.
I still thought the gearing wasn't low enough for me, either.

To cut a long story short - I bought a Specialized Tricross Sport. I know I may live to regret the juddery brakes, but the gearing is low, the chainstays are long and the riding position is more upright that the usual road/race bike.

I'll let you know how the ownership goes.

Thanks.

Steve

gbs

Glad to see yr endorsement of my current target, the Specialised Cross, but why juddery brakes?

steveal

A search here will bring up threads about the juddery front brake/fork combination.
Replacement cable hanger (costs less than £10), seems to provide the cure:

http://www.cyclechat.net/forums/showthr ... 960&page=4

Note that the 2010 already have 'the cure'.

Great bike.