Classic racing bike or modern hybrid

paralysisbyanalysis

Hello

I'm currently debating whether to buy a cheap second hand racing bike or a new hybrid bike. For the hybrid I'd be looking at the Dawes Discovery 201 or similar cost bike from Giant. For the second hand racing bike I'd be looking at something similar to the stuff sold here:
http://www.cambridgeclassicbikes.co.uk/Bikes-for-Sale

If I buy the hybrid I can get it through the cycle to work scheme, so there will be savings there, but the second hand bike will obviously cheaper . I don't have that far too commute approx 3 miles and will mostly use if for journeys across town. I'm just wondering whether the savings on buying a second hand road bike would be misleading as the bike would not last long or would require a lot of maintenance etc.

In short, which of the two options should I go for?

Thanks

BelgianBeerGeek

If the older bike is sold through a proper shop then I'd expect it to be in good working order. Older parts can still be sourced easily enough, but a 3 mile commute should mean years of riding (unless you neglect bike maintenance).
You don't say where you are going to leave it, but older bikes are better for chaining to bike racks in town, outside the pub etc as they generally attract less attention than shiny new ones.
I have an old Raleigh bike and of all the ones I own/have owned, it still brings a smile to my face when I'm out on it.

The Rookie

3 miles you can do on anything, we have a shonky old Townsend in the family which has just had some vaguely decent wheels and tyres put on, is fairly quick (though a bit heavy) but we can leave anywhere.... I wouldn't be buying new for 6 miles a day!

paralysisbyanalysis

Thanks for the replies. I think I'll take a look at some second hand road bikes and see if I can get a bargain!

danlikesbikes

Depending on how flat your ride is a fixed gear set up might be good to look at. Cheaper to run as less mechanical parts, easier to clean again as less parts & compared to a similar bike will be lighter .

paralysisbyanalysis

It's about as flat as you can get! I'll consider that as an option, thanks.

velohutts

friend of mine got a bike from the recycling centre , less than a tenner , spent 15 quid on cables and pads and uses it all the time and if it gets pinched not to bothered.
May be worth a look there for a cheapy for a 3 mile commute.

pete_s

paralysisbyanalysis wrote:

Thanks for the replies. I think I'll take a look at some second hand road bikes and see if I can get a bargain!

I've got a road bike I'm putting up for sale. PM me if you'd like any details.

rolf_f

Danlikesbikes wrote:

Cheaper to run as less mechanical parts, easier to clean again as less parts & compared to a similar bike will be lighter .

The mechanical parts for old bikes (assuming not high end) are so cheap that the cost issue is neither here nor there. You can easily get a full set of good used DT shifters, front and rear mechs for £25 without trying too hard! And it doesn't take long to clean the mechs either.

danlikesbikes

Rolf F wrote:

Danlikesbikes wrote:

Cheaper to run as less mechanical parts, easier to clean again as less parts & compared to a similar bike will be lighter .

The mechanical parts for old bikes (assuming not high end) are so cheap that the cost issue is neither here nor there. You can easily get a full set of good used DT shifters, front and rear mechs for £25 without trying too hard! And it doesn't take long to clean the mechs either.

I'll still stand by my quote that the same bike in single speed will be cheaper than the same in geared as it has less mechanical parts and therefore to service & replace the transmission will be cheaper, in terms of cleaning a geared and single speed are both pretty easy to clean but the single would be faster & as it has less parts than its equivalent geared would be lighter.

As the OP was looking at possibly second hand & questioned not wanting a lot of maintenance specifically I was just throwing into the mix a single speed as another option for him. £25 quid might not be much to some in terms of second hand shifters, front mech, rear mech and time to fit or if not equipped or skilled to do so the cost of paying someone to do the work it soon add's up.