New commuter

Myster101

Looking at buying a new commuter bike for out and about with the family on cycle paths etc and for when I haven't the time to go out on the NP Mega but still want a quick spin out. Was looking at the Cannondale Bad Boy but don't think I need to spend that much on something that will be a second bike. Have seen the Carrera Subway 1 in Halfords for £280, anybody had any experience with them?

Before anybody says it I'll make sure its built up correctly before my first ride

Cheers all.

Myster101

oxoman wrote:

Good solid commuting bikes, only issue is halfords inconsistent assembly skills. Decathlon do a road bike with flat bars worth looking at.

Been building bikes for years now so not too bothered about their assembly skills

Will take a look at the Decathlon.

Cheers.

lancew

Subways are a good option.

They're solid but heavy. I use the frame from one on my MTB, because they're almost exactly the same as their MTB range.

snowster

I have a boardman comp hybrid solely for my commute fast reliable and can't fault it just buy when halfords have 20% off deals

Myster101

Was looking at the Boardman's but not sure I need to spend that much on the amount of use it's going to get. Went for a quick spin on loacal roads last night on my Nukeproof Mega AM (160mm each end)...........really need a commuter

The Rookie

The two options I'd consider (and they are different)
1/ Voodoo Marasa, stick some road tyres (28 or 32mm, with tubes will cost about £25) on it and it turns into a fast road commuter pretty much as good as the Boardmans for a lot less (and sheds a LOT of weight as the original tyres and tubes are heavy as heck!), stick to the original tyres and its a useful touring on/off road tool and put some knobblies on and it's a rigid 29er I know two very happy owners. Currently about £315 Not much more than the Subway but a much better bike, that said the Subway is a good solid bike, just not really much fun.
2/ Decathlon fit 500, road bike with flat bars and almost as fast as a full on road bike. About £500.

Myster101

Thanks Rookie, I'm now leaning towards building one myself. Thinking of a cheap a HT frame, some rigid forks etc as I've just been ratching in the garage and found a load of stuff which could make up a 26" commuter/hack bike.

Decisions, decisions :?

cooldad

My commuter (although I live a few minutes away from my office). Cost me about a £100, and pretty quick. 1995 Kona Hahanna. Bottom end Kona of the time so cheap now.



So I can spend my money on decent bikes, like a 1996 Explosif. Which maybe cost £200. Having box loads of bits helps.

Myster101

Thanks Cooldad, think I'm going to build my own. Seems daft not to with all the spares I have lying around. Now just need to find a frame and forks.

The Rookie

If your staying 26" the mid 2000's Carrera frame is a good option, they are fairly light (same as a similar age Rockhopper) and can be quite playful, loads can be found cheap, get some lightweight Mosso forks on the front off ebay and you'll have frame and forks for less than £100 weighing less than 2.5Kg.