Bikeguide.org - Bike maintenance for BMX'ers
The Street => The Bike Shop => Topic started by: medusa.cascade on May 28, 2015, 11:22:30 AM
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So I've managed to bag a job for September that's about 11 miles away. I've been looking into getting a big boys bike but need some advice. Its pretty hilly, 20% at one point, and the route is single track country lanes for a lot of it. So not smooth tarmac. What would people recommend? Budget is around £750.
Do I get a road bike? Cyclocross? A rigid mountain bike?
I would like something I can stick some slightly more aggressive tyres on for the winter.
I was thinking of a canndale synapse disc 105 which is a bit over budget. Any cheaper alternatives?
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24 inch bmx
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just get a rocker mini bike 8)
;D
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I road it today to see what the route was like. Bombing down the hills kicks ass obviously, but inclines where an absolute killer on the bmx.
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Get a used CX bike. Check LFGSS
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Defo CX bike, you can throw road tires on it if you wanna do road rides too. My CX bike has 30c road tires on at the moment that work for everything now it's pretty much dry.
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Are you going to be riding it year round and regardless of rain etc? Do you need to take "stuff" with you? If so I would look for something with space for mudguards and a rack, disc brakes would be a plus. Maybe even an Alfine hub gear.
How do you feel about drop or flat bars?
You could easily get a Fairdale Weekender for that, or just get frame and fork and build it up how you like, that's a pretty decent budget.
If you didn't want a product I am associated with Genesis do something that might fit the bill I think its the Day One but the disc alfine version would be a little over your budget.
Personally I would probably try to build something up from the Weekender frameset which there are some good deals on floating about, stick flat bars on and Shimano MTB bits to get 1 by 10 and hydraulic discs... Was looking for the frame but actually stumbled on this which is a crazy bargain http://www.tritoncycles.co.uk/urban-bikes-c4/hybrid-rigid-c30/fairdale-weekender-og-hybrid-bike-2013-p784
:)
G.
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So I've managed to bag a job for September that's about 11 miles away. I've been looking into getting a big boys bike but need some advice. Its pretty hilly, 20% at one point, and the route is single track country lanes for a lot of it. So not smooth tarmac. What would people recommend? Budget is around £750.
Do I get a road bike? Cyclocross? A rigid mountain bike?
I would like something I can stick some slightly more aggressive tyres on for the winter.
I was thinking of a canndale synapse disc 105 which is a bit over budget. Any cheaper alternatives?
I love my Fairdale Weekender. Admittedly it is the first bike of this style that I've ever had. But, it's kind of ridiculous how much faster and efficiently you can ride on the road, over distance.
(http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh138/upsetbmx/002_zps9f5b2693.jpg)
(http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh138/upsetbmx/FairdaleWeekender_CMC_skaterack_zpsecl19wrm.jpg)
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Are you going to be riding it year round and regardless of rain etc? Do you need to take "stuff" with you? If so I would look for something with space for mudguards and a rack, disc brakes would be a plus. Maybe even an Alfine hub gear.
How do you feel about drop or flat bars?
You could easily get a Fairdale Weekender for that, or just get frame and fork and build it up how you like, that's a pretty decent budget.
If you didn't want a product I am associated with Genesis do something that might fit the bill I think its the Day One but the disc alfine version would be a little over your budget.
Personally I would probably try to build something up from the Weekender frameset which there are some good deals on floating about, stick flat bars on and Shimano MTB bits to get 1 by 10 and hydraulic discs... Was looking for the frame but actually stumbled on this which is a crazy bargain http://www.tritoncycles.co.uk/urban-bikes-c4/hybrid-rigid-c30/fairdale-weekender-og-hybrid-bike-2013-p784
:)
G.
That's a hell of a deal. I felt lucky getting one in Austin on craigslist for $550. The OG Weekenders get snatched up quick.
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y'all probably saw this already. ;) it tripped a lot of people out. i wanna try it (need to find some steps with the right spacing--looks like one wheelbase-ish).
(http://i.imgur.com/3nyw5NR.gif)
http://www.reddit.com/r/gifs/comments/1wxhxz/this_guy_climbing_stairs/ (http://www.reddit.com/r/gifs/comments/1wxhxz/this_guy_climbing_stairs/)
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So I've managed to bag a job for September that's about 11 miles away. I've been looking into getting a big boys bike but need some advice. Its pretty hilly, 20% at one point, and the route is single track country lanes for a lot of it. So not smooth tarmac. What would people recommend? Budget is around £750.
Do I get a road bike? Cyclocross? A rigid mountain bike?
I would like something I can stick some slightly more aggressive tyres on for the winter.
I was thinking of a canndale synapse disc 105 which is a bit over budget. Any cheaper alternatives?
Is your new job back here or away? We keep the synapse range on display all the time so you're welcome to pop in if you wanna sit on one, go round the block or just get some general advice. It's a seriously popular bike!
I'd also look at the GT Grade. It's an adventure/gravel road bike - so more road based than a cyclocross bike and we've done well with them since its release this model year. The higher end carbon model won best debut in cycling plus bike of the year which is always a good sign, and they do some aluminium options in your budget. I'll hook you up a deal on either.
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^Is the Grade the one with the camo bartape? If so then get that. Just for the bartape.
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Deff look into something with fender mounts. They make your bike look goofy as fuck but are great in the wet. Most entry level CX and road bikes will have them. I haven't tried a Weekender but I've got an OG Fairdale Parser and it is great.
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I probably won't be using it when its bad weather if I'm honest but will probably get caught out.
Im not that keen on building something up as I have no idea what's compatible with what.
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I probably won't be using it when its bad weather if I'm honest but will probably get caught out.
Im not that keen on building something up as I have no idea what's compatible with what.
Just buy that weekender I linked to. As long as you are looking for a large that is a ridiculous bargain, the shop will be making a fairly large loss on it at that price and I doubt it will be there long (tempted to buy it myself as its less than I could get one for even working for them!) If you dont buy that you are going to end up paying twice that (your full budget) for something similar. At half price you will have £300 left to play with on guards and a rack of you need them, and personally I would upgrade it to hydraulic brakes (SLX probably) and you would have yourself a great bike.
:)
G.
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Triton were the Fairdale distributor in the UK so I'm guessing they are cutting their losses and clearing everything out.
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Thanks for the offer danno, but I'm down south permanently now.
I'm 5' 8" would I get away with a large?
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your height would put you squarely in "medium" territoryif you are putting drop bars on it. large if you are putting some sort of flat bar on it.
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Thanks for the offer danno, but I'm down south permanently now.
I'm 5' 8" would I get away with a large?
The pic I posted of mine, which is a Large, the center of bb to top of seat post clamp is 23.75". And with seat height where you see it there, it is 29 1/2" from the center of bb to the top of the seat. I was reading some road bike fit articles with online calculators and apparently I'm running the seat lower than I'm supposed to for my height (6'1") and leg length. So, I'm thinking at 5'8" you could ride a Large.
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riding a bike that is too big, particularly too long in the tt really sucks. bike fit is a really shitty place to compromise.
im 5'10 and i wouldn't touch one of those large weekenders with a barge pole, even with my long torso and love of reach id be stretched the fuck out. but its hard to compare fit based on height when they're are factors like leg/arm/torso length proportion shit.
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I wouldn't recommend you a large in a million years, medium will be the right size for you.
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While that fairdale is a very tempting price I think I may give it a miss.
How about this one though?
http://www.tritoncycles.co.uk/road-bikes-c5/touring-bikes-c41/fairdale-weekender-drop-touring-bike-2014-p1275
What are the pros and cons over the other weekender?
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While that fairdale is a very tempting price I think I may give it a miss.
yeah, i wouldn't do that "Kelly Green" either. ;D
(http://www.tritonimports.co.uk/images/fairdale-weekender-2013-kelly-green-p21-246_image.jpg)
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While that fairdale is a very tempting price I think I may give it a miss.
yeah, i wouldn't do that "Kelly Green" either. ;D
(http://www.tritonimports.co.uk/images/fairdale-weekender-2013-kelly-green-p21-246_image.jpg)
The £300 saved would buy a fuck-ton of paint though eh?
:)
G.
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Triton ended up having a medium hiding in their werehouse. So have gone for that and will be painting the rims and bars black.
So now for more poorly informed questions.
Are all pannier racks created equal? And are they all compatible?
Same question regarding fenders/mudguards?
I'll probably end up spending between 100 - 125 on it. Where should I start?
I have some spare shimano DXs that will be thrown on it.
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Not all guards are equal, Get SKS chromoplastics. Racks depend on how much weight you want to carry, most would be fine for you .
I'd be keen on new tires, those conti contacts are average but depending on what you're riding you could find something lighter
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I'd be keen on new tires, those conti contacts are average but depending on what you're riding you could find something lighter
They are a lot better than what most companies spec on a complete. They are one of the many features that had a lot of thought put into it so that you could just ride the bike straight away without having to replace a bunch of "price-point" parts. Well worth giving them a fair crack before shelling out for new rubber.
:)
G.
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So this rack would do? Or would anyone recommend anything?
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/topeak-super-tourist-dx-fdisc-rear-rack/
Another thing - can someone recommend a decent light that's not massively expensive.
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So this rack would do? Or would anyone recommend anything?
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/topeak-super-tourist-dx-fdisc-rear-rack/
Another thing - can someone recommend a decent light that's not massively expensive.
Do you need it for seeing where you're going or just to give cars a flash letting them know you're there? I've been using this combo for a few years now.
http://www.rei.com/product/853629/cateye-hl-el135-front-omni-3-rear-bike-light-set (http://www.rei.com/product/853629/cateye-hl-el135-front-omni-3-rear-bike-light-set)
Easy to mount and then remove when heading inside (had a couple stolen at the bar when I've forgotten) and the battery life is good in my opinion if you run them on flash. I used a set commuting to work daily for about 2.5 years and think I only changed the battery once or twice and that's with riding around town too. The front light isn't especially bright but I just have it on flash for safety moreso than for actual light.
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I'd be keen on new tires, those conti contacts are average but depending on what you're riding you could find something lighter
They are a lot better than what most companies spec on a complete. They are one of the many features that had a lot of thought put into it so that you could just ride the bike straight away without having to replace a bunch of "price-point" parts. Well worth giving them a fair crack before shelling out for new rubber.
:)
G.
Yeah, I agree they aren't bad at all, definitely a good all rounder and decent puncture protection. But out of everything though that's probably where he would notice most difference
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So this rack would do? Or would anyone recommend anything?
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/topeak-super-tourist-dx-fdisc-rear-rack/
Another thing - can someone recommend a decent light that's not massively expensive.
Rack and lights will depend on what you need them for and your budget.
You can get amazing LED lights these days, some will light up a trail well enough to ride fast off road in total darkness, but are way overkill for commuting on lit roads. Personally I like USB rechargeable ones for town. I have Lezyne Hecto Drives right now, and previously had Knog Blinder 4's. I think if I was doing it again I would go with a Hecto for the front and a Blinder 4 for the back. The Hecto rear is as big as the front but has a run time that is about 5 times what it is on the front, which is daft. But there may well be something better than either of these available now.
:)
G.
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About 25 quid on a rack.
No more than a couple of kilos, mainly a spare pair of clothes and my lunch.
And about 35 quid on lights.
The route is mainly unlit so looking for something rechargeable, that can light up the way home.
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About 25 quid on a rack.
No more than a couple of kilos, mainly a spare pair of clothes and my lunch.
And about 35 quid on lights.
The route is mainly unlit so looking for something rechargeable, that can light up the way home.
Rack rise you can pick up a tortec lite for £19something off wiggle. Light wise I'm mega happy with my Lezyne macro front and micro rear. They've put up with the pouring rain no problem and hold battery on standby for a week at least however they are £56 ish for a pair online in silver. Halfords (I work for them) do a knock off set for £20 a pair (pm if you fancy them. I'll knock a bit off and post them if I can). They're rechargeable but they don't have as many settings or the click once for battery check and obvs the battery isn't as good. For commuting they'll be fine. For out in the woods they'll be shit.
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For lights on a commuting bike I feel like the easiest to remove and take with you, or the hardest to get off are best. One decent tip I heard yesterday was to zip-tie those silicone ones on. Makes it a bit harder to just nab them. But that's in Switzerland where people leave Brooks saddlebags on their bike while its locked up. I actually left a bike completely unlocked for like a week by accident. No worries.
I bought some of those designy magnetic onces you find in museum gift shops. They're super conveniene and easy to pull off and tuck in the pocket, steel only though. The problem is it's just a single LED and the quality is not where it should be. First set I had one was problematic, got a replacement, works but still a finicky bitch sometimes.
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Close to impulse buying one of those Fairdales, such a bargain.
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I've been thinking of grabbing a Fairdale Goodship. Anyone tried one/ know who stocks them in the UK?
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do any racks fit or do i need a 'disc specific' rack?
i think i was a bit naieve to think i could get decent lights for £35 so will have to up my budget.
what is the minimum lumens you guys would recommend for riding at night on unlit roads, which are usb rechargeable and last for around 2 hours? i have seen ones on ebay/amazon going for a reasonable amount but i'm not sure how long they would last.
i also dont believe that cheap waterproof pannier exist which is a pain.
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do any racks fit or do i need a 'disc specific' rack?
i think i was a bit naieve to think i could get decent lights for £35 so will have to up my budget.
what is the minimum lumens you guys would recommend for riding at night on unlit roads, which are usb rechargeable and last for around 2 hours? i have seen ones on ebay/amazon going for a reasonable amount but i'm not sure how long they would last.
i also dont believe that cheap waterproof pannier exist which is a pain.
Look into those Cree lights from China, mega bright.
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do any racks fit or do i need a 'disc specific' rack?
i think i was a bit naieve to think i could get decent lights for £35 so will have to up my budget.
what is the minimum lumens you guys would recommend for riding at night on unlit roads, which are usb rechargeable and last for around 2 hours? i have seen ones on ebay/amazon going for a reasonable amount but i'm not sure how long they would last.
i also dont believe that cheap waterproof pannier exist which is a pain.
I paid about that for both my Knog Blinder 4's and my Lezyne Hecto drives, but they were both bargains that I spotted at the time. Just trawl Wiggle and ebay etc..
:)
G.
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knog blinder 4's are surprisingly good, i use those and lezyne micro drives and find the knogs better. the lezynes suffer from shit battery and QC, but last long enough for my commutes (and i got them dirt cheap) that i'm not really bothered.
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So its all built up. I haven't riden it yet. I think it may be a little big. There is no room between my balls and toptube.
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Get someone to take a picture of you on it, as if it is too big its going to be uncomfortable and you won't enjoy riding it.
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It isn't really a big deal if there's no gap between the top tube and your balls as long as they're not getting completely smashed. Focus on getting cockpit room right and you should be alright. Play with different stem lengths and bar set ups and see what works for you.
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Get someone to take a picture of you on it, as if it is too big its going to be uncomfortable and you won't enjoy riding it.
I alway get uncomfortable when I have someone take a picture of me.
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She looks alright now.
(https://scontent-ams2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/t31.0-8/11013539_920194934686636_6172796803865145611_o.jpg?efg=eyJpIjoidCJ9)
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I dig it
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Much better with black rims.
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I have to nitpick- that rear brake cable end is too long. cut it down short enough that it can't possibly get caught in the rotor.