Bikes

[rubberrat]

So.. we have two standard folding bikes that we take with us on our travels, they fit on the back seat of the truck in their bags, taking up just one side so perfect for that. But they are not the nicest things to ride at other times.

I've just sold my ridiculously over the top hydraulic disc braked Saracen mountain bike as I mostly ride on the road or smooth-ish tracks.
It was like having a Hummer to go to the shops.

My last thre MTB's have been a bit over the top for my skills/useage - Kona, Marin etc So I'm thinking of getting a more normal Hybrid type MTB. More upright riding style, less tech, more of a tourer than a style statement.

The one I have an eye on is a Raleigh Voyager. (old mansbike )





Anyone else have a Hybrid that they can recommend?

I'll be buying used as it goes against my mantra to throw money at a dealer - so only things that have been around for a couple of years.

[Gary W]

So.. we have two standard folding bikes that we take with us on our travels, they fit on the back seat of the truck in their bags, taking up just one side so perfect for that. But they are not the nicest things to ride at other times.

I've just sold my ridiculously over the top hydraulic disc braked Saracen mountain bike as I mostly ride on the road or smooth-ish tracks.
It was like having a Hummer to go to the shops.

My last thre MTB's have been a bit over the top for my skills/useage - Kona, Marin etc So I'm thinking of getting a more normal Hybrid type MTB. More upright riding style, less tech, more of a tourer than a style statement.

The one I have an eye on is a Raleigh Voyager. (old mansbike )





Anyone else have a Hybrid that they can recommend?

I'll be buying used as it goes against my mantra to throw money at a dealer - so only things that have been around for a couple of years.

We have fancy MTBs, Bromptons and a couple of Dutch city bikes. We LOVE the Dutch bikes, the Dutch are the masters of comfortable and practical bikes and the more you ride the things the more it shows. Having used ours for everything from cycling over 20 (hilly) miles to work on bridleways, byeways, and cycleways, shopping while on holiday, cycling for the sheer pleasure of it while at home, and even a cycle camping tour around Brittany (we are NOT super fit cyclists!) I'd have to say they are nothing short of absolutely amazing! My MTB is a £3000 Cannondale dripping with fancy gear, yet I do the 22 miles to work in 10 minutes less, with less effort, in more comfort and without getting splattered in mud on my £450 Cortina Dutch City bike than I can manage on my Cannondale. I've hardly ridden the Cannondale since I got my Cortina. Morag's has traditional styling, mine more modern, but both do the same and feel the same (just look different). We don't sell bikes but happy to help you out and bring one or two back for you on one of our regular trips if you can't find locally.

[rubberrat]

I suffer from that disease of style over function sometimes.. Definitely with bikes. But when we are abroad we often hire citybikes like yours and are amazed at how they 'bowl along' compared with my (now ex) dripping with kit mtb which always seems to be a grunt.
I think I am making the right decision to adjust the style function ratio the other way.

Thanks for your offer.. If I cant find what I need ill speak to you.

Oh.. Bromptons eh? Cool. Used car money but cool.

I have a couple of 80's Dahon California's that are an ongoing project.

[rubberrat]

I had a lucky buy this weekend and scored a pristine Giant Escape from a lovely elderly couple in Norwich who seemed to have over extended their abilities.



Perfect bike that had a funky frame shape to appeal to my love of asthetic design. Large 700 wheels and less OTT kit than the Saracen.
Tested on a 25 mile ride yesterday and I have to say it fairly bowls along.
Highly recommended.

Now I need (want) a ridiculous and impractical lowrider beach cruiser. Just because I can...

[derestrictor]

bikes have come a long way in terms of marketability over design if you ask me, with all sorts of expense available after purchase, used to be a bell and a puncture kit with spoons, these days its all 'service schedule' and personalisation

whats wrong with spokey-dokey's anyway people

[rubberrat]

Oddly I recently bought a pair of matching Raleigh touring bikes for our near neighbours.
The price I paid for the pair - virtually unused - a fad purchase - was around the cost of the accessories they bought for them (or the shop persuaded them to buy)