£600ish.. I need something with racks and mud guards for commute...

[robert b 2]

Hi all,

I know, I know, I started a thread about getting a folding bike but I've been well and truly put off getting a folder; looks like they can have structural issues over longer periods of time if intensely used.

I will be travelling 7.5 miles each way, including some serious hills, for my commute to work.

I want something that is light and enables me to ride efficiently by road. I did a test run today on my 6 year old, £250 mountain bike (complete with chunky tyres and cheap front suspension.) I managed it fine and have always been pretty adept at getting stuck in on the bike, but I think I am going to need something lighter and more dynamic for day to day use.

But I also want racks for my pack lunch bag so I don't get a sweaty back, and want mud and chain guards. I think I'd prefer flat handle bar. I would also like a seat that doesn't dig into my arse.

I have to act quickly as I've just sold my car and am starting new job in 10 days!!

Many thanks.

 

[SimonRoberts0204]

My dad rides a Raleigh Royal (RRP 499) and quite likes it.

http://www.evanscycles.com/products...009-hybrid-bike-ec018959?query=raleigh royale

 

[robert b 2]

Thanks for that,

I guess that is the sort of thing I am after. Aren't Raleigh crap these days though?

 

[SimonRoberts0204]

Possibly, and dont quote me on this because I dont know a huge amount on the topic- theres less likely to be much wrong with their steel framed tourers than their full on race-bikes.

 

[robert b 2]

I've done a bit of research and the "tourer" type seems to be what I will need - like road bikes but with all the accessories, such as mud guards and racks.

Is a tourer basically the same as a road bike, but more accessories? Would a tourer be better than my mountain bike for commuting with hills?

 

[SimonRoberts0204]

Slower than a race bike, but much more practical, and even more so than a mountain bike, in my opinion.

Slightly fatter tyres than a race bike, so will handle more bumps and stuff, but much much faster than a mountain bike.

 

[HLaB]

Do you want dropped or flat bar robert? If you want flat, you can't go far wrong with a flat bar road bike, something like a Sirrus, it takes a rack and guards. If you wan't drops I think the tourer option is the way to go. They are basically like a road bike but a bit more heavier and robust. I think a flat bar road bike or a tourer would be much better than the mtb.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

edinburgh bicycle coop revolution country traveller or explorer. would not recommend an MTB

 

[robert b 2]

Thanks guys; that clarifies things.

Slower than a race bike, but much more practical, and even more so than a mountain bike, in my opinion.

Slightly fatter tyres than a race bike, so will handle more bumps and stuff, but much much faster than a mountain bike.

Think it could do with being a tourer, as I would like toughness over a road bike, but the speed and practicality for commuting over the mtb.

Why is it that tourers don't come with flat bars? I think I'd prefer a flat bar. But if I do that then I need a flat barred road bike, which I need to get the guards, etc. for. Is it possible to get a flat barred tourer that is light, fast, and has all the guards/racks, etc fitted already?

I was looking at the Ridgeback Voyage Tourer, are those any good? I'll check out those suggestions above.

 

[SimonRoberts0204]

Tourers have drop bars so that you can vary your hand positions over the miles to stay nice and comfy.

Dont forget you dont have to be on the drops all the time!

 

[robert b 2]

Aah, so the flat bits at the top are basically a flat handle bar? Well I suppose that give me more options then.

The thing is, they look uncomfortable to ride. The seat seems high relative to the handle bars and I can imagine my crotch is going to kill. Even on my mountain bike with a gel seat cover, I find the pressure points start to sting. I always imagine a sit up and beg type arrangement would be better...

 

[SimonRoberts0204]

Exactly - For normal cruising on the flats I switch between the flats and the hoods, unless im really pulling along, when i go to the drops.

I've found if you get set up properly you should be comfy enough. Its a different type of comfort than on a MTB though, takes some practice.

 

[robert b 2]

So do you use a tourer for commuting? What would you recommend?

So I'd get away with taking a tourer along a nobbly canal, if required?

Cheers mate

 

[SimonRoberts0204]

I would say a tourer is best for commuting, you can put plenty of stuff on the back, and better suited to the bumps and ruts of the city roads.

Also, tyres arent so slick, so should cope no problem with a canal tow path.

 

[robert b 2]

What would be the big advantage of a tourer costing around £600 compared to a hybrid such as a Specialised Globe City or a Carerra? Do the dropped bars enable you to get more speed?