A bike to ride to and from work on a rainy day

[Kestevan]

Let me guess. The tyres are Vittoria Zaffiros? These are (imho) farking lethal in the wet (or even slightly damp).
I've managed to slide on a pair, and a friend came off and was lucky not to be seriously hurt in similar conditions.

Dump the tyres, and get a decent set of slicks (Continental GP4000s, Michellin Pro). The bike will be transformed in the wet, and probably a damn site better in the dry too.

No need for hybrid tyres on-road - just better quality rubber.

 

[ianrauk]

Any advice?
Yes, use your Merida in the rain.
It won't melt. Just keep it clean and it will be fine.

 

[HLaB]

Learn how to handle your Merida in the wet, its the same for any bike.
PS don't fall into the classic trap of 'must not be slick'; slick tyres on tarmac means more tyre in contact with the road; knobblies mean less and they can also deform compounding things.

 

[HLaB]

I commuted on a hybrid for a few years, and then bought a road bike. From that very day, I have never ridden the hybrid. I guess that I'm fickle.

Ditto, I used to commute on a flat bar road bike (aka a hybrid), then a town bike (aka a hybrid) up north but when I moved south I bought a drop bar fixie and despite a lot of abuse (poor maintenance ) thus far it hasn't let me down and if I buy another commuter the first option will be another drop bar road bike.

 

[Hip Priest]

Let me guess. The tyres are Vittoria Zaffiros? These are (imho) ****ing lethal in the wet (or even slightly damp).
I've managed to slide on a pair, and a friend came off and was lucky not to be seriously hurt in similar conditions.

My bike came with Zaffiros. I never actually used them in the wet. I upgraded to Gatorskins after having three punctures in my first 2 rides. I think you can pick up a new pair for little over a tenner. You get what you pay for.

 

[John the Monkey]

And for the love of god (and the cleanliness of anyone who might end up behind you) fit mudguards

 

[Cyclist33]

Something that really annoys me is when I plan to ride my Merida road bike to work and back but when looking at the weather forecast and seeing my ride to work would be fine but riding back it would be raining. So, I use public transport instead. Then, when finishing work I see the forecast is wrong and it is nice and sunny.

What I need is a bike for riding in the rain. I need a cheap bike, but is still a road bike so my posture would be the same as riding my main bike. The cycle to work scheme is not an option as I am still paying off £1000 loan for my main bike. The weight of the bike I am planning to buy does not matter, in fact the heavier it is, the better my fitness will be when riding my Merida. The tyres must not be slick and the forks would have to be wide enough for the width of hybrid tyres. The price is the main factor, and when I say cheap I mean cheap. I am planning on buying second hand and I am not planning to spend more than £100. What make of bike would suit these conditions? A cyclocross bike would be nice but I doubt I would get a second hand one for the price I am willing to pay

Any advice please?

Sounds like you could get a load of old crap for that price. Don't have a clue why you'd want to... ride the Merida come hell or high water, it won't kill it.

 

[John the Canuck]

after reading all the reviews on cheaper tyres on Wiggle and CRC .... IT APPEARS IT AIN'T WORTH IT

you could try Panaracer Pasela TG [Tour Guard]
at Tredz for £20ea in 23c or 28c less £5 Voucher = £35
I'm about to buy the 28c - will let you know

 

[John the Monkey]

after reading all the reviews on cheaper tyres on Wiggle and CRC .... IT APPEARS IT AIN'T WORTH IT

Depends - I got my Comfort Contacts for £15 (for the pair). Bloody great tyres, and I wish I'd stumped up the new price (more than I paid for the pair) for a new set. Similarly, I got my Krylion Carbons (best "endurance" tyre I've ridden) for £30 for the pair.

It helps to keep an eye on the sales at the end of the season, and get multiples of anything you end up liking (like the 25c Pro Race 2, which was a FANTASTIC tyre).

 

[biggs682]

@GmanUK65 i have a nice old refurbed retro racer if your interested , but i think you are heading more the newer style bike

 

[SteCenturion]

I have a suggestion that might/might not suit you.

Spend your £150 on a spare set of wheels & tyres.

When the forecast is $#1TTY the night before work, swop out your wheels, takes 30 seconds with Q.R.

Have a look at www.merlincycles.com or wiggle CRC etc, the usual & you will bag a slightly heavy set of Shimano wheels for around £100 & a set of tyres for under £50.

I recommend a set of 25's if they fit between your forks & semi slicks, I like Schwalbe Durano's.

As the wheels & tyres will be heavier than your sunday best, you will still get that fitness test & feel the benefits when switching back.

<off to look on web for sub £100 wheel sets>

 

[SteCenturion]

O.k, I am back (like it or not).

A quick google & visit to Merlin brought up these wheels in your budget -

Shimano R501 £69.99
Shimano R501 C30 82.99

Fulcrum Racing Sport £99.95
Fulcrum T Sport £119.99

All prices are - ish

& some grippy, good quality 25's to these & Bob's bangin' ya Auntie