Basic but effective single speed bike wanted

[HokkaHokka]

Hi,

I commute 3 miles each way to work every day with a gradual uphill stretch on the way back.
I'm after a no frills single speed regular freewheel bike (not racer or bmx style type) that is comfortable and reliable and will not attract thieves when locked up outside the gym.
Under £300. (Cheaper though if possible)

I'm interested in the following so far:

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/products/revolution-courier-single-13

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/jamis/beatnik-2013-single-speed-road-bike-ec041520

http://www.merlincycles.com/bike-sh...kes/merlin-single-malt-single-speed-bike.html

http://www.pythonbikes.com/SingleSpeed_DUKE.html

Any thoughts or esperiences on the above options or alternative recommendations would be most welcome please!

Thanks in advance!

HH

 

[BUR70N]

The Python is fixed looking at the specs and the sizing is very interesting.

Merlin option does allow for mud guards and is a flip flop hub.

Jamis seems to fit the bill nicely in the black and has a good options for sizing and does seems to be nicely specced for the money.

Revolution Courier seems nice also and specced also well.

If it was my money I would go with the Jamis.

 

[HokkaHokka]

Thanks very much for the reply
Would you say that the Jamis is the best specced for the money?

I'm still interested in other viewpoints or suggestions though btw!

Thanks again
HH

 

[HokkaHokka]

Also, what about this:

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Raleigh-Fly...aign=Adwords&gclid=CJfOmP7Z4bcCFaXMtAodYjUA5w

Thanks

 

[biggs682]

@HokkaHokka why not just pick up a nice retro frame and build your own ?

its easy i have done 2 , learnt loads by doing them

 

[HokkaHokka]

I have a full time and a part time job and two kids age 4 and 5 - just don't have the time...

 

[BUR70N]

For the money and ease the James looked good for the money.

Another option would be to pop into WH Smiths and have a look at Urban Cyclist mag they have a review section with scores etc

 

[uphillstruggler]

they all look a little bit attractive to the thieving chavs to me.

Biggs makes a good point - he may even have something that fits the bill and be cheaper. at least you could spend the rest on the kids, double winner

 

[BUR70N]

True but old retro frames can be more appealing to the thieving hipster

 

[uphillstruggler]

True but old retro frames can be more appealing to the thieving hipster

but the thieving hipster will hang around drinking expresso so you have a chance

 

[biggs682]

they all look a little bit attractive to the thieving chavs to me.

Biggs makes a good point - he may even have something that fits the bill and be cheaper. at least you could spend the rest on the kids, double winner

@uphillstruggler that wasnt my aim .
@HokkaHokka i do actually have a single speed bike i would sell well under your budget and also have a couple of donor frames feel free to get in touch

 

[uphillstruggler]

Biggs

Just thought I'd point hokka in your direction. Might be a better bet that eBay etc.

 

[BUR70N]

Here are 2 more to consider

Mango at www.mangobikes.co.uk and Raleigh but the latter didn't get a good review due to the brakes

 

[HokkaHokka]

Thanks for all of the really good feedback - I really appreciate it.

Biggs - Thanks for your input - what size is the bike that you are referring to? I'm not tall (176cm approx)
Bur7on - The mango does look good. Is there much to choose between the Mango and the Jamis?

I've also seen this as a cheaper option:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/281121023467?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

Here's the catalogue:
http://einzig-bikes.com/einzig_katalog.pdf

It seems very cheap - steer clear?


Cheers!
HH

 

[3narf]

If you want to avoid theft you need drop bars. Makes bikes unattractive to thieves...

I can't be bothered to read the specs but the python looks nice.