hello and thanks in anticipation

[rowan 46]

I live in Birmingham and don't drive, consequently I use a cycle to get around. I have never had much cash to splash around and my present job is as a care assistant working at various peoples homes around the city. I find a cycle gets me around quicker than waiting for several buses.
My present bike is a cheap hybrid (viking) and its been okay for my needs as I don't cycle much (about 100 miles a week) I don't do long jouneys my longest single trip is about 12 miles the rest are between 2 and 5 miles. After some 6-years The indicator on my rims are showing they need replacing and having seen the price of fairly lightweight wheels. I don't want to be paying out what I paid for the bike every 5 years. So I thought I would upgrade to discs whilst I was changing the wheels.
My problem is that my brakes are integrated into my shifters and so I need new shifters and as I need new shifters I might as well upgrade to nine speed. I know I will also need a new chain, cassete, front derailleur. but do I have to get a new crankset as well? I have about £400 max to spend and I am looking for durability rather than Lightness as my main criteria so I don't need the most expensive equipment. Or would it be better to spend the 400 on a new bike

 

[coffeejo]

I'm sure someone will be along soon to advise, but in the meantime, hello and !

 

[Angelfishsolo]

Not too sure about the process of changing the set up on your bike but here is a bike within the £400 price range that might suit you.

 

[rowan 46]

thanks for the replies, what a friendly place this is. Would a version of this post be better placed in a different section?

 

[coffeejo]

Probably, but that could just be my OCD talking

 

[Angelfishsolo]

You could repost here.

 

[rowan 46]

Thankyou both

 

[upsidedown]

Hi Rowan

Decathlon do this mechanical disc braked MTB for £299, tough as old boots and their after sales service is brillant:

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/rockrider-5-3-2011-172072748/

If you get on to the Tame Valley canal at Perry Barr it takes you pretty much to the doorstep of the shop.

cheers

paul

 

[mender]

Hi - New here myself, bear with me while I figure this out

You could buy yourself a pretty superb used bike for £400! I wish I had that to spend...

There are many cable operated disc brakes available so I'm not sure you would need to change your shifter/brakes. What concerns me is this:- Is your frame and fork capable of taking a disc brake?

I once and only very briefly owned a bike with front and rear discs. They were useless! In all fairness I think the disc and pads had become contaminated with oils - no matter how I cleaned them an Oil Tanker could have slowed down quicker

Good luck either way.

 

[rowan 46]

Thanks for the replies I have had a look at the decathlon bikes none of the frames I saw there are any better than the one I have, at least not in my budget. Mender yes my frame has IS mountings front and back for discs. I am glad that £400 will get a nice bike as a different forum I asked the general opinion was. There wasn't a decent new bike under £499 and when I said I rode a viking and wouldnt mind another there was general sniggers this forum seems much friendlier

 

[cyberknight]

Welcome to the forums !