How to spend my money...

[First Lift Last Call]

I am in the market for two bikes, at either end of the spectrum. Having spent a reasonable amount of the summer (what summer?) off road on a variety of hired mountain bikes, I have decided to invest. Additionally, I am in the market for a new commuter bike and am thinking fixed wheel might be fun and good for me (my knees are rubbish and I think training myself to use a higher cadence would be a good plan). I have up to £1500 to spend between the two (but don't have to spend that much) £1000 of which can come from the cycle to work scheme. So, how best to split the budget? Is there a price point above which I will get significantly more for my money on either bike? Any recommendations for shops for either (based in London, but happy to travel if worth it)? Anything to look for/avoid? Comments that might help - the mountain bike will be purely for off road use (or minimal road - getting to off road bit..., the fixie will be for commuting, but I don't need to put mudguards, panniers etc on it. I plan to use it most days, but have an alternative I can use if the weather is really horrid.

Cheers

Rachel

 

[Moose]

Sounds like the best way to split would be to spend your £1000 (cycle to work scheme) on the MTB and then buy a fixed with the rest.

I'm not really up to date on my MTBs but if you're in the market for a fixed then I'd suggest trying to get a 2008 Giant Bowery. If you can get one for less than £230 they're a bargain.

Others to consider are Fuji Track, SE lager, Bianchi Pista, Specialized Langster, Charge Plug & Felt Dispatch.