Hybrid Commuter £450?

[Mike!]

Spoon was great for me up to around 30 miles before things got a little numb Well worth a try though

 

[tibble89]

Thanks.. Also need to purchase slightly better waterproof "over trousers". Ones I have aren't very "breathable" ..any recommendations?

 

[vickster]

Not me, I don't ride in the rain if I can help it (usually get caught while wearing lycra shorts/3/4 lengths/tights)

I don't think that anything that is waterproof will be truly breathable - tights (shorts + leg warmers) + rain legs? This gets asked in the clothing section, so perhaps have a look through. For something like that cycle specific, I'd look first at Altura / Endura probably

 

[steveindenmark]

The reason I leave disc brakes alone is because if anything goes wrong with them I have no idea how to fix them. Block brakes have worked on all gradients for years and are easy to fix.

Saddles are a law unto themselves and are as varied as arses. I have Brookes on my bikes and Jannie can ride for hours on any saddle. The price has no relation to comfort. Nobody can tell you what saddle to use, you have to find your own. I found my favourite saddle by accident. Its a Ladies Brookes.

I agree with Vickster about waterproofs. If the rain doesnt get you wet then sweat will. The trick is to be damp and warm. I have both Altura and Endura waterproofs. Both get great write ups but even with the vent's open, I get wet from within. I took a pair of scissors to my waterproof trousers between the knee and ankle and it is so much better and I dont get cold.

 

[tibble89]

I'm considering some clipless shoes so I'll have a look in the "Clothing" forum for help on that too.. Thanks!

 

[vickster]

Shoes are as individual as saddles, go to some shops, try some on, get the ones that fit...need to decide between more road (SPD SL & variants) or more MTB/touring/commuting (SPD)

 

[tibble89]

Probably MTB style. What sort of budget should I be looking at? I have an Evans not that far from me so I'll take a trip there at the weekend

 

[vickster]

Probably MTB style. What sort of budget should I be looking at? I have an Evans not that far from me so I'll take alook

Shoes tend to start around £50-70, then £15-20 for Shimano M520 pedals (get Evans to price match Wiggle or CRC or whoever is cheapest)

Evans only really stock 3 brands from what I recall - Garneau, Specialized, Shimano

 

[raleighnut]

Shoes tend to start around £50-70, then £15-20 for Shimano M520 pedals (get Evans to price match Wiggle or CRC or whoever is cheapest)

Evans only really stock 3 brands from what I recall - Garneau, Specialized, Shimano

FWIW I have a couple of pairs of Specialized shoes, best of that range of manufacturers.

 

[vickster]

So do I, comfortable but probably a bit flexy

 

[raleighnut]

So do I, comfortable but probably a bit flexy

I don't find em too flexy and they were a lot cheaper than my (old but still loved) Diadora Chilli (I still blanch when I remember what I paid for them)

 

[tibble89]

Will the larger surface area of the Shimano SPD 530 pedals offer any benefits over the 520's?

 

[tibble89]

...interesting.... http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-sd66-spd-sandals/

 

[vickster]

...interesting.... http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-sd66-spd-sandals/

Are you not planning in using the bike for 6 months? Socks plus sandals =

 

[vickster]

Will the larger surface area of the Shimano SPD 530 pedals offer any benefits over the 520's?

I have a600 pedals and m520...no discernible difference but the a600s are a pain in the posterior moving from lights or a stop as they are 99% of the time the wrong way round!!! And this is shimanos top single sided SPD pedal