Last-minute bike for trip across Spain

[Battleforbreath]

Hi knowledgeable cycling people!

My sister and I are doing a trip from Bilbao to Gibraltar though Seville leaving September 1st (in a week!) and I think I need a better bike but really confused as to what one to get! The bike I have is new but it's this and I'm told it's not right: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ecosmo-26...17-26ALF08W-/191708751029?hash=item2ca2bb64b5

We plan to cycle about 50km a day, avoiding rough terrain as much as possible but it probably won't be possible all of the time. There's some steep climbs. For me comfort is more important than speed but I would like a light frame if that's suitable. We plan to take a lightweight tent but besides that minimal luggage on the pannier. I really like a low slope on a bike for easy mounting and dismounting but I'm not sure if this is suitable? I'm 5ft 7, slim and have long limbs for my body. I don't want to spend too much, £250 or less ideally.

After this trip I will commute to and from work about 45 mins through London every day.

Also more than happy to buy second hand. I live in London and work in Cambridge if that's relevant.

Any help or advice appreciated!

Thanks

 

[vickster]

Some sort of tourer, £250 not a lot but perhaps @biggs682 has something. Could also try
Ebay and gumtree

Most tourers have a pretty straight toptube

You could also look for a flatbar like a Specialized Vita step through

Problem with your budget and second hand is any buy might need immediate maintenance, like chain, cassette, tyres. Check anything over thoroughly

 

[jefmcg]

Is £250 your total budget? I was going to suggest a b'twin https://www.decathlon.co.uk/C-359113-road-bikes/N-66690-price~from-249-to-321~pounds but that's your budget gone without rack and lights, to start with.

Also, how are you transporting the bikes? Some airlines charge extra for bikes, and you are going to need some sort of bag or box for it if you are flying.

Have you looked at hiring?

The bike you have, has it been set up and checked over by a mechanic? If so, how does it ride? It might be up for the trip, though you'd probably be happier on something lighter.

 

[phantasmagoriana]

Have to say, the bike in the link isn't one I'd want to take anywhere near any steep climbs - the manufacturer's website says it's almost 16kg, which is pretty hefty, and the gear range isn't great. Also, a 17" frame sounds pretty small if you're 5'7". The Spesh Vita suggestion above is a good shout - there seem to be a few listed on Ebay/Gumtree at the moment if you're happy with second hand.

 

[Crackle]

Comfort is often confused with a sat up position, big comfy saddles, curved bars and big soft tyres and in your case an open frame. What is comfortable and stylish for short journeys does not work on longer loaded rides. That squishy saddle will soon be causing you pain in the nether regions you didn't know was possible, you will be cursing your upright position as you battle into a headwind all day and wishing that big open frame was both less heavy and didn't flex quite so much when you pushed on the pedals. So comfort is relative. Experience will teach you that on tour or you can short cut it and listen to us :-)

I'd also throw into the mix, a Pinnacle Lithium and Pinnacle Neon and add my vote to the Triban 500 flat bar or the Specialised mentioned. All good bikes, all will do the job you want and they might be available 2nd hand if new is too much but as jefmcg said, do you also need to budget for panniers and racks and locks and lights?

 

[phantasmagoriana]

What is comfortable and stylish for short journeys does not work on longer loaded rides. That squishy saddle will soon be causing you pain in the nether regions you didn't know was possible, you will be cursing your upright position as you battle into a headwind all day and wishing that big open frame was both less heavy and didn't flex quite so much when you pushed on the pedals. So comfort is relative. Experience will teach you that on tour or you can short cut it and listen to us :-)

Absolutely. Having done a 90+ mile ride on a sit-up-and-beg a couple of months back (I was on holiday and it was the only bike I could find to rent...) I can attest to wide, soft saddles being no fun at all on longer rides, and headwinds are pretty brutal in such an upright position.

 

[Crackle]

Absolutely. Having done a 90+ mile ride on a sit-up-and-beg a couple of months back (I was on holiday and it was the only bike I could find to rent...) I can attest to wide, soft saddles being no fun at all on longer rides, and headwinds are pretty brutal in such an upright position.

Which proves you can do anything on any bike if you really want to but it's much easier with the right bike and you no doubt are an experienced and fit cyclist, it will be a different proposition if you're not.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

What's wrong with the current bike over 50km of riding?

 

[bonzobanana]

Looking at your criteria my suggestion is this.

http://greenwaycycles.co.uk/folding/27-greenway.html

It is relatively lightweight, has a high quality cassette based drivetrain for strength and reliability. It is easy mounting and very stable and being a folding bike can be adjusted to practically any size rider easily. You can store it easily too and take it on public transport. It has very strong double wall rim wheels to cope with poor roads.

They are based in London and I think you can collect. I think I would nick the saddle from your other bike though and move it across possibly. I think you can get it for £200 if you collect but you'd have to ask the company about that. I would then take it to your local bike shop for a quick service if you, your family or friends are incapable of doing it.

The other bike isn't practical because its pretty low end components including an entry level freewheel and could have problems with a lot of use apart from the other issues like weight and size of it.

The Greenway bike will also be suitable for commuting in london and taking in the office etc.

What will your sister be riding?

 

[DanZac]

https://www.edinburghbicycle.com/roux-etape-150.html

£50 over budget but probaly spot on for your needs and sure you can find one in the size you need.