Looking for short, speedy commuter - second hand

[penderyn]

Hi guys. I commute about 3 miles almost every day in London. For the last two years I've been using a Pinnacle hybrid I bought second hand for about 150 pounds (apologies, I don't have a pound sign on the this american keyboard!). However, its only got 7 gears and needs some TLC.

With that in mind, I'd like something better. Ideally, I'm looking for something nippy, light and not a ridiculous amount of money - I have a budget of about 200, but I am willing to go second hand or drop slightly more if necessary. I've been looking at the B'Twin Triban range as they seem to offer a lot of bike for a decent amount of money. Does anyone else have any other recommendations?

Was thinking about THIS ONE - which is my size (M, 57cm) , and looks in good nick

Opinions, oh ye lords of two wheels?

 

[vickster]

Single speed? Why need as many as 7 gears in London? Nippy, less maintenance

 

[smokeysmoo]

@biggs682

 

[Reynard]

Single speed? Why need as many as 7 gears in London? Nippy, less maintenance

Depends where you are in London.

There are places where granny gears are mighty useful.

 

[vickster]

Depends where you are in London.

There are places where granny gears are mighty useful.

Hence asking why need more gears

 

[SkipdiverJohn]

Single speed? Why need as many as 7 gears in London? Nippy, less maintenance

You obviously aren't familiar with roads like Dartmouth Park Hill, Swains Lane, or Highgate Hill then. If you run a SS bike, you're going to be walking up any of those and they'll be a hard slog even in your lowest ratio on a 7-speed.

 

[Reynard]

You obviously aren't familiar with roads like Dartmouth Park Hill, Swains Lane, or Highgate Hill then. If you run a SS bike, you're going to be walking up any of those and they'll be a hard slog even in your lowest ratio on a 7-speed.

Or Archway, Pentonville Road and Stamford Hill...

 

[vickster]

You obviously aren't familiar with roads like Dartmouth Park Hill, Swains Lane, or Highgate Hill then. If you run a SS bike, you're going to be walking up any of those and they'll be a hard slog even in your lowest ratio on a 7-speed.

I don’t go north if I can help it

 

[biggs682]

Thanks @smokeysmoo

@penderyn i always have a selection of mainly retro road bikes and in the next couple of weeks i will be putting the Dunelt returns and the Harry Middleton up for sale amongst a couple of others .

if any of the above tick your boxes feel free to drop me a line

What size are you ?

 

[penderyn]

@biggs682 thanks! I'm 5'11 and most sites seem to recommend a 57cm frame or there abouts. I confess I've no idea about either of the above, what would you recommend based on my requirements?