new bike compared to old

[mick core1]

I'm currently using an old twelve speed Raleigh racer I'm thinking of buying a careers zelos from halfords do you think there will be enough difference between the two to warrent the change or will the new bike be not much different to the old considering I bike about two miles now but want to build up to a lot more

 

[Sharky]

If everything is mechanically sound on your old bike and a reasonable fit, stick with your current bike and give yourself a target of say 50 miles per week until the end of the summer, then look at the end of season sales and pick up a bargain. But keep the old bike as a winter bike to get you through the bad weather.

Then next spring you will do justice to the new bike.

Good luck,
Keith

 

[mick core1]

The only problem with the old bike is the frame size is 60 cm and I'm 5ft7 inside leg 29 I use it okay but worry that I would do better on a smaller frame to suit my size or does it nor matter if you feel comfortable enough on it obviously I can't get the seat higher than the handlebar as I have to have it right down to reach your thoughts please

 

[Sharky]

Hi, it does sound like the frame is a bit too big for you, but if it is comfortable, make do until you get your mileage up a bit and you've had a enough time to visit a few shops. A smaller frame should be a bit livelier, but you won't notice too much difference until you've built up the miles. Maybe somebody on here would do a swap with you for a smaller frame?

Cheers keith

 

[MikeG]

I'm in complete agreement with Mick Core 1 on this. Get your existing bike fixed up, lubricated and tuned, then get your mileage up. Then you'll have a lot better idea what you are looking for in a bike. You will almost certainly buy the wrong bike if you buy one now, and will waste money swapping it in a year or two.

Nothing beats doing the miles! See here.

Oh, and sort the tyres out on your old bike. New tyres, pumped up rock hard (100+ psi), and it will feel like a new bike. If you don't have a track pump with a gauge, then buy one. What you think of as hard by pushing with your thumb is likely to be around 35 or 40 psi.