No wonder there are so many BSOs in sheds

[CopperBrompton]

Away for the weekend, we decided to hire a couple of bikes to do an 18-mile loop on mostly off-road paths around sunny Chester. Found a cycle hire place, and what they had didn't inspire but we decided they'd be ok for a modest distance.

Blimey. Two BSO mountain bikes. Mine was a disaster zone: either frame or forks out of shape so it constantly pulled strongly to the left. By the end of the ride, my right arm was aching from the pressure of correcting it. Front derailier didn't work at all. Tyres were virtually flat, and the only pump they had was a mini-pump! I don't think it seen any oil since it was bought. The other wasn't as bad, but also squeaking like crazy and with a shifter that was vaguer than a P&L regular being asked to identify the source of a dubious assertion.

Anyone who hadn't cycled for years riding one of these would have concluded that cycling was an entirely miserable experience and given up on the spot. Anyone buying one of these machines new probably wouldn't have had that much of a better time, and likely consigned them quickly to the shed.

I've always advised people on low budgets to buy something half-decent secondhand rather than a new BSO, but I hadn't fully appreciated just how important this advice is.

 

[The Jogger]

Interesting, I'm up in Rhyl for a few days this week for a conference and was thinking of hiring a bike, i'll give it a quick try before I hire. There was a thread on here before on buying secondhand and there was mention of a shop in London that recycles old bikes to sell cheap. Can't remember where it was but my daughter is after a cheap bike.

 

[pubrunner]

Away for the weekend, we decided to hire a couple of bikes to do an 18-mile loop on mostly off-road paths around sunny Chester. Found a cycle hire place, and what they had didn't inspire but we decided they'd be ok for a modest distance.

If you'd come just 30 miles South of Chester, there are some cracking cycle routes, both on and off-road. I'd have been pleased to lend you some bikes.

There is a place just a couple of miles from my home which would be great to use as a base for a Cyclechat event - or indeed, any group activity such as walking, running etc. It is a village hall which may be hired out by clubs/societies and provides overnight sleeping arrangements; catering facilities, showers etc. The cost is a modest £12 plus just £2 per individual.

Where did you go on your bike ride Ben ? Many cyclists like to follow the canal and perhaps head out to the popular Eureka Cafe.

If you or any other CC'ers want to meet up for a trip out anytime, up in North Shropshire, do get in touch.

 

[CopperBrompton]

If you'd come just 30 miles South of Chester, there are some cracking cycle routes, both on and off-road. I'd have been pleased to lend you some bikes.

Might take you up on that next time

Where did you go on your bike ride Ben ? Many cyclists like to follow the canal and perhaps head out to the popular Eureka Cafe.

Couldn't tell you exactly, but yes, mostly following the canal and with some small roads. There was a pub involved, naturally.

 

[Zoof]

Interesting, I'm up in Rhyl for a few days this week for a conference and was thinking of hiring a bike, i'll give it a quick try before I hire. There was a thread on here before on buying secondhand and there was mention of a shop in London that recycles old bikes to sell cheap. Can't remember where it was but my daughter is after a cheap bike.

Hi Jogger seen your post; and as N/Wales is a favourite of mine.
Why don't you try, a little shop in Prestatyn high St; near the top on the right hand side going up: nearly opp the Chippy.
That recycles old bikes to sell cheap around £35.00.
It's been there for 3/4 years. He will do you a good deal on, Buy, sell/back.
Zoof

 

[The Jogger]

Hi Jogger seen your post; and as N/Wales is a favourite of mine.
Why don't you try, a little shop in Prestatyn high St; near the top on the right hand side going up: nearly opp the Chippy.
That recycles old bikes to sell cheap around £35.00.
It's been there for 3/4 years. He will do you a good deal on, Buy, sell/back.
Zoof

Hi Zoof

Thanks for that, I'll look in there.

Jogger