One bike for a range of riders - what to choose?

[MossCommuter]

We have a loan bike at work; for anyone to borrow to nip out for lunch, run errands, whatever.

It is time to replace it.

What options should we consider? Our budget is about £450 and with that we must have a bike that is suitable for a range of riders of all shapes, sizes and abilities and of both sexes.

We do not have to have a folder so long as it meets the versatility requirements (the current bike is a cheap imported folder). We don't have to buy just one bike but the budget suggests that one is all we can afford.

We have been considering this:

http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/dahon-vitesse-d7-7-speed-alloy-folding-bike-id66870.html

Any other ideas anyone?

 

[Rob3rt]

A BMX

They fit no-one so you have no concerns about it fitting one person more than anyone else.

 

[Supersuperleeds]

If they are just for pootling around on a dinner time they aren't going to have to be anything special.

You could probably get two low end hybrids for £450, that way you could get two different sizes, get in touch with some of the big chains and see if they have any deals on last years models.

 

[mip]

You could probably get two low end hybrids for £450, that way you could get two different sizes, get in touch with some of the big chains and see if they have any deals on last years models.

i.e. http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/products/revolution-trailfinder-12

 

[Buzzinonbikes]

Sounds like a great idea. Best of luck with the purchase.

 

[HovR]

A 17 inch hybrid with a long quick release seatpost will fit a wide range of people for short errands, could even get two with something like the Carrera Subway Ltd.

If it doesn't have to be a folder I don't think I'd go for one, as you end up paying extra for the folding facility when that money could be spent on better quality components.

 

[Pale Rider]

A unisex step-through is the obvious choice, stretch the budget a tiny bit and you could get one which might appeal to the non-cyclists in the office:

http://wooshbikes.co.uk/electric-bikes/sant-ana/

 

[mickle]

Kona Africa.

 

[MossCommuter]

Thanks everyone! Some great suggestions.

The idea of a couple of cheap hybrids appeals greatly and those Edinburgh cycles Revolution Trailfinders look good.

The electric bike would definitely appeal to the non cyclists but I worry that keeping it charged for on demand use would be a full time job for someone (ie. Billy Muggins)

Kona Africa.

This is genius! And with proceeds going to provide bikes to charities in Africa it doubly appeals.

Unless someone comes up with something else this will be my recommendation.

Thanks mickle

http://www.konaworld.com/bike.cfm?content=africabike_three

 

[mickle]

Aye, nay bother!

Ive got a heavily modified Africa bike myself and love it.

 

[Pale Rider]

The Kona Africa is ideal for a pool bike, although some staff training may be required in the use of the coaster rear brake.

Am I right in thinking there's no lever and you operate it by pedalling backwards?

 

[Sara_H]

A company in Dublin that do bike tours use Dahon Folders for their customers.

We've got a Decathlon Hoptown 5 folder, one of the things I like about it is that it fits everyone in our family from my 10 yr old son to my 6' 2" OH. It goes uphill quite well too!

 

[MossCommuter]

Kona Africa.

We have spotted two almost identical Kona Africa's, one is £450 and the other £340.

1. http://www.wheelies.co.uk/p56628/Kona-Africabike-30-Womens-2013-Hybrid-Bike.aspx
2. http://www.wheelies.co.uk/p51331/Kona-Africabike-30-2012-Hybrid-Bike.aspx

There are three differences in spec as far as I can see:

• Colour: cheap one white, dearer one sandy beige
• Frame: cheap one Kona 7005 Aluminium Butted, dearer one 6061
• Brakes: cheap one shimano BR-M422, dearer one shimano 18t

Should we be going for the £450 one or the £340 one? Is there £110 worth of difference bewteen them that would be noticed on a short lunch time nip to the gym/shop/post office?

 

[jim55]

id go for the cheaper option and fit m+

 

[PedalCat]

A 22" Dawes Tamarak (hardtail) in good condition (prob needing £10 - £40 of LBS care) went for £41 last night on Ebay. I've had some real proper genuine Ebay bargains. Perfect for a communal bike(s), i'd say.