Raleigh Pioneer 4

[strollby]

Have very little knowledge of modern bikes and equipment. Leaning towards a hybrid mainly because of health and age issues. Only wish to meander around the cycleways of Milton keynes and the grand union canal towpath. Looking for comfort, a granny gear, mudguards, all the items you would associate with someone who is after comfort with time to look around. The reason I have headed the post Raleigh, its about the only name I know as well as Pashley. In the dimm past I always had tourers, think I would at my age now find MTB to hard going. Budget would be around 350 ish. I do not consider that I have enough knowledge to explore the second hand market. Only just started exploring this site and others to try and get ideas, but I would really appreciate some pointers as regards other peoples experiences. Thanks

 

[raleighnut]

The Pioneer is a nice bike.

 

[RoubaixCube]

its pretty heavy at 16kg though.

 

[pclay]

I have a raleigh pioneer 3 from 2008. It is a heavy thing but served me well for several years commuting 2 miles each way. Ultimateley you get what you pay for. Go down your local bike shop and see what they have. Don't just go there thinking you need a Raleigh. Giant, Cannondale are good brands to look at.

 

[vickster]

its pretty heavy at 16kg though.

Not a major issue for comfortable towpath meandering however

 

[MichaelW2]

Decent non-suspension hybrid bikes are not as common as they should be. The Pioneer seems OK, my neighbour is pleased with his. Dawes, Ridgeback, Pinnacle (Evans), make versions.

 

[strollby]

Thank you, that has given me a starting platform to work from, I shall start soon wandering around the local bike shops, at least I now know which brands to keep an eye open for

 

[Dirk]

A friend of mine in her late 50's had a Pioneer a couple of years ago. She hadn't ridden anything since she was 16 and wanted to get some exercise. The only riding she does is on flat cycle paths around Exeter; mainly along the route to Dawlish and back. She was fairly happy with the Pioneer........until she had a ride on my wife's Giant Escape City 2. She couldn't believe how much lighter it was and how much 'easier' everything seemed.
She promptly sold the Pioneer and bought the new version of the Escape (I believe it's called the 'Alight') and is now much happier.

 

[Drago]

Should be ideal for the (often very interesting) Redways of Milton Keynes.

 

[strollby]

Dirk, thats exactly the kind of situation I am trying to avoid, I am in my seventies now so I have to try and get it right otherwise it will spoil the whole adventure [its an adventure for me lol]. Funny enough Drago I received a letter and map from MK tourist this morning about the Redway, we live up in the shropshire hills but spend the summer down at Cosgrove, roll on Easter.

 

[Dirk]

You'd be best to get yourself down to your local bike shop (LBS) and try out a few bikes before you make a decision as to which one is best for you. Any decent LBS would let you test ride.
My best LBS will let me have a bike for a couple of days if necessary.

 

[Drago]

Dirk, thats exactly the kind of situation I am trying to avoid, I am in my seventies now so I have to try and get it right otherwise it will spoil the whole adventure [its an adventure for me lol]. Funny enough Drago I received a letter and map from MK tourist this morning about the Redway, we live up in the shropshire hills but spend the summer down at Cosgrove, roll on Easter.

I live near Cosgrove, we'll have to get out for a ride some time.

 

[Mrs M]

Don't worry too much about weight.
My Pashley is very heavy compared to the road bike but once we get going we fly along nicely .

 

[strollby]

Exciting times!!!!! opted for a Ridgeback speed from Dave Mellors cycles Shrewsbury, dealt with a chap called Simon, what cracking service, nothing to much trouble, explanations made simple, all questions answered or demonstrated. Tried varous other LBS but this one shone out, also tried Halfords, o dear. Pick up tommorrow, like a kid waiting for Father Xmas lol. Drago, look forward to a meander and a chat after Easter. Thanks one and all for your advice.

 

[Dirk]

Sounds like you made a wise decision. Always best to go to a 'proper' bike shop that will look after you.
I recently bought a Ridgeback World Tour Voyage from my favourite LBS and am well pleased with it. Did 67 miles on it last Tuesday and came back feeling I could easily have carried on. Nicely made and decently specced bikes.