Hi,
I am looking to buy a new bike on the c2w scheme and seek your advice on the best options.
To set the scene, I will try to give you as much info on my commute.
Me; 47yrs, male, 5'8'', 12st, pretty fit until I broke my leg a year ago.
The commute; from Brinsley, Notts, to Castle Donington. The shortest route is 18 miles each way on tarmac, over a mixture of flat, sloping and pretty hilly terrain.
An alternative route is 21 miles, of which 16 miles are canal towpaths, the rest semi decent road.
The budget; I dont want to spend more than a total of £750. Although it will be bought on c2w scheme, I have to pay back "loan" over 12 weeks, rather than months. I will also have to include helmet, lights mudguards etc
The bike; I will have to carry uniform which includes safety boots, trousers, polo and sweatshirt (I cant rely on gettig access to works building, only to the external safe which holds my truck keys). Load will probably weighing in at around 8 - 10kg. Therefore, I have thought about a Raleigh Royal for practical reasons, a Spez allez, because it looks about the best in my budget range, and I am strangely attracted to the Marin Inverness single speed - because I cant resist a crazy challenge! Nothing has been ruled out yet, and open to any good suggestions.
Would be really interested in what you folks think my best choice would be. I know its a long commute, and am prepared to suffer until I rebuild my fitness levels. Thanks.
I am looking to buy a new bike on the c2w scheme and seek your advice on the best options.
To set the scene, I will try to give you as much info on my commute.
Me; 47yrs, male, 5'8'', 12st, pretty fit until I broke my leg a year ago.
The commute; from Brinsley, Notts, to Castle Donington. The shortest route is 18 miles each way on tarmac, over a mixture of flat, sloping and pretty hilly terrain.
An alternative route is 21 miles, of which 16 miles are canal towpaths, the rest semi decent road.
The budget; I dont want to spend more than a total of £750. Although it will be bought on c2w scheme, I have to pay back "loan" over 12 weeks, rather than months. I will also have to include helmet, lights mudguards etc
The bike; I will have to carry uniform which includes safety boots, trousers, polo and sweatshirt (I cant rely on gettig access to works building, only to the external safe which holds my truck keys). Load will probably weighing in at around 8 - 10kg. Therefore, I have thought about a Raleigh Royal for practical reasons, a Spez allez, because it looks about the best in my budget range, and I am strangely attracted to the Marin Inverness single speed - because I cant resist a crazy challenge! Nothing has been ruled out yet, and open to any good suggestions.
Would be really interested in what you folks think my best choice would be. I know its a long commute, and am prepared to suffer until I rebuild my fitness levels. Thanks.