Single speed for commuting or repair?

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werthers

New Member
Location
Manchester
Hi,
I'm not after anything fancy I've been riding a second hand one (that renowned brand free spirit) that I got a new crank set and bracket fitted at a bike shop but now the pedals and chain go round but the back wheel doesn't.

It lasted me a year with some schwalbe marathons on, seriously those things are amazing I was getting punctures every month but not one single puncture for a year.

I'm not sure if I should keep repairing the old one (although at this rate it'll be like triggers broom) or get a new one.
Also I'm not sure if it's safe to keep riding an old bike that could give up on me.

I like the simplicity of single speed, I don't want something too expensive but I know there are a lot of cheap ones out there that could cost me in the long run or kill me.

I'm not bothered about looks or if it's light weight, I'd prefer flat or bullhorn handlebars but the main think I'm after is reliability but I have no idea which parts are good.
I've been looking around at a few, also I'm in Manchester so local pickup would be good.

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/products/revolution-track-14
^ I read good things about the revolution track 14 but wondered if there was anything else out there as good for that price?

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/vitus-bikes-dee-260-city-bike-2015/rp-prod120677
^ Disc brakes sound fun but I dunno about the rest of it.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/charge-plug-2-2014/

http://alternativebikes.com/bikes_speedsta.html

Thanks for any help
 
OP
OP
werthers

werthers

New Member
Location
Manchester
Oh and I'm 6'1 and about 32 inch inside leg

Ta
 

ChrisEyles

Guru
Location
Devon
The edinburghbicycle one gets my vote, £250 looks like a good deal - it's also gorgeous!

Have you had a drop handlebar bike before? If not it might be worth borrowing a friends for a bit if possible, most people find they get on well with them (certainly more comfy for long rides than a flat bar). +1 on the Schwalbe marathons, they may not be the lightest/fastest but that puncture resistance is worth it every time!

I'd be looking at fitting it with mud-guards, so may be worth checking if there's enough clearance (same goes for all the bikes if you'd do the same).
 
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