So, I can't make decisions...

[andyoxon]

Triban... and DIY your Mongoose as & when possible. I have a Triban 3 (£300), which will pretty only accept 23mm + CrudRRII (same as 500SE?). It was bought as my first alu bike - have been very pleased with it, but if I was n+1_ing, probably go for the 520, since apparently this can do 28mm + guards. I do tend to be more Audax than 'time trial'...

 

[biggs682]

So I'll ask here.

Just took the Mongoose to LBS to let them have a look at what needs doing, and it's going to cost me approx £180.

I can get a Triban 500 flatbar for £260, and go quicker on it.

So... Get a new one for winter, or have LBS do the old one (which he seems keen to do)?

fix the old one up every time

 

[Dec66]

Triban... and DIY your Mongoose as & when possible. I have a Triban 3 (£300), which will pretty only accept 23mm + CrudRRII (same as 500SE?). It was bought as my first alu bike - have been very pleased with it, but if I was n+1_ing, probably go for the 520, since apparently this can do 28mm + guards. I do tend to be more Audax than 'time trial'...

The 'old' Triban 500SE comes with 23c as standard, but has very tight clearances. You can *just* get a 25c on. Mudguards are a challenge for the same reason, it needs the ones that bolt onto the stays.

Clearances on the newer ones are a bit more generous.

I was hoping to put an 11-28 cassette on my current Triban in the spring, and maybe go up to 9 speeds, so having to consider substantial outlay on a winter plodder is a bit irksome.

 

[Dec66]

Have a look at the disc brakes Carreras for heavy duty commenting. British cycling membership will get you 10% off and quidco a bit more back

I'd certainly consider over a Triban for S London commuting even if it is heavier
http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/hybrid-bikes/carrera-subway-1-mens-hybrid-bike-2015

Or you could buy my PX flat bar road bike

Nice sales patter

My father in law has a Marin that's sat in his garage unridden for a couple of years, actually...

He's been doing his will recently and he asked if there was anything in particular we'd like to be bequeathed, to which my instant response was "the De Rosa"

 

[Dec66]

fix the old one up every time

Why am I reminded of a Mandy Rice-Davies quote?

 

[biggs682]

Why am I reminded of a Mandy Rice-Davies quote?

no idea

 

[Flick of the Elbow]

Why so?

As a rule, skinny tyres = more punctures.