So, I can't make decisions...

[Dec66]

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)?

 

[Crandoggler]

Triban.

 

[vickster]

New bike

 

[Saluki]

+1 for the Triban

Is the Mongoose worth the money of the repairs?

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

Triban and convert the mongoose into a pub bike when it will no longer get there as it is.

 

[martint235]

New one.

Use the Mongoose as a test bed to learn all the maintenance bits you feel you need to.

 

[DCLane]

New one.

As others have put; use the old one to learn how to do the work yourself next time.

 

[tyred]

Do both

 

[Markymark]

Always make tough decisions after 7 pints and a kebab. It puts things into perspective.

 

[Crackle]

Fix the Mongoose yourself. Then buy the Triban

 

[Flick of the Elbow]

Depends how much you like the Mongoose and the likelihood of other things going wrong with it in the near future after you've fixed its current problem.

 

[Dec66]

Depends how much you like the Mongoose and the likelihood of other things going wrong with it in the near future after you've fixed its current problem.

The rear freehub is shot; it's sealed so a new wheel is required, with new cassette and disc rotor. The crankset is also knackered. Add to that new chain and gear cables and that's the £180.

Other than that, the bike is OK, but it's a bit on the heavy side. I bought it for my commute a few years ago and liked the idea of having front suspension to deal with the potholes all over Lewisham, and disc brakes to stop me quicker. However, I don't think there's any bumps that a steel fork wouldn't deal with, and I'm not sure I really need the extra stopping power if I have a lighter bike ( the Mongoose must be about 15-16kg).

 

[vickster]

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

 

[Flick of the Elbow]

You'll get more punctures from the Triban, especially if you want to fit mudguards

 

[Dec66]

You'll get more punctures from the Triban, especially if you want to fit mudguards

Why so?

It comes with Hutchinson Equinox 2 as standard, the same as the Triban 500SE I have, and I think I've had one puncture with that, despite using it on the commute too (the puncture I got was out in the sticks).

If I got one, I'd put Schwalbe Marathon Plus 28c's on it, though, as I think the Equinox are a bit too skinny for winter, not to mention slick.

The Mongoose came with Continentals and it punctured frequently. I got a pair of Duros for it as they were cheap and they've been OK but they are 38c and feel like a road roller. I bought a pair of Continental CycloCross tyres from a fellow CycleChatter recently but they've still not gone on.