SS for disused railway commute?

[Trem]

I think I want a single speed bike for my 6 miles commute to work along a pan-flat disused railway.

The bike's going to get covered in mud in the winter and dust in the summer and left outside all day whilst at work. Since it's going to get wrecked, I'm looking to spend as little as possible.

Edinburgh's Revolution Courier Single looks good, but they only have the 18" in stock at the moment (I'd need a 22"). Could anyone suggest something similar?

 

[HLaB]

Have a look at planet X perhaps. I commute on very cheap Viking SS, it weighs a ton (13.5kg to be precise) but I love it, it could be a bit heavy for you however.

 

[Trem]

Are Viking bikes OK? They seem far too cheap. Which do you have?

Bike weight shouldn't matter that much. I weigh 120kg and I'll have panniers on anyway. And it'll make me appreciate my nice road bike more?

 

[HLaB]

Are Viking bikes OK? They seem far too cheap. Which do you have?

Bike weight shouldn't matter that much. I weigh 120kg and I'll have panniers on anyway. And it'll make me appreciate my nice road bike more?

I have the road FX/SS (picked it up for £175), I've not had an issue with it in 2250mile its still fairly new however (circa months old) and cant comment on their longevity. I wouldn't describe it as the perfect starter bike however, due to the weight. I'm fit (well cycling fit'ish) and only weight 62kg so the weight isn't too much of an issue for me. I think bike weight and probably cheap components especially on geared bikes is why they are too cheap

 

[Trem]

I have the road FX/SS (picked it up for £175), I've not had an issue with it in 2250mile its still fairly new however (circa months old) and cant comment on their longevity. I wouldn't describe it as the perfect starter bike however, due to the weight. I'm fit (well cycling fit'ish) and only weight 62kg so the weight isn't too much of an issue for me. I think bike weight and probably cheap components especially on geared bikes is why they are too cheap

I might have to rule that out because the tyres are too narrow and I can't fit mudguards/panniers.

I'm fairly cycling-fit (maybe not 10,000 miles a year like you!). Used to commute every day in an old job and can ride all day on my Marin hybrid or Cube road-bike.

Am just looking for something specifically to ride on the mucky trail and leave locked up in the rain.

 

[HLaB]

I might have to rule that out because the tyres are too narrow and I can't fit mudguards/panniers.

I'm fairly cycling-fit (maybe not 10,000 miles a year like you!). Used to commute every day in an old job and can ride all day on my Marin hybrid or Cube road-bike.

Am just looking for something specifically to ride on the mucky trail and leave locked up in the rain.

You can fit things to it, clip on guards and racks (Ive clip on guards but use a backpack) but IMO you are right to rule it out as I doubt its components would last long tern exposure to the environment, I lock mine up in a covered shelter each end and its mild down in Peterborough.

 

[skudupnorth]

My Boardman has been abused on the Trans Pennine Trail many times and the only thing it has to cut down the kack is Crud Catcher guards and all is good.I even still ride on 23's and it is more than capable to play on that kind of trail.

 

[Pennine-Paul]

Build yourself a pompino,They will take tyres up to around 38mm
and tough as old boots,They will take mudguards,racks etc
You can build it as s/s or geared a very versatile bike

 

[Andrew_Culture]

+1 for the build your own suggestions. My SS is really nothing special components wise but I love it because I created it (with help!).

 

[biggs682]

+1 build your own or buy the one i selling

 

[Trem]

Maybe I should buy the pompino frame then. It is cheap at the moment

Any recommendations for a cheap flip-flop wheelset? Or do I risk lacing them myself?

+1 build your own or buy the one i selling

Haha. What are you selling? Size? Price?

 

[biggs682]

Haha. What are you selling? Size? Price?[/quote]

will start a conversation its easier

 

[SS Retro]

Mongoose Maurice in the wiggle sale £215 down from £429.http://www.wiggle.co.uk/mongoose-maurice-2012/

 

[Old Plodder]

I was just about to suggest the Mongoose, it has a chromo frame & fork according to the details, so would be quite a good ride.
(Can't understand why they haven't sold; perhaps it wasn't the right colour. )

PS. I've been buying from Wiggle for over two years without problems.

 

[Trem]

I was just about to suggest the Mongoose, it has a chromo frame & fork according to the details, so would be quite a good ride.
(Can't understand why they haven't sold; perhaps it wasn't the right colour. )

You're probably right about the colour. The white and orange frame is actually alright, but white spokes/chain and orange cranks - yuck!