Time for a new bike.... what one?

[dee.jay]

They are owned by: -

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tandem_Group

 

[Pale Rider]

My local bike shop told me the new owners cheapened - and spoiled - the Claud Butler brand.

At one time they were quality bikes which used to arrive in the shop with a tag showing the builder's name.

Now they are just another budget brand.

Nothing wrong with budget brands, but Claud Butler became just another one and my local bike shop stopped selling them.

 

[dee.jay]

This is what I currently ride: -

http://claudbutler.co.uk/cycle-range/range/claud-butler-hybrid/b2773

Though forget about the Kenda tires as they are rubbish, got Marathons on (not plus).

I have looked through all the LBS (and there are a few) and CB is all they seem to sell, or Saracen. They aren't steel bikes either, and I quite like the idea of those.

Tempted at this point to just plonk an order in for a Roadrat and wait for 3 weeks, but not long after that I'm on holiday for a fortnight, so it hardly seems worth bothering, and then i'm into 6 weeks with no bike. This is quality time I am missing out on!!!

 

[dee.jay]

That or just get new wheels for this one and get a new bike later in the year, at least then I can ride something!

 

[vickster]

How about something like this, I am sure they can put better wheels on...or ship without...or even better just see how you get on with the stock wheels for a bit

http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBPXKAFFAPEX/planet-x-kaffenback-sram-apex-road-bike

 

[dee.jay]

That I like!

 

[vickster]

Well obviously it needs a respray but the spec is good It won't be the lightest (nor the roadrat or CdF), but ticks all your boxes

 

[Pale Rider]

Eastway offer something similar

http://www.eastwaybikes.com/product/eastway-st1-0-steel-road-bike/

You may know different, but cycle to work bikes from my local bike shop seem to take a few weeks to organise because of the paperwork.

If there is to be a delay, you might be better off ordering the bike sooner rather than later or you could be ride-less for even longer than you anticipate.

 

[dee.jay]

Cycle scheme isn't until December. I will be paying with cash.

 

[Pale Rider]

Going back to my mountain bike theme - think of those cushty tyres and sturdy wheels - how about a steel Cooker?

http://www.chargebikes.com/cooker/cooker-3

 

[dee.jay]

Can't see any pannier mounts on that

Funnily enough there is a cycle surgery a mile or so away and they've got a Charge Cooker there.

 

[Pale Rider]

Can't see any pannier mounts on that

You may be right about that.

Of course, there are ways and means, but were I buying a new bike to take a rack I would much prefer dedicated mounts.

 

[dee.jay]

Absolutely. This was why the Boardman Hybrid Pro tempted me (OK it's not steel) but has all the mounts and pretty much all the components.

I quite like that Kaffenback though - it's steel, similar to the CX Team I saw and is of course cheaper. I may go for that!

 

[vickster]

My Genesis doesn't have pannier mounts, but wears a full rack due to P clips

Wiggle have some very good deals on Eastway fyi, and you can probably pay a bit extra for really quick delivery

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/eastway/

 

[Rustybucket]

You should buy the bike you want, not which bike is available quickest. 3 weeks is nothing in the life of a bike.