Touring bike on a budget

[RecordAceFromNew]

Regarding Evans' Mongoose, although the Q&A says it weighs 13kg, I suspect it is most likely to weigh more - even the chainset and seatposts are steel - it has been built to a price.

I have always been quite impressed by Ridgeback hybrids, and I have come across quite a few - including the Speed. They are decent bikes and unsurprisingly one of the most popular/common hybrids on the road. I also suspect they will retain value better than Carreras (which like it or not are tainted by Halfrauds' variable customer service and quality control). Ridgeback hybrids have 700c wheels, while the Subway's are smaller at 26", otherwise the level of components themselves aren't too different.

One thing I would recommend, for bikes in this price range, is if you could try to get someone knowledgeable or a competent and trusted local bike shop to check and if necessary adjust the wheels' spoke tension and hub bearing preload when new - it shouldn't cost very much, but could make a huge difference to their longetivity.

If you want to pay only £150, it is worth taking a look at Decathlon's bikes if there is one near you. They are generally solid, reliable machines and come with excellent warranty.

 

[simon.r]

Slightly off topic, but one of my favourite authors, Dervla Murphy, has travelled in Cuba and written about it in 'The Island That Dared'. She often cycles in far flung places but I think in this case she uses other forms of transport. May be interesting to read before you go?

 

[alea]

thanks - I've read it !! - before I'd decided to bike round cuba.
It's a really good and insightful book. I also recommend Transylvania and Beyond. the next one of hers I'm going to read is Full Tilt.
and Eric Newby's round Ireland in low gear (I'm a bookaholic - but wont mention books again here, i get carried away and it's the wrong forum!)

 

[alea]

Regarding Evans' Mongoose, although the Q&A says it weighs 13kg, I suspect it is most likely to weigh more - even the chainset and seatposts are steel - it has been built to a price.

I have always been quite impressed by Ridgeback hybrids, and I have come across quite a few - including the Speed. They are decent bikes and unsurprisingly one of the most popular/common hybrids on the road. I also suspect they will retain value better than Carreras (which like it or not are tainted by Halfrauds' variable customer service and quality control). Ridgeback hybrids have 700c wheels, while the Subway's are smaller at 26", otherwise the level of components themselves aren't too different.

One thing I would recommend, for bikes in this price range, is if you could try to get someone knowledgeable or a competent and trusted local bike shop to check and if necessary adjust the wheels' spoke tension and hub bearing preload when new - it shouldn't cost very much, but could make a huge difference to their longetivity.

If you want to pay only £150, it is worth taking a look at Decathlon's bikes if there is one near you. They are generally solid, reliable machines and come with excellent warranty.

I think I might be leaning towards a ridgeback now.
But what difference do the 700c and 26" wheels make??
thanks.

 

[simon.r]

Fine by me if you do! I've read most of Dervla's, currently reading 'In Ethiopa With a Mule', but not got round to the Cuban one yet. Two non-cycling ones that I'd recommend are 'Tales From Two Cities' and "A Place Apart' - both a few years old now, but very interesting. Definitley make 'Full Tilt' your next read 'tho.

I'll look up the Eric Newby book you mention - cheers

 

[HovR]

I have always been quite impressed by Ridgeback hybrids, and I have come across quite a few - including the Speed. They are decent bikes and unsurprisingly one of the most popular/common hybrids on the road. I also suspect they will retain value better than Carreras (which like it or not are tainted by Halfrauds' variable customer service and quality control).

+1 on Ridgeback's. The ones I have seen have been fast yet solid bikes.

alea - In my opinion this Ridgeback you linked is the best option you have posted so far. It may be a little bit over your budget, but it will hold it's value better and will be of a higher quality construction. It also comes with a rack that the Subway doesn't, which could easily cost £20+ when buying separately.

In addition it comes with Continental tires, which are a step up from the tires you normally find in this price range.

 

[Crackle]

Decathlon do this if you could stretch to £250 but it only has 25mm tyres which probably won't be suitable for Cuban road surfaces (I'm imagining they are a bit rougher). EBC do this, which seems a lot of bike for the money and the sizing indicates it will fit your height.

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

I think I might be leaning towards a ridgeback now.
But what difference do the 700c and 26" wheels make??
thanks.

700c wheels are about 2.5" larger in diameter. With 700c you have a MUCH wider choice of light, racing tyres, all the way to what they use on Tour de France! On the other hand 26" is a mountain bike standard, meaning you can buy the widest, heaviest, knobbliest bike tyres on earth - subject to frame clearance.

However because of Cyclocross (where mad people racing up and down hills on "road type" bikes) you can get 700c tyres that can handle fairly rough terrains too.

EBC has a good reputation. One thing you should seriously consider in making the choice, is aftersales support, not to mention a try for size/feel before you buy. Do you live anywhere near any of the EBC, Decathlon or the Ridgeback's suppliers?

 

[alea]

Thanks everyone !
Ideally I'd like to buy from an independent bike shop, but unfortunately my budget means I'm going to have to support a chain
and i don't live near a EBC.
I'm going to try to get the Ridgeback for the price I saw (£209) from Evans (currently at £299) with their price match, and then I get a free 6 week service.
Thanks again.

 

[jay clock]

Whilst I generally avoid Halfords, the Subway is a superb bike that fits your needs. Do not be tempted by their Apollo range though

 

[Dave Davenport]

My daughter bought a Subway in Halfords sale three years ago (£299 reduced to £199). She's used it for a 15 mile a day commute year round since and it's been very good. She's rubbish at maintaining it and brings it round to me every few months for a service, I've only had to replace worn cables, pads etc. and it's been very reliable.
Personally, I'd prefer a 26" wheeled bike for that type of trip and at that price point.

 

[hubbike]

Bikes depreciate in value quickly so you could, potentially, buy a great second hand bike for 200 quid. it'll just be a few years old. I would aim for a 2nd hand hard-tail mountain bike. They are rugged, comfortable and reliable. The well known quality brands like specialised, trek, giant, scott, kona, GT, etc will be much better than the cheapo mild steel bikes with lousy components you'd get for 200 quid new.

Check out this link too.
http://www.adventure-cycling-guide.co.uk/bike3.htm

 

[the snail]

700c wheels are about 2.5" larger in diameter. With 700c you have a MUCH wider choice of light, racing tyres, all the way to what they use on Tour de France! On the other hand 26" is a mountain bike standard, meaning you can buy the widest, heaviest, knobbliest bike tyres on earth - subject to frame clearance.

Cycle touring in Cuba, I would guess that wider tyres would be a better bet (I would imagine the road surfaces may not be the best?) Another factor could be toe overlap with a small frame and 700c wheels? I reckon the Subway Ltd edition looks like a very good buy £200 for a 7005 framed bike. I'd suggest getting some miles in on it before touring to show up any problems with the bike, and getting the hubs serviced and spokes properly tensioned by someone who knows what they're doing (i.e. not halfords) is a very good idea.

 

[steveindenmark]

Amy, regarding books.

I think it is the right forum but maybe not the right thread.

How is the bike search progressing.

Steve

 

[Modo]

I have a carrera 17inch frame for sale only 6 weeks old with 2 extra slimmer tyres plus bar ends I paid £200 for it have have spent £80 on extras but would take £150 for it. I am selling the bike as I am doing a charity ride from UK to Austria, which we HAVE to do in 2 weeks to meet commitments in Austria. This means I need to be able t maintain a good speed of 18mph which I can do on the carrera but have to peddle fast in order to maintain that speed. If you are just pleasure touring it is as good lightweight bike. If you are interested drop me a message
Cheers Nigel