What mountain bike

[400bhp]

I currently have a CAAD9 that I use to commute to work.

I didn't commute on it today as the snow has finally hit Manchester so I took the tram

My commute is 10 miles which is flat.

I am thinking of getting a mountain bike for the commute on days like this as getting the tram/driving annoys me. Given it won't be used much I don't want to spend more than £150. I was thinking of Fleabay or Gumtree where I started to scour the ads last night. There's a wide range of choice but I like to take my time on decision so thought I'd open it up here before I buy.

Anyone got advice on the type of bike to go for/what to avoid etc (don't need advice on the rigours of buying 2nd hand).

Thanks

 

[Asprilla]

Look for a cyclocross as well; road geometry, but clearance for chunky and studded tyres.

 

[Jezston]

Was going to suggest checking to see what gauge tyres your CAAD9 could take and considering some knobblies but just looked at a picture and those are some seriously tight clearances!

I'd consider looking for a nice old rigid job - something that would have been considered pretty decent in the early-mid 90's that's been well looked after before suspension came along and ruined everything

 

[400bhp]

Look for a cyclocross as well; road geometry, but clearance for chunky and studded tyres.

Interesting - hadn't thought of that. Can these be had for <£150?

 

[Asprilla]

Interesting - hadn't thought of that. Can these be had for <£150?

Dunno, how big are you?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Gents-58cm-Fr...0651542309?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item1c17646f25

 

[Origamist]

Don't forget you can get old and relatively cheap s/h touring bikes that have clearances for wider tyres too.

 

[400bhp]

Dunno, how big are you?

http://cgi.ebay.co.u...=item1c17646f25

Thanks

5'11'' so too big.

Plue that won't stay at £150.

 

[400bhp]

Don't forget you can get old and relatively cheap s/h touring bikes that have clearances for wider tyres too.

Yeah, I guess it's picking out the tourers that do have the wide clearances, which might be a bit of a faff.

 

[400bhp]

What about this?

http://cgi.ebay.co.u...e=STRK:MEDWXT

Muddy Fox Primal Special Edition.

It's mine for £100 if I want it.

 

[marzjennings]

For crap weather on the flat, I'd suggest a single speed CX bike. Chunky tyres and no mechs to fill up with road crap. Something like this....

...which for new is only $399, so there may be a bargin 2nd hand one out there somewhere.


Or this on ebay... CX 1 speed.

 

[leemo]

^ agree: single speed or fixed for commuting on the flat in the winter

 

[magnatom]

Ok, so what if you have a few hills, as I do? Can you get a decent enough bike for £150 that'll get you over a few hills for the very poor weather days?

I have an old Ridgeback Cyclone rotting away in the garage. Big heavy lump of a thing, but I'm sure it would need a new drivechain, new wheels etc. It would almost be easier and cheaper to buy a reasonable second hand.....or would it?

 

[fossyant]

A 90's rigid MTB is a good idea, equipped with studdied tyres.

The only problem is finding one that's been looked after, so you aren't adding another £100-£200 to the repair bill for chain rings/cassette/BB/wheels.........

Something like this............. (Jan 2010 snow)

 

[mcshroom]

What about something like a Carrera Subway 1 - like this one

 

[potsy]

A 90's rigid MTB is a good idea, equipped with studdied tyres.

The only problem is finding one that's been looked after, so you aren't adding another £100-£200 to the repair bill for chain rings/cassette/BB/wheels.........

Something like this............. (Jan 2010 snow)

How much do you want for it?