Hey guys, brand new to these forums. I want to keep this as simple as possible because I'm prone to writing massive essays in these type of threads!
Basically, I currently have a Trek 7.3 FX (don't know what year because I got it second hand a couple of years ago). It has served me well, I've really liked it - but it is in a bad state at the moment. I have been told by 4 different bike stores that the repairs needed are: Both cassettes, the chain, the front wheel (and probably the back too), both gear cables, both brake cables, brake pads. And other things on top of this, depending on what store I was in. One guy also told me that even if I did repair it, other parts were likely to be close to failing too, and they might not be replaceable (or really expensive to replace). I'm not very clued up with bikes, so I'm not sure what he meant. I think he mentioned bearings of some sort. Anyway, the first 2 places I went to told me just to get a new bike, the last 2 told me it was worth repairing. The quote for repairs was between £180 and £250, from shop to shop.
But I've got it into my mind that I'd like a brand new bike, a bike I could call my own - rather than adopting a second hand bike like I did. Do you think I should repair my bike for that cost? Or should I go for one of the following?
Scott Sub 40
Ridgeback Rapide Comet
Pinnacle Neon One
Specialized Sirrus
Decathlon bTwin (was recommended by someone for quality and value, but he didn't say a specific model...)
What do you think? Should I spend the money on repairing the bike, or go for one of these bikes? Or even a different one instead that you could recommend? My budget SHOULD be around £300 - £350, but if for another £50 the step up in quality is large, do say.
I should probably finish by saying what I'll use the bike for. Mainly for commuting and other such cycling around London, although I may do the occasional longer ride on a weekend through country roads etc. So I figure a hybrid would suit me well as I definitely don't want a mountain bike, but don't think a full-on road bike is for me either.
Thanks guys, much appreciated!
Basically, I currently have a Trek 7.3 FX (don't know what year because I got it second hand a couple of years ago). It has served me well, I've really liked it - but it is in a bad state at the moment. I have been told by 4 different bike stores that the repairs needed are: Both cassettes, the chain, the front wheel (and probably the back too), both gear cables, both brake cables, brake pads. And other things on top of this, depending on what store I was in. One guy also told me that even if I did repair it, other parts were likely to be close to failing too, and they might not be replaceable (or really expensive to replace). I'm not very clued up with bikes, so I'm not sure what he meant. I think he mentioned bearings of some sort. Anyway, the first 2 places I went to told me just to get a new bike, the last 2 told me it was worth repairing. The quote for repairs was between £180 and £250, from shop to shop.
But I've got it into my mind that I'd like a brand new bike, a bike I could call my own - rather than adopting a second hand bike like I did. Do you think I should repair my bike for that cost? Or should I go for one of the following?
Scott Sub 40
Ridgeback Rapide Comet
Pinnacle Neon One
Specialized Sirrus
Decathlon bTwin (was recommended by someone for quality and value, but he didn't say a specific model...)
What do you think? Should I spend the money on repairing the bike, or go for one of these bikes? Or even a different one instead that you could recommend? My budget SHOULD be around £300 - £350, but if for another £50 the step up in quality is large, do say.
I should probably finish by saying what I'll use the bike for. Mainly for commuting and other such cycling around London, although I may do the occasional longer ride on a weekend through country roads etc. So I figure a hybrid would suit me well as I definitely don't want a mountain bike, but don't think a full-on road bike is for me either.
Thanks guys, much appreciated!