I'm looking for a good quality touring bicycle with a 53cm/21" frame (I'm 5'5 with a 78cm inside leg) that is well-built and will last well into the future.
Butterfly or drop handlebars would be good, as would relatively low gearing (e.g. 48/36/26 on the front) for when I get tired! Budget is around £500 for a bike in excellent condition and that will last me a lifetime and that I will love riding, like a second-hand King of Mercia. I am looking to spend less than £550 for the fully complete machine (i.e. including front and back pannier racks, pedals, bottle cages, all accessories) A well-respected brand like Mercian, Hewitt or Thorn would be a plus, as I know they could still be in good nick years down the line.
I will be cycling from southern Spain to London next year, as well as doing many trips around the UK to visit friends and discover places as much as I can, and I'm hoping to do quite a few more trips around Europe on the bike in the next 10 years.
Please let me know if you reckon you can help me out.
Thanks,
Sam
P.S. Also posted on the CTC forum.
Butterfly or drop handlebars would be good, as would relatively low gearing (e.g. 48/36/26 on the front) for when I get tired! Budget is around £500 for a bike in excellent condition and that will last me a lifetime and that I will love riding, like a second-hand King of Mercia. I am looking to spend less than £550 for the fully complete machine (i.e. including front and back pannier racks, pedals, bottle cages, all accessories) A well-respected brand like Mercian, Hewitt or Thorn would be a plus, as I know they could still be in good nick years down the line.
I will be cycling from southern Spain to London next year, as well as doing many trips around the UK to visit friends and discover places as much as I can, and I'm hoping to do quite a few more trips around Europe on the bike in the next 10 years.
Please let me know if you reckon you can help me out.
Thanks,
Sam
P.S. Also posted on the CTC forum.
