http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Tag: buying - Recent Posts en Sun, 19 Apr 2026 07:25:32 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10968#post-123101 Mon, 26 Aug 2013 18:21:43 +0000 LaidBack 123101@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>From a gradient point of view going south I almost always use Gilmerton and then Mount Vernon or Ellens Glen to cut over.<br /> Running into town the bus lane up Minto St is easy work once you get used to the buses. As oft commented the LRT drivers are ok although you do have to work with them.<br /> Lauder Rd is nice and broad if you want to avoid QBC. You do have afew non-signalled junctions though. Anyway, whatever route you choose I hope you get on well. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10968#post-123095 Mon, 26 Aug 2013 17:18:04 +0000 newtoit 123095@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Thanks for replying, folks.</p> <p>I think I'm going to start off with that route down Middle Meadow Walk and out by the Usher hall, see how it goes. Will try and vary routes on the way back to start with.</p> <p>Found out that I don't have to use the voucher in Halfords, there's a whole load of other shops I can use too so I will now have to investigate them!</p> <p>Cyclestreets seems like a good site, it's definitely going in my bookmarks. The QBC is utterly ridiculous, I can't believe they consider that to be "quality".</p> <p>The flat seems quit handy for bike storage, think the better half would kill me if I kept it in the flat but we have a handy store cupboard in the stairwell for each flat which is lockable, room for his n' hers...</p> <p>Thanks for all your help </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10968#post-122811 Fri, 23 Aug 2013 07:27:18 +0000 Charterhall 122811@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>You'll also need space for your n+1 bike ;) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10968#post-122808 Fri, 23 Aug 2013 07:10:03 +0000 cc 122808@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>After your bike the next most important thing is a good lock, the best you can afford.</p> <p>As for routes, the one which I was going to suggest is pretty much the cyclestreets.net quiet route which <strong>cb</strong> posted.</p> <p>Pay attention to the cyclestreets.net routes as they can tell you about little cut-throughs, offroad paths and quiet roads. These are the joyful places to cycle in Edinburgh, at least for me. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10968#post-122803 Thu, 22 Aug 2013 23:52:10 +0000 Smudge 122803@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>and when the time comes to change tyres, or earlier if you like, get tyres with puncture proofing. I favour Schwalbe marathons, other brands/types are available and other people prefer other types, but I'd rather have a few extra grammes in the tyres than faff about sorting punctures personally.<br /> (he says touching wood, crossing fingers and setting down offerings and incantations to keep the puncture fairy away!)</p> <p>Oh and visit a PY to have a look at what people are riding and get a range of (conflicting?) advice ;-) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10968#post-122801 Thu, 22 Aug 2013 23:45:58 +0000 Snowy 122801@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>And the old chestnut - if you haven't done it for a while - practice changing your inner tube at home 2 or 3 times. It'll mean you are three times faster when you inevitably have to do it at the roadside sometime in the (hopefully distant) future. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10968#post-122793 Thu, 22 Aug 2013 23:08:15 +0000 allebong 122793@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Welcome.</p> <p>Plenty of good advice given about the route, not something I can help you with much though. For the bike 7 miles is reasonable to do on a hybrid, especially given the state of the roads around here, and if you want to go somewhat off road at times.</p> <p>Of the two bikes you mentioned I'd steer away from the Carrera due to that suspension fork - it's a heavy waste on that sort of bike and will likely cause many maintenance headaches down the line. The Voodoo looks like a great choice for the money. Disc brakes are excellent for commuting especially in worse weather. </p> <p>For commuting there are a few basically essential accessories. I know the feeling of splashing out on a decent bike and then having to spend yet more again on extras but they will make your commutes considerably nicer. First up, if you have any ambition to keep going when bad weather really hits, is full mudguards. I can't overstate the benefits they offer - as well as keeping the fine Edinburgh road filth off you they will drastically extend the life of the bike and its delicate parts. Lights/reflectives are also obviously needed when the darkness rolls in but you could put those off for a bit yet. Rack and pannier are also great for carrying stuff but you may prefer a backpack. I commute 3 miles each day in normal clothes but to be honest 7 would make me wear the cycle specific ones - nothing fancy, basic padded shorts and a synthetic jersey will get you going while the summer is still here.</p> <p>Few smaller things - bottle/cages, bar ends (really great for improving comfort), puncture repair kit + tubes, basic tools and the like. Rather intimidating shopping list, now that I've typed it out, so look at it as an investment. Once you're got the stuff you're set to go in the knowledge you won't be stopped by punctures/bad weather/discomfort. It'll pay off and before you know it you'll be looking to get a weekend fun bike as a change from the commuter ;) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10968#post-122787 Thu, 22 Aug 2013 22:19:47 +0000 Snowy 122787@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Hi, newtoit.<br /> Similar suggestion to Morningsider but if you want to avoid Tollcross...</p> <p>... a pleasant route along North Meadow Walk, up Chalmers St, then down Lady Lawson Street and then Grindlay Street to pop out beside the Usher Hall. </p> <p>(return via Lauriston St &gt; Lauriston Gardens back to Meadows due to one way streets)</p> <p>Enjoy the ride! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10968#post-122782 Thu, 22 Aug 2013 21:51:35 +0000 cb 122782@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>The Cyclestreet quiet route looks not bad:</p> <p><a href="http://edinburgh.cyclestreets.net/journey/37797191/">http://edinburgh.cyclestreets.net/journey/37797191/</a></p> <p>I might also be inclined to zigzag through the Grange (perhaps via the Astley Aisnlie) to the top of Leamington Terrace and then do the Balanced route at this link...</p> <p><a href="http://edinburgh.cyclestreets.net/journey/37797221/">http://edinburgh.cyclestreets.net/journey/37797221/</a></p> <p>...which takes you on the route that Gembo described. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10968#post-122779 Thu, 22 Aug 2013 21:39:20 +0000 Uberuce 122779@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Kirk Brae is a scumbag, even more so because of the junction at its base. I know I would not have ridden that until I had incrementally worked my way up the cyclist confidence ladder: off-road routes, back streets, off-peak main streets and then the full bhoona of rush hour A-road.</p> <p>It might be that I'm a big scaredy cat, but I'd not want to have that junction on day one. The simplest option(until you've got some more miles in your legs) is to take advantage of the fact that you can transform near-instantly into a pedestrian and just use the crossing.</p> <p>The hill itself just means you'll have to use the inner ring at the front. It's good at that kinda thing. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10968#post-122778 Thu, 22 Aug 2013 21:36:09 +0000 Morningsider 122778@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Hi Newtoit - I commuted to the city centre from Gilmerton way for a few years. I would suggest Kirk Brae - Mayfield Rd/Causewayside and then hang a keft into the Meadows (North Meadow Walk) and out onto Brougham St, Earl Grey St and Lothian Road. Probably the most direct route, pretty quiet apart from the inevitable busyness of Lothian Road.</p> <p>Kirk Brae is a bit of a killer on the way back, but just skip to a very low gear and trundle up it.</p> <p>Do try and get the best bike you can afford, you won't regret investing a few extra quid. Also, make sure it is the right size - don't just order something without having had the opportunity to sit on it - as an incorrectly sized bike is uncomfortable to ride and may well put you off for good. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10968#post-122777 Thu, 22 Aug 2013 21:24:28 +0000 chdot 122777@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"What is QBC"</p> <p>Now there's a question. </p> <p>New readers start <a href="http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8473&amp;page=3#post-94711">here</a>. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10968#post-122776 Thu, 22 Aug 2013 21:20:49 +0000 newtoit 122776@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Thanks, I think I'll try the various routes so I can have some variety in my life! I'm not looking forward to the uphill rides as the end of the day, but I definitely need the exercise...</p> <p>What is QBC, gembo? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10968#post-122774 Thu, 22 Aug 2013 21:07:18 +0000 Roibeard 122774@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I'm in the area and commute up to the Meadows from Gilmerton - I'd be happy taking a detour to chum you up the route if you fancy some company.</p> <p>Hybrids are well regarded as a commuter, but don't fear Lothian Buses - the bus lanes are actually your friend.</p> <p>The bad news is that you're likely to have a bit of a climb on the way home - "down Kirk Brae" means up Kirk Brae on the homeward stretch! There's no shame in walking up the hill, perhaps progressively trying to get further up before dismounting...</p> <p>Enjoy!</p> <p>Robert </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10968#post-122772 Thu, 22 Aug 2013 20:55:59 +0000 gembo 122772@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>From festival square you can cut through via all bar one to conference centre then gardeners crescent to Lochrin basin.</p> <p>Alternate universe if QBC worked that would be a route, up from Cameron toll to kings buildings then down to meadows</p> <p>Quite a few options really </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10968#post-122768 Thu, 22 Aug 2013 20:41:53 +0000 SRD 122768@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>If you're thinking of going Meadows via Tollcross to Lothian road, it's not that bad, in so far as the roads are wide and the crossing is signalised, but not exactly fun. You will need to be confident changing lanes etc. Several people on here do that daily, but if I was just starting, I'd be tempted to at least try an alternate route before settling in to a 'normal' route. (Maybe its just me, but once i've started going a particular route it takes a lot to make me change) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10968#post-122766 Thu, 22 Aug 2013 20:33:04 +0000 Nelly 122766@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Check Cyclestreets for a 'quieter' route. As Gembo and SRD have said, sometimes circuitous makes sense, especially when starting out.</p> <p>As to bikes? EBC has a sale on this weekend - <a href="http://ancillary.edinburghbicycle.com/comms/offloader/pdf/EBC-summer-sale-2013-bikes.pdf">Bike Co-op sale bikes</a> - probably some better ones there for the cash?</p> <p>Revolution trailfinder not bad value at £229? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10968#post-122761 Thu, 22 Aug 2013 20:14:32 +0000 gembo 122761@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I often recommend EBC courier seven gears is all,you need. Inwould get that if I was starting again</p> <p>I would go braid hills road, green bank, craighoise, myerside</p> <p>Bit of a loop but braidhillsmroad is great.</p> <p>Going back is going to be tougher </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10968#post-122760 Thu, 22 Aug 2013 20:14:27 +0000 SRD 122760@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>might be worth trying once. there should be a good route from the canal basin to festival square. i've never done it, but I know people here know it (I must find time to go look for myself) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10968#post-122759 Thu, 22 Aug 2013 20:07:44 +0000 newtoit 122759@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Hi, it's just up the top of Lothian Road, by Festival Square so I think that would take me a bit too far across. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10968#post-122755 Thu, 22 Aug 2013 19:53:31 +0000 SRD 122755@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>can i ask where in the west end? is there nothing to be gained by following bus route past kings bldgs along balcarres? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10968#post-122751 Thu, 22 Aug 2013 19:40:14 +0000 newtoit 122751@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Hi all,</p> <p>Been lurking for a while and decided to take the plunge.<br /> I'm looking to start cycling to work and first things first, need a bike! Never really bought one before so I'm not sure where to start... I'm thinking of going for a Hybrid - I'd be riding about 7miles round trip each day from Liberton to the West End, and also going out and about now and again at the weekends. Quite keen to go out along the union canal, down the river from Mussy to Dalkeith, that sort of thing.</p> <p>I'm thinking I'd be wanting 700c wheels but not sure after that. My employer offers the Cycle to Work scheme but the bike would have to be bought from Halfords, so looking at their range I think the Carrera Crossfire 2 or Voodoo Marasa would be the type of thing I'm after - £250-350 price range. I would far rather buy from a small/local place if I can get something decent for a similar price, and take the hit on not getting it tax free, but everything I've seen in shop windows has been £500+ which is more than I can afford at this (very early) point in my career. Any guidance would be most welcome!</p> <p>Secondly, I was wondering if anyone can advise on the best route to take without getting mauled by a bus? I was thinking of heading down Kirk Brae, up the hill past Kings Buildings, along Blackford Road and down through the Grange and Marchmont, to go across the Meadows. Google's suggested route of riding down Liberton Brae, Newington Road etc seems rather intimidating to me... What would you good people suggest in that regards?</p> <p>Thanks very much in advance </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8559&page=2#post-90982 Wed, 14 Nov 2012 17:09:33 +0000 crowriver 90982@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>20" wheels are very strong. You may be surprised how much you can carry on a wee folder... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8559&page=2#post-90981 Wed, 14 Nov 2012 17:07:16 +0000 Bhachgen 90981@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Thanks Crowriver. I think that could well work, and shouldn't affect the fold. Would actually turn it into a bit of a load carrier! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8559&page=2#post-90980 Wed, 14 Nov 2012 17:03:54 +0000 chdot 90980@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"Folder at Porty"</p> <p>Looks good - very Dahon. </p> <p>"I don't think to check eBay for new things"</p> <p>Worth doing - just got some bargain 'unwanted' Contis. For sale in Edinburgh - "pick-up only". </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8559&page=2#post-90979 Wed, 14 Nov 2012 16:56:34 +0000 crowriver 90979@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Maybe try a mini-rack attached to the front V-brake bosses?</p> <p>Like this:</p> <p><img src="http://i.ebayimg.com/t/MINI-BICYCLE-PANNIER-RACK-CARRIER-FRONT-OR-REAR-FIT-/00/s/MTkyWDI1Ng==/$(KGrHqN,!rkE-YmPUe!9BP1R+ZI5Lg~~60_35.JPG"></p> <p><a href="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bicycle-Mini-Pannier-Rack-Front-rear-pannier-rack-carrier-24-28-bike-luggage-/140748160201" rel="nofollow">http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bicycle-Mini-Pannier-Rack-Front-rear-pannier-rack-carrier-24-28-bike-luggage-/140748160201</a></p> <p>I have one on the front of the Globe hybrid, can attach a rack pack or just bungee a rucksac/bag of shopping/box to it... Even handier for a small wheeled bike. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8559&page=2#post-90977 Wed, 14 Nov 2012 16:49:33 +0000 Bhachgen 90977@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Here's a pic for reference. And yes I do appreciate that the rack bag and seat-tool-pack are not doing anything to mitigate the front wheel lifting issue!</p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tarr3n/8160703694/"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7248/8160703694_88494ba826.jpg"></a><br /> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tarr3n/8160703694/">Folder at Porty</a> by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/tarr3n/">Bhachgen</a>, on Flickr</p> <p>@crowriver yep Marathons were top of my list. For some reason I don't think to check eBay for new things (Retro cycling jerseys on the other hand...) so cheers for that tip.</p> <p>@fimm I could try a barbag as long as it was quick to put on and off. Would be putting that weight fairly high up though so could prove counter-productive. I think I just need to remember the danger and ride accordingly. Which will help me to arrive at my destination in a less out of breath and sweaty state. No bad thing given the types of journey the bike tends to be used for! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8559&page=2#post-90955 Wed, 14 Nov 2012 14:52:33 +0000 fimm 90955@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>The front wheel is rather unweighted, and has a tendency to lift whenever you start getting the power down. </em><br /> My Brompton does this a bit - having the front pannier makes it a lot better. I don't know your bike, but is there some way you could put a bit of weight on the front? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8559&page=2#post-90947 Wed, 14 Nov 2012 14:01:41 +0000 crowriver 90947@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I can recommend Schwalbe Marathons as good replacement tyres for 20" wheels. Pretty much bulletproof: had some Marathons on my Raleigh Swift (when I still had the bike) and they were great.</p> <p><a href="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Schwalbe-Marathon-Road-Bike-Tyres-/250832593817">Try fleaBay for some bargain prices</a>. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8559&page=2#post-90933 Wed, 14 Nov 2012 13:23:03 +0000 Bhachgen 90933@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Time for some feedback on the Hoptown now I've had it for a while.</p> <p>First things first - and this is the worst bit - actually getting my hands on it. I quite like Decathlon. I've been in their shops in Edinburgh and Bolton. They're nice and bright, well laid out, and it's easy to find what you're looking for, as long as it's in stock. Their stuff is pretty good for the price, and their labelling makes it clear what kind of user the product is designed for.</p> <p>Unfortunately the bike I wanted wasn't in stock in any of the branches which I could realistically travel to. So I tried to order online. It turns out they don't have a central distribution centre for online orders. Two of their shops offer a "mail-order" service, Stockport and Surrey Quays. Which one you can order from online depends on your postcode. My postcode is covered by Stockport. Who didn't have the bike in stock! After a frustrating couple of days of sending online messages and leaving phone messages in different places I eventually spoke to someone in the Surrey Quays shop. She advised me to enter their postcode in the actual postcode field, and type my full address in the free "Address Line 2" field, to avoid being redirected to Stockport by the online system. Not ideal, and I read the other day that they are revamping their website and online ordering, so hopefully such problems will soon be a thing of the past.</p> <p>Pleased to say that the bike was worth the hassle. Nicely finished. Mostly white frame with some brown. Matte black handlebar/stem/seatpost/rack. Brown leather-look padded (but not too much) saddle, with matching grips. It looks pretty classy and I've had a few approving comments from other cyclists. No complaints about the build quality. It's not the lightest but then with the folding mechanisms, kickstand, a hub gear and a rear rack that would be a lot to ask. It will roll when folded due to some casters on the back of the rear rack, but for rolling more than a very short distance I tend to unfold it.</p> <p>The folding/unfolding process is pleasingly straightforward. Perhaps not quite as quick as a Brommie but I would say I can do it in about 20 seconds or so without particularly rushing. It locks in place nicely when folded, and actually came with a decent bag, which I fold up and fix to the rear rack in case of pernickety train guards (I haven't encountered one yet).</p> <p>The Nexus 7-speed hub gear is, to me at least, a revelation. No need to freewheel or backpedal, like the old Sturmey 3-speeds I experienced in the past. Change while pedalling, change when stopped, it's always smooth and quiet. Great for city riding and those short-notice stops when the lights change. Plus it's sealed away from the grime and there's no jockey wheel hanging there just inches from the road (especially taking into account the 20" wheels). Make sure you know how to remove and replace the rear wheel in case of a puncture before you hit the road. It's easy when you know how, but not entirely obvious. There are some good video tutorials on Youtube, which I found easier to follow than Sheldon Brown in this case.</p> <p>So with the hub gear it "goes" pretty well. I'm glad to say it stops pretty well too, which surprised me given the no-name (Alhonga? Who they?) v-brakes fitted. They are effective, but can be a little bit "grabby", which I suspect that a pad upgrade when this set wear out will probably improve.</p> <p>How does it ride? With a "one-size-fits-all" approach, common to most folders, there's a bit of compromise going on. I'm just under 6', and usually ride drop handlebar bikes. So I have the saddle pushed right back, and the handlebars as low as they will go. The seatpost has another 7cm before the maximum extension so even someone a fair bit taller than me could ride it, though you might start to feel a bit cramped lengthwise.</p> <p>Even with the bars right down, there's no hiding from a headwind, but if you normally ride a flat-bar bike anyway you won't really notice this. Handling is pretty skittish. The front wheel is rather unweighted, and has a tendency to lift whenever you start getting the power down. This tends to manifest itself when accelerating away from traffic lights which is all very well in a straight line but care is required when turning right at a T-junction or X-roads! Climbing is "fun" given that it's quite hard to control the bike if you stand on the pedals, but remaining in the saddle makes it hard to keep the front wheel on the ground. It's got the gear range to handle most inclines (I've done a couple of laps of Arthurs Seat on it) as long as you adopt a slightly comical position with the bottom at the front of the saddle and the elbows bent to allow the chin to approach the handlebar. </p> <p>One area that has really surprised me is how comfortable the bike is. Don't get me wrong, I'm not about to start taking it to Sportive or Audax events. But I would have no qualms in planning to spend the day dawdling around a city on it. On a recent visit to family in Wales I covered 15 miles on the Hoptown on country lanes in an hour before breakfast. Despite the small diameter wheels it soaks up the bumps remarkably well. Their must be a fair bit of flex in the non-triangular frame, along with the long seatpost and stem. Put this together with the 20x1.75" tyres and even Edinburgh's notorious cobbles can be tamed.</p> <p>This brings me onto the biggest failing - the tyres. The Kenda Kwests supplied are rated up to 65psi and roll along pretty well, capably dealing with the less than perfect surfaces we so often have to put up with in this country. Unfortunately they're not so well equipped to deal with all the crap that our less considerate neighbours are inclined to abandon on the roads and paths. P*nct*re protection is non-existent. Fortunately a wee bit of online research shows that Schwalbe and Conti (and no doubt others) are making 20" versions of some decent tyres these days. This will be the first upgrade as soon as I spot a decent "sale" deal on tyres. </p>