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Wanted: commuter bike

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  1. crowriver
    Member

    "That will wear out after 2-3 years."

    After which, it will cost about a tenner to replace. No biggie!

    "freewheel not a cassette which is a disaster if you break it."

    Again, about a tenner to replace a six-speed freewheel, bit more for seven-speed. Six-speed freewheels seem to last for an incredibly long time. I don't know how you'd break one unless you were doing downhill MTBing or BMX tricks or some such. I can imagine corrosion being a problem with salted roads in winter. Even if you couldn't get the damn thing off the wheel, a new alloy rear wheel complete with six-speed freewheel can be had for as little as £30. So not really a disaster, at least financially.

    EDIT - Seems some cyclists manage to break freewheels and/or their axles/hubs due to "power pedalling". Probably not a problem unless you have extreme Awesome Power and are riding up Redstane Rigg / across a sphagnum bog.

    Posted 5 years ago #

  2. le_soigneur
    Member

    Alivio or Altura cost £20 to replace Tourney for good.
    You won't replace your six speed freewheel, you will replace the whole wheel because the single-wall rim will be wafer thin from braking by then. £35 for a double-rim rear, if you haven't buckled the front jumping a kerb already.
    Might as well spend the extra £55 money now on a btwin or somesuch, less hassle all round. Unless you insist on going down the disposable route.
    Oh and the Challenge/Viking is a pig to ride. My daughter insisted on the pink Challenge but that is a plaything, not a practical commuter so happy not to spend much on something that gathers dust anyway.

    Posted 5 years ago #

  3. crowriver
    Member

    @le_soigneur, not really convinced that the lower end Decathlon bikes will be much better than the Halfords ones.

    Slightly further up the price range, this £250 commuter bike comes with mudguards, rear rack, adjustable stem, kick stand and hub dynamo lighting:
    https://www.decathlon.co.uk/original-520-hybrid-bike-id_8353018.html

    For the same price you can get this slightly more stylish bike with a front porteur rack and chain guard - but an old school sidewall dynamo driving the lighting (not great in wet weather).
    https://www.decathlon.co.uk/elops-520-classic-bike-blue-id_8500065.html

    "Alivio or Altura cost £20 to replace Tourney for good."

    The Altus can be had for £12, minimum 7-speed drivetrain (presume 8-speed chain rather than 6-speed). Not a bad upgrade I suppose.

    Posted 5 years ago #

  4. le_soigneur
    Member

    @crowriver Just a quick search found this, I'm sure similar exists on other suppliers: Decathlon Hoprider 100 £300
    Double-wall rims - check
    Altus 7 derail - check
    Shimano cassette - check
    Hub dynamo light - check
    Mudguards & pannier - check
    Of course the reviews suggest the Decathlon shops could do a better job of build check before sending out,something an LBC would be better at.

    Posted 5 years ago #

  5. gkgk
    Member

    I hope James pops by again in a bit to tell us what he opted for and how he got on.

    Posted 5 years ago #

  6. I were right about that saddle
    Member

    What is the 'anti-twist coil' on the Decathlon bikes for? That spring between frame and fork....mystifying.

    Posted 5 years ago #

  7. Arellcat
    Moderator

    Steering damper. It stops the front wheel swinging right round and unbalancing the bike when it's parked on its propstand.

    Posted 5 years ago #

  8. crowriver
    Member

    @le_soigneur, yeah that's a good deal for the money, even a chain guard and kick stand thrown in. Rear rack looks decent too.

    Slightly above the OP's stated budget, but probably worth the extra as it would likely last a few years if looked after. If I was in the market for a commuter I'd certainly give it another look.

    Posted 5 years ago #

  9. jcoutts
    Member

    Hi All. Huge apologies for asking a question and then getting tied up in non-forum life. I've read every response - and they are all incredibly helpful. I have been a regular visitor at Bike Station for a few weeks - spotted one of the Ridgeback models mentioned, but it was too big for me. I've had my current folder serviced, which will keep me going until I find a new bike. I'm going to look at the other models mentioned too - a massive thanks to everyone who has helped. James.

    Posted 5 years ago #

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