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Ten best bikes

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Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,995 ✭✭✭✭blorg


    Good range but not enough titanium for my liking. I never knew Thorn had such a reasonably priced Audax bike, that was quite a revelation. Very cheap for a Reynolds 853 frame from such a reputable builder.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,278 ✭✭✭kenmc


    #7:
    Islabikes Beinn 26 Islabikes has focused on developing high-quality, durable bikes for the kids. With adult-sized wheels and a scaled-down frame, the Beinn 26 allows children over eight to travel on- and off-road in comfort and safety. Price: £258 - www.islabikes.co.uk; 01746 710 835
    How? It's got no effin pedals!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,995 ✭✭✭✭blorg


    kenmc wrote: »
    #7:

    How? It's got no effin pedals!
    Pedals are over-rated, bikes without pedals are the next big thing (fixies are yesterday I'm afraid.)

    draisien.gif

    Next up, the horse!


  • Moderators, Politics Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 24,269 Mod ✭✭✭✭Chips Lovell


    kenmc wrote: »
    #7:

    How? It's got no effin pedals!

    Going by the comments beneath, they posted the wrong pic. The one pictured is a bike for two year olds, apparently.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 31,223 ✭✭✭✭Lumen


    I wouldn't trust this guide. They can't even get the bikes right.

    The picture of the "Beinn 26" pedal-less kids bike ("allows children over eight to travel on- and off-road in comfort and safety") is actually a Rothan:

    product_imgs.jpg

    The Beinn 26 looks like this:

    beinn26sml.jpg

    Piss-poor proof reading, at the least.

    The saddle angle on the Trek Session 88 is nuts (or rather, numb-nuts). I assume this is a downhill special?

    Untitled-6_62492a.jpg

    I rarely trust product recommendations from broadsheets or general magazines. Whenever I read about products I have a little expertise on (computers, cars) the recommendations always seem odd, and out of kilter with the specialist press. The lads mags are the worst for this.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,995 ✭✭✭✭blorg


    No expert on mountain biking but it is full suspension, I think that is the idea all right. Looks to be a product shot from Trek so one can only imagine it is set up appropriately.

    65295.jpg

    Regarding the other choices, I don't know, they seem OK to me. Scott Addict Ltd, not every roadies' dream bike (I would go Litespeed myself) but certainly not a bad one, I'd take it if Scott wanted to sponsor me :D. Genesis Flyer is a good choice for the fixie and you can't argue with the Thorn for the audax; indeed it was a revelation to me that Thorn made anything so affordable (the frame is made in Taiwan, but £299 for frame, fork and headset is a bargain for a Reynolds 853 bike.) Pashley Princess is a classic, and for the folder a Brompton is the right choice too. On the mountain bike side as I say I don't have any expertise but that Trek and Specialized surely look OK and then they have thrown in a few "affordable" practical bikes to round it off. The article is written by someone from CTC (Cyclists' Touring Club) so I wouldn't write off their expertise either.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,318 ✭✭✭✭Raam


    blorg wrote: »
    Genesis Flyer is a good choice for the fixie

    I have a Flyer, it's a great terrible bike. I would advise NO ONE to get one. In fact, I forbid it.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,860 ✭✭✭TinyExplosions


    Raam wrote: »
    I have a Flyer, it's a great terrible bike. I would advise NO ONE to get one. In fact, I forbid it.

    I don't think that works around here mate.... :)


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 290 ✭✭Tawny


    Does anyone have any experience of bikes like this on rubbish town roads that are full of potholes, bumps and kerbs?

    (p.s how do you get the pic to show in the post?)

    65299.jpg


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,995 ✭✭✭✭blorg


    Raam wrote: »
    I have a Flyer, it's a great terrible bike. I would advise NO ONE to get one. In fact, I forbid it.
    OK, good to know. Was thinking of a white Cervelo for my next road bike, what are your thoughts on that :D

    @Tawny- use the IMG tag around your image:

    [HTML]65299.jpg[/HTML]

    65299.jpg

    No experience but for pootling around town, short distances at gentle speeds, I imagine it would do quite well. For long fast spins not so much :D


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,318 ✭✭✭✭Raam


    blorg wrote: »
    Was thinking of a white Cervelo for my next road bike, what are your thoughts on that :D

    I think they have stopped making them ;)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 68,317 ✭✭✭✭seamus


    Lumen wrote: »
    The saddle angle on the Trek Session 88 is nuts (or rather, numb-nuts). I assume this is a downhill special?
    The angle is way off, but the saddle is also far too big. The only reason you have a saddle on a DH bike is to stop the seat tube from.....well you know.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,860 ✭✭✭TinyExplosions


    blorg wrote: »
    Was thinking of a white Cervelo for my next road bike, what are your thoughts on that :D

    I'm thinking of a black one myself, but definitely a Cervelo


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,318 ✭✭✭✭Raam


    I'm thinking of a black one myself, but definitely a Cervelo

    Serious?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 290 ✭✭Tawny


    blorg wrote: »
    No experience but for pootling around town, short distances at gentle speeds, I imagine it would do quite well. For long fast spins not so much :D

    Well, pootling around town is all I use my bike for, but Im just wondering how would feel on roads with potholes and stuff. I might hire out one of those green ones in Galway to see how it feels.

    cch_l.jpg


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,676 ✭✭✭Gavin


    I'm thinking of a black one myself, but definitely a Cervelo

    I thought you needed to be sponsored to have one of those ....


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,860 ✭✭✭TinyExplosions


    Raam wrote: »
    Serious?

    Yeah, I actually am.... very much lusting after an RS.... will require some saving, but I'm pretty certain it's my next road bike frame!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,318 ✭✭✭✭Raam


    Yeah, I actually am.... very much lusting after an RS.... will require some saving, but I'm pretty certain it's my next road bike frame!

    It's a slight step up from mine, maybe an extra 300e, and I can honestly state that my one is a beast. It just wants to go. The only thing holding it back is me :o
    I saved a bit of cost by only buying groupset, frame, stem, bars, tape. I already had pedals, good wheels and a good saddle.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,860 ✭✭✭TinyExplosions


    Raam wrote: »
    It's a slight step up from mine, maybe an extra 300e, and I can honestly state that my one is a beast. It just wants to go. The only thing holding it back is me :o
    I saved a bit of cost by only buying groupset, frame, stem, bars, tape. I already had pedals, good wheels and a good saddle.

    That's pretty much my plan at this stage... will be upgrading the Wheels on the Focus soon enough, and then when all the pennies are saved, I'll move my existing pedals, wheels etc over (and make a decision on groupset -can one really put Ultegra on such a bike :p )


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,318 ✭✭✭✭Raam


    That's pretty much my plan at this stage... will be upgrading the Wheels on the Focus soon enough, and then when all the pennies are saved, I'll move my existing pedals, wheels etc over (and make a decision on groupset -can one really put Ultegra on such a bike :p )

    Cliff talked me out of putting Dura Ace on it.


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  • Moderators, Politics Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 24,269 Mod ✭✭✭✭Chips Lovell


    That's pretty much my plan at this stage... will be upgrading the Wheels on the Focus soon enough, and then when all the pennies are saved, I'll move my existing pedals, wheels etc over (and make a decision on groupset -can one really put Ultegra on such a bike :p )

    What wheels are you getting?

    And if you aren't moving the Ultegra over, what group is on the Tiny (or not so tiny) shopping list?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,860 ✭✭✭TinyExplosions


    el tonto wrote: »
    What wheels are you getting?

    And if you aren't moving the Ultegra over, what group is on the Tiny (or not so tiny) shopping list?

    It'll most likely be Fulcrum Racing 3's -they seem the best performers for the price (I know I could get lighter for the same money, but I'm a big guy :) )

    As for group, I would most likely be leaning towards Dura Ace, but if Cliff talked Raam out of it, maybe Ultegra is enough :)

    SRAM would be nice, but I would imagine a bit too steep (Force is similar price to DA, so would really be looking at Rival... anyone any feelings on it?)


  • Moderators, Politics Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 24,269 Mod ✭✭✭✭Chips Lovell


    SRAM would be nice, but I would imagine a bit too steep (Force is similar price to DA, so would really be looking at Rival... anyone any feelings on it?)

    I've seen lots of good write-ups of it, although someone on here said it was junk (think it might have been Tunney). New 2009 version of it looks pretty swish, carbon levers and all that.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,318 ✭✭✭✭Raam


    el tonto wrote: »
    I've seen lots of good write-ups of it, although someone on here said it was junk (think it might have been Tunney). New 2009 version of it looks pretty swish, carbon levers and all that.

    Ultimately, they all change the gear. I do like the look of SRAM though.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,860 ✭✭✭TinyExplosions


    Raam wrote: »
    Ultimately, they all change the gear. I do like the look of SRAM though.

    That's mostly mu feeling... The SRAM Red groupset is my favorite in terms of looks, but is too expensive for me! The Force is also tasty, with the carbon levers and stuff, but also is quite expensive (I think I'd prefer Dura Ace at that price), which leaves Rival, which to my mind just looks a bit cheap...

    *edit* Just seen the new carbon Rival, and changed my mind on its looks :)


  • Moderators, Politics Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 24,269 Mod ✭✭✭✭Chips Lovell


    Take it you won't be going 11 speed then:p


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,860 ✭✭✭TinyExplosions


    el tonto wrote: »
    Take it you won't be going 11 speed then:p

    I beat Blorg up the Glandon with 10 speeds (I dunno if I've mentioned that before), so I don't next the expensive nonsense of Super Record :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,318 ✭✭✭✭Raam


    I beat Blorg up the Glandon with 10 speeds (I dunno if I've mentioned that before), so I don't next the expensive nonsense of Super Record :)

    Who did you beat?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,860 ✭✭✭TinyExplosions


    Raam wrote: »
    Who did you beat?

    What I haven't mentioned is that he had a triple as well.... :p


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,001 ✭✭✭scottreynolds


    ....Dura Ace....SRAM

    Why does no one mention Campag.... am i wrong or should that not be the choice on a Cervelo


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,318 ✭✭✭✭Raam


    Why does no one mention Campag.... am i wrong or should that not be the choice on a Cervelo

    I thought about Campag, but then I would have had to buy new wheels.
    Tiny, what's your excuse? Anyway, Shimano is better.


  • Moderators, Politics Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 24,269 Mod ✭✭✭✭Chips Lovell


    Raam wrote: »
    I thought about Campag, but then I would have had to buy new wheels.
    Tiny, what's your excuse? Anyway, Shimano is better.

    I've used Campag wheels with Shimano for ages and it works fine. Currently have Mrs Tonto's bike set up that way now.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,318 ✭✭✭✭Raam


    el tonto wrote: »
    I've used Campag wheels with Shimano for ages and it works fine. Currently have Mrs Tonto's bike set up that way now.

    No probs with the rear hub?


  • Moderators, Politics Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 24,269 Mod ✭✭✭✭Chips Lovell


    Raam wrote: »
    No probs with the rear hub?

    Not a sausage. The spacing is so similar that you don't notice a thing.


  • Moderators, Politics Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 24,269 Mod ✭✭✭✭Chips Lovell


    I'm presuming it will work the other way around. I don't mind being the guinea pig if one of you guys wants to swap wheels with me on some spin for a spell.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,860 ✭✭✭TinyExplosions


    Raam wrote: »
    I thought about Campag, but then I would have had to buy new wheels.
    Tiny, what's your excuse? Anyway, Shimano is better.

    Well, I'm getting Fulcrum wheels, which are made my Campag ;)

    Basically, I'm used to Shimano, and original plan was to use the Ultegra of my current bike. SRAM came to mind cos it's a bit new and left field, as well as (in my mind) having the techy side that Cervelo also has... I can understand an Italian Groupset on an Italian bike, but a North American groupset on a Canadian bike works fine too :)

    Also, as RAAM says, Shimano is better, along with Marmite, not wearing a helmet, and Lance is clean as a whistle!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 4,038 ✭✭✭penexpers


    Surprised they didn't put any cargo bikes on the list.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,995 ✭✭✭✭blorg


    penexpers wrote: »
    Surprised they didn't put any cargo bikes on the list.
    Are you? Bit of a niche you have to admit! I'd be more surprised about the lack of a recumbent.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,318 ✭✭✭✭Raam


    blorg wrote: »
    I'd be more surprised about the lack of a recumbent.

    I think you need to be a little odd to ride one of those.
    Not this odd, but odd none the less.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,021 ✭✭✭rflynnr


    penexpers wrote: »
    Surprised they didn't put any cargo bikes on the list.

    On that subject - I got to try out a Bakfiets (http://www.bakfiets.nl/eng/models_cargo_bike_long.php) for a day a couple of weekends ago. If you ever get a chance give it a blast: it's like cycling the Titanic. (I'll leave that hanging there while you all ponder what I could possibly mean.)


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 4,038 ✭✭✭penexpers


    blorg wrote: »
    Are you? Bit of a niche you have to admit! I'd be more surprised about the lack of a recumbent.

    A bit of a niche perhaps, but one to watch for the future.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,995 ✭✭✭✭blorg


    No tandem either.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 564 ✭✭✭Itsfixed


    rflynnr wrote: »
    On that subject - I got to try out a Bakfiets (http://www.bakfiets.nl/eng/models_cargo_bike_long.php) for a day a couple of weekends ago. If you ever get a chance give it a blast: it's like cycling the Titanic. (I'll leave that hanging there while you all ponder what I could possibly mean.)

    The brakes are rubbish and the steering is so slow you can hardly avoid icebergs in the road?

    (Sorry. I'm no good at clever quips)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 342 ✭✭jefferson73


    I'm considering one of these for the shopping run and collections from the creche. Traffic free citiy would be the push i need to commit.
    light_.jpg


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 291 ✭✭littleknown


    that list is a load of @hit. bar the first bike there are hundreds if not thousands of better bikes. most of them are bog standard,over priced run of the mill bikes - hardly worth putting in the paper.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 31,223 ✭✭✭✭Lumen


    I'm considering one of these for the shopping run and collections from the creche. Traffic free citiy would be the push i need to commit.

    That's great, however in an age where we're used to harnessing kids into safety-tested car seats with three point belts, it's a bit of a stretch to stick 'em on a bench seat in a wooden box.

    Would be great for journeys with decent cycle lanes, since presumably you can't filter in something this wide. Not sure how the bus drivers would take to hitting behind one of these in "their lane" going up a long hill.

    I wonder whether you have to drill holes in the bottom to drain the water out, or use a bilge pump.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,021 ✭✭✭rflynnr


    Itsfixed wrote: »
    The brakes are rubbish and the steering is so slow you can hardly avoid icebergs in the road?

    (Sorry. I'm no good at clever quips)

    Not bad under the circumstances though. No, I meant the sense of majesty in the manner of its progress. It's the limousine of bikes. Mind you there is some truth to your quip: the front wheel is so far away from your sitting position that you have to start turning the wheel before you personally reach the turn. The rest of the bike then gradually "joins" the turn. Thing is, since I couldn't ever imagine breaking 20kph (even downhill) on one, there's always plenty of time for anticipation.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 342 ✭✭jefferson73


    Lumen wrote: »
    That's great, however in an age where we're used to harnessing kids into safety-tested car seats with three point belts, it's a bit of a stretch to stick 'em on a bench seat in a wooden box.

    y-selex4_.jpg

    Would be great for journeys with decent cycle lanes, since presumably you can't filter in something this wide. Not sure how the bus drivers would take to hitting behind one of these in "their lane" going up a long hill.

    As per my post "Traffic Free City", means no cars on the road no need for bus lanes

    I wonder whether you have to drill holes in the bottom to drain the water out, or use a bilge pump.

    gulkasse_.jpg


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 31,223 ✭✭✭✭Lumen


    Ah OK, the harnesses didn't show in the pictures I looked at.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 346 ✭✭hatful


    Why wasn't specialised included in the list I'm none the wiser on what the best commuting bikes are?


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