Advice on commuter bike?? -NOOB :)

thebullkf

Hi guys
Have seen similar thread(which bike) i have a worse dilemma as i havent a clue about makes an models...been a while sincei had a bike.
In fact the last bike i had was a raleigh marauder!!! (stop laughin i loved it).
Heres the basics:
budget of 600-800e (to incl everything/locks/helmet/leds etc)
I'm 5'11" . 17 stone ! (hence the new regime)
Looking for a lightweight bike,pref all quick release with "T"?? handlebars/(non racer bars).
something with a bit of speed that'll progress as i (hopefully) progress.
Have seen a deal somewhere that shop in tallaght has its an all in jobbie
LAPIERRE rock ?? wondering if anyone has one i.e. is it suitable??
as i said the last time i was on a bike i used to help out part time down in the five lamps bike shop...drooling over claude butlers,muddy foxes and shimano deore? derailers... christ tham was the days!!!!

any and all help appreciated.
ps. gonna be cycling from santry to ucd any quickest routes anyone?
can i cycle via eastlink or is that question ridico?
(I'm thinking driving routes which is prob wrong!!!)
thanks folks :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

Lumen

You saw this.

If you can stretch to this you'll probably find it faster and more fun - 10.1kg vs 12.4kg, narrower tyres.

thebullkf

thanks lumen.
you were correct, i like the one you suggested........ but(theres always a but:)).
would buying the gear seperately cost much more than the all in pack?
considering its only 50e dearer bike-wise.
also i'm a quite heavy guy and considering the state of our roads i was thinking maybe, the thicker the tyres,the less chanceof buckling the wheel or am i talking [EMAIL="sh~@e"]sh~@e[/EMAIL] again.
appreciate your post though..
anyone out there with any ideas on best routes from santryto ucd wouldbe appreciated ;)

thebullkf

sorry just checked the all in option....more or les still 50e between bikes.
i see aldi selling accessories today is therethat much diff. in quality methinks????? some price diff...

Lumen

Not sure about the weight. Touring road bikes run narrowish tyres (25/28mm) and may have 20kg on the rear panniers.

You can buy (or have built) stronger wheels if necessary, it's mostly about having enough spokes with sufficient spoke count and cross.

You might want to consider 28mm tyres on the RCR for extra comfort, if they fit.

thebullkf

Lumen wrote: »

Not sure about the weight. Touring road bikes run narrowish tyres (25/28mm) and may have 20kg on the rear panniers.

You can buy (or have built) stronger wheels if necessary, it's mostly about having enough spokes with sufficient spoke count and cross.

You might want to consider 28mm tyres on the RCR for extra comfort, if they fit.

I was in eurocycle in airside earlier-useless and i'm a newbie!!
poor selection and the youngfella hadnt a clue(no offense)
then was in duffs in the omni,third of the size,better selection and the guy(foreign not that it matters) was fairly knowledgeable-listened to my needs and suggested cheaper bikes to what i was looking at,refreshing!
he said you could shop around for ages and realistically save 50-80e....
He reckoned bike wise they're all fairly similar as regards my needs-i.e no need for ultimate lightweight frames (+/- 5kgs shouldnt sway me) etc.
that being said....i still like the la pierre:rolleyes:
so i'm swaying between this http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=38&idproduct=20953

and this
http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=38&idproduct=24231

also accessories vary hugely in
price anyone any ideas on 1. Good Jacket - wind/waterproof,breathable
2.Good lock Good helmet
3.V.Good Lights
that are reasonable??

cgc5483

thebullkf wrote: »

I was in eurocycle in airside earlier-useless and i'm a newbie!!
poor selection and the youngfella hadnt a clue(no offense)
then was in duffs in the omni,third of the size,better selection and the guy(foreign not that it matters) was fairly knowledgeable-listened to my needs and suggested cheaper bikes to what i was looking at,refreshing!
he said you could shop around for ages and realistically save 50-80e....
He reckoned bike wise they're all fairly similar as regards my needs-i.e no need for ultimate lightweight frames (+/- 5kgs shouldnt sway me) etc.
that being said....i still like the la pierre:rolleyes:
so i'm swaying between this http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=38&idproduct=20953

and this
http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=38&idproduct=24231

also accessories vary hugely in
price anyone any ideas on 1. Good Jacket - wind/waterproof,breathable
2.Good lock Good helmet
3.V.Good Lights
that are reasonable??

Just so happens that i recently bought the LaPierre above having previosuly had the Giant Escape R2 which is very similar to the R1. I've only had the LaPierre for 2 days commuting but so far it's a much nicer bike to ride. It has a carbon fork which the Giant doesn't have and that makes a big different commuiting on thinner tyres for me.

BostonB

I'd go for the LaPierre myself. Was llooking at them before in Tallaght.

thebullkf

thanks guys:) food for thought..........
any ideas on gear or the quickest safest route to ucd from santry

BostonB

No idea I don't go that way. But expect to try a few different routes till you find one you like.

WithCheesePlease

Not hijacking the thread (honest) but can't make my mind up between a commuter bike (like that Lapierre) and a hardtail MTB like the Specialized Rockhopper (http://www.cycleways.com/store/product/41604/Specialized-Rockhopper-Disc/) just so I might have the option of doing trails when the mood takes me.

So my question is... Would I really notice the difference between the 2 on a 5 mile commute?? Would the Rockhopper be much heavier or harder to manage on a day to day commute??

Thanks...

Lumen

gearoid_healy wrote: »

Not hijacking the thread (honest) but can't make my mind up between a commuter bike (like that Lapierre) and a hardtail MTB like the Specialized Rockhopper (http://www.cycleways.com/store/product/41604/Specialized-Rockhopper-Disc/) just so I might have the option of doing trails when the mood takes me.

So my question is... Would I really notice the difference between the 2 on a 5 mile commute?? Would the Rockhopper be much heavier or harder to manage on a day to day commute??

Doing light trails on a fat-tyred road bike is fun. Doing roads on a mountain bike is miserable.

What proportion of your time would you like to be miserable?

BostonB

gearoid_healy wrote: »

...

So my question is... Would I really notice the difference between the 2 on a 5 mile commute?? Would the Rockhopper be much heavier or harder to manage on a day to day commute??

Thanks...

I noticed a big difference just changing the tyres on my MTB to slicks. I would imagine a proper hybrid would make a bigger difference.

WithCheesePlease

Noted! Thanks.

il gatto

Slicks or semi slicks on an MTB make a big difference.

OP, will you have a secure place to park? Alot of people buy a cheap bike for the commute and keep a better one for proper rides. If you're commute is fairly short, a cheap bike wouldn't make a huge difference, and if it gets nicked, vandalised or has bits taken, it's no biggie (unless they've taken your saddle or wheels/brakes:D). The other thing is people often won't bother taking stuff from a ratty looking bike, whereas a shiny new MTB is like jewellery to a jackdaw (ie, they'll take it).

oldboy

I just picked up the Lapierre RC3R00 today from cycle superstore

first impression is its a great bike, very comfortable, light and fast. Used it for sandyford to dublin commute and enjoyed it even with the wind and mad random showers. They knocked off 10% so stuck on gatorskins for the commute

looks deadly in the flesh too, v happy so far. The guys in the shop seemed very helpful and were sound.

just in case it helps

thebullkf

oldboy wrote: »

I just picked up the Lapierre RC3R00 today from cycle superstore

first impression is its a great bike, very comfortable, light and fast. Used it for sandyford to dublin commute and enjoyed it even with the wind and mad random showers. They knocked off 10% so stuck on gatorskins for the commute

looks deadly in the flesh too, v happy so far. The guys in the shop seemed very helpful and were sound.

just in case it helps

You're sh1tt1ng me!!
happy days :):)
I'm jealous as hell..how come the discount??-(fair play to em )
Only starting to get back into cycling and am looking to do things "right"
i.e. proper bike,gear,accessories etc etc.(for instance-gatorskins=overshoes of some sort?? )
I've been checking out the oul interweb for info,prices etc and its mind boggling the a) amount of varied stuff out there and
b) diff. in prices :eek:
was let go 4 wks ago and was awaiting confirmation of job offer.. at the latest: Today-swines never rang me,job was on clonskeagh road-hence the route question.
Thought i was a model for the job=main reason for such a decent budget for a newbie gettin back on the saddle.
Have to re examine my funds now..have to justify that outlay to the missus!!!

still....

love the look of that lapierre:o:o:o

wonder would they increase their discount/throw in some basics as gratis....



Fyckin ragin those bsatards never called about that job...
hate going "cap in hand" to anybody.
suppose the sensible/realistic thing to do would be to buy a banger and offset bills with the remainder...


but




i





LOVE





that






BIKE !!!!

Andy-Pandy

Always ask for a discount when your getting a bike. The price is always a little flexable. You should be able to get stuff like lights, locks etc thrown in. Competition it tuff out there with internet always offering up the best price.

thebullkf

Andy-Pandy wrote: »

Always ask for a discount when your getting a bike. The price is always a little flexable. You should be able to get stuff like lights, locks etc thrown in. Competition it tuff out there with internet always offering up the best price.

cheers andypandy any help welcome... any advice on best lock/lights??
lock especially...
thanks again

thebullkf

gonna drop in to that shop with the missus.....plant the seed...:pac::pac:

neilled

Gatorskins = puncture resistant tyres.

thebullkf

neilled wrote: »

Gatorskins = puncture resistant tyres.

ok....:o

heard they're not so good in the rain??

budget has been slashed to 680e max.

i'll hardly get the lapierre + helmet,lock,lights,mudguards,hi vis jacket for that

anyone??

BostonB

You'd get a Sirrus and gear for that.

I've the Specialized Amadillos MTB tyres. I've heard people say they are not as good as other tyres in the wet. I've not had a problem. That said I've not ever used any other similar tyre to compare with. Generally in the rain I'm not going very fast. Actually I don't go fast in the dry either. :eek: The only place I find slippy is the white lines on the road, and metal grids. But I'd say they are slippy for any tyre.

thebullkf

BostonB wrote: »

You'd get a Sirrus and gear for that.

I've the Specialized Amadillos MTB tyres. I've heard people say they are not as good as other tyres in the wet. I've not had a problem. That said I've not ever used any other similar tyre to compare with. Generally in the rain I'm not going very fast. Actually I don't go fast in the dry either. :eek: The only place I find slippy is the white lines on the road, and metal grids. But I'd say they are slippy for any tyre.

thanks bostonb....plenty to think about,so many bikes!!!!!!.....can only ride one at a time
did you see a specific cirrus or did you mean in general??
initially gonna buy online but think i'm gonna buy "irish" :cool:
any and all recommendations appreciated

thebullkf

hi all.... stuck again, think i've seen too many bikes:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:
need some more advice please..
think i need to re-gather me thoughts and requirements.
so here goes;
I'll be cycling approx 20 miles a day.
need something,
light
sturdy (5'11, 20 stone-but i've a big build/don't look 20 stone after 4 weeks hopefully i'll be 19 stone ,then 18 and so on!)

something that'll take side bags (panniers i think they're called??)


budget of circa 680-710e all in (to incl. all gear-locks etc)




have been looking at few...

http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=28188



http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=20940


http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=0&idproduct=28206


http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=0&idproduct=24231



any recommendations

can tweak budget a leeetle bit hombres:)

Jawgap

Wow - you put on 3 stone since the start of the thread - what did you eat this weekend??????:eek:

Are you studying or working at UCD - anyway you could avail of the Cycle to Work Scheme - it'd boost your budget at least!

neilled

thebullkf wrote: »

ok....:o

heard they're not so good in the rain??

budget has been slashed to 680e max.

i'll hardly get the lapierre + helmet,lock,lights,mudguards,hi vis jacket for that

anyone??

Gatorskins are the reasonably puncture resistant variety. They work fine in the rain. Armadillos = puncture protection at the expense of everything else. Have a road bike at home in the country equipped with the former, college bike has the armadillos.

petethedrummer

I'd go for a bike without suspension. Just put on fatter tyres and pump them up good and hard if you're worried about the weight.

If you want to know if a bike can take panniers. I have marked the mounting points (small holes) in the attached drawing, so it'll be easy to tell in future if a bike can take panniers. I personally would do everything I could to avoid using panniers.

Here are some useful opinions on panniers and cycling to work:
http://boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055549190&highlight=panniers
http://boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055549248&highlight=panniers

Cycling is a good way to lose weight. It's low impact, social and cycling to and from work will save you having to go to gyms etc... I myself am a stone lighter than I was this time last year and a few of the other boards spinners are definitely looking more svelte these days.

thebullkf

Jawgap wrote: »

Wow - you put on 3 stone since the start of the thread - what did you eat this weekend??????:eek:

Are you studying or working at UCD - anyway you could avail of the Cycle to Work Scheme - it'd boost your budget at least!

tbh wasn't sure of my weight..... assumed i was lighter:o:o:o
imagine my surprise......

gonna be working there (hopefully!!! awaiting confirmation)

either way i'm committed to buying a bike.
the c2w scheme is only for workes i assume?? or is it baed on your tax contributions over time???

if i can avail of it..... then amigos my budget all in will closer to 1k :D:D

thebullkf

petethedrummer wrote: »

I'd go for a bike without suspension. Just put on fatter tyres and pump them up good and hard if you're worried about the weight.

If you want to know if a bike can take panniers. I have marked the mounting points (small holes) in the attached drawing, so it'll be easy to tell in future if a bike can take panniers. I personally would do everything I could to avoid using panniers.

Here are some useful opinions on panniers and cycling to work:
http://boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055549190&highlight=panniers
http://boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055549248&highlight=panniers

Cycling is a good way to lose weight. It's low impact, social and cycling to and from work will save you having to go to gyms etc... I myself am a stone lighter than I was this time last year and a few of the other boards spinners are definitely looking more svelte these days.

thanks pete will check it out in more detail when i get home..doing night course at mo... not supp to be on net at all;);)

thebullkf

petethedrummer wrote: »

I'd go for a bike without suspension. Just put on fatter tyres and pump them up good and hard if you're worried about the weight.

If you want to know if a bike can take panniers. I have marked the mounting points (small holes) in the attached drawing, so it'll be easy to tell in future if a bike can take panniers. I personally would do everything I could to avoid using panniers.

Here are some useful opinions on panniers and cycling to work:
http://boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055549190&highlight=panniers
http://boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055549248&highlight=panniers

Cycling is a good way to lose weight. It's low impact, social and cycling to and from work will save you having to go to gyms etc... I myself am a stone lighter than I was this time last year and a few of the other boards spinners are definitely looking more svelte these days.

thanks muchacho:):)
much appreciated-had a good read of those threads,v. informative,would prefer to not have to carry a bag on my back,so panniers seem like the solution...
as i mentioned earlier i'm waitin to hear back about a job,fingers x.
but if i get it,not sure of facilities on-site,eg showers,locker etc,
if i have all that ,then maybe i'll only need to bring a bag twice a week?


play it by ear.
thanks again to everyone...gettin some great advice here,very supportive forum :D:D

thebullkf

woohoo.. was provisionally offered a job today:D:D:D:D:D
so i'll be scouring threadslooking for as much info aspossible on commuter/hybrid bikes..

at the mo its either the lapierre,giant or cube

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=30597

http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=0&idproduct=24231

http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=0&idproduct=24231








or has anyone heard of this??? - vitus stag


http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=37919



not sure what to go for...
budget might restrict me with the lapierre (unless i get a generous discount,need accessories as well,for an all in price of 700e)


any comments?

DePurpereWolf

il gatto wrote: »

Slicks or semi slicks on an MTB make a big difference.

OP, will you have a secure place to park? Alot of people buy a cheap bike for the commute and keep a better one for proper rides. If you're commute is fairly short, a cheap bike wouldn't make a huge difference, and if it gets nicked, vandalised or has bits taken, it's no biggie (unless they've taken your saddle or wheels/brakes:D). The other thing is people often won't bother taking stuff from a ratty looking bike, whereas a shiny new MTB is like jewellery to a jackdaw (ie, they'll take it).

I agree with the opposite.
For me, a commuter bike has to be perfectly reliable, sound free and a smooth ride. I've spend too much of my life being scared to get a flat tyre while getting late for work.

And a weekend bike doesn't have to be, really, I want to be able to rip it up and not have to bother with it getting busted, because it would only mean you will have to spend some time fixing it next weekend.
I don't like to drive jewellery to the ground. I also don't like fixing jewelry, I'd bring my reliable commuter bike to the shop, fix the pleasure bike myself. (or try to, fail, and then bring it to the shop )

Jawgap

thebullkf wrote: »

tbh wasn't sure of my weight..... assumed i was lighter:o:o:o
imagine my surprise......

gonna be working there (hopefully!!! awaiting confirmation)

either way i'm committed to buying a bike.
the c2w scheme is only for workes i assume?? or is it baed on your tax contributions over time???

if i can avail of it..... then amigos my budget all in will closer to 1k :D:D

You should be able to avail of the C2W scheme - it's not a rebate, it's a foregoing of tax - I'm sure UCD will have some such scheme, it saves them too!

Make sure you factor in the price of bloody good lock - Stillorgan Polytechnic has more than it's fair share of bike thefts!

And on the weight thing - I found the bike brilliant. When I started I was over 17 stone and the first time I cycled to work I thought I was going to die, then I was sick for three days!!!

Stick with it and you'll be amazed how it all melts away! I lost 3 stone in about 2/3 months by
(a) cycling progressively longer routes to work
(b) accepting that 16 inch pizzas are not in-between-meal snacks

Other than that, I didn't really change my diet although my eating habits changed to suit my cycling. I also found the more I cycled the more I wanted to cycle - if you stick with it for the first week or so you find a whole virtuous circle starts to kick in.

Within a year of starting cycling I'd lost nearly 5 stone and it's been dead easy to keep off without giving up some of the grub I really love!

Good luck

jlang

Jawgap wrote: »

Make sure you factor in the price of bloody good lock - Stillorgan Polytechnic has more than it's fair share of bike thefts!

+1 ,but a good lock won't count against real bad luck. I had two bikes stolen from UCD over the years, one on only it's second day of ownership.

A little off-topic because I suspect you were referring to UCD, but you may not be aware there is a VEC college in Stillorgan Village ... http://www.stillorgancollege.ie

Jawgap

jlang wrote: »

+1 ,but a good lock won't count against real bad luck. I had two bikes stolen from UCD over the years, one on only it's second day of ownership.

A little off-topic because I suspect you were referring to UCD, but you may not be aware there is a VEC college in Stillorgan Village ... http://www.stillorgancollege.ie

Typical UCD person- doesn't do irony!!!!

"Baldrick, have you no idea what irony is?"
"Yeah! It’s like goldy and bronzy, only it’s made of iron."

Actually, Trinity gets more than it's fair share of nicked bikes as well - I speak from experience!

thebullkf

Jawgap wrote: »

You should be able to avail of the C2W scheme - it's not a rebate, it's a foregoing of tax - I'm sure UCD will have some such scheme, it saves them too!

Make sure you factor in the price of bloody good lock - Stillorgan Polytechnic has more than it's fair share of bike thefts!

And on the weight thing - I found the bike brilliant. When I started I was over 17 stone and the first time I cycled to work I thought I was going to die, then I was sick for three days!!!

Stick with it and you'll be amazed how it all melts away! I lost 3 stone in about 2/3 months by
(a) cycling progressively longer routes to work
(b) accepting that 16 inch pizzas are not in-between-meal snacks

Other than that, I didn't really change my diet although my eating habits changed to suit my cycling. I also found the more I cycled the more I wanted to cycle - if you stick with it for the first week or so you find a whole virtuous circle starts to kick in.

Within a year of starting cycling I'd lost nearly 5 stone and it's been dead easy to keep off without giving up some of the grub I really love!

Good luck

hi jawgap.
appreciate the advice.
good news-got thejob woohoo!!!!!
bad news-no showers onsite....boofyckinhoo:(

so my planned daily cycle routine has all but vanished...

still buying a bike just mixed emotions as i was reallylooking forward to cycling twice a day...(approx 20 miles)

feel like i got a puncture:p

but hey-have a job,thats a good start

petethedrummer

thebullkf wrote: »

bad news-no showers onsite....boofyckinhoo:(

so my planned daily cycle routine has all but vanished...

I don't have showers in my work. There's nothing you can't wash with a sink and a sponge at your disposal.

It seems there are showers available.....http://www.ucd.ie/sport/facilities_changing.htm

DePurpereWolf

They generally hide showers, keep the riffraff away.
So ask around, definetely the sporty types (not students)

thebullkf

petethedrummer wrote: »

I don't have showers in my work. There's nothing you can't wash with a sink and a sponge at your disposal.

It seems there are showers available.....http://www.ucd.ie/sport/facilities_changing.htm

i won't have access to the showers... asked already, bummer.

not sure about thesink-n-sponge approach,i'll be doing a fairly strenuos job...(which i assumed in the first place would gimme access to showers)
don't even have a changing room......

first impressions and all...

i'm gonna suck it and see for a while methinks..

Civilian_Target

Meh, I think you'll be OK. I used to cycle 11km each way to college, here's what you do:

- Don't go too fast
- Bring a change of shirt, some trousers, and hand towel and de-odourant

Wear a different t-shirt and shorts, or something similar. 3/4 lengths are good in the winter. When you arrive, take off the t-shirt, towel down and de-odourize in the toilets. Then put your trousers on over your shorts, and your new t-shirt, and bingo, done.

The biggest problem I had with this system was that I tended to leave my mobile phone in my shorts pockets, and someone would ring when I couldn't get to it!

thebullkf

Civilian_Target wrote: »

Meh, I think you'll be OK. I used to cycle 11km each way to college, here's what you do:

- Don't go too fast
- Bring a change of shirt, some trousers, and hand towel and de-odourant

Wear a different t-shirt and shorts, or something similar. 3/4 lengths are good in the winter. When you arrive, take off the t-shirt, towel down and de-odourize in the toilets. Then put your trousers on over your shorts, and your new t-shirt, and bingo, done.

The biggest problem I had with this system was that I tended to leave my mobile phone in my shorts pockets, and someone would ring when I couldn't get to it!

cheers ct....might do a few trial runs and see how i whiff ;)

il gatto

DePurpereWolf wrote: »

I agree with the opposite.
For me, a commuter bike has to be perfectly reliable, sound free and a smooth ride. I've spend too much of my life being scared to get a flat tyre while getting late for work.

And a weekend bike doesn't have to be, really, I want to be able to rip it up and not have to bother with it getting busted, because it would only mean you will have to spend some time fixing it next weekend.
I don't like to drive jewellery to the ground. I also don't like fixing jewelry, I'd bring my reliable commuter bike to the shop, fix the pleasure bike myself. (or try to, fail, and then bring it to the shop )

A load of my friends had a run of bad luck. Bike frame over signpost, saddles nicked, bikes nick (one guy twice in a month), and one guy has his new bike launched into the river. Obviously one should probably ride a good bike most of the time, but I'd be gutted to lose/have damaged a nice shiny new one:(

thebullkf

jaysus people..... tryin to scare me outta buying??? :rolleyes:


whts the best lock you can get?


i'm nota big fanofthose solid steel "u" locks...though i heard they're good....

well??

DePurpereWolf

il gatto wrote: »

A load of my friends had a run of bad luck. Bike frame over signpost, saddles nicked, bikes nick (one guy twice in a month), and one guy has his new bike launched into the river. Obviously one should probably ride a good bike most of the time, but I'd be gutted to lose/have damaged a nice shiny new one:(

Which brings me to my second argument.
Never leave your bike in an unsafe place. I park my bike under the nose of the security guards at work (Tyndall). Another idea is to ask for CCTV camera's.

If you don't care about appearances: paint your new bike pink. It will work the same, but it's a great theft repellent.

But indeed, you can put 20kg of locks on it, if you park somewhere unsafe some punk ass kid will start dancing on your bike. You should just never leave your bike in a place that's unsafe, bring it inside if you don't have anything around. (forces your boss to invest in security too)

DePurpereWolf

thebullkf wrote: »

whts the best lock you can get?


i'm nota big fanofthose solid steel "u" locks...

Those solid steel "u" locks..

neilled

thebullkf wrote: »

jaysus people..... tryin to scare me outta buying??? :rolleyes:


whts the best lock you can get?


i'm nota big fanofthose solid steel "u" locks...though i heard they're good....

well??

Solid Steel ULocks. Kryptoine Mini, New York and Faghetaboutit ranges are popular here. Abus Grainte X Plus range also very good.

thebullkf

neilled wrote: »

Solid Steel ULocks. Kryptoine Mini, New York and Faghetaboutit ranges are popular here. Abus Grainte X Plus range also very good.

thanks neilled... goin outto that shop in tallaght now to have a gander;)

BostonB

Take your time picking a lock. If you pick the wrong one it can be a real pain. I had an old U lock which was pretty much usless. So I upgraded to a chain and padlock. But the padock loop disppears into the body when its open. So when I when to use it I realised I actually needed about 3 hands to lock the bike. So I've reverted back to a U lock and cable. My lU ock requires a 90 degree twist to fit. Which is a pain. Also, we have an old style bike rack at work. The one thats on the ground and you run your wheel into it. Running the cable through the rack, tyre and frame is a pain when the bikes are so close together.

I see others who have fitted locking nuts instead of quick release, to wheels and saddle. All they do it loop a kryptonitelock HardWire or U lock through the frame to any steel post they fine. Thats far quicker and easier. I'll probably switch to something similar.

https://www.kryptonitelock.com/products/list.aspx?cid=1001

http://www.slate.com/id/2140083

thebullkf

BostonB wrote: »

Take your time picking a lock. If you pick the wrong one it can be a real pain. I had an old U lock which was pretty much usless. So I upgraded to a chain and padlock. But the padock loop disppears into the body when its open. So when I when to use it I realised I actually needed about 3 hands to lock the bike. So I've reverted back to a U lock and cable. My lU ock requires a 90 degree twist to fit. Which is a pain. Also, we have an old style bike rack at work. The one thats on the ground and you run your wheel into it. Running the cable through the rack, tyre and frame is a pain when the bikes are so close together.

I see others who have fitted locking nuts instead of quick release, to wheels and saddle. All they do it loop a kryptonitelock HardWire or U lock through the frame to any steel post they fine. Thats far quicker and easier. I'll probably switch to something similar.

https://www.kryptonitelock.com/products/list.aspx?cid=1001

http://www.slate.com/id/2140083

thanks boston b... more info i have, the more informed decision i can make.
cheers

BostonB

That article reckoned the HardWire locks were rubbish. BTW.