Lady of leisure seeks bicycle!

kerash

Hello I'm a lady! And I have some questions about buying a bike, I haven't cycled since I was a kid so I've no idea what i'm doing.

My heart tells me I want a bike like this.

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or


(you get the idea.)

Can people advise me of the pro's and cons of buying/cycling a bike like this. I just want it for spinning around the back roads of the midlands, going to the shop etc.
I like that that top one because it's pretty, but would I be better off with a 'regular bike'?
something like this
Also what should I look for if i'm buying second-hand.

And what size bike?

L'Enfer du Nord

kerash wrote: »

Hello I'm a lady! And I have some questions about buying a bike, I haven't cycled since I was a kid so I've no idea what i'm doing.

My heart tells me I want a bike like this.


or


(you get the idea.)

Can people advise me of the pro's and cons of buying/cycling a bike like this. I just want it for spinning around the back roads of the midlands, going to the shop etc.
I like that that top one because it's pretty, but would I be better off with a 'regular bike'?
something like this
Also what should I look for if i'm buying second-hand.

And what size bike?

Here's one con - bikes like that don't come cheap-

http://www.thinkbike.ie/bike_shop.aspx?Name=BSP/Dawes%20Classic

Don't get me wrong I like them, but they are generally pricey.

If you want it for cycling to the shops the a Dutch type bike is proabably the way to go since they are great for carrying stuff. Second hand bikes should show considerible depreciation in price even if they are 'as new'. Don't buy a cheap new bike you'll only regret it when it starts to fall apart.

My advice: fly to Amsterdam, buy a second hand bike over there and bring it back. (The Midlands are fairly flat right?)

victorcarrera

kerash wrote: »

Hello I'm a lady! And I have some questions ...
And what size bike?

A gentleman might think the black one more fitting for a lady.

Colmhayden76

victorcarrera wrote: »

kerash wrote: »

Hello I'm a lady! And I have some questions ...
And what size bike?

A gentleman might think the black one more fitting for a lady.

Check a few of the larger on line retailers but set yourself a budget and include things like helmet lock basket etc and try to stick in it. Also be realistic and ask yourself about your usage versus budget as well.eg ocasional use or every day and then use that to justify the expendature coz it aint going to be cheap!

kerash

My partner is into cycling so I am aware that you pay for quality, which i'm happy to do - to an extent!
The plan being that it would be for everyday use (I merrily take in the countryside while he searches for hills :P)
I'd hope to spend no more than €400 including helmet and accessories mentioned above.

Plastik

Something like this be of any use to you http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=75631921 ?

reallyunique

First off, I'm a guy (really!!!) so I can't comment on any "lady" issues but a lot of the basic stuff is the same anyway.
I ride a bike similar to the Dawes one in the second photo for short commutes and shopping (though mine's a lot more naff). Bikes like this have stuff you'll want if you use the bike in normal clothes. A guard for the chain to stop you getting oily, mudguards to stop you getting muddy, a basket at the front to stop you getting baskety to put things in (great for gloves, scarf etc once you've warmed up and need to take them off) and a nice relaxed riding position. A lot of "urban" or "commuter" bikes don't have these (like your third option) and you'll miss them.

The bad points of a bike like this are that all the stuff that makes it comfortable and useful also make it heavy. If you're racing or are climbing lots of hills then this is a real problem, if you're not then it probably isn't. The riding position is also a bit "upright" and makes it harder to pedal into the wind, this is a pain but for shorter journeys shouldn't be too big an issue. The riding position can also get a bit tiring on really long journeys although it's not as big a problem as some people make out.

Buying second-hand can be a lottery and if you've a friend who knows about bikes then bring them along to have a look. Don't take their advice on whether the bike is right for you or not, that's your job! Just get them to tell you if it's mechanically sound.
That said, if the bike is clean enough without too many scratches or dents and rides without squeaks or much rattling it should be fine. Wheels need to be round and not wobbly or with buckles. The steering should make the bike go where you point it smoothly. Brakes are there to make the bike stop, if they don't then it's a problem. Go to a shop and ride a new bike first so you've something to compare against. Rust on chains etc is all fixable but should knock loads off the price. Familiarize yourself with the cost of repairs (just print it out) so you don't get the "Ah sure a new wheel only costs a tenner" nonsense. If in doubt walk away. You don't need a bike today and there'll always be another one for sale.

The size of bike is very important but if you're not going for really long rides any bike that doesn't make you feel too cramped or stretched-out is likely to be fine (I found mine at the back of a shed and by adjusting the bars and saddle I got it to feel good enough for daily use in about 10 mins). The only way to find out if a particular bike will work is to ride it, especially if you're buying second-hand and don't have all the bikes measurements.

Get two good locks, a Kryptonite and a cable lock and learn how to lock your bike or it'll be gone before you know it. Lights are absolutely essential but don't get mad expensive ones at first as they can be a bit OTT. High-vis stuff is a bit naff but a simple reflective arm band and ankle strap are easy to carry, cheap and actually reflect car head lights, though this is only handy if the driver is actually looking in your direction

Try looking at something like this perhaps. It's a bit heavy and only has three gears and while that seems like very few, your parents and grandparents toured around the country with these bikes and they got on grand so don't be put off. Even today some people buy bikes with only ONE gear, but they're just mad.
You could also try this but it's waaaayyy expensive and a bit like having a Rolls as your first car.
At the budget end of things is something like this. Hardly outstanding in any category but you'll have enough left over for decent locks, basket (not metal, they rust), racks and panniers and you'll be able to choose a size that suits.

Of course this is all just opinion. Your own judgement and testing will be of most use to you. Sorry I can't be of more help.
Best of luck.

Bluefoam

The first bike you show is a beach cruiser style & has a very relaxed cycling style - In My Honest Opinion, its not entirely suitable to Irish roads.

The Dutch style (second image) is much more suitable & if you want it to look pretty, you could look at getting a Pashley in pink (they call it a Poppy). Most local bike shops will sell you a Pashley on order or you can get them online from Evans or Wiggle - I think. They are well put together and often come with accessories such as baskets etc...

I believe Wheelworks in Fonthill, Dublin keep stock of them...

Slideshowbob

All photos above have bikes which are slow

Go for a faster more efficient bike like a racer with straight handlebars IMHO

coolbeans

Dutch style bikes don't work so well in Irish conditions outside of city centres as they're too upright and your body ends up behaving like a parachute in the wind. Many of the more upright Dutchies are designed for flat, wind free, built up environments that in reality are pretty different to the open, more windswept surroundings the OP describes. Sacrifice looks for more efficiency and practicality and you'll be more likely to actually enjoy the ride. Realistically you should look for something like this Pashleys are a total rip-off by the way.

happytramp

Have a look at these too.

http://www.dublinbikeman.com/Ladies.htm

smacl

kerash wrote: »

My partner is into cycling so I am aware that you pay for quality, which i'm happy to do - to an extent!
The plan being that it would be for everyday use (I merrily take in the countryside while he searches for hills :P)
I'd hope to spend no more than €400 including helmet and accessories mentioned above.

Something like the Giant Escape 3 fits the bill pretty well for the above budget. My wife picked up one a few years back and loves it; light, quick and comfy. I picked up a basket for it on CRC for about €15 which is also regularly used.

Eamonnator

I got one of these for my wife.
She loves it. I put mudguards on it.
Very practical. Quite light, great components.
She now regularly cycles 25 to 30k a day http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=45906

smacl

The Beone certainly seems better specced / better value for money that the equivalent Giant. Probably a better choice if you could stretch the budget slightly beyond the €400. (The dreaded budget creep strikes again).

Bluefoam

It is important to note that allot of the posters on this site are cycling enthusiasts. Their own ideologies on cycling only allow them to compromise to a certain degree... Speed and fitness are important to them and the idea of a leisurely slow cycle without lycra is a bit alien. If you are looking for a sports bike, get one, if you want a practical hybrid get one, if you are into relaxed cycling you are living in a relatively flat area and want to cycle to the shops and around town at your own pace, look into getting a dutch style bike. Don't listen to people talking about wind resistance etc... It doesn't necessarily apply to you. Do read some blogs and reviews of which there are plenty online. There are plenty of articles about countryside ladies riding dutch bikes. If you feel the need to get your head down and cycle for fitness, speed and a personal challenge, by all means get a drop handlebar racer in carbon fibre... But most importantly, get out and enjoy your bike.

mickmcl09

The yellow bike in the OPs post is an Electra bike. A Dutch bike company as well. Fairly pricey though, you're looking at €799 +/- €100.
They're fairly heavy but super comfy and there's no end to the amount of colours and frame designs for male and female.
Suitable for town or a trek to the shop, lots of dinky accessories.
If you're going on spins longer than 10k regularly, I'd say they're too heavy.

AFAIK, the distributor in the Uk stopped bringing them in, so they might not have what you're looking for, so you might have to go further afield than a local bike shop in Ireland to see a range of them. (although Altitude cycles in Waterford have a red Electra in stock more along the frame design of the second bike in your post) Chain Reaction cycles also had a run of these on special offer about a month ago (note, for some reason each one was listed individually and specific scratches / damage was noted for each one)

My wife wants one too.

coolbeans

Bluefoam wrote: »

It is important to note that allot of the posters on this site are cycling enthusiasts. Their own ideologies on cycling only allow them to compromise to a certain degree...

That's not only patronising but also inaccurate.

kerash

Plastik wrote: »

Something like this be of any use to you http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=75631921 ?

I dont' think that's quite what I'm after but thanks for the link.

reallyunique wrote: »

First off, I'm a guy (really!!!) so I can't comment on any "lady" issues but a lot of the basic stuff is the same anyway...

Thanks for taking the time to post that's a really helpful one and gives me lots of food for thought, exactly the kind of response I was hoping for:)

happytramp wrote: »

Have a look at these too.

http://www.dublinbikeman.com/Ladies.htm

I shall.

coolbeans wrote: »

Dutch style bikes don't work so well in Irish conditions outside of city centres as they're too upright and your body ends up behaving like a parachute in the wind. Many of the more upright Dutchies are designed for flat, wind free, built up environments that in reality are pretty different to the open, more windswept surroundings the OP describes. Sacrifice looks for more efficiency and practicality and you'll be more likely to actually enjoy the ride. Realistically you should look for something like this Pashleys are a total rip-off by the way.

There will be a few hills where I'm intending to cycle so that is something to think about. I'm not very fit so even if I have to hop off the bike, maybe something lighter would be better...

Slideshowbob wrote: »

All photos above have bikes which are slow

Go for a faster more efficient bike like a racer with straight handlebars IMHO

That's not out of the question either.

Bluefoam wrote: »

The first bike you show is a beach cruiser style & has a very relaxed cycling style - In My Honest Opinion, its not entirely suitable to Irish roads.

The Dutch style (second image) is much more suitable & if you want it to look pretty, you could look at getting a Pashley in pink (they call it a Poppy). Most local bike shops will sell you a Pashley on order or you can get them online from Evans or Wiggle - I think. They are well put together and often come with accessories such as baskets etc...

I believe Wheelworks in Fonthill, Dublin keep stock of them...

Yes I noticed they were called that and wondered if they'd be suitable for what I'd need (maybe I should move to Cali or buy a bog cruiser :P)
I love the look of the Pashley one, was actually looking at one today and yep they're more expensive. I wonder are they going to be equally expensive re: parts and up keep?
Again I have to consider the slowness/heaviness.

smacl wrote: »

Something like the Giant Escape 3 fits the bill pretty well for the above budget. My wife picked up one a few years back and loves it; light, quick and comfy. I picked up a basket for it on CRC for about €15 which is also regularly used.

That's sounds good, it's something I'll look at too.

mickmcl09 wrote: »

The yellow bike in the OPs post is an Electra bike. A Dutch bike company as well. Fairly pricey though, you're looking at €799 +/- €100.
They're fairly heavy but super comfy and there's no end to the amount of colours and frame designs for male and female.
Suitable for town or a trek to the shop, lots of dinky accessories.
If you're going on spins longer than 10k regularly, I'd say they're too heavy.

AFAIK, the distributor in the Uk stopped bringing them in, so they might not have what you're looking for, so you might have to go further afield than a local bike shop in Ireland to see a range of them. (although Altitude cycles in Waterford have a red Electra in stock more along the frame design of the second bike in your post) Chain Reaction cycles also had a run of these on special offer about a month ago (note, for some reason each one was listed individually and specific scratches / damage was noted for each one)

My wife wants one too.

I'm beginning to think that I really don't want anything too heavy. The main routes I'll be planing to take regularly is would be between 7-9kms, with at least 3 good hills.

Eamonnator wrote: »

I got one of these for my wife.
She loves it. I put mudguards on it.
Very practical. Quite light, great components.
She now regularly cycles 25 to 30k a day http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=45906

Thanks for that, I might go for something in that line. Practicality is probably most important despite my longing for prettiness!

Bluefoam wrote: »

It is important to note that allot of the posters on this site are cycling enthusiasts. Their own ideologies on cycling only allow them to compromise to a certain degree... Speed and fitness are important to them and the idea of a leisurely slow cycle without lycra is a bit alien. If you are looking for a sports bike, get one, if you want a practical hybrid get one, if you are into relaxed cycling you are living in a relatively flat area and want to cycle to the shops and around town at your own pace, look into getting a dutch style bike. Don't listen to people talking about wind resistance etc... It doesn't necessarily apply to you. Do read some blogs and reviews of which there are plenty online. There are plenty of articles about countryside ladies riding dutch bikes. If you feel the need to get your head down and cycle for fitness, speed and a personal challenge, by all means get a drop handlebar racer in carbon fibre... But most importantly, get out and enjoy your bike.

This is basically why I started the thread, after discussing with the OH (who is a cycling enthusiast) what he would see as important may be irrelevant to me. So it's great to get a broad spectrum of opinions here, digest it all and make up my mind. I probably want a bike that will be easy for me to cycle and not suffer the consequences of something too heavy.

coolbeans wrote: »

That's not only patronising but also inaccurate.

I didn't think so, I know what the poster is saying.

smacl wrote: »

The Beone certainly seems better specced / better value for money that the equivalent Giant. Probably a better choice if you could stretch the budget slightly beyond the €400. (The dreaded budget creep strikes again).

LOL yes! the budget likes to creep!

clonmahon

kerash wrote: »

There will be a few hills where I'm intending to cycle so that is something to think about. I'm not very fit so even if I have to hop off the bike, maybe something lighter would be better...

How steep are the hills, if they are very steep (like where I live in the Cavan Drumlins) you need a bike with wide range of gears.

I wouldn’t get too hung up on bike weight, like many other aspects of bike design, weight is a major factor with the sporting fraternity, but less for the leisurely cyclist. For example I weight 70 kg, my bike is 15kg (a heavy steel framed hybrid), I have bags front and back, another 2 kg. If I go shopping I might be carrying 10 kg of cargo home. Throw in a tool kit, some spare parts, a lock, lights, rain gear, and your looking at 100 kg, fully loaded.

If I spent more money I could have bought an aluminium framed hybrid that weighted 4 kilos less, but when fully loaded this would only reduce the overall weight by 4% and lead to a marginal improvement in overall speed. I would be home from the shop (about 3 km) a few seconds faster, a huge margin in a race, but no big deal in my daily routine.

I enjoy cycling, I like being out in the open air, wearing ordinary clothes, cycling along at a leisurely pace, in a comfortable upright position, on a rugged, solid, hybrid bike looking round me, enjoying the sights, sounds and smells of the Irish countryside. If you want to take up cycling as a sport and chase speed, get a road bike and carry no cargo. If you want to run errands and go for leisurely trips on rural back roads a bike like the second bike pictured in your original post will do the job fine.

On the question of price, if you have the money and buy a top of the line dutch bike or a Pashley and maintain it properly, your grand daughter could be riding it in 100 years. And no an expensive bike will not cost more to maintain.

I ride a cheap hybrid bike, it can be bought online for 270 euro, I mind it very well and it is giving me excellent service. The biggest quality compromise made is that the front chainwheels are made of very soft steel. But after over 4000 miles they still have lots of life left in them because I change gear gently.

There is a difference in the quality demands of a sport cyclist and a leisurely cyclist. Cheap chainwheels are out on a racing bike, in the heat of a race leisurely gear changes will cost valuable seconds,and cheap chainwheels will be ground to crap in no time. High performance demands high quality.

So long as the frame is good a cheap bike can be upgraded over time by replacing cheap components when they wear out with more expensive ones. But if handled gently cheaper components can give good service.

Boards.ie is a wonderful resource for those new to or newly returned to cycling, but always remember many posters here are sporting cyclists, for them cycling is about chasing performance seconds, much of the advise they give is well meaning but misplaced for the more leisurely or casual cyclist. I am not saying that slower cyclist are in some way superiour to the sporting cycling, just that they are two very different kinds of cycling and they have very different requirements. You need to keep this in mind when judging advise here.

An finally right now is a really good time to buy a bike lots of end of season offers available.

Bluefoam

coolbeans wrote: »

That's not only patronising but also inaccurate.

Hey coolbeans, I have no intention of being patronising, but my comment was accurate - as you will notice, I qualified my argument by stating 'allot' and not 'all'...

I came here to seek advice on buying a bike a couple of years ago. The bike was purely for leisure and city cycling. I was told not to buy a steel framed bike because they were too heavy. I was told not buy an upright bike because of wind resistance. I was told to buy a racer with drop handlebars, because otherwise my purchase would be a waste of money, when I caught the bug and because it would give me way more hand positions on my cycles... I was told not to buy a hub geared bike, because they were not proven technology and would cost me a fortune when it wears out.

Well, I bought a steel framed, hub geared, flat handle bared bike & have definitely got the bug (as I always had) but have no desire or need to get a drop handlebar bike or any Lycra clothing.

I am delighted with my choice of bike - although, yes, I did change the handlebars - for bar that allows me more hand positions and an even more upright position. The bike is fast, comfortable, goes up hills & I've never had an issue with wind, that wouldn't also have been an issue on a racer.

The point I'm trying to make is that there are all sorts of cycling needs, and one persons requirements don't necessarily equate to those of another. I happen to enjoy the banter on here about sports cycling - even though I have no interest in road racing - but I do appreciate the differences.

I have found that much of the advice (not all, but much) seems to revert back to the idea that all cyclists will eventually get 'the bug', and should ride a drop bar bike... It is simply not true, and I'm just trying to add an alternative opinion.

Lumen

Bluefoam wrote: »

Hey coolbeans, I have no intention of being patronising, but my comment was accurate - as you will notice, I qualified my argument by stating 'allot' and not 'all'...

I came here to seek advice on buying a bike a couple of years ago. The bike was purely for leisure and city cycling. I was told not to buy a steel framed bike because they were too heavy. I was told not buy an upright bike because of wind resistance. I was told to buy a racer with drop handlebars, because otherwise my purchase would be a waste of money, when I caught the bug and because it would give me way more hand positions on my cycles... I was told not to buy a hub geared bike, because they were not proven technology and would cost me a fortune when it wears out.

Well, I bought a steel framed, hub geared, flat handle bared bike & have definitely got the bug (as I always had) but have no desire or need to get a drop handlebar bike or any Lycra clothing.

I am delighted with my choice of bike - although, yes, I did change the handlebars - for bar that allows me more hand positions and an even more upright position. The bike is fast, comfortable, goes up hills & I've never had an issue with wind, that wouldn't also have been an issue on a racer.

The point I'm trying to make is that there are all sorts of cycling needs, and one persons requirements don't necessarily equate to those of another. I happen to enjoy the banter on here about sports cycling - even though I have no interest in road racing - but I do appreciate the differences.

I have found that much of the advice (not all, but much) seems to revert back to the idea that all cyclists will eventually get 'the bug', and should ride a drop bar bike... It is simply not true, and I'm just trying to add an alternative opinion.

That's all very reasonable, but rather off-topic since no one on this thread has suggested the OP buy a racer or will "get the bug".

The basic choice here is between a old fashioned tank (e.g. hub-geared Pashley) and a light hybrid.

"Light" here is relative - I weighed my wife's Pashley at 21kg. It's beautiful and excellent for pottering to the shops on flat or slightly rolling terrain but big hills are not fun, no matter how slow you are prepared to go.

Kerash, I would focus on price, practicality and quality of componentry, and the last one is only important so as to avoid being irritated by stuff going wrong.

The basic choices are:

- Step through frame, or not. Depends on whether you need to cycle in a skirt.
- Enclosed drive train, or not. There are several types, from a simple hockey-stick guard to a full chain case. This will keep your clothes clean and limit the need to wear trouser clips.
- Derailleur or hub gears. Derailleurs are more efficient (less effort for a given speed) but need more regular cleaning.

I'd check out the Dawes ranges and find a dealer which sells a wide range of models from these.

http://www.dawescycles.com/

OTOH if you want a Pashley I can give you a good price on our one, which is as-new.

clonmahon

Lumen wrote: »

That's all very reasonable, but rather off-topic since no one on this thread has suggested the OP buy a racer.

In post number 9 of this thread Slideshowbob wrote "All photos above have bikes which are slow. Go for a faster more efficient bike like a racer"

I think Bluefoam is very much on topic.

Lumen

clonmahon wrote: »

In post number 9 of this thread Slideshowbob wrote "All photos above have bikes which are slow. Go for a faster more efficient bike like a racer"

I think Bluefoam is very much on topic.

Nice editing. SSB actually said:

Slideshowbob wrote: »

Go for a faster more efficient bike like a racer with straight handlebars IMHO

Bluefoam

Lumen wrote: »

The basic choice here is between a old fashioned tank (e.g. hub-geared Pashley) and a light hybrid.

Wow, no mincing your words here?!?

NeedMoreGears

My wife got a Dawes Duchess last year (I think that is the bike in your second picture). She is delighted with it. It's not a road bike and that's they way she likes it. The main use it gets is relatively short runs (3km) down to the shops and back. We live up a short steep hill* and she finds the bike can cope without too much difficulty. A friend has one and she regularly does a spin up Howth head on it.

I cycled it home from the shop (about 25km) and found it quite comfortable over that distance - despite not being lycra clad at the time. Good luck with what ever you pick.

* for the lycra wearing, drop handle bar loving, speedsters out there .... about 40m elevation over 800m horizontal with a 10% section right at the end.

clonmahon

Lumen wrote: »

Nice editing. SSB actually said:

Your point about "nice editing" is rather tenuous, you claimed no one advocated getting a racer, Slideshowbob advocated precisely this. Bluefoam's is right, on threads like this there are always some posters, dismissing "bikes which are slow", as Slideshowbob puts it.

biko

Electra have ‘Flat Foot Technology’. Looks like a great bike, I tried getting one myself but no-one here in the West would supply them so I settled for a Dawes Ambassador.

Lumen

clonmahon wrote: »

Your point about "nice editing" is rather tenuous, you claimed no one advocated getting a racer, Slideshowbob advocated precisely this

No he didn't. He said precisely "like a racer but with straight handlebars", which would make a bike that absolutely isn't a racer, since the two common criteria for a racer are a bike which you can race on the road or a bike with drop handlebars; SSBs suggestion fits neither definition.

Bluefoam

It might be worth looking at Creme bikes: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=62372

There are some od last years bikes at reduced prices still left on CRC...

Nanazolie

I've been riding a Dutch Bike for the last 4 years, and I love it. It has retro-pedaling brakes (with an added security brake on one handle) so it takes time to get used to it, but I think you can get the ones with "traditional" brakes

I'm fairly tall (5'10") and find the upright sitting position much more comfortable for my back. I used to lie on my handlebar and get stabbing pains in my upper back, not anymore
Dutch bikes are great for city cycling, and if you ride in the country side for short periods. You wouldn't go on races or very long journeys on them because indeed they are quite heavy. I like to think of mine as the "Russian army": slow to start, but once it's started you won't stop it, it's very robust and stable
Mine is a Sprint Solara that I got on the Bike to Work scheme at the Penny Farthing shop on Camden street, Dublin. I got 2 very strong locks (a must), 2 bags (very handy for shopping), and had the tyres changed to anti puncture ones (they don't come cheap at 40 euros each, but are definitely worth it). I think the total was just short of 700 euros, to which taxes were deducted

My only quibble with the bike is that going uphill, it's a bit frustrating to see people on slim, light bikes, flying by :rolleyes:

Caroline_ie

What about a Specialized Ariel? http://www.specialized.com/gb/gb/bc/SBCMain.jsp?scid=1102

clonmahon

Lumen wrote: »

No he didn't. He said precisely "like a racer but with straight handlebars", which would make a bike that absolutely isn't a racer, since the two common criteria for a racer are a bike which you can race on the road or a bike with drop handlebars; SSBs suggestion fits neither definition.

I remain unconvinced by your argument that bluefoams post number 20 is off topic, I think that bluefoams post is very relevant to this thread and all this pedantic stuff about when a racer is not a racer but is like a racer, has not changed my view on this.

Lumen

Back to the original question of what sort of bike to buy, I would think about how much stuff you're going to be carrying, in what weather, and whether you'll be cycling in the dark much.

Mudguards may seem like overkill if you're only not planning to cycle when it's raining, but there are many days particularly in winter where there is water on the road, and without mudguards you will get splattered.

There's a limit to how much you can carry in a front basket before the steering goes crazy. A rear rack is usually easy to fit to any practical bike, but trying to get a combination of all the accessories (mudguards, rack, lights etc) working well together can be a bit of a PITA. For instance, the basket on our Pashley interferes with the cable routing for the hub gear, and the rear rack interfered with the baby seat we had already (so we needed to buy a new seat that sat directly on the rack). It's best to work out what you need and buy a bike with all that stuff fitted.

Dynamo lights are fantastic but obviously pointless if you're never going to be riding in the dark.

Cube do some nice practical bikes, although I would avoid the ones with disc brakes and front suspension as neither offers much value on a road bike and just adds weight, complexity and expense.

An integrated frame lock is fairly pointless in high-crime areas but great out in the country where you're just discouraging casual theft.

kuro_man

Trek 7.0?
http://www.mycycle.ie/trek-7-0-p/tr7.000.htm

Darkglasses

My housemate has a Dawes Duchess, I've never cycled it myself, but I had a sit down on it once and it is just sinfully comfortable. Its probably even more comfortable than my bed. However, it probably weighs more than my bed too.

el tel

Av ya asked ya partna as he might av da ansa ta ya prabla?

L'Enfer du Nord

kuro_man wrote: »

Trek 7.0?
http://www.mycycle.ie/trek-7-0-p/tr7.000.htm

+1, my sister has one, FX are good bikes IMO.