1,000 euro to spend - which bike?

Ninap

Sorry if this has been done a thousand times, but I'm new to the cycling thread. Just wondering if anyone would have recommendations for the best commuter bike for up to 1,000 euro (btw scheme)? I would be doing a 5 -8 km each way commute (depending on where we rent). I'd prefer something fairly upright, and with good weather protection (ie mudguards), but light and strong and usable for the odd weekend spin too. Bike shop recommendations also very welcome!

Thanks in advance

PS - I've been a fairly regular cyclist for many years, but have had a cheapo old bike for the past 9 years

puppetmaster

Trek 7.5 is a good solid bike, I cycled its predecessor for years. Worth a look.
http://www.trekbikes.com/ie/en/bikes/town/fitness/fx/7_5_fx#

As for bike shop that depends where you live.

Ninap

puppetmaster wrote: »

Trek 7.5 is a good solid bike, I cycled its predecessor for years. Worth a look.
http://www.trekbikes.com/ie/en/bikes/town/fitness/fx/7_5_fx#

As for bike shop that depends where you live.

thanks Puppetmaster. That looks just the sort of thing. Presume no issue fitting mudguards. I will be based in Dublin, btw.

puppetmaster

Ninap wrote: »

thanks Puppetmaster. That looks just the sort of thing. Presume no issue fitting mudguards. I will be based in Dublin, btw.

Yeh no issues fitting mudgaurds panniers etc. Nice bike to Cycle too. Ive been in Wheelworx a couple of times (across from liffey valley) Found the guys Pretty helpfull out there. They'll let you have a Cycle of the bike around the carpark n all to see if its for you. Always nice to actually have a go on a bike before ya drop your hard earned cash.

Slydice

I went onto dublin bike shops listed on the trek website and found what looks to be the same 7.5 fx bike listed on two of them:
€935:
http://www.wheelworx.ie/trek/75-FX-2011
€925:
http://www.duffcycles.com/about-shop?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=297&category_id=21

Not sure why it is listed as in women sizes on the duff page. Anyone wager a guess?


Also, I'm in a similar situation to Ninap. Anyone else got more recommendations, links or good combos of stuff to get on the Cycle to Work Scheme?

Wishbone Ash

Ninap wrote: »

thanks Puppetmaster. That looks just the sort of thing. Presume no issue fitting mudguards. I will be based in Dublin, btw.

I'd also recommend the 7.5fx. If you can afford it upgrade the tyres to Schalbe Marathon Plus and you'll have no puncture worries (the standard fitted Bontragers are a bit mediocre IMO).

Slydice

I found this thread on a uk site which points out a halfords commuter bike:
Boardman Performance Hybrid Comp
€640:
http://www.halfords.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_11101_catalogId_15551_productId_777849_langId_-1_categoryId_212377

Slydice

Slydice wrote: »

I went onto dublin bike shops listed on the trek website and found what looks to be the same 7.5 fx bike listed on two of them:
€935:
http://www.wheelworx.ie/trek/75-FX-2011
€925:
http://www.duffcycles.com/about-shop?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=297&category_id=21

Not sure why it is listed as in women sizes on the duff page. Anyone wager a guess?


Also, I'm in a similar situation to Ninap. Anyone else got more recommendations, links or good combos of stuff to get on the Cycle to Work Scheme?

They don't advertise prices so I walked into MacDonald Cycles on Wexford Street:
http://www.macdonaldcycles.ie/

They seemed to have the 7.5 fx 2011 for €899

Zen0

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

I'd also recommend the 7.5fx. If you can afford it upgrade the tyres to Schalbe Marathon Plus and you'll have no puncture worries (the standard fitted Bontragers are a bit mediocre IMO).

I put Schwalbe Marathon Plusses on my commuter recently, reckoning that bulletproof puncture protection is a good thing for commuting (no late arrivals ). However, while they definitely give that bulletproof confidence, they are not the fastest tyres. Also, you will not be able to check the pressure reliably with thumb pressure. They can feel fully pumped, but ride on 'em if they haven't been pumped in a few weeks and it feels like your tyres are made of marshmallows. You need to keep the air pressure topped up using something with a pressure gauge (track pump). When I'm buying new tyres next time, might try something lighter.