Work Commute

Antibac

I am going to start commuting to work by bike. Thinking of getting a bike at about 100e initially. Not sure if I'll like it or is practical. Any reccomandations or are the all the same at that price range? Will the likes of Canterbury or under armour baselayer do or is there different stuff for cycling? Thanks

Mycroft H

Antibac wrote: »

I am going to start commuting to work by bike. Thinking of getting a bike at about 100e initially. Not sure if I'll like it or is practical. Any reccomandations or are the all the same at that price range? Will the likes of Canterbury or under armour baselayer do or is there different stuff for cycling? Thanks

Your going to have to stretch that budget for a decent commuter machine by at least 150 euros (even at second hand prices), cheap bikes are a false economy.

tomasrojo

Maybe borrow a decent bike, if possible, and see whether you enjoy the commute before committing money.

Antibac

Thanks Guys. Any brand I should look out for? Think I'll get a lend of one and see how I get on?

tomasrojo

I don't have vast experience of brands, although Viking and Apollo seem to be very bad from what I've seen. I like Dawes and I've owned a lot of Raleighs, nearly all of which were at least ok.

If you have a friend that's knowledgeable of bikes, get him or her to check out the bike before you use it. A bike can be a great bike at point of sale, but be almost unrideable a year later, due to neglect.

jameverywhere

If you're commuting in the city centre, try renting Dublinbikes. They're heavy and cumbersome, but they're bikes, and they work for city centre stuff. It's a tenner for a year, if your commute is under 30 min the bike is free then it's a certain small amount per extra hour/half hour, iirc. Really reasonable and way cheaper than the bus.

Otherwise, you can try getting a nice secondhand bike for 150-250e. My recycled hybrid bike was 160e originally, perfect for commuting. Recently I've swapped out the saddle, pedals, and handlebars for comfort on longer treks, but as it came to me originally it was a wonderful commuter.

Try visiting www.rothar.ie in Phibsboro and see what you think.

rich.d.berry

It would be great if Dublin Bikes would expand their service to include some sort of park and cycle facility dotted around the periphery. You can then drive in, park at reduced rates (compared to city centre) and then cycle into and around town. I'd use the facility then.

At the moment I either get on the train with my bike, drive to the Red Cow and use the Luas, or drive all the way in and park in the city centre.

On topic. I am relatively happy with my Raleigh Airlite which I store out doors. It is relatively corrosion resistant with only a spot or two of discolouration on the SPD pedals and some of the bolts. The chain would suffer but I'm pretty religious about maintaining and lubricating it properly. It's light enough and has good brakes. I'm sure you'd get a decent second hand one in your price bracket

Kintarō Hattori

If you don't want to spend too much initially OP then definitely look at buying a bike second hand. I have my main bike but I wanted something for the commute to the train station. I looked at Adverts and picked up a fantastic bike for €250 which would easily have cost €500-600 new.

Last year I saw an old Dawes roadbike on Adverts for €150. I was going to get it but the missus intervened

As already mentioned, Dublin Bikes is a great idea. It'll give you an idea of what commuting in the city centre is like. You could spend money on a bicycle only to end up not liking it, so perhaps give that a go first.

Antibac

Thanks guys. Tried an Apollo but the saddle was very high and couldn't be lowered. One of the guys is selling his Raleigh bike. Are these any good or jus a well known name?

km991148

Cheap bikes most definately are a false economy and going by the brands you listed you are looking at halfords?

Dont touch the appollos - but I hear the Carreras are reasonable especially when there is a sale on (but at full price there is probably better value to be had)

Probably best spending a couple o hundred on a reasonable 2nd hand. If you can try others out firts tho would be good.

Antibac

Yes there us a halfords next door. Unfortunately I don't really have alot to spend. Sumtin to last a couple of years and maybe invest then with a bit of luck.
Thanks

rich.d.berry

Antibac wrote: »

Thanks guys. Tried an Apollo but the saddle was very high and couldn't be lowered. One of the guys is selling his Raleigh bike. Are these any good or jus a well known name?

I have a Raleigh Airlite since April last year. It is reasonably light, has decent enough groupset and is pretty good at standing up to the elements as far as corrosion resistance is concerned. I keep it outdoors and there's only been a small amount of discolouration on a few of the bolts.

studiorat

I suppose the question is how far is the commute?

€100 probably a bit low, maybe around 175 or 200 would be easier. This : http://www.adverts.ie/bikes/carrera-subway-8-hybrid-commuter-bike/1414410 Would last a couple of years if you could bargain it down a little.

Here's another : http://www.adverts.ie/bikes/giant-bowery-fixed-single-speed/1412087

Antibac

Cheers approx 3 mile on main roads all the way. Nearly all uphill on the way in!