On Vacation, in Dublin from Canada, need help on choosing a bike

Oskarr

Hi guys,

I'm here on vacation from Canada. I've been getting around Dublin so far by driving with my grandfather and taking the DART and the bus. I'm used to getting around via bicycle, but I don't have one here. I've asked friends and family here, no one has one that I could borrow.

So I'm left with two choices. I buy one from dublinbikeman.com or rothar.ie.

Have any of you fellows had a chance to purchase a bike from either of these guys? At the moment, I'm leaning towards purchasing one from Rothar, as they will build it exactly to what I want, and they're helping the community out (which is a plus).

As for the bikes that I have looked at through the "Dublinbikeman" website, they are all listed on this page here

And when I go to leave, how quickly do you think it would sell for on donedeal.ie?

Thanks a lot!

quozl

I've not bought a bike from rothar, but I've ridden one of their bikes twice (in lessons) and it was perfectly fine and running smoothly.

I got a bike for my wife over the weekend from this guy - http://www.adverts.ie/member/809163/feedback/page-1

He's a bike mechanic working out of a small workshop/lock-up in kimmage. I got a trek 7.3 fx WSD for 200 euro, with some new bits (tires, wheel, pedals, saddle) and 3 months servicing. I think that's a great deal so he might be worth messaging too - he could probably do something to your specs for you and he's pretty competitively priced IMO.

Oskarr

Thanks, I've checked it out and he doesn't have any bikes up that I would like to ride.

Amazed by that price for the trek though, I wouldn't mind paying that

meercat

Have a Saracen ikon mountain bike you can have a loan of if that's any good to you
It's big and heavy though
But your welcome to it

studiorat

Square Wheel cycleworks is worth a visit if only for the tourist vibe. It's an institution at this stage.

http://www.awaycity.com/wiki/Dublin/Cycle_Shops

Doctor Bob wrote: »

Temple Lane South in Temple Bar. (See the map at the link I posted above.) If you stand at the east end of Curved Street facing City Discs, it's a couple of doors closer to Dame Street on the same side as City Discs. Just a timber double-door with a ramp down into the basement. If you're looking for good quality repairs, hard-to-find old parts, or just a knowledgeable chat, Kieran's your man. If you're looking for carbon fibre, Cycleways, Cyclelogical, etc. would be your best bet.

Darkglasses

I wouldn't recommend Dublinbikeman personally. I've only had experience of one, a friend of mine bought one and it was in pretty bad condition. Loose bottom bracket and poor components all over (Not his fault, but bad value).

Try Adverts or Donedeal for a second-hand bike. If you price it cheaply, you'll get rid of it quickly enough. Or, you could be very kind and donate it to Rothar when you're done

Oskarr

I've found a Trek 7.5 FX at the local bike shop, it's about my size and they'd be willing to let it go for 300eur after replacing the chain and the casette. Of course, they'd also tune it up before I get it. Does this sound like a good deal?

meercat wrote: »

Have a Saracen ikon mountain bike you can have a loan of if that's any good to you
It's big and heavy though
But your welcome to it

Thank you very much for the kind offer. Though, I don't think I'll take you up on it. I've been on my share of big heavy bikes, this time around I'd like to try something lighter. Thanks again

studiorat wrote: »

Square Wheel cycleworks is worth a visit if only for the tourist vibe. It's an institution at this stage.

http://www.awaycity.com/wiki/Dublin/Cycle_Shops

I'll definitely check it out when I'm downtown! I'm very surprised by the number of bike shops in Dublin, compared to Canada there are just so many.

Darkglasses wrote: »

I wouldn't recommend Dublinbikeman personally. I've only had experience of one, a friend of mine bought one and it was in pretty bad condition. Loose bottom bracket and poor components all over (Not his fault, but bad value).

Try Adverts or Donedeal for a second-hand bike. If you price it cheaply, you'll get rid of it quickly enough. Or, you could be very kind and donate it to Rothar when you're done

Thanks for the warning, I've read that he operates through buying racing frames and components from Eastern Europe and then ships them over here, to sell for a profit. No wonder all of his bikes look like they're from the 80's!

My karma needs a bit of an improvement... I'll see if I can donate it once I get a bike.

sbs2010

I just spotted a place today I'd not seen before. They're based in a portacabin /vacant lot on the street that curves away towards Bolton St as you head past the Parnell St cinema towards Capel St.

Not sure of the selection or quality but I'd say it's worth a look. Overheads must be low so could have some good deals.

Paranoid Mandroid

Whatever you get, Be very careful with locking the bike up in the city. See 'stolen bikes' thread for advice. Good luck

Edit: maybe I'm just paranoid

Oskarr

I'll be sure to be on the lookout, but I'll be locking my bike up securely and I'll actually be using two locks. Maybe it's overkill, but I really don't want to lose my bike.

quozl

300e for a trek 7.5fx sounds very good to me. I've got one and I really like it.

Oskarr

Thanks for all your help! I found a bike on adverts.ie. A Felt Speed 30, 375e with a kryptonite Mini-U lock. I am concerned about the Mini-U lock, because I've read on amazon that it is actually very insecure? Is that true?

But here is the bike! I took it for 4 hours of biking today, such an excellent ride.

cdaly_

Oskarr wrote: »

Thanks for all your help! I found a bike on adverts.ie. A Felt Speed 30, 375e with a kryptonite Mini-U lock. I am concerned about the Mini-U lock, because I've read on amazon that it is actually very insecure? Is that true?

Congratulations, enjoy...

Which U lock? If it has a barrel key, there's apparently an easy method to open these. If not, it should be fine.

Oskarr

cdaly_ wrote: »

Congratulations, enjoy...

Which U lock? If it has a barrel key, there's apparently an easy method to open these. If not, it should be fine.

It's not a barrel key. I should be fine then, thanks.