Little-Miss Posted May 16, 2013 Posted May 16, 2013 I'm considering doing a charity ride from Brum to Oxford in July. After climbing a mountain i obviously seem to think i'm some sort of super fit person (i'm really not). Anyway, i need a bike! haha! I've got my eye on this one...Buy Mongoose Crossway 150 Womens 2013 - Hybrid Classic Bike at Tredz Bikes. £299.99 with free UK delivery. Any real reasons why this bike wouldn't be any good? Keep in mind, i'm not going to be racing on this bike, it'll be a gentle pace. Then after that it'll just be used to ride around the city. Thanks!
HaleStorm Posted May 16, 2013 Posted May 16, 2013 Spec wise it looks quite good, I would however suggest buying full mudguards because you would eventually get wet and mucky from wheel spray. And a gel seat cover for comfort, especially on a long ride. And an after thought thats just occured to me, if your taking bags etc with you, might be worth investing in something like a pannier rack for the back, it'll make it more comfortable than riding with a backpack on 1
Little-Miss Posted May 16, 2013 Author Posted May 16, 2013 Thanks @HaleStorm! Ah @Domino....i knew i could count on you! (you've obviously seen me on a bike)
pcstru Posted May 16, 2013 Posted May 16, 2013 Looks OK to me. Add mudguards as suggested. For that long a trek I'd add a pannier rack and a water bottle. 1
Little-Miss Posted May 16, 2013 Author Posted May 16, 2013 Looking at seats...laughing as they're all rather....well, an interesting shape...
john Posted May 16, 2013 Posted May 16, 2013 But @Domino that is a lot of pink..... How about this model
HaleStorm Posted May 16, 2013 Posted May 16, 2013 I agree that saddle rather humerous I use this saddle....very comfy even though its very narrow SDG Bel-Air I BEAM Saddle 1
pcstru Posted May 16, 2013 Posted May 16, 2013 Worth mentioning the cycle to work scheme. Nag your employer to sign up if they aren't already.
Little-Miss Posted May 16, 2013 Author Posted May 16, 2013 [ATTACH=CONFIG]18247[/ATTACH] Gotta be that one? Ben OMG!!!!!
mats Posted May 16, 2013 Posted May 16, 2013 +1 for mudguards and a rack. Front suspension on a road bike tends to be extra weight to push around for no real benefit. For the same money, I'd suggest something like this.
E_G_R2 Posted May 16, 2013 Posted May 16, 2013 +1 for mudguards and a rack. Front suspension on a road bike tends to be extra weight to push around for no real benefit. For the same money, I'd suggest something like this. I'd second the front suspension, dosn't do anything for a road bike but slow you down.
Obiwan Posted May 16, 2013 Posted May 16, 2013 (edited) I would recommend riding one if you can before you buy. Decathlon, Evans etc are worth visiting. Online Chain Reaction and Wiggle have some bargains particularly if you need an unusual size. There's no reason to buy a 'womens' style bike, unless you wear a lot of long skirts and straw hats! http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=91770 http://www.evanscycles.com/products/trek/71-fx-2012-womens-hybrid-bike-ec031938#select http://www.wiggle.co.uk/felt-ladies-qw5-2012/ Edited May 16, 2013 by Obiwan
witch Posted May 16, 2013 Posted May 16, 2013 (edited) Go for the widest, softest gel saddle you can get. There are some really padded ones out there! Also I would consider padded shorts too - trust me, you have no idea how much pain you will be in after a few miles if you don't get the saddle at least! Good luck though http://www.amazon.co.uk/Extra-Thick-Padded-Saddle-Cover/dp/B004F71GYS Edited May 16, 2013 by witch 1
jinnantonnixx Posted May 16, 2013 Posted May 16, 2013 (edited) Go for the widest, softest gel saddle you can get. There are some really padded ones out there! Also I would consider padded shorts too - trust me, you have no idea how much pain you will be in after a few miles if you don't get the saddle at least! Good luck though http://www.amazon.co.uk/Extra-Thick-Padded-Saddle-Cover/dp/B004F71GYS Ooo not sure about that. Soft saddles are comfortable at first, and for short rides they're fine. But during a long ride a lot of heat and friction builds up as there is so much deformation inherent in a soft saddle. I do 2,500 - 3,000 miles a year on a hard saddle, but that takes some getting used to. In the long run a hard saddle is best, but that's just my advice. Edited May 16, 2013 by jinnantonnixx
jinnantonnixx Posted May 16, 2013 Posted May 16, 2013 (edited) I would recommend riding one if you can before you buy. .... There's no reason to buy a 'womens' style bike, unless you wear a lot of long skirts and straw hats! Good advice. I normally would suggest a local independent bike shop, but don't overlook the current promotion at Halfords on their Subway bikes, currently at £279.99. Halfords | Carrera Subway Hybrid Bike 2011/2012 - Medium 18" Edited May 16, 2013 by jinnantonnixx
jinnantonnixx Posted May 16, 2013 Posted May 16, 2013 (edited) +1 for mudguards and a rack. Front suspension on a road bike tends to be extra weight to push around for no real benefit. Very true. Also, cheap suspension forks will become ineffective when they age. For urban or light trail riding, you just don't need them. Edited May 16, 2013 by jinnantonnixx
jinnantonnixx Posted May 16, 2013 Posted May 16, 2013 (edited) If you're feeling altruistic, all profits from the Kona Africabike go to bike charities in Africa. Review: Kona Africabike 3 | road.cc | Road cycling news, Bike reviews, Commuting, Leisure riding, Sportives and more If you have the coin, Pashley bikes are absolute classics. Hand-built in the UK, too. Pashley Cycles - Classic Bicycles Edited May 16, 2013 by jinnantonnixx
witch Posted May 17, 2013 Posted May 17, 2013 Ooo not sure about that. Soft saddles are comfortable at first, and for short rides they're fine. But during a long ride a lot of heat and friction builds up as there is so much deformation inherent in a soft saddle. I do 2,500 - 3,000 miles a year on a hard saddle, but that takes some getting used to. In the long run a hard saddle is best, but that's just my advice. Um..you're a bloke - heat and friction in different places, I think ..... 1
tmcd35 Posted May 17, 2013 Posted May 17, 2013 I'd agree with above - avoid suspension unless you're doing a lot of off road. Same for tyres, try for as thin a slick as possible. The less tread the better. On the subject of seats, nothing (and I really do mean nothing) beats a proper Brooks Leather saddle. Expensive, but well worth it if you've got the time to break it in. Failing that for long bike ride avoid soft gel seats, and never use them gel seat covers. Trust me, regardless of gender, the gel will just star moving around and it will get very uncomfortable very quickly. Proper hard saddles are designed specifically to take the weight of your sit bones comfortably.
E_G_R2 Posted May 17, 2013 Posted May 17, 2013 Get padded shorts, hard seat and break your rear end in, just like a new pair of walking boots. Once brocken in you'll be fine. Sudacrem (sp) is good for after ride treatment
pcstru Posted May 17, 2013 Posted May 17, 2013 Um..you're a bloke - heat and friction in different places, I think ..... Bollocks!
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