Intro and quetsion

"Neil Jones" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Time to delurk and ask about bikes.

I'm Neil, I'm 32 and I live in Kent. I used my bike to get to and from the railway station which
is only about 2.5 miles away at Paddock Wood.

I say used, because someone nicked it at the weekend.

It was a Ridgeback Urban 920ZX, and while it was generally fine, I now have an opportunity to get
something more suited to my needs.

I never go off road. I cycle almost exclusivly on the flat, or on slight gradients, so a million
gears is of no interest to me.

I'll be gatting about £250 from the insurance company, and could add to this if necessary to get
decent bike, but I don't want to go mad since a) I'm only doing about 5 miles a day and b) it'll
only get nicked again.

I'd be grateful if anyone could either suggest things to look for on my new bike, or even suggest
a particular model.

Many thanks

Neil

My Raleigh X1 was £250 and its briliant for the 8 miles there and 8 miles back each day.

21 gears which is plenty - looks nice all in black too!

Neil Jones said:

Time to delurk and ask about bikes.

I'm Neil, I'm 32 and I live in Kent. I used my bike to get to and from the railway station which
is only about 2.5 miles away at Paddock Wood.

I say used, because someone nicked it at the weekend.

It was a Ridgeback Urban 920ZX, and while it was generally fine, I now have an opportunity to get
something more suited to my needs.

I never go off road. I cycle almost exclusivly on the flat, or on slight gradients, so a million
gears is of no interest to me.

I'll be gatting about £250 from the insurance company, and could add to this if necessary to get
decent bike, but I don't want to go mad since a) I'm only doing about 5 miles a day and b) it'll
only get nicked again.

I'd be grateful if anyone could either suggest things to look for on my new bike, or even suggest
a particular model.

The trouble with station bikes is, as you found, they will get nicked/damaged unless the station has
cycle lockers installed to keep it in. In those circumstances and given your criteria I would look
seriously at getting a second hand Brompton that you can fold and take on the train with you. You
could then also use it at the other end of the journey as well. While bikes are banned from many
rush hour trains, folding bikes are not.

A new one will set you back about £500 but you can find them second hand around £300 on Loot etc.

Tony

Neil first things first, before buying the bike start thinking about LOCKS. Strong locks. Lock the
front wheel. Lock the back wheel. Lock it to something immovable! I'm sure that posters will advise
you on the best locks.

Then buy a bike!

Neil Jones said:

I never go off road. I cycle almost exclusivly on the flat, or on slight gradients, so a million
gears is of no interest to me.
=20
I'll be gatting about =A3250 from the insurance company, and could add to this if necessary to get
decent bike, but I don't want to go mad since a) I'm only doing about 5 miles a day and b) it'll
only get nicked again.

One possibility would be to add a bit to the budget and buy something=20 like a Brompton L3. It
needn't get nicked, because you can fold it up=20 and put it on the train with you, which is (a)
more secure and (b) you=20 can then unfold it (about 15 seconds to fold either way) at the other=20
end and use it there as well. Though people look at the wee wheels and assume it must be a sort
of=20 comedy bike, it's a very capable machine and a sound piece of=20 engineering. Though I have
various other bikes the Brompton gets ridden =

on the most trips because it's so amazingly convenient.

Have a look at bromptonbicycle.co.ukbromptonbicycle.co.ukOpen ↗

Pete. --=20 Peter Clinch University of Dundee Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Medical Physics,
Ninewells Hospital Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK net [email hidden]
dundee.ac.uk~pjclinchOpen ↗

"Neil Jones" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Time to delurk and ask about bikes.

I'm Neil, I'm 32 and I live in Kent. I used my bike to get to and from the railway station which
is only about 2.5 miles away at Paddock Wood.

I say used, because someone nicked it at the weekend.

It was a Ridgeback Urban 920ZX, and while it was generally fine, I now have an opportunity to get
something more suited to my needs.

I never go off road. I cycle almost exclusivly on the flat, or on slight gradients, so a million
gears is of no interest to me.

I'll be gatting about £250 from the insurance company, and could add to this if necessary to get
decent bike, but I don't want to go mad since a) I'm only doing about 5 miles a day and b) it'll
only get nicked again.

I'd be grateful if anyone could either suggest things to look for on my new bike, or even suggest
a particular model.

Many thanks

Neil

My Raleigh X1 was £250 and its briliant for the 8 miles there and 8 miles back each day.

21 gears which is plenty - looks nice all in black too!

Quoted message said:

Time to delurk and ask about bikes.

I'm Neil, I'm 32 and I live in Kent. I used my bike to get to and from the railway station which
is only about 2.5 miles away at Paddock Wood.

I say used, because someone nicked it at the weekend.

It was a Ridgeback Urban 920ZX, and while it was generally fine, I now have an opportunity to get
something more suited to my needs.

I never go off road. I cycle almost exclusivly on the flat, or on slight gradients, so a million
gears is of no interest to me.

I'll be gatting about £250 from the insurance company, and could add to this if necessary to get
decent bike, but I don't want to go mad since a) I'm only doing about 5 miles a day and b) it'll
only get nicked again.

I'd be grateful if anyone could either suggest things to look for on my new bike, or even suggest
a particular model.

Consider drop bars -easier to cycle into head winds and much less likely to get nicked. Take a bit
of getting used to tho. £250 won't leave you with an awful lot of choice new once you've paid for
locks, mudguards etc so consider the second hand market (not ebay - too expensive). Having said that
there's a fair amount of bikes for the £200 mark which this lot wouldn't touch with a barge pole
(components not up to scratch) but would be good for you - fives miles a day won't exactly push the
bike to its limits!

Neil Jones said:

Time to delurk and ask about bikes.

I'm Neil, I'm 32 and I live in Kent. I used my bike to get to and from the railway station which
is only about 2.5 miles away at Paddock Wood.

I say used, because someone nicked it at the weekend.

It was a Ridgeback Urban 920ZX, and while it was generally fine, I now have an opportunity to get
something more suited to my needs.

I never go off road. I cycle almost exclusivly on the flat, or on slight gradients, so a million
gears is of no interest to me.

I'll be gatting about £250 from the insurance company, and could add to this if necessary to get
decent bike, but I don't want to go mad since a) I'm only doing about 5 miles a day and b) it'll
only get nicked again.

I'd be grateful if anyone could either suggest things to look for on my new bike, or even suggest
a particular model.

The trouble with station bikes is, as you found, they will get nicked/damaged unless the station has
cycle lockers installed to keep it in. In those circumstances and given your criteria I would look
seriously at getting a second hand Brompton that you can fold and take on the train with you. You
could then also use it at the other end of the journey as well. While bikes are banned from many
rush hour trains, folding bikes are not.

A new one will set you back about £500 but you can find them second hand around £300 on Loot etc.

Tony

Neil first things first, before buying the bike start thinking about LOCKS. Strong locks. Lock the
front wheel. Lock the back wheel. Lock it to something immovable! I'm sure that posters will advise
you on the best locks.

Then buy a bike!

Neil Jones said:

I never go off road. I cycle almost exclusivly on the flat, or on slight gradients, so a million
gears is of no interest to me.
=20
I'll be gatting about =A3250 from the insurance company, and could add to this if necessary to get
decent bike, but I don't want to go mad since a) I'm only doing about 5 miles a day and b) it'll
only get nicked again.

One possibility would be to add a bit to the budget and buy something=20 like a Brompton L3. It
needn't get nicked, because you can fold it up=20 and put it on the train with you, which is (a)
more secure and (b) you=20 can then unfold it (about 15 seconds to fold either way) at the other=20
end and use it there as well. Though people look at the wee wheels and assume it must be a sort
of=20 comedy bike, it's a very capable machine and a sound piece of=20 engineering. Though I have
various other bikes the Brompton gets ridden =

on the most trips because it's so amazingly convenient.

Have a look at bromptonbicycle.co.ukbromptonbicycle.co.ukOpen ↗

Pete. --=20 Peter Clinch University of Dundee Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Medical Physics,
Ninewells Hospital Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK net [email hidden]
dundee.ac.uk~pjclinchOpen ↗

Quoted message said:

Time to delurk and ask about bikes.

I'm Neil, I'm 32 and I live in Kent. I used my bike to get to and from the railway station which
is only about 2.5 miles away at Paddock Wood.

I say used, because someone nicked it at the weekend.

It was a Ridgeback Urban 920ZX, and while it was generally fine, I now have an opportunity to get
something more suited to my needs.

I never go off road. I cycle almost exclusivly on the flat, or on slight gradients, so a million
gears is of no interest to me.

I'll be gatting about £250 from the insurance company, and could add to this if necessary to get
decent bike, but I don't want to go mad since a) I'm only doing about 5 miles a day and b) it'll
only get nicked again.

I'd be grateful if anyone could either suggest things to look for on my new bike, or even suggest
a particular model.

Consider drop bars -easier to cycle into head winds and much less likely to get nicked. Take a bit
of getting used to tho. £250 won't leave you with an awful lot of choice new once you've paid for
locks, mudguards etc so consider the second hand market (not ebay - too expensive). Having said that
there's a fair amount of bikes for the £200 mark which this lot wouldn't touch with a barge pole
(components not up to scratch) but would be good for you - fives miles a day won't exactly push the
bike to its limits!

In message <[email hidden]>, Neil Jones
<[email hidden]> writes

Quoted message said:

Time to delurk and ask about bikes.

I'm Neil, I'm 32 and I live in Kent. I used my bike to get to and from the railway station which is
only about 2.5 miles away at Paddock Wood.

I say used, because someone nicked it at the weekend.

It was a Ridgeback Urban 920ZX, and while it was generally fine, I now have an opportunity to get
something more suited to my needs.

I never go off road. I cycle almost exclusivly on the flat, or on slight gradients, so a million
gears is of no interest to me.

Others have mentioned the Brompton, which is one good option to consider.

As alternative I would suggest a 'roadster' type bike not many supplied by UK makers, but there are
various Dutch makes around - there is a a review of one in this months CTC rag. This sort of bike is
common in Holland and of course is used for just this sort of thing.

With hub gears( 3 or 5 would be enough) and hub brakes and a chaincase and a dynamo, maintenance is
very low compared to rim brakes and derailleur gears. It is unlikely to attract the attention of
thieves as long as decently locked
--
Chris French, Leeds

In message <[email hidden]>, Neil Jones
<[email hidden]> writes

Quoted message said:

Time to delurk and ask about bikes.

I'm Neil, I'm 32 and I live in Kent. I used my bike to get to and from the railway station which is
only about 2.5 miles away at Paddock Wood.

I say used, because someone nicked it at the weekend.

It was a Ridgeback Urban 920ZX, and while it was generally fine, I now have an opportunity to get
something more suited to my needs.

I never go off road. I cycle almost exclusivly on the flat, or on slight gradients, so a million
gears is of no interest to me.

Others have mentioned the Brompton, which is one good option to consider.

As alternative I would suggest a 'roadster' type bike not many supplied by UK makers, but there are
various Dutch makes around - there is a a review of one in this months CTC rag. This sort of bike is
common in Holland and of course is used for just this sort of thing.

With hub gears( 3 or 5 would be enough) and hub brakes and a chaincase and a dynamo, maintenance is
very low compared to rim brakes and derailleur gears. It is unlikely to attract the attention of
thieves as long as decently locked
--
Chris French, Leeds

Tony Raven said:

A new one will set you back about =A3500 but you can find them second h=

and

Quoted message said:

around =A3300 on Loot etc.

I think =A3470 for an L3, =A3100 less for a C3 but that has downgraded=20 componentry and no
mudguards. Mudguards are a Good Thing in a commute=20 bike IMHO, and though 5 miles a day is hardly
huge, it all adds up and=20 downgraded bits will just need replacing quicker. I think the C3 is a=20
false economy. Second hand one, if you can find one in good condition, is a good idea.

Pete. --=20 Peter Clinch University of Dundee Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Medical Physics,
Ninewells Hospital Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK net [email hidden]
dundee.ac.uk~pjclinchOpen ↗

Tony Raven said:

A new one will set you back about =A3500 but you can find them second h=

and

Quoted message said:

around =A3300 on Loot etc.

I think =A3470 for an L3, =A3100 less for a C3 but that has downgraded=20 componentry and no
mudguards. Mudguards are a Good Thing in a commute=20 bike IMHO, and though 5 miles a day is hardly
huge, it all adds up and=20 downgraded bits will just need replacing quicker. I think the C3 is a=20
false economy. Second hand one, if you can find one in good condition, is a good idea.

Pete. --=20 Peter Clinch University of Dundee Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Medical Physics,
Ninewells Hospital Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK net [email hidden]
dundee.ac.uk~pjclinchOpen ↗

chris French said:

As alternative I would suggest a 'roadster' type bike not many supplied by UK makers, but there
are various Dutch makes around - there is a a review of one in this months CTC rag. This sort of
bike is common in Holland and of course is used for just this sort of thing.

Obviously not as portable and flexible as the Brom, but if you don't *want* to do anything but the
station and back then I think Chris's suggestion is a very good one. Have a look at
dutchbike.co.ukdutchbike.co.ukOpen ↗ for some ideas. Pashley make a few bikes like this as well: see
pashley.co.ukproducts.htmlOpen ↗

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch University of Dundee Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Medical Physics, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK net [email hidden]
dundee.ac.uk~pjclinchOpen ↗

chris French said:

As alternative I would suggest a 'roadster' type bike not many supplied by UK makers, but there
are various Dutch makes around - there is a a review of one in this months CTC rag. This sort of
bike is common in Holland and of course is used for just this sort of thing.

Obviously not as portable and flexible as the Brom, but if you don't *want* to do anything but the
station and back then I think Chris's suggestion is a very good one. Have a look at
dutchbike.co.ukdutchbike.co.ukOpen ↗ for some ideas. Pashley make a few bikes like this as well: see
pashley.co.ukproducts.htmlOpen ↗

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch University of Dundee Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Medical Physics, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK net [email hidden]
dundee.ac.uk~pjclinchOpen ↗

"Mark Thompson" <[email hidden] (change warm for hot)> wrote in message
news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

Consider drop bars -easier to cycle into head winds and much less likely to get nicked. Take a bit
of getting used to tho.

It's a matter of what you're used to. Those of us who've been using drops for 35 years or so find
straights take a bit of getting used to, and are baffled by the popular notion that they are better
in traffic than drops, especially the ultra-wide ones that seem to be popular now.

--
Dave...

"nobody760" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

Neil first things first, before buying the bike start thinking about LOCKS. Strong locks. Lock the
front wheel. Lock the back wheel. Lock it to something immovable! I'm sure that posters will
advise you on the best locks.

Locks will not protect your bike from being trashed at the station while you are at work. For the
OP's situation I would suggest either: a really cheap horrible bike with a Hammerite paint job and
lots of rust, or a state of the art folder. If it were me I'd buy a Brommie.

--
Dave...

"Mark Thompson" <[email hidden] (change warm for hot)> wrote in message
news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

Consider drop bars -easier to cycle into head winds and much less likely to get nicked. Take a bit
of getting used to tho.

It's a matter of what you're used to. Those of us who've been using drops for 35 years or so find
straights take a bit of getting used to, and are baffled by the popular notion that they are better
in traffic than drops, especially the ultra-wide ones that seem to be popular now.

--
Dave...