Yet another which bike thread

[Meltingpot]

If I couldn't get or afford an Orbit (yet another plug ), my first port of call would be a shop which sold secondhand, refurbished ones, especially a shop run as a community project with disadvantaged members of the community building and refurbishing old bikes. That way you get the "warm glow" of helping others, and also a good bike at a good price which is even more environmentally friendly than a new bike would be.

 

[Crispy]

incidentally, are there any such projects in the brixton area who could do with 3/4 of a bike?

 

[Bob_the_lost]

I'd be happy to do that, providing i could get someone who knows what they're talking about with me to make sure i'm not just buying a crap bike and a wonderful warm glow. Thing is i'm outside (although not far outside) london and have no handy bike gurus to hand.

 

[Meltingpot]

Yeah, the "warm glow" would wear off mighty quick if your brakes failed in traffic

 

[Boycey]

Snob

very very guilty.

incidentally, are there any such projects in the brixton area who could do with 3/4 of a bike?

i know of one in bethnal green/hackney, recycle maybe? although they aren't a project as described.

 

[Bob_the_lost]

Front runners:

Hardrock Sport 09
Diamonback outlook
GT Avalanche 3.0d (SHINY!!!!)

Apparently action bikes are going to do a sale this year after xmas and the nice manager offered it earlier since i have a nice smile, or just to make a sale. So i can probably get anything off the Action bikes site for 10% off, if there's anything just over budget suggest it now so i can try haggling and try it out.

Edit: Oh yeah, they don't have a website really do they. Doh.

 

[Bob_the_lost]

bump!

 

[Boycey]

of those three the hardrock would be my choice, always had a soft spot for spec though. ride all 3, choose appropriately innit.

 

[Bob_the_lost]

Just in the nick of time too!

Off to ride them and buy. Thanks for the help urban massive.

 

[Bob_the_lost]

Hardrock it is, both fun to ride, both reasonable price, both similar spec. Specialized won it on slightly tougher wheels, kevlar tires and both Boycey and the bloke down my shop agreeing it was probably slightly better.

 

[mincepie]

Edit:Bah - wrote this without seeing you'd bought one...!! oh well!

I've got the 2008 version of this - £250 at the mo - http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/mountain/product/vulcan-07-27707 - very happy. Maybe a bit too much mountain bike like for you - dunno - depends where you ride I guess.

Don't forget to allow money for mudguards, helmet, lights, lock etc - all adds up -look on ebay for the lights, locks - large markup instore on the small bits like that .