Why is this aluminium bike 2kg more than the non-Au?

Kernel_Sanders

custardy wrote: »

In a bike? it makes a hell of a difference to how the bike feels/rides

That's what I thought. Also I only weigh 61kg, so an extra 2kg equates to 3¼% of my body weight, so my assumption is that it would be more noticeable to a lighter rider. More than happy to be corrected, though!

PintAndAPie

Chasing weight at this end of the market is pointless, a bottle of water is a kilo and I doubt you'd think twice about putting one or two of those in your bag. Finding a bike that fits you properly is much more important. That Carrera Subway looks ideal for what you've described especially if you can get it at £180, budget £20 for a set of mudguards, the same for a lock and you're away.

Strider590

Buy cheap, pay twice.......

Nothing puts people off cycling more than a heavy uncomfortable bike, which is why when I wanted a commuter bike, I went 2nd hand.

At worst your going to have to replace the chain and strip re-lube everything (if the last owner was a wd40 fan), but in doing so you'll learn a lot too.

Buying a new bike also makes you less willing or unable to customise it yourself. My hybrid now has bar ends, locking grips and a longer+lower stem (to compensate for the bar ends reducing the handlebar width) and the stupidly loud car horn I mentioned in a another post It's also covered (not literally lol) in reflective tape.
Last thing I needed was a warranty standing in my way.

fred7777

custardy wrote: »

personally,for your riding I wouldnt be having suspension
I would make do with a slightly wider tyres 25-28c on a 700c rim
whats the budget?

Exactly right

Also go for a bike with narrower smoother tyres. The difference between tyres will be much more noticeable than the difference in weight which has been discussed.