Buying a ladies bike for commuting

Avoriaz

achan891 wrote: »

Johnmcl7 - thanks for that advice, I had wondered why hub gears weren't more common, given what I'd read about their advantages. Can you give me some idea of how much extra they might add to the weight? Given that I'll be carting round a ~10kg baby as well as myself, I'm not sure that a few hundred grams would make much difference....

It isn't just the extra weight of hub gears, they are also less efficient than derailleur gears, about 92% compared to 98%. That means you have to work harder for each mile.

On the plus side that helps keep you even fitter if that is an attraction.

Have a read of some of these links.

Your 10kg baby will put on more weight quickly so bear that in mind in terms of rear tyre pressures.

Good luck.

WiggyDiggyPoo

I'll pop back later and have a look but I will say you won't go wrong with UkBikesDepot. Its a LBS (Local Bike Shop) near to me and as well as friendly staff they normally have a lot of offers on.

https://www.ukbikesdepot.com

Johnmcl7

achan891 wrote: »

Johnmcl7 - thanks for that advice, I had wondered why hub gears weren't more common, given what I'd read about their advantages. Can you give me some idea of how much extra they might add to the weight? Given that I'll be carting round a ~10kg baby as well as myself, I'm not sure that a few hundred grams would make much difference.

I think the Shimano Nexus 8 is around 2kg so it's fairly hefty and as the poster above mentions, because it's not a direct drive (bar one gear) you do lose some efficiency. I haven't cycled with a child on the back of any of my bikes, part of me thinks yes the hub is a small part of that but then on the other hand if you're carrying that much weight on the back already then minimising the weight and resistance on the bike would be important.

I suspect the decision will be made for you due to the lack of availability of bikes with decent hub gears though but if one does turn up it's good to understand what they offer.

John

WiggyDiggyPoo

achan891 wrote: »

.......but my old bike isn't worth fixing (or so I've been told) so I need a new one (or a second-hand one)..............

After a bit of research, I've found a few online which seem possibly interesting:
http://www.ukbikesdepot.com/products.php?show=11221
http://www.ukbikesdepot.com/products.php?show=8136
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/300930655786

Can anyone give me any advice!? I'd be very grateful.

Fix the old one?

For the money I'd try new cables and pads for the brakes, and google 'gear indexing for beginners', it sounds like your gears arn't set up properly. Swap out the cables and pads then give it a really deep clean as well, oil the chain (NO WD40!) and index the gears. Then, see how it rides. For less than a tenner (use Wilko's own brand stuff) it could solve 90% of your issues.

If the gears are still causing issues after cleaning, oiling and indexing then you may need some slightly more expensive parts. This is where it is decision time as buying those parts yourself may cost upto £100 depending on where you go and you'll need to fit them.

New Bike

So if it is going to cost more to fix, maybe a new bike is the way forward.

Advantages of new is the after sales support you get, plus its new. But it is more expensive.

Advantages of second hand you could get a lot more bike for your £££. But it is a risk that you get a pup and have no after sales support.

What about the bikes I linked to?

I like the RIDGEBACK Avenida and the Indigo Regency more than the other simply based on looks. The cheaper RIDGEBACK Speed is equally as good, I just prefer the black bikes. Do give the shop a call about the last one if thats the way you go as its ex-display, worth checking on marks/anything missing.

Good luck!