Dreaming of a new bike…
I started cycling properly just over 4 years ago. Before then I hadn't owned a bike since I was a kid. Not knowing much about modern bikes, and not wanting to spend a huge amount of money, I ended up getting a Dawes Mojave. I've been very pleased with it overall. It has been a perfect commuting bike, and has enabled me to do some slightly longer rides (nothing more than 25 miles so far) with no problems. It has also been very reliable.
But I know it isn't exactly a speed machine, and maybe those longer rides would benefit from something closer to a proper road bike? But what? I'm still not looking to spend huge amounts of money, but the budget might stretch to £400 ish. Digging through the current Dawes range I see a number of possibilities.
I was originally drawn to the Horizon, which seems to still be a workable commuter bike but possibly a bit lighter and faster. Then there's the Discovery 501, or for a "proper" road bike the Giro 300. All of these cost about £430. The horizon is the closest direct replacement, because of the mudguards and rack – I don't like cycling with a rucksack so a rack for my paniers would be handy. But it probably isn't so "fast" as the others. The Giro probably doesn't have low enough gears for my tastes, but the Discovery appears to. More thought required, I think.
I know there are plenty of other manufacturers out there, and I know next to nothing about all of them. If anybody has any suggestions for other bikes to look at, similar (or maybe not so similar) to those above, I'd be very grateful. Suggestions for things I should consider when choosing would also be helpful!
I imagine I'd continue to use my Mojave during the winter months, to stop the new bike from rusting away too quickly. I could also use it when I had a lot of stuff to carry. So, I'm willing to consider compromising on both the mudguards and rack if a suitable bike comes along.
Maybe spending £400 rather than the £200 I spent on the Mojave doesn't get me anything suffiiciently better to be worth it? That's always a possibility, I suppose.
Steve Rumsby
08 Feb 2006 13:07
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Tags: Cycling Equipment
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Chris May
One thing you might want to consider is just tweaking your current bike. Try any of
Any of these will make the bike feel a bit quicker; by getting you into a more efficent riding position (and making better use of the whole pedal stroke in the case of the SPDs).
Alternatively, I'd look around for a second-hand bike. £400 will get a so-so brand new racer, but you should be able to get something quite nice with a few miles on the clock – a quick browse through ebay certainly throws up some possibilities.
08 Feb 2006, 15:39
Steve Rumsby
Thanks for the suggestions. It had occurred to me that the money might be better spent tweaking the current bike. But:
And anyway, tweaking the current bike is really not the same as getting a shiny new one:-) I'll have a quick rummage through ebay and see what's there – any suggestions for makes/models?
08 Feb 2006, 16:02
Chris May
Here's a few big-name-brand models to start with: If you're looking for flat handlebars, then a Trek 1000FB / 1200FB / 1500FB would be nice, or a Specialized Sirrus. If you fancy drops, then the drop-bar version of the treks, Giant OCR, Specialized Allez, or a Cannondale R600 / R1000 / CAAD if you can find one.
Something that might be worth doing if you're looking for a second-hand bike is to get over to Mikes Bikes in Kenilworth; they usually have a fair stock of second-hand stuff, and it has the advantage that you can try it in advance, and if you buy from them you can expect at least a bit of goodwill if anything goes wrong with it!
09 Feb 2006, 11:17
Leigh
I would go for a Trek like Chris has suggested. You can pick up some good deals on last years and this years models. I changed my bike for a very sleek road bike – a Trek one. It's not got the same suspension as my previous bike – I don't even notice it. I've covered the seat with a gel seat cover that works a treat. I don't really like padded lycra shorts. Presently I have no bike rack – and I really miss that. So this month I'm purchasing a bike rack for my old panniers.
You'll notice the difference with thinner wheels – the speed difference on my bike has been very noticeable – and the ease of the bike itself is a dream.
Good luck with your search!
13 Feb 2006, 13:32
peter warner
ive just bought giro 300 for £300 from atkins leamington and they through in a wireless computer ( fitted ) and a couple of tubes , and free service , they come highly reccomended . the dawes giro has been a revelation compared to my old mountain bike . my average on routes has gone from 13.5 mph to 16.5 mph , it seems so quick ! entry level bike that seems well built and reasonably light wieght and comfortable , got up edge hill in one from bottom gear , quicker than on mountain bike . gonna save up and get full carbon racer next year on e bay , now i know sizes ect . dawes will still be worth £ 100 , so will only have cost me £ 4 a week ! excellent , go and buy one now .
12 Oct 2007, 20:56
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