Most of the time it is just me and my heavy bag commuting and going round London on the bike, but when I go to events I do load my bike up with lots of music and camping equipment... maybe 30kg or so? I'm not too sure what I weigh, maybe 80kg? I also do an occasional cycling/wild camping holiday once a year or so, so it needs to cope with that, but don't mind if it's not perfect for it.
Here are a few pics of my old bike (pre double-kickstand and Topeak rack!) empty and with a couple of typical loads, so you can see the idea: https://imgur.com/a/8wM1pmK
So I'm not too worried about being super-light, more worried about being sturdy, and able to cope with London roads, parks, kerbs, etc.
So I was thinking, steel frame city bike, and I found this one from Decathlon that looks pretty much perfect to me: https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/high-fram ... R-p-306139
Things I like about this Elops 540 are:
- sturdy looking steel frame
- upright cycling position
- internal 7-speed Shimano Nexus hub
- AXA front and back automatic hub dynamo lights
- big wheels with wide 45mm tyres
- comfortable saddle
BUT I work for the City of London, and our Cycle To Work scheme is administered by Cycle2Work, who allow you to buy from Halfords, Tredz or a bunch of independent bike shops... Decathlon is NOT included
They give the participating bike shops here: https://www.cycle2work.info/bikes/store-locatorDoes anyone have any suggestions for a similar bike that I might be able to get from one of the participating bike shops?
Thank you so much!
Mark
PS If this is in the wrong forum, please do move it - this seemed like the most suitable!