Advice on which "Sit up & Beg" bike to buy

[amateurcyclist]

It's my first time posting on this forum, and I'm doing so to hopefully benefit from the great expertise of the other forum members. I'm just about to start cycling to work (5 miles each way - mainly in the City / outskirts), and think that I'd like to get a "Sit up & Beg Bike". However, I don't know where to start - which brand etc... The reason I am erring toward the "Sit up & Beg Bike" is because I fractured my spine 11 years ago and find any other cycling positions very uncomfortable. My competitive days are behind me, so I don't need a bike that's going to challenge for the land speed record. I just want to get to work in a comfortable, efficient fashion. Any advice will be gratefully received. In addition, apart from the obvious cycling helmet, what other accessories are beneficial (mud guards, panniers etc...?). Many thanks in advance!

[NUKe]

You haven’t said your price range, but you could look at something modern and I would advise looking at hybrid bikes which seem to range from about 300 upward depending on spec. If you have around 1000 or more to spend maybe look at some of the thorn bikes through SJS cycles, they are bespoke so could tailor something to your needs.
You might want something Classic how about such as a Pashley Roadster.
Avoid the sportier straight bar bikes such as the Boardman’s not because they aren’t good bikes but they are aggressive on their position. The more relaxed hybrids will be easier on the back.
The off the wall suggestion for a bad back are recumbents Not upright but your back is supported.
panniers are essential if you have back problems or at least a decent saddlebag.

[gaz]

Recent thread: viewtopic.php?f=1&t=115753&p=1144237

[[XAP]Bob]

Panniers (or bar/saddle bag etc, depending on how much stuff you have to take to work)
Mudguards
Lights (consider dynamo)
Mirror and gloves come way above a helmet in terms of safety - you're not bombing down alpine passes or through a jungle - you're just running, but with less effort...

As for the bike - well, budget will dictate I suspect. If you want a test ride on a 'bent then shout down in the HPV section, we'll have someone near you who can show you something


Given the relatively short commute, and sit up and beg style choice I might also suggest a full chain case and hub gear would be sensible. For 'normal' cycling you want to look at how the Dutch do it...

[mjr]

However, I don't know where to start - which brand etc... The reason I am erring toward the "Sit up & Beg Bike" is because I fractured my spine 11 years ago and find any other cycling positions very uncomfortable. My competitive days are behind me, so I don't need a bike that's going to challenge for the land speed record. I just want to get to work in a comfortable, efficient fashion.

I like my Dutchie Dapper 3-speed but it's drifting further and further from the original spec as I replace parts with upgrades. I'd suggest that a nice sprung saddle and plush as-wide-as-you-can-without-fouling-mudguards-or-stays tyres should be your first upgrades of any roadster-style bike, to cushion your back as much as possible.

Brucey reckons you can do better than Dutchie as a brand. If you search the forum a bit, you might find his recommended alternatives. It's worked OK for me but the paintwork isn't great and the coatguard wasn't well-made (removed following damage - I've a fabric replacement but I've not yet fitted it).

Any advice will be gratefully received. In addition, apart from the obvious cycling helmet, what other accessories are beneficial (mud guards, panniers etc...?). Many thanks in advance!

I don't see why it's obvious that you want to balance extra weight on your head if you've got a dodgy back! Actually, if you won't ride an upright bike without using a crash hat, that may be another good reason to go for a test ride on a recumbent as well as the more supportive seat - you're very very unlikely to go over the handlebars on most designs of those.

Mudguards, chain guard, rack and panniers, saddlebag, dynamo lights and front carrier/basket are all beneficial additions to a bike, but a roadster-style bike is more likely than the false economy hybrids to come with all except the bags.

[PRL]

Consider a Brompton that gives you a Sit Up position but also the flexibility to take it on a train at a moments notice.

[bigjim]

Proably the nicest most comfortable bike I have ever owned was an original Raleigh Chiltern 3 speed. I made a mistake selling it although it was a bit small for me. Always on the lookout for a large frame example locally. There are some really nice ones around, but theycan fetch almost as much as a new city bike. Decathlon is worth a look.

[bohrsatom]

My £300 Decathlon bTwin bike (review here: viewtopic.php?f=18&t=111634) is still going strong so I would recommend it. For the price I don't think you can find anything better.

[bertgrower]

It's my first time posting on this forum, and I'm doing so to hopefully benefit from the great expertise of the other forum members. I'm just about to start cycling to work (5 miles each way - mainly in the City / outskirts), and think that I'd like to get a "Sit up & Beg Bike". However, I don't know where to start - which brand etc... The reason I am erring toward the "Sit up & Beg Bike" is because I fractured my spine 11 years ago and find any other cycling positions very uncomfortable. My competitive days are behind me, so I don't need a bike that's going to challenge for the land speed record. I just want to get to work in a comfortable, efficient fashion. Any advice will be gratefully received. In addition, apart from the obvious cycling helmet, what other accessories are beneficial (mud guards, panniers etc...?). Many thanks in advance!

I have two Dutch cycles to sell. I will send you a PM