Cycling UK Forum

Which bike should I choose? I cycle/train ride to work along astretch of Cycle route 6 some of it is quite rough as it goes off road so the council does not feel a responsibillity to maintain it or keep it free of glass. (rant over) At the moment I cover about 5 miles but I am intending to increase this, I carry a fairly heavy load in a pair of panniers. So far I have looked at a Raliegh Airlite 100 and a Halfords Carrera. Personaly I would prefer the Carrera as it appears more rugged than the Airlite, both are alluminium 14 speed bikes costing around 200 any practical advice gladly appreciated?

Which of the carrera range are you looking at? There is everything from road bikes to MTBs in there.

The raliegh doesn't look ideal for your needs. I'm not sure if it has rack mounts and even if it does, there won't be the neccessery heal clearence for panniers. The narrow tyres won't like sustrans type routes either.

Unfortunatly a road bike in this price category probably wont last long being used every day. If you are set on a road bike then looking for something second hand maybe a better option. For 200 quid you could get a carrera subway 1 which would be much more suited to your needs.

I'm assuming by your name that you live in Mansfield (I'm a smart one, me!) I'm Mansfield based also. Let me know if you have any more questions.

PS. A and C sports on woodhouse road is closing down, you could probably pick something up from there quiet cheaply.

Yeah I think it will have to the carrera unfortunately I am only looking at the moment pity about A & C sports I think that will On Yer Bike as the only dedicated Bike shop in Mansfield which is unfortunate

Hi M-M-,

Have you considered a folding bike for the train?

Distributing luggage between the back and front of the bike, I have found full-size wheels with a narrow front and wider rear tyres to be a reasonable compromise.

If you are of average height, try a second-hand bike. Bodge it up until it works, then ride as fast as you can until something breaks. Then bodge it up again, so as to eliminate that problem.

When you have achieved a format you are happy with, buy a new bike with just the same specification. Best of luck.

What do I like about my bike: it uses 26X1 3/8" wheels with treads on tyres suitable for road work but not that thin as to be dangerous on gravel. Frame is tough handles the conditions weight well.
What don't I like about my bike: It is a converted Hercules Commuter (it is old) and it is wearing out. it only has five gears and I doubt it could be converted for ten. It is a steel frame which makes it heavier than it needs to be.
How could it be improved: Well I have already fitted a new handle bar stem and handles bars from a mountain bike to shift my weight forward a bit. I have fitted pedals off a mountain bike with half toe clips on. The only other improvements would be to swap the frame and fit new twin chain set cranks which would almost cost as much as a new bike.
As for a folding bike for the train I am hoping to build my fitness level to a point where I can do away with train and go all the way by bike.

Hello MM
I suggest that you go for something that you can fit mudguards to and will still give you decent clearance between the mudguard and tyre for the off-road sections.