Hybrid (MTB/road) bikes
Discussion
Looking for a bike to get to the shops on. Don't want anything I'd feel awkard leaving outside tescos in a fairly dodgy area, so maximum of a couple of hundred quid. My thoughts are that as a mountain biker (rather than a roadie) and baring in mind the budget I'd be best of with a second hand hybrid bike (I know Marin used to do 'em with slightly fatter tyres than a normal road bike and disc brakes...) Basically want a rigid frame mountain bike with discs.
Can anyone recommend one? Secondly - how much of a risk is it buying a bike second hand? I guess eBay is my best bet for a decent bike for a few hundred quid?
Can anyone recommend one? Secondly - how much of a risk is it buying a bike second hand? I guess eBay is my best bet for a decent bike for a few hundred quid?
A rigid mtb with 'slicks' would be very inconspicuous. Should be able to get a late 90's rigid of eBay for under £100 easily. Should even come with eyelets for mud guards and a pannier rack.
Hybrids are a large group with some Road orientated and others MTB orientated.
For going to the shops and back I'd go for one with bolt on wheels and seatpost. One of my LBS's p/x's bikes against new ones and they always have a supply of mtbs for around £35 which would be suitable.
Hybrids are a large group with some Road orientated and others MTB orientated.
For going to the shops and back I'd go for one with bolt on wheels and seatpost. One of my LBS's p/x's bikes against new ones and they always have a supply of mtbs for around £35 which would be suitable.
That's an idea. Hadn't thought of asking people about part-ex'd bikes.
Would definitely go for something towards the MTB end of the spectrum. The only thing I'd like that you're unlikely to get on a 1990s rigid MTB is discs - if I'm going to be riding with trucks and other nutters on the road, stopping may be useful
Assuming I did convert a bike, what should I look for? Obviously a rigid front fork is the first priority and perhaps the most difficult to get hold of. Disc mounts could be an issue too? Did make me think about getting a hartail frame and then fitting a disc-ready fork, but that would probably get expensive.
Would definitely go for something towards the MTB end of the spectrum. The only thing I'd like that you're unlikely to get on a 1990s rigid MTB is discs - if I'm going to be riding with trucks and other nutters on the road, stopping may be useful
Assuming I did convert a bike, what should I look for? Obviously a rigid front fork is the first priority and perhaps the most difficult to get hold of. Disc mounts could be an issue too? Did make me think about getting a hartail frame and then fitting a disc-ready fork, but that would probably get expensive.
Well set up and maintained V brakes are more than suitable for use on the road. It's all about being stealthy.
I keep thinking about building up a dedicated 'road' mtb. You can get IS disc mounts welded onto a steel frame relatively easily but will mean some sort of respray to. The down side of discs is that it attract attention to an inconspicuous bike.
I keep thinking about building up a dedicated 'road' mtb. You can get IS disc mounts welded onto a steel frame relatively easily but will mean some sort of respray to. The down side of discs is that it attract attention to an inconspicuous bike.
As for 'what to look for' well the usual points apply.
In the context of it being a used and cheap bike.
1. What components are fitted and do they work.
2. Do all the bearings work smoothly - wheels, pedals, headset, bb.
3. Are there spares available - eg is it a 1 inch threaded headset or a 1 1/8th a-head style.
4. Is the frame damaged, do the wheels line up?
5. Is the gearing suitable - do you really need a 22 - 32 first gear?
6. Are items serviceable and upgradeable.
In the context of it being a used and cheap bike.
1. What components are fitted and do they work.
2. Do all the bearings work smoothly - wheels, pedals, headset, bb.
3. Are there spares available - eg is it a 1 inch threaded headset or a 1 1/8th a-head style.
4. Is the frame damaged, do the wheels line up?
5. Is the gearing suitable - do you really need a 22 - 32 first gear?
6. Are items serviceable and upgradeable.
mk1fan said:
It's all about being stealthy.
.....The down side of discs is that it attract attention to an inconspicuous bike.
Ah, now I see what you mean about stealthy .....The down side of discs is that it attract attention to an inconspicuous bike.
Must admit, it's a long time since I ridden on V-brakes. Or for that matter a rigid frame. Did used to ride my housemates cannondale road/hybrid bike at uni and that required a lot less effort than my usual sub 5 to pedal up the hills!
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