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I could do a cheap c2w, but I'm wondering if a cheap roadie/hybrid will be better.
Commute is 6miles, a hill, some broken/rough back lane.
I've spotted this locally, I think I should be 58cm/ish on a road bike. With guards, and better wheels/kit than a cheap c2w, would this be a better bet?
https://www.gumtree.com/p/bicycles/tifosi-60-cm-road-bike/1190747200
Suggest to me any other uber cheap commuters c2w or s/h please, buggers are tight..
Is C2W really worth it now?
Perhaps if you're a higher-rate taxpayer, but even then you could probably get a similar price by haggling with your LBS (we're British, so haggling involves waiting until Autumn and then asking politely).
EDIT: looks like quite a nice bike, assuming it's not insanely stiff.
Charge plug 2 from wiggle
Mechanical discs.
Rrp £650, on sale at £450ish I think. You can C2W on top which comes out about £25p/m if you're a HRTP
Voodoo Marasa (albeit it was £240 in summer, now £400)
Pinnacle Ramin One
Calibre Dune
Or if you aren't bothered about disc brakes, maybe http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBHOLQDBM/holdsworth-la-quelda-steel-single-speed-drop-bar-mens
The tifosis are lovely bikes. If it fits it would make an excellent commuter/audax bike. Discs still aren't nesessaru in a commuting bike, depending on how much traffic/dodgy hills/junctions you have on your route. I have discs now, but more because I was chewing through a set of brake pads every month.
Voodoo Marasa, although like said £400 now.
Needs lighter tyres and pedals offer so little grip, feet bounce around on uneven roads.
I just got one second hand for £150, and have put on some sods.
if money is tight really think about the worst conditions you will ride in.
Snow? Ice? Mud?
Last thing you want is too blow £300 on a bike that will spend time in the shed.
For me although a 25c road tyre will do most of the time a 32c marathon gets me through autumn and winter where its a bit mucky. A 35c winter marathon gets through the ice. I've used a CX/Touring bike most of the time as it covers more bases.
Now i ride a rigid 29er as it gives me more options in the woods to go play. 🙂
In snow and ice it won't come out - route is either main road (urgh) or shaded, north west facing Glen that stays frozen... And I have MTB if needed.
This is attempt to cycle much more to work.,.
I know this goes against everything STW, but why do you need a new bike? It's only 6 miles, pump your tyres up and ride your mtb...
Sounds like a 2nd roadie bike will be a winner, Like your post.
Have a look also at specialised allez, Giant Defy etc.
Anything with a drive chain that is cheap as chips to replace 9speed tiagra etc. (A chain and cassette can be just over £20 together) Keep the money for your better bike.
I'm a fan of CX bikes for this.
My last c2w bike was a Cotic X. My current one (which I've added to the price of) is a Kinesis Crosslight 5T Disc.
I love my Crosslight. The Cotic was always a bit big for me but it was my first roadie style bike. The Kinesis is a small commuter rocket. 🙂
That Tifosi looks good!
Something like a CX/gravel/tourer that can take a 35mm tyre will do the job fine.
My commute involves 2 dirt/gravel tracks and A glass/debris strewn A road hard shoulder and 28mm Duranos have been superb.
As above, I too have a Crosslight which has done 1,000s of miles. It has rim brakes, so the wheels have been replaced a couple of times, but not really a problem. I use panniers and have a fairly strong rim on the rear wheel.
I know this goes against everything STW, but why do you need a new bike? It's only 6 miles, pump your tyres up and ride your mtb...
The MTb + winter salt = trashed. I know, because I have done it for years. I'm fed up of it, and a full guards, road only bike seems a long term cost saving over wrecked Fox forks...
For commuting I'd be looking at a hybrid of some sort with 30mm+ tyres, disks, proper mudguards and a rack.
In fact, we're now in the process selling off this years hire fleet if you're interested. Trek Allants.
Full mudguards are the one thing that no commuter should be without.
In the uk you are more likely to get wet from below than above.
Ie the ground pretty often wet but its not always raining at this point.
You components will last longer
You will be more comfortable .
Therefore what ever you buy should be able to fit mudguards - propper full length guards and not crappy race guards and you should also extend the front flap down to almost touch the floor and make it wider using a piece of rivited on milk carton or other hardish plastic . Stops your feet getting the spray as bad.
Allant 7.4
We're selling them for £430 (Plus delivery) but I could get a few quid knocked off that for a mate.
Regularly serviced (Velotech Gold technicians). Only used since April.
Fully fitted mudguards and rack.
We've two Large and two XLarge left at the moment (plus smaller sizes you'd not be interested in).
Road bikes and mountain bikes have almost all found buyers already.
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/verenti-division-3-2016/ not too bad for £352, has hydraulics (cheap Division 1/2 are cable)
I know this goes against everything STW, but why do you need a new bike? It's only 6 miles, pump your tyres up and ride your mtb...
The answer is a cool urban SS for the summer and hybrid for the winter.