I need to buy a new bicycle.
July 20, 2009 1:03 PM Subscribe
I need to buy a bicycle. What do I need to know?
My bicycle is just about on its last legs. The plastic wotsit attaching the rear gear cable to the gear change snapped a long time ago, and has since been held somewhat in place with super glue and duct tape. This has introduced various other problems, to wit: the actual gear you are in is one higher than what the dial says, changing gear works intermittently and badly, and the chain frequently slips if you attempt to pedal too hard (I ride uphill to work, so this is unavoidable). If anyone can offer any insight into fixes for this, permanent or otherwise, consider that question part b.
So I'd like to buy a new bike. All I need is something that can get me from point A to point B (3.2 miles away) twice a day. I've never bought a bicycle, so what do I need to know, apart from making sure it has two wheels? And how much should I be willing to spend? Am I being realistic in hoping to keep it under £120? I'm in the UK, by the way.
Some details: The bike will only be used for a relatively flat commute twice a day. In about 3 months (if all goes to plan) I'll be moving to the US, and will probably leave the bicycle behind. But if it's feasible (is it?) to get the bike shipped to the US with me, it would then also get used for the occasional bicycle ride (on the road, no mountains or anything) with my fiancé. I am also hilariously unfit at the moment (commutes are helping), so the lighter the bike is the better.
My bicycle is just about on its last legs. The plastic wotsit attaching the rear gear cable to the gear change snapped a long time ago, and has since been held somewhat in place with super glue and duct tape. This has introduced various other problems, to wit: the actual gear you are in is one higher than what the dial says, changing gear works intermittently and badly, and the chain frequently slips if you attempt to pedal too hard (I ride uphill to work, so this is unavoidable). If anyone can offer any insight into fixes for this, permanent or otherwise, consider that question part b.
So I'd like to buy a new bike. All I need is something that can get me from point A to point B (3.2 miles away) twice a day. I've never bought a bicycle, so what do I need to know, apart from making sure it has two wheels? And how much should I be willing to spend? Am I being realistic in hoping to keep it under £120? I'm in the UK, by the way.
Some details: The bike will only be used for a relatively flat commute twice a day. In about 3 months (if all goes to plan) I'll be moving to the US, and will probably leave the bicycle behind. But if it's feasible (is it?) to get the bike shipped to the US with me, it would then also get used for the occasional bicycle ride (on the road, no mountains or anything) with my fiancé. I am also hilariously unfit at the moment (commutes are helping), so the lighter the bike is the better.
If that's all that's wrong with your current bike, I don't see any reason to buy a new one, especially if you only need it for three months. I can't imagine it's worth the trouble to ship a bike to the US unless you're really attached to it.
Take it to a bike shop. Your "plastic wotsit", and the other problems, can probably be fixed for far less than £120.
posted by xil at 1:18 PM on July 20, 2009
Take it to a bike shop. Your "plastic wotsit", and the other problems, can probably be fixed for far less than £120.
posted by xil at 1:18 PM on July 20, 2009
I would look for a second-hand one at a bike shop, after giving them the info that you gave us.
A hybrid (not a road bike and not a mountain bike) would be comfortable to ride. The plus of getting one from a shop is that it'll be tuned and everything will be in working order.
Test ride a number of them first to figure out what's comfortable.
posted by Danf at 1:18 PM on July 20, 2009
A hybrid (not a road bike and not a mountain bike) would be comfortable to ride. The plus of getting one from a shop is that it'll be tuned and everything will be in working order.
Test ride a number of them first to figure out what's comfortable.
posted by Danf at 1:18 PM on July 20, 2009
Best answer: It sounds like you've been putting off maintaining your bike for a while. But the problems you describe are repairable. If you take it to a decent shop, they should be able to order a replacement wotsit, install a new chain, adjust your stretched derailleur cable and solve your mechanical problems.
If you want to buy a new bike, buy one. But if you've persuaded yourself that your current bike is beyond repair, well, that doesn't sound accurate.
posted by box at 1:19 PM on July 20, 2009
If you want to buy a new bike, buy one. But if you've persuaded yourself that your current bike is beyond repair, well, that doesn't sound accurate.
posted by box at 1:19 PM on July 20, 2009
nthing that the problems you described are totally fixable. Scrapping a bike because of a bad cable is like scrapping a car because it needs a muffler.
posted by jon1270 at 1:34 PM on July 20, 2009
posted by jon1270 at 1:34 PM on July 20, 2009
Agreed that you should try the fixing before ditching the bike completely. But, you might also consider bringing yours in for a trade-in. If your commute is flat, try some single speed road bikes (with a free wheel). You'll lose some extra weight and there's a wide price range and you can surely find something in your budget.
Find a good bike shop, that fixes and sells used bikes.
posted by jddizzle at 1:49 PM on July 20, 2009
Find a good bike shop, that fixes and sells used bikes.
posted by jddizzle at 1:49 PM on July 20, 2009
The cost of shipping your bike as luggage on a transatlantic flight will likely be over US$100.
In the States a good new commuter/casual bike can be had for around US$300-500. You can spend less by buying used, of course, and in Sept-Oct shops may still have a good supply of new bikes on close-out sale to make room for the next year's models.
posted by TDIpod at 1:50 PM on July 20, 2009
In the States a good new commuter/casual bike can be had for around US$300-500. You can spend less by buying used, of course, and in Sept-Oct shops may still have a good supply of new bikes on close-out sale to make room for the next year's models.
posted by TDIpod at 1:50 PM on July 20, 2009
Response by poster: Thanks, everyone that suggested fixing it. (Also for reminding me that it's called a derailleur cable; I knew I used to know what that was called!) It was probably a little hasty to abandon hope of fixing it, something to do with the feelings of "god damn it, screw this bike" that come from narrowly avoiding going head over handlebars, no doubt.
posted by nostrich at 1:51 PM on July 20, 2009
posted by nostrich at 1:51 PM on July 20, 2009
Best answer: Assuming you do, in fact, want to get a new bike, even if yours is fixable, there are a few things to be aware of.
First, the design of your bike is actually pretty important, particularly in terms of its gearing, but for other reasons as well. A road bike is going to be quite fast and very light, but not the most rugged thing on the road, and they don't handle quite as well on rough or wet surfaces. Mountain bikes are geared incredibly low. As in my commuter bike in the lowest third of its range was faster than my ex-girlfriend's mountain bike in top gear. But you can beat the shit out of 'em, they stop easily, and handle well in the wet. Commuter bikes are sort of a hybrid, combining both low and high gear ratios and striking a balance between ruggedness and weight/speed.
Second, bikes are actually kind of pricey if you don't want to buy crap. A decently equipped bike will cost you north of USD$500. GBP120 (USD$200?) isn't going to get you very much. Now granted, you may not want a whole lot, but a three-speed cruiser is probably more casual than what you're looking for, and that's all you're likely to be able to find new at that price. High end bikes run from USD$1000 to as much as you care to spend. My roommate last summer had dropped well over $6000 on his racing bike.
Third, there's a trade-off between comfort and weight/speed. The heavier your bike is, the more it will absorb shocks from the riding surface, making your ride more comfortable. Then again, the heavier your bike, the harder it is to move. There's kind of an odd scale here. Aluminum, which is what most bikes these days are made from, is in the middle in terms of weight but the cheapest material currently being used. Steel is more expensive than aluminum, but the heaviest material out there. The lightest material, carbon composites, start north of $1000 for just the frame and can run as high as $10k if you've got the flash, but they're ridiculously light. As in an entire frame might only be a couple of pounds. You're probably going to wind up with an aluminum frame, as steel is hard to find and carbon is going to be overkill for you.
Finally, shipping bikes overseas is doable--how do you think the Tour guys do it?--but it may not be worth it for what you're talking about spending. You're going to need to get a bike case, and even the soft-shell ones are well over USD$100; some are as high as USD$400. You're probably better off just waiting to get one on this side of the pond. You'll also pay way less in taxes, which is no small consideration. The most expensive sales tax rate in the nation is at least 5% cheaper than VAT in the UK.
All of that being said, I think your best bet is to drop a few quid to get this one fixed, then, if you're still interested, buy a new or used bike in the states. Seems cheapest and least complicated.
posted by valkyryn at 1:55 PM on July 20, 2009
First, the design of your bike is actually pretty important, particularly in terms of its gearing, but for other reasons as well. A road bike is going to be quite fast and very light, but not the most rugged thing on the road, and they don't handle quite as well on rough or wet surfaces. Mountain bikes are geared incredibly low. As in my commuter bike in the lowest third of its range was faster than my ex-girlfriend's mountain bike in top gear. But you can beat the shit out of 'em, they stop easily, and handle well in the wet. Commuter bikes are sort of a hybrid, combining both low and high gear ratios and striking a balance between ruggedness and weight/speed.
Second, bikes are actually kind of pricey if you don't want to buy crap. A decently equipped bike will cost you north of USD$500. GBP120 (USD$200?) isn't going to get you very much. Now granted, you may not want a whole lot, but a three-speed cruiser is probably more casual than what you're looking for, and that's all you're likely to be able to find new at that price. High end bikes run from USD$1000 to as much as you care to spend. My roommate last summer had dropped well over $6000 on his racing bike.
Third, there's a trade-off between comfort and weight/speed. The heavier your bike is, the more it will absorb shocks from the riding surface, making your ride more comfortable. Then again, the heavier your bike, the harder it is to move. There's kind of an odd scale here. Aluminum, which is what most bikes these days are made from, is in the middle in terms of weight but the cheapest material currently being used. Steel is more expensive than aluminum, but the heaviest material out there. The lightest material, carbon composites, start north of $1000 for just the frame and can run as high as $10k if you've got the flash, but they're ridiculously light. As in an entire frame might only be a couple of pounds. You're probably going to wind up with an aluminum frame, as steel is hard to find and carbon is going to be overkill for you.
Finally, shipping bikes overseas is doable--how do you think the Tour guys do it?--but it may not be worth it for what you're talking about spending. You're going to need to get a bike case, and even the soft-shell ones are well over USD$100; some are as high as USD$400. You're probably better off just waiting to get one on this side of the pond. You'll also pay way less in taxes, which is no small consideration. The most expensive sales tax rate in the nation is at least 5% cheaper than VAT in the UK.
All of that being said, I think your best bet is to drop a few quid to get this one fixed, then, if you're still interested, buy a new or used bike in the states. Seems cheapest and least complicated.
posted by valkyryn at 1:55 PM on July 20, 2009
If you do decide to buy a new bike, since your commute is pretty flat, and you probably don't want to deal with complicated maintenance, you might consider getting a single-speed. There are fewer parts to maintain (or to break when you don't maintain them), they're theoretically cheaper, and not having all the extra equipment makes for a lighter bike. Yes, you have to pedal harder to go uphill, but if the gearing is right then most hills aren't a problem. Plus, riding is just a little more fun when you don't have to think about changing gears. I just bought a single-speed for my barely-uphill daily commute and generally getting around in a pretty flat city (Boston) and I'm really happy with it.
Given the problems you describe, though, and your price constraint, I'd have to agree that fixing your current bicycle might be the best option, at least until you get to the US.
posted by dreadpiratesully at 2:10 PM on July 20, 2009
Given the problems you describe, though, and your price constraint, I'd have to agree that fixing your current bicycle might be the best option, at least until you get to the US.
posted by dreadpiratesully at 2:10 PM on July 20, 2009
dersins writes "**Link presented for entertainment purposes only. For the love of god, do not actually get one of Urban Outfitters' new fixies."
Those bikes aren't made by Urban Outshitters, they're actually made by Republic Bikes and their bike builder app is pretty sweet (and I've heard of no problems with the bikes themselves, either). I was tempted by Republic's bikes as a second/guest bicycle, but disappointed that they're in business with right-winger Richard Hayne. Ew.
posted by mullingitover at 2:16 PM on July 20, 2009
Those bikes aren't made by Urban Outshitters, they're actually made by Republic Bikes and their bike builder app is pretty sweet (and I've heard of no problems with the bikes themselves, either). I was tempted by Republic's bikes as a second/guest bicycle, but disappointed that they're in business with right-winger Richard Hayne. Ew.
posted by mullingitover at 2:16 PM on July 20, 2009
The folks who own UO are right-wingers themselves, too (and UO rips off smaller artists, sells racist t-shirts, yada yada). But that's probably a derail.
posted by box at 2:26 PM on July 20, 2009
posted by box at 2:26 PM on July 20, 2009
Best answer: Here is how to fix your current problem:
The watsit is called a shifter, and the problem is most likely not in the watsit or the chain, it is in another thing called a derailleur, where it meets the cable from the shifter. Shift so your bike is in the smallest cog on the back wheel, then loosen the small bolt that holds the cable on the derailleur. Then, pull the cable tight, and re-tighten the bolt (don't over tighten, or it will strip). The chain was most likely skipping because the derailleur was out of alignment, and this should put the derailleur back into a better alignment.
Park tools has a good guide to doing this adjustment, and any other rear shifting adjustments you may need to do.
posted by idiopath at 5:26 PM on July 20, 2009 [1 favorite]
The watsit is called a shifter, and the problem is most likely not in the watsit or the chain, it is in another thing called a derailleur, where it meets the cable from the shifter. Shift so your bike is in the smallest cog on the back wheel, then loosen the small bolt that holds the cable on the derailleur. Then, pull the cable tight, and re-tighten the bolt (don't over tighten, or it will strip). The chain was most likely skipping because the derailleur was out of alignment, and this should put the derailleur back into a better alignment.
Park tools has a good guide to doing this adjustment, and any other rear shifting adjustments you may need to do.
posted by idiopath at 5:26 PM on July 20, 2009 [1 favorite]
Third, there's a trade-off between comfort and weight/speed. The heavier your bike is, the more it will absorb shocks from the riding surface, making your ride more comfortable.
I disagree with this part. Force equals mass times acceleration. Imagining a pothole, your acceleration will be gravity, a constant. The unwanted force is equal to the mass times force. Heavier is worse, not better.
Lighter bikes tend to higher quality and therefore stiffer in the frame, but really ride quality comes from compliant tires, not the frame flexing.
posted by exogenous at 5:57 PM on July 20, 2009
I disagree with this part. Force equals mass times acceleration. Imagining a pothole, your acceleration will be gravity, a constant. The unwanted force is equal to the mass times force. Heavier is worse, not better.
Lighter bikes tend to higher quality and therefore stiffer in the frame, but really ride quality comes from compliant tires, not the frame flexing.
posted by exogenous at 5:57 PM on July 20, 2009
The unwanted force is equal to the mass times force.
Sorry, should be unwanted force = mass times acceleration (i.e., gravity).
posted by exogenous at 6:02 PM on July 20, 2009
Sorry, should be unwanted force = mass times acceleration (i.e., gravity).
posted by exogenous at 6:02 PM on July 20, 2009
Thanks for the derail, btw. I'm very interested to learn that about UO. Disappointed too.
And for the original poster, you might want to check out bikeforums for more in depth info that you can imagine :)
posted by jdfan at 6:11 PM on July 20, 2009
And for the original poster, you might want to check out bikeforums for more in depth info that you can imagine :)
posted by jdfan at 6:11 PM on July 20, 2009
Since you mentioned fiancé I'm guessing you are moving to the US on a K1 visa? I did this about 3 months ago and shipped my good/expensive bike without any problems (by sea). It was the item I was most worried about it and it came through fine (in fact the only thing damaged was a beer glass that got broken where I had stacked two together). I used Abels for my move and wouldn't hesitate to recommend them.
posted by tallus at 10:34 PM on July 20, 2009
posted by tallus at 10:34 PM on July 20, 2009
This thread is closed to new comments.
Otherwise, you should probably look for a triple chainring up front and maybe nine cogs in the back. I'd go hybrid---mountain bike in some areas, road-like bike in some areas. Trek makes some nice ones, as do a range of other brands. Probably going to cost you 200 pounds or better. You could always look used, just make sure the bike fits you properly.
Getting your old bike tuned up will be your cheapest option. For the sound of it, there's nothing wrong with it but some wear items.
posted by luckypozzo at 1:17 PM on July 20, 2009