Andy Hewitt
Thanks to all that advised on the upgrading of my old
Townsend mountain bike.
I finally decided that upgrading it wasn't really an option
anymore. The cost to do it was really not worth it, besides
not really wanting to bend the frame to fit new gears. I
think I'll just tart it up a little and strip it down to a
bare off roader again, and just use it for those 'have a bit
of fun' days.
Obviously with cost being a big issue for me, I had to work
to a budget, and after a couple of visits to the little bike
shops I quickly realised I couldn't afford most of what they
had there.
So, a trip back to Halfords, having been pretty pleased
with the Apollo I got for Emily a few weeks ago, it seemed
worth a look.
Of course my choice get limited at the budget end with
deciding to go for a hybrid. However, Halfords had a couple
fo choices there for me, a Raleigh at £112, and another
Apollo at £129.
I looked at the Raleigh first, but it had shock forks, which
I have reservations about (especially at that price range),
and it also had the lowest level Shimanos on it. It had a
good sized frame, but I didn't find a comfy fit for me,
despite being 6'1". The brake levers were also plastic,
which deflected when operated. obviously a true £112 bike.
So a no no on that then.
I next tried the Apollo, again a hybrid, but this one is
reduced from just under £200. I have to say, for another £15
or so it's so much better. This one comes with better
Shimano changers (Tourer), a Shimano touring gear set, and
Suntour cranks and chains rings. It is also fitted with what
look like a pair of reasonable 700c rims as well.
Most of what this has fitted is about what I would have
bought for the old bike, and at much the same cost. So
really I have to look at this as somewhat of a bargain.
--
Andy Hewitt ** FAF#1, (Ex-OSOS#5) - FJ1200 ABS Honda
Concerto 16v: Windows free zone (Mac G5 Dual Processor)
http://www.thehewitts.plus.com (http://www.thehewitts.plus.com/) - now online
Townsend mountain bike.
I finally decided that upgrading it wasn't really an option
anymore. The cost to do it was really not worth it, besides
not really wanting to bend the frame to fit new gears. I
think I'll just tart it up a little and strip it down to a
bare off roader again, and just use it for those 'have a bit
of fun' days.
Obviously with cost being a big issue for me, I had to work
to a budget, and after a couple of visits to the little bike
shops I quickly realised I couldn't afford most of what they
had there.
So, a trip back to Halfords, having been pretty pleased
with the Apollo I got for Emily a few weeks ago, it seemed
worth a look.
Of course my choice get limited at the budget end with
deciding to go for a hybrid. However, Halfords had a couple
fo choices there for me, a Raleigh at £112, and another
Apollo at £129.
I looked at the Raleigh first, but it had shock forks, which
I have reservations about (especially at that price range),
and it also had the lowest level Shimanos on it. It had a
good sized frame, but I didn't find a comfy fit for me,
despite being 6'1". The brake levers were also plastic,
which deflected when operated. obviously a true £112 bike.
So a no no on that then.
I next tried the Apollo, again a hybrid, but this one is
reduced from just under £200. I have to say, for another £15
or so it's so much better. This one comes with better
Shimano changers (Tourer), a Shimano touring gear set, and
Suntour cranks and chains rings. It is also fitted with what
look like a pair of reasonable 700c rims as well.
Most of what this has fitted is about what I would have
bought for the old bike, and at much the same cost. So
really I have to look at this as somewhat of a bargain.
--
Andy Hewitt ** FAF#1, (Ex-OSOS#5) - FJ1200 ABS Honda
Concerto 16v: Windows free zone (Mac G5 Dual Processor)
http://www.thehewitts.plus.com (http://www.thehewitts.plus.com/) - now online
