Cheap Bike for a Commute?

[clarky44]

Just getting my act together after moving house.

I would like to cycle to the station about two or three times a week to catch a train to the office. I had thought about a folding bike but the cost at the moment rules this out (apparently an entire new kitchen is a priority - can't see why!).

Therefore had thought about buying a cheap bike so that I could leave it in the cycle racks at Leicester station. Making it relatively unattractive to steal is the theory - also its unlikely to have quick release wheels etc making it easier to secure.

The trip into Leicester is mainly flat and on cycle lanes and quite side streets so I'm thinking a cheap clunker could do the job.

Any thoughts?

Steve

[Vernon Levy]

> Therefore had thought about buying a cheap bike so that I could leave it in the cycle racks at
> Leicester station. Making it relatively unattractive to steal is the theory - also its unlikely to
> have quick release wheels etc making it easier to secure.

Have a hunt around the student area of Leicester and check the small ads in the newsagents
windows for bargain bikes. The small ads in the local free paper may also yield results. This
year I acquired

A 12 speed Raleigh Equipe for free A Raleigh 12 speeder for £20 A mint Ridgeback 21 speed
hybrid for £75

The first two are ideal for your purpose....have a hunt around and don't bother buying new.

Vernon in Leeds

[Richard Goodman]

"clarky44" <steve@jockmctavish.bervale.fsnet.co.uk> wrote in message
news:3f92d67c$1_4@news.chariot.net.au...

> I would like to cycle to the station about two or three times a week to catch a train to the
> office. I had thought about a folding bike but the cost at the moment rules this out (apparently
> an entire new kitchen is a priority - can't see why!).
>

How entirely unreasonable - who would want to spend money on a kitchen when there's a clear case for
spending it on a bike?

> Therefore had thought about buying a cheap bike so that I could leave it in the cycle racks at
> Leicester station. Making it relatively unattractive to steal is the theory - also its unlikely to
> have quick release wheels etc making it easier to secure.
>
> The trip into Leicester is mainly flat and on cycle lanes and quite side streets so I'm thinking a
> cheap clunker could do the job.
>
> Any thoughts?
>

I'm sure it could do the job but being a clunker is probably no guarantee against theft,
particularly if you 'secure' it with a similarly cheap lock. It just means you don't lose much
if it goes.

Rich

[clarky44]

I am sure The An Originally posted by Richard Goodman
"clarky44" <steve@jockmctavish.bervale.fsnet.co.uk> wrote in message
news:3f92d67c$1_4@news.chariot.net.au...

> I would like to cycle to the station about two or three times a week to catch a train to the
> office. I had thought about a folding bike but the cost at the moment rules this out (apparently
> an entire new kitchen is a priority - can't see why!).
>

How entirely unreasonable - who would want to spend money on a kitchen when there's a clear case for
spending it on a bike?

> Therefore had thought about buying a cheap bike so that I could leave it in the cycle racks at
> Leicester station. Making it relatively unattractive to steal is the theory - also its unlikely to
> have quick release wheels etc making it easier to secure.
>
> The trip into Leicester is mainly flat and on cycle lanes and quite side streets so I'm thinking a
> cheap clunker could do the job.
>
> Any thoughts?
>

I'm sure it could do the job but being a clunker is probably no guarantee against theft,
particularly if you 'secure' it with a similarly cheap lock. It just means you don't lose much
if it goes.

Rich

I am sure that there is no guaranteed way to prevent your bike being nicked at the station. It's just that I don't fancy taking my Kona MTB and leaving it all-day. I'll probably buy an old clunker and change the tyres etc and invest in a good lock.

Thanks

Steve