Newbie needs bike choice advice, please...

Fr Jack said:

I would like a big comfy saddle (apart from stuff mentioned above, I
also have a fairly bony backside) pulled back bars, dynamo lights,
full mudguards, luggage rack and at least 5 gears to cope with hills
(must be hub gears - too many problems with derailleurs). The frame
can be open loop/ladies - I'm not worried about old-fashioned
attitudes. A stand would be nice, too...

The Dutch style bikes look ideal, but decent ones are a hell of a
price and I'm not flush with cash...

Any suggestions?

How much do you want to spend ?

My mate had similar requirements and bought a Pashley Paramout, superb upright
riding position and lovely build quality. He's now got the cycling bug, says
it's the best thing he ever bought 🙂

http://www.pashley.co.uk/products/paramount.html

Neil

rothers said:

How much do you want to spend ?

My mate had similar requirements and bought a Pashley Paramout, superb upright
riding position and lovely build quality. He's now got the cycling bug, says
it's the best thing he ever bought 🙂

http://www.pashley.co.uk/products/paramount.html

Very nice, but a bit pricey for me, really. I'd like to keep it below
£300, if possible.

One of these would be nice, but far too pricey:

http://www.amsterdammers.co.uk/batavus/pdf/specBatavusFlyingDutchman.pdf

I looked on their 2nd hand pages - stuff flies out... and they're in
Brighton... phooey!

These appealed to me, but they're all sold:

http://www.amsterdammers.co.uk/bikes/BatavusTraversa_x/BatavusTraversagallery.htm
http://www.amsterdammers.co.uk/bikes/gaz_paz/GazellePazisgallery.htm
http://www.amsterdammers.co.uk/bikes/Giantfreerider/GiantFreeridergallery.htm
http://www.amsterdammers.co.uk/bikes/bat_torH/BatavusTorino-Hgallery.htm
http://www.amsterdammers.co.uk/bikes/gaz_touch/GazelleTouchegallery.htm
--

Fr. Jack

The ex(un)civil servant

Fr Jack said:

Hi,

After 15 years, or so, off bikes, I'm looking to get a new one.

I've had a look around at various sites and have a good idea of my
requirements and would appreciate some advice.

I'm 6'2", 20 stone, built like a brick outhouse, but have a big
stomach. I really want to be sat up while riding, like the Dutch do,
as I invariably get the usual discomfort in the dangly bits, which
spoils the whole cycling experience for me and I have trouble with my
back, neck shoulders and wrists.

The bike will mainly be used for local trundling around (though I may
go for rides up to 10 miles as I get fitter), shopping and other local
errands.

I would like a big comfy saddle (apart from stuff mentioned above, I
also have a fairly bony backside) pulled back bars, dynamo lights,
full mudguards, luggage rack and at least 5 gears to cope with hills
(must be hub gears - too many problems with derailleurs). The frame
can be open loop/ladies - I'm not worried about old-fashioned
attitudes. A stand would be nice, too...

The Dutch style bikes look ideal, but decent ones are a hell of a
price and I'm not flush with cash...

Any suggestions?

If it helps, I'm based in Leigh, Lancs. (Wigan/Bolton/Manchester area)

Thanks in advance.

Some very cheap bikes can be found here
http://stores.ebay.nl/FAHRRADER-MEHR but unfortunately the page is in
German (even though it appears in Ebay.nl) so I'm not entirely sure of
the specs.

Fr Jack said:

The Dutch style bikes look ideal, but decent ones are a hell of a
price and I'm not flush with cash...

A flight to holland can be had for 100 quid on BA, who'll let you
bring a bike back for free. I get the impression from the Dutch that
bikes are basically a free-for-all and are just stolen at will on a
share around system, so pick one up!

Jim.

(Jim Ley) said:

Fr Jack said:

The Dutch style bikes look ideal, but decent ones are a hell of a
price and I'm not flush with cash...

A flight to holland can be had for 100 quid on BA, who'll let you
bring a bike back for free. I get the impression from the Dutch that
bikes are basically a free-for-all and are just stolen at will on a
share around system, so pick one up!

I had considered something like that, but those bloody junkies never
get the order right, so I've heard... ;-)
--

Fr. Jack

The ex(un)civil servant