Commuting to college

rgt320q

Sorry for what must be yet another bike recommendation thread, but with my old bike having become dangerously unreliable, I've decided to get new one. I'm not looking to spend much more than €300. I'll be cycling on roads and paths mostly, but I'll need something that can handle the odd trip across a green and take curbs at a reasonable speed etc. I've heard good things about the Giant CRS 4.0, but I'm not too well up on brands and models, so any and all recommendations appreciated.

Don't mind buying new, but where's a good place for second hand bikes in Dublin? Where's the best place to get Kryptonite locks from?

kenmc

rgt320q wrote: »

I'll be cycling on roads and paths mostly,

Hmmm... that's illegal, in case you weren't aware of it.

but I'll need something that can handle the odd trip across a green and take curbs at a reasonable speed etc.

Up or down? You'll wreck any wheel going up a high kerb at anything above a walking pace. If you can bunnyhop then you can get any wheel up or down a reasonable height. If you're going to be crashing up kerbs then you'll be wondering why you've got buckles a week after getting your bike.

Thomas_S_Hunterson

Stay off the paths. As kenmc said, it's illegal to cycle on the path unless there's a cycle lane marked. I got my Kryptonite evolution mini off wiggle for about fifty quid with free delivery

rgt320q

Ah yeah, I just meant the cycle lanes on paths. I was referring to coming off a curb - don't want the bike to fall apart from coming off a short curb like, obviously I'd only go up one at a walking pace :P I was just making the point with those bits that I wouldn't be cycling purely on roads. Sorry for the confusion. Cheers for the replies anyway.

So any recommendations on a suitable bike?

tibor

Sean_K wrote: »

I got my Kryptonite evolution mini off wiggle for about fifty quid with free delivery

Got one for 40eurobucks in cycle-logical on the Quays last week.

irishmotorist

Now, just in case you're underestimating your current bike, what is 'dangerously reliable' about it? It might be something that's easily replaceable / reparable if you have the knowhow! It could save you €300 for drink too!

Thomas_S_Hunterson

tibor wrote: »

Got one for 40eurobucks in cycle-logical on the Quays last week.

rgt320q

irishmotorist wrote: »

Now, just in case you're underestimating your current bike, what is 'dangerously reliable' about it? It might be something that's easily replaceable / reparable if you have the knowhow! It could save you €300 for drink too!

Well I've had it for three years now and in the last few months it's just been a barrage of problems, the brake and gear systems been common sources of these. But like I said, it's been three years and it was only a €140 job to begin with, so rather than replace a few parts, thought I may aswell just shell out a few extra bob for a new one.

DirkVoodoo

Might be worth your while googling/youtubing for some basic bike maintenance videos after you get the new one. Any bike, no matter what it cost, will perform like a piece of junk if not taken care of. A lot of people seem intimidated by tweaking their bike, but with the right theory and a bit of careful application, you will have a skill that will make your bike riding much more enjoyable in the long run.

rgt320q

I have some basic bike maintenance knowledge, but I'll definitely do that

Still need to find a bike to apply that knowledge to though

irishmotorist

I'm only suggesting the maintenance because funds might be tight for a college goer. The brakes are very straightforward to look at - it's a lever, a cable, the brake mechanism and the blocks. Usually tightening the cable at the brake mechanism and replacing the blocks will fix everything there. Blocks will cost you < €10. The gears might be slightly more complicated. It could be as easy as just adjusting the cable to the right length again (it stretches somewhat, particularly when it's new). It could be wear and tear on the chain or gears themselves though, which is a slightly bigger job.

With the amount of money you're looking to spend, your best bet to purchase might be a reputable branded second hand bike from a bike shop, rather than a new no-name from the likes of Halfords. It sounds like you're planning on giving it a bit of wear and tear so a mountain bike might suit you better. Do remember that no bike, no matter how big the tyres, will like being hockied off kerbs.

bonjoyle

The bike shop in UCD sell off their summer rentals around this time of year. Brought one last year , Trek T30(€250), and have had no problems with it.

blorg

To be honest if you are posting about "taking curbs at a reasonable speed" the reliability problem might be the rider more than the bike!

rgt320q

Sorry, it was a bit of an exaggeration on my part, I promise not to be taking curbs with the ferocity of a trails rider :P

irishmotorist wrote: »

With the amount of money you're looking to spend, your best bet to purchase might be a reputable branded second hand bike from a bike shop, rather than a new no-name from the likes of Halfords. It sounds like you're planning on giving it a bit of wear and tear so a mountain bike might suit you better. Do remember that no bike, no matter how big the tyres, will like being hockied off kerbs.

I'm not too up on bike brands, are there any in particular you would recommend? Ones to watch out for? Any shops in Dublin you could recommend for good deals on second hand bikes?

Cheers for the replies!

Surrender

Giant, Kelly's, Trek, Schwinn, Specialised, Kona are all solid brands.

I'd recommend investing in a good 2nd hand bike, bike theft is as common as buckfast bottles in College.

I have a CRS 3 and I live in Galway. It's great for whizzing about (no kerbing though, road only) but I wouldn't take it near the Uni where I'm based.

Howitzer

Giant Boulder 09 looks good value and nice paint job.
Good components.
Check the shocks have 'lock out' so you can turn them off if needs be.
http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=20917

If you don't like the shocks the crs 4 looks good. Ask for a discount on the 08 version if the 09 version is around the corner.

How you ride it is up to you. ;-)

rgt320q

Thanks very much for all the replies

Howitzer

let us know what you get in the end and how you find it!