Cycling to college, advice for gear.

Crow92

Hey guys, I have a raleigh Pioneer 6 speed
I'm thinking of kitting out to do a 28km daily commute to UCD from Coolock.

I'd like some advice on the following.

A comfortable, possibly springed seat that won't bruise the bottom :rolleyes:

between 30-50 euro

A Pannier rack for the rear to hold a top pannier bag,(but possibly side one's too)
(one on the bike is rusted)
Between 25-40 euro

A good sized top pannier bag which has the capacity to hold at least an a4 sized book.

between 40-70 euro





And finally and most importantly a wheelset? from what I've read It's probably best to get touring wheels? I'd need 700c wheels, but unsure what width to go with? or tyres?

Would it be cheaper to get a lbs to build wheels from my Mailard hubs as I'd still like to keep the cassette. Or would it be cheaper to buy a new set?

General emphasis on strenght and durability for the wheel.

*Edit* Decided to keep the front wheel whilst building a back wheel to take the load

Buying online is ok and so are prices from any bike shop around dublin

Any advice would be much appreciated as I have little knowledge of the matter

BostonB

Might make more sense to buy a new bike.

mikemac

When you add up the cost of spare parts it's often better to buy a new bike.

You are doing some decent commuting, best to get the best bike you can buy.

BostonB

I do a similar distance but not daily. Doing it daily your going to have wet days, and If I was starting out again, I'd want an aluminium bike, with disk brakes, rather than my old steel MTB (now rusting from the rain) with cantilevers. Something like this...

Felt QX75 2010 Model €570
http://www.wheelworxbikes.com/product_info.php?cPath=1_16&products_id=2047

The other thing I'd consider would be a road bike, if you were thinking of going longer distances, in the future. If you not, then I wouldn't.

Giant Defy 4 2010 Model €600
http://www.wheelworxbikes.com/product_info.php?cPath=1_17&products_id=1767

If you want something more similar to what you have then this

Giant CRS 4 City Model 2010 €400 (v.comfy bike)
http://www.wheelworxbikes.com/product_info.php?cPath=1_16&products_id=1781