Create bikes...?

H0ax! · 17 Mar 2011 at 21:16

Looking to swap my car with a bike for work, 3 mile journey. Plus traffic on the way back is pretty heavy for such a short journey and can sometimes take 20-25 minutes.

I like the look of these bikes...

But no one on google seems to have a good word to say about them.

Now, i'm happy to spend more (budget is around £500) but i can't seem to find a similar looking bike. I've come across a focale 44 relax and love the matt effect, but i don't like the gold hubs.

This version of it looks a lot better but alas its custom and i imagine over my budget...

Any suggestions guys?!

Russinating · 17 Mar 2011 at 21:22

Why do you like the look of it? Because it's white/plain or?

H0ax! · 17 Mar 2011 at 21:27

Russinating said:
Why do you like the look of it? Because it's white/plain or?

Pretty much. Not really into colours = D

Russinating · 17 Mar 2011 at 21:38

I'm obviously biased, but take a look at Boardman's range: http://www.boardmanbikes.com/road/index.html

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_502571_langId_-1_categoryId_165534
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_777843_langId_-1_categoryId_165534

SDK^ · 17 Mar 2011 at 21:47

Do you want a single speed bike?

H0ax! · 17 Mar 2011 at 21:55

I quite like the second bike you've linked as i prefer the flat handle bar.

And...

Yes to single speed but can be persuaded! Also. This will be the first time i've ridden one. I like the idea of them being low maintenance but have been wondering just how step the hill has to be before it becomes a problem compared to geared?

SDK^ · 17 Mar 2011 at 22:10

Not a flat bar but I like this - Specialized Langster 2011 Single Speed Road Bike : £499.
Other designs also available.

You need to be pretty fit to ride single speed bikes.
The above is setup as a 16 rear and 42 front chain ring : 50 rpm (slow pedaling) is 10mph.

Microwave · 17 Mar 2011 at 22:15

I nearly bought a Create bike as they seemed like a decent, good looking bike for a very reasonable price.

However, after reading a few reviews I found out that some of the earlier models made had some manufacturing problems, I think they were sorted in newer ones though, so should be fine.

H0ax! · 17 Mar 2011 at 22:18

Thanks for suggestions. Keep them coming!

Don't really like the look of the Langster, not sure on those rims. I understand its better to have a bike which rides well despite it looks... But for this kind of money it has to be something i like. Picky i know.

SDK^ said:
You need to be pretty fit to ride single speed bikes.

Partly why i want to. Just quit the gym because i simply don't have the time anymore.

weescott · 17 Mar 2011 at 22:30

Can you do the cycle 2 work scheme? If so then you can start looking at more expensive bikes with a big discount to get them within budget.

It's maybe out of your budget at £650 but thought it might be the sort of thing you would consider.

Cotic Roadrat:

H0ax! · 17 Mar 2011 at 22:49

Not sure about the scheme. I will ask tomorrow! Is it much hassle for the employer?

weescott · 17 Mar 2011 at 23:07

It's only a small amount of admin work in return for a healthier, happier employee.

Russinating · 17 Mar 2011 at 23:50

Whether a single speed works for you depends completely on your route. On my old bike (or should I say, when I was unfitter) I used every single gear, so from 1-1 to 3-8. I couldn't imagine doing my route on a fixie.

And are you only going to use it for commuting, or actual recreational cycling as well? Because 6 miles a day isn't going to justify cancelling your gym membership.

H0ax! · 18 Mar 2011 at 08:13

Russinating said:
And are you only going to use it for commuting, or actual recreational cycling as well? Because 6 miles a day isn't going to justify cancelling your gym membership.

You've got a point there. Both. I previously had a mountain bike but its in bad shape and is such a struggle lol. I will be using it at weekend for longer journeys!

Here's the hill going to work. Its a bit sleeper then it looks imo;

kerrgreg · 18 Mar 2011 at 10:55

I think you will find it very hard on a Single and more to the point i ride 10 miles each way to work on a roady with gears but more importantly brakes! Ive not ridden a fixy but i cant imagine its as good at stopping as brakes are and Ive had to use mine allot! when your riding with traffic and with what appears to be no cycle path/lane brakes for me are a requirement for that reason alone I couldn't recommend one.

Russinating · 18 Mar 2011 at 11:09

And remember, it's not just hard going up hills, but you can't blast down hills at 40mph either

.

fez · 18 Mar 2011 at 11:40

I have a fixie and they are great fun. Unless you have some beastly hills you shouldnt have any issues. I did a 50 odd mile ride to the coast on it with a 15 x 44 setup which was painful but without many hills it wasnt an issue.

All of the bikes above will allow you to use your legs to brake or the rim brakes so there is little to worry about there. If its for a route with lots of hills and its a really long way, I would look at something else, otherwise fixies are nice and low maintenance and fun to ride.

apeZ · 18 Mar 2011 at 12:14

I just spotted this fixie in the classifieds section of a forum:

http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=12764519&sid=0239e5ce062a70bc6ad830dc998314af

2010 Specialized Langster, 54cm - £250.

Jonny69 · 18 Mar 2011 at 12:22

Charge have got a few single speed and fixie bikes out at the moment. They all have the geometry and bars you're looking at.

Jonny ///M · 18 Mar 2011 at 13:33

I'd take a look at the Felt Brougham as it's pretty understated and seems to be what you're looking for.

Create bikes...?

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