Help, advice needed for bike choice after break from cycling

Hi,

I've not visited this forum for a while, having 'fallen off the bike' - long story but moving/covid/moving again and lots else.

I used to commute on my Paddy Wagon and have a mountain bike that was left at a mates place a few years ago (he's using it and I feel a bit mean asking for it back now!).

I've moved to Brighton and want to get back into cycling. Still have the Paddy Wagon (love that bike) but it's hilly around here and living in a flat space is tight - also bike theft is an issue around here.

Must admit I'm thinking of buying a folder - can't really justify buying a Brompton so maybe a Decathlon bike to try out? Don't really want to go electric either.

I've never ridden a folding bike so I'm a bit unsure. It's just going to be for leisure, riding out along the coast at weekends, around the city and taking out to some of the trails on the South Downs.

Any advice or thoughts very welcome, I'm so unsure as to what to do!

Cheers.

Welcome to Brighton 🖐️ based on what you said I recommend a hardtail or fully rigid 29er nothing too flashy with fast rolling tyres and a good lock and a couple of chains or cable lassoos for your wheels. Nearly 1000 reported bike thefts in town last year with less than 70 recovered and zero convictions so looking after your bike is very much on you so yeah welcome to Brighton.

Don’t buy a cheap folder

What about a Moulton?

Thanks. I know bike theft is a big problem, not too surprising given the amount around here! Where I live we have a cycle rack on our grounds, directly outside a flat, and still we've had bikes stolen. I'm on the 3rd floor so don't really want to carry the bike up and down every time, although there is a store room I can possibly keep the bike in. A folder would be ideal in that respect. Hmm. Another thought is making up a 'rat bike' so most theives would hopefully ignore it and go for the newer looking ones instead!

Had a quick look on ebay, a new Brompton is cheaper!

I've not look at or ridden one but the Decathlon bikes seem to get OK reviews? It's not going to be getting daily/heavy use.

I used to have a Paddy wagon aswell as my winter commuter/lock up bike and apart from a few hills it was perfect for town I sold it here mega cheap to help lockdown cash flow but regret selling it now. Ratty looking but mechanically sound SSCX or 1x might be the way to go. £400 would probably get you something perfectly decent.

Had to google those terms! I'm rusty. 1x sounds interesting....

Maybe I should just get out on the Paddy Wagon again to start with (although I'd have to walk it up the hill to my home!).

I bought mine s/h, I think from someone here - modified with mavic wheels and carbon fork/seat post and a couple of other bits. It currently lives in the bedroom, I almost sold it a couple of times but just love it too much even just to look at LOL.

?
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/315202393987
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/305448861836

Something like this? Best of both rides like a Paddy wagon and will get you up that hill
https://www.lfgss.com/conversations/393375/#comment17261968

If you DO want a cheap folder I have an 8 speed carrera intercity disc that might fit the bill that I'll be putting up for sale in Brighton soon

If I were in your place I be looking at something like a pedal Orbea Katu or a Cannondale Hooligan or the like. A small wheeled city/adventure type thing. They take up less space, even less if you turn the bars, can do most things and are overlooked by crooks on the whole, as there’s not much call for parts down the pub
Oh and I like them :D

Thanks for all the suggestions, lots to look at and think about!