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@BoomCha
Hello, hello
I have just spent about 2 days straight researching this world wide web on what bike to get myself, and it has left me a lot wiser but also quite confused. I am therefore humbly turning to the wiser, more experienced people on this forum for help and advice.
I am a well accustomed cyclist, growing up in Stockholm where I spent most of my 18 years cycling any- and everywhere on a heavy, singlespeed vintage/dutch style ladies bike with coaster breaks. This worked fine for the 20-30 minute distances you need to travel in a small city like that. Now, however, living in London, I find myself with a 10 mile commute to work, and the £80 second hand Raleigh hybrid with 6 gears I got on Gum Tree is completely wearing me out. I've realised I need something lighter and quicker which doesn't put me in an upright position.
So, this is what I want:
-Away with the annoying gears, singlespeed or one with a flip flop hub, because I may want to try fixed gear, it seems like fun times.
-<£500 - the cheaper the better - but at the same time I need something that will endure 2-3 hours cycling everyday, since it is my main way of transport. Basically as much quality for the money as possible.
-Fast, comfortable, mudguard equipped or possibility to fit them on.
-I'm only 5'1 so has to come in 51 cm frame or smaller.
I have looked at the OTP list on this forum and it was helpful to some extent, but there seem to be a lot of quality bikes out there that are unmentioned on that list.
These are some of the bikes I've been looking at:
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=48560 (nice, retro look, comes with brooks saddle)
http://www.allterraincycles.co.uk/product/124901.html (cheap and in my eyes, oh so pretty. but how can I be sure of the quality? what will I gain by spending a couple of hundred pounds more?)
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/charge/sink-2011-single-speed-road-bike-ec026474 (nice looks and a popular brand. but does the price actually mean higher quality or just status and image?)
I would very much appreciate any advice on choosing one of these bikes or tips on other bikes you think are suitable!