I'm fed up with bits falling off bikes that are too small for me and I don't like the price of the tube much.
I want to buy/build something that's MINE! Must have a step through frame as I mainly wear skirts, some of which are excessively big but they make me happy.
I live on a boat so it needs to be rugged. I'm more interested in spending my time fixing the boat than the bike. I have a SRAM 5 speed internal hub/coaster brake to build into a wheel. My knowledge of bikes is limited but I'm good with spanners (used to drive old veedubs - I had to learn quick!)
Thoughts are a mixte frame - I'm 6' near as damn it - is 21" big enough? There is something on ebay at the mo that might do if it is. I need mudguards and racks that can carry a laptop, shopping, blah blah. I don't like drop bars - either moustache or risers - but would love input on which handle better. Should I be looking specifically for Reynolds steel or does it not matter so much? I want something that will shift when I'm late but generally ride more sedately.
27"/700c wheels. Since I've got the hub, do I need to shell out big money on a rim or can I get a cheapy/reuse the one I found dumped by the bins? I want dynamo lights and am considering using a dynohub - possibly with drum brake - but will that put me in Pashley weight territory? I want something I can throw on the roof without so much grief.
The cranks/bottom bracket. These seem to be really heavy on many bikes. I guess that that makes them slower. Is lighter stuff really expensive here?
Does anyone have anything lurking they can sell for my new toy?
Finally, I know that 56a Infoshop etc do bike maintenance but the advice I've had there before has been pretty hit and miss; are there bike co-op type places where someone can show me how to lace a couple of spokes, leave me to do the rest and then tell me what I did wrong when I'm finished?
Newbie post.
I'm fed up with bits falling off bikes that are too small for me and I don't like the price of the tube much.
I want to buy/build something that's MINE! Must have a step through frame as I mainly wear skirts, some of which are excessively big but they make me happy.
I live on a boat so it needs to be rugged. I'm more interested in spending my time fixing the boat than the bike. I have a SRAM 5 speed internal hub/coaster brake to build into a wheel. My knowledge of bikes is limited but I'm good with spanners (used to drive old veedubs - I had to learn quick!)
Thoughts are a mixte frame - I'm 6' near as damn it - is 21" big enough? There is something on ebay at the mo that might do if it is. I need mudguards and racks that can carry a laptop, shopping, blah blah. I don't like drop bars - either moustache or risers - but would love input on which handle better. Should I be looking specifically for Reynolds steel or does it not matter so much? I want something that will shift when I'm late but generally ride more sedately.
27"/700c wheels. Since I've got the hub, do I need to shell out big money on a rim or can I get a cheapy/reuse the one I found dumped by the bins? I want dynamo lights and am considering using a dynohub - possibly with drum brake - but will that put me in Pashley weight territory? I want something I can throw on the roof without so much grief.
The cranks/bottom bracket. These seem to be really heavy on many bikes. I guess that that makes them slower. Is lighter stuff really expensive here?
Does anyone have anything lurking they can sell for my new toy?
Finally, I know that 56a Infoshop etc do bike maintenance but the advice I've had there before has been pretty hit and miss; are there bike co-op type places where someone can show me how to lace a couple of spokes, leave me to do the rest and then tell me what I did wrong when I'm finished?
Thanks C