More bicycle-related rambling
I'm sure my quest for the right bicycle isn't terribly interesting for you all, but it's giving me a much needed and productive distraction in-between dissertation sessions.
So, the rest of this post is my being rambly about bikes. If you're bored of the subject, then stop here. ( :
As much as I adore the look and company stance of Pashley, I think I'm probably not going to get one. Two reasons:
1. Probably waaaay too heavy
2. Certainly slightly more spendy than I should be at this point in my life
So, what now? Well, I found out that what I like about the functionality of Pashley bikes comes in other brands. Two brand/model examples I've found are the Dawes Haarlem and the Claud Butler Knightsbridge.
Features that both have that are important to me:
- Full mudguards (no more floppy plastic bits)
- Chainguards (be gone, muddy gumminess)
- Low step through (I kind of tend to panic when I can't get my leg over fast enough... ahem :: looks slightly embarrassed ::)
- 3 speed Sturmey Archer gear system (Kate and other sources have told me these are really reliable and I'm tired of having lots of gears I don't use that can get off and screw up the few I do use)
- It looks like both have some kind of shock absorbing thingy under the seat (yes, I'm lacking in technical bike terms)
- Lighter frames (one alloy and one aluminum)
- Carrier (I know I can easily add this, but it's nice to have it as part of the package)
I suppose I should do a little research into different braking systems and how different wheel sizes (these are both 700c... whatever that means) can change riding. And, of course, per advice, I will test ride a few models before I buy anything.
Oh, and as a side-point. A lot of what I like on these bikes are in imitation of Dutch-style bikes. I've been nosing at actual Dutch-built bikes, but I'm not sure if there'll be a shop that carries them near me.
So, the rest of this post is my being rambly about bikes. If you're bored of the subject, then stop here. ( :
As much as I adore the look and company stance of Pashley, I think I'm probably not going to get one. Two reasons:
1. Probably waaaay too heavy
2. Certainly slightly more spendy than I should be at this point in my life
So, what now? Well, I found out that what I like about the functionality of Pashley bikes comes in other brands. Two brand/model examples I've found are the Dawes Haarlem and the Claud Butler Knightsbridge.
Features that both have that are important to me:
- Full mudguards (no more floppy plastic bits)
- Chainguards (be gone, muddy gumminess)
- Low step through (I kind of tend to panic when I can't get my leg over fast enough... ahem :: looks slightly embarrassed ::)
- 3 speed Sturmey Archer gear system (Kate and other sources have told me these are really reliable and I'm tired of having lots of gears I don't use that can get off and screw up the few I do use)
- It looks like both have some kind of shock absorbing thingy under the seat (yes, I'm lacking in technical bike terms)
- Lighter frames (one alloy and one aluminum)
- Carrier (I know I can easily add this, but it's nice to have it as part of the package)
I suppose I should do a little research into different braking systems and how different wheel sizes (these are both 700c... whatever that means) can change riding. And, of course, per advice, I will test ride a few models before I buy anything.
Oh, and as a side-point. A lot of what I like on these bikes are in imitation of Dutch-style bikes. I've been nosing at actual Dutch-built bikes, but I'm not sure if there'll be a shop that carries them near me.