I'm looking for a light-weight all-round bike/commuter bike

[PacificDogwod]

Any ideas?

I find the kind of bike I like is kinda hard to find in Britain: light-weight, but sturdy, mainly used for (short) commute and sometimes picking up bits at the local shop, NOT Pahsley or the likes, want it more high-tech than that.

This kind of thing - any ideas??

My current bike is a Marin hybrid and is 20 years old

I don't know about lightweight Pacific because I have steel tourers. .

A lot of bike weight is a sales pitch for the common man though so don't get too hung up on it, this is a bit too simplistic but you will get the gist. Losing weight from your (not your you understand) body will generally put you in a better position.

DH spends ridiculous amounts of ££££ on carbon fibre this, that and the other thing on his bikes, and I keep telling him if he lost a stone the total weight of his stead and his body would be the same for much less outlay...

I am just still traumatised by the Pashley he got me a few years ago - that is so NOT me!

Thanks for your link btw.

I have just forwarded that BMJ article to DH who is at work. On his bike (the 'sensible' one, not the ££££ one)

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I live with an anorak scientist cyclist, and have heard far too much about it over the years. I just do what I want to PD. I do think much of it is true though, I leave both my racks on whether I am touring or not these days and don't think it makes a difference (apart from lifting it on the car), and of course must give me an advantage downhill.

My best tourer cost me nearly £3k - weight had nothing to do with it of course or I would have got a discount.

Oh, gawd, yes, I want a rack and a bell and, ideally, a dynamo light and a stand, so now way would I ever spend carbon fibre kind of money.

I just don't want a tank
I have been known to lift my bike over styles....

So, where should I look for a bike?

Wiggle gives good online chat, but I'd like to sit on a bike to 'try it on' before I buy it.
Evans? Dales??

I'm in Scotland if that makes a difference.

We have done the lifting thing after getting lost touring with a tandem.

I have just had new wheels made with a dynamo hub, although I haven't ridden them yet (have got pneumonia and am stuck inside) I have watched DH ride both our bikes up and down the road to make sure he has wired them up properly, pretty impressive.

I havent got a stand though, none are strong enough for a loaded bike.

Personally I'd prioritize disc brakes over suspension.

www.boardmanbikes.com/hk_en/products/897-hybrid-pro.html

I know someone who rates Edinburgh Bike Coop - I know nothing about them though www.edinburghbicycle.com.

Having said that, my 1992 Marin Muirwoods is still going strong

c1.staticflickr.com/7/6097/6318769617_9352076377_b.jpg

Found this

Looking at bikes is much more fun than hanging up the laundry

DH suggests Marin Fairfax !

seadragon, nice bike! And thanks for the Edinburgh Coop link, fab!

Yes, disc brakes might be good idea. I am not that fussed about 200 gears and if my theoretical new bike lasts me as long as my current one, I'll be quite happy.

I receny bought a Specialised Vita Elite. It's a hybrid and quote lightweight bit not carbon fibre. It's got disc brakes. It's a joy to ride. I've put a pannier rack on and plan to go to work on it (10 miles each way) when the weather improves. I'm 5'5" and the small size is perfect for me.

www.evanscycles.com/search/bikes-category/?text=specialized-vita-elite&esvt=53518-GOUKe2156222&esvq=specialized%20vita%20elite&esvadt=999999-8509044-1203734-1&esvcrea=180433737259&esvplace=&esvd=m&esvtg=kwd-12310475006&esvaid=50080&gclid=Cj0KEQjw2LjGBRDYm9jj5JSxiJcBEiQAwKWAC6-u_2bLRG-z-Ei4-7ArmydAIaJ9W9YBXJ1u9kiNhGQaAtfx8P8HAQ
Not sure if this link will work

Wow, nice bike!

Would need mudguards for me though . Which kind of spoils the look of most bikes, but really is not negotiable for my needs (see living in Scotland...).

Barchester not even a proper stand Iike you'd get on a cargo/family bike? http://www.bakfiets-en-meer.nl/workcycles-faqs-overviews/overview-fr8-transport-bikes/

http://www.bakfiets-en-meer.nl/2010/01/06/the-mother-of-all-centerstands/

Sorry for the derail Pacific!

And sorry to hear about the pneumonia. More time to learn Dutch?

No, witch, look what Thorn have to say here, in technical support section if it doesn't show.

We either lay them down or lean them against something, two or three bikes, 12 or 15 bags between us.

Yes, Hugo Dutch in three months is on the coffee table , but I am engrossed in Wives and Daughters.

Ah I see. The click stand they recommend looks interesting. Thinking about it, I didn't use the stand on my normal bike a huge amount - as you say you can usually lean them. I've got a bakfiets (urban arrow) now and you need the stand on that!

Another recommendation for Edinburgh Bikes - they have great service and if you can get to their main branch in Edinburgh they have most of the bikes off their web site to try out. And they'll fit your panniers and mud guards for you. I have this Specialized with mud guards etc, it is perfect for just about anything. There is a less sporty version available as well.

Giant escape city. Or their female line liv has a lowered cross bar. They come with guards, racks, dynamo lighting from the hub. Fairly light.

Oh, I must have a stand

Thanks for further inputs - any bike related derails welcome.
Dutch, you say?

Dutch = one of our summer hols Pacific. Ferry to Amsterdam for one hol and I don't speak either Dutch or German so I am learning , Italy for another trip and France for a long weekend - all bikes/panniers only which would be very exciting if I was at normal fitness.

Have you seen a bike you want to look at/try yet?

BarchesterFlowers

I havent got a stand though, none are strong enough for a loaded bike.

This one is pretty sturdy - see the pic...

www.sjscycles.co.uk/accessories/hebie-bipod-bigfoot-centre-stand-alloy-resin-0690c

It does need the special plate welded to the frame though - if you try to clamp it to the chainstays it will twist.