I also need a new bike

[drspouse]

We finally got our washing machine inside which means my poor bike can go in the outbuilding but it's way too heavy to lift up into a vertical type rack. So I need a lighter bike!

We have a cycle to work scheme where I can get a loan - I have to buy my bike from one of their retailers - but there are quite a few.

I definitely want a women's frame (I seem to remember there being something called "mixte" when I was about 15, but anyway I want to be able to step through), and I currently have a 17" (it says, though they seem to now be available in 16" or 18") Trek hybrid. But it seems quite heavy so do I want a lighter hybrid, or a different type of bike?

And I'm pretty short (5ft 3 but most of the short bit is my legs - I wear v short trousers but normal length tops).

Mainly for commuting though I'm going to be starting out with my 12kg+ (she's only getting heavier) DD in a seat on the back, and work/nursery is up a very steep hill (even without DD I, and everyone else, goes into bottom gear on the last bit). After she starts school and when DS can pedal properly, we'll probably attach a tagalong so DD can go on the tagalong and DS can cycle alongside. But that's another year away.

If it's family rides then it will probably be canal/river path though pre-DC I did do some hill rides, mainly on my own as I'm too slow for proper riders and DH is too slow for me!

This bike is very pretty by the way

www.theedgecycleworks.com/product/bikes/hybrid-bikes/amsterdam-bloom-7i-ladies-7326621-2017/

I could probably go up to about £400-500, maybe a bit higher. The current one has lasted me 15 years give or take and as I say, we have the work scheme so that will make things a bit cheaper.

PS a quick browse I should be working shows a choice of brake types, daft question, what's a disk brake and do I need one?

OH oh and your bonus starter for 5:

I definitely need a packable, lightweight waterproof jacket for summer. I have a soft shell with shiny bits I've ironed on myself, that I really like for winter.

What else should I get with my vouchers - as it's cheaper to get more vouchers - I'm not getting a tagalong bike now, as we can get another loan in 12 months' time so I'll get that then (If it's in allowable accessories and/or I don't get one second hand)?

I'll be adding a mudguard, rack and klip fix thingies on the front and I already have a new USB light for the front. And I definitely want a bike with a chain guard but I think you can't really retrofit them?

I got this one recently on the cycle to work www.evanscycles.com/trek-neko-2-2017-womens-hybrid-bike-EV284333?esvt=52836-GOUKE2054286&esvq=&esvadt=999999-0-1146694-1&esvcrea=166226882527&esvplace=&esvd=m&esvtg=aud-495532802872%3Apla-304458636461&esvo=EV284333-16-BLU&esvaid=50080&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIlMbBrJTM1QIVVhbTCh2Y1wjlEAQYASABEgIXa_D_BwE I am really happy with it, it's lovely to ride. I also got a lock that attaches to your bike so would recommend that as an accessory

Looks good!

I have a lock that, in theory, attaches to the bike but in practice the attachment swivels round and the lock gets in the way of your feet.

I just got the new Raleigh Pioneer 1 and am actually really pleased with it (surprised by how pleased) - it is a lot lighter than my last hybrid, and as a result easier to manhandle into storage etc, but also easier and less tiring to ride. (Seen here: www.raleigh.co.uk/pioneer-1-low-step-frame-blue-17714?gclid=Cj0KCQjwiLDMBRDFARIsACNmiX-9Snyk1GZo0DqpMyEMn78QmxjAQv7c-pDx9eskhicHuVx-mjTt-4UaAp2oEALw_wcB). The colours are a bit excessive (mine started off VERY shiny, but is slowly looking a bit more normal as it gets dirtier), but performance is great, I liked the price, and so I care less about how it looks. I got mine from Evans.

Disc brakes look like this. they do work slightly better in the rain, but are more fiddly to maintain. However, if you intend to add a pull-along later on, their better stopping power maybe useful.

If you can get to an Evans store, you can arrange beforehand for a test ride, choose a model on-line and phone up or call in and get one ordered.

Why do you want a chain guard?

I want a chain guard so I don't get oil on my trousers and/or my skirt caught in the chain. I don't tend to wear very long skirts, but they are usually a bit wide so I can actually get on!

Like the look of that Raleigh - some of the women's frames have really high cross bars.

I seem to be finding it really difficult to look at the actual weight of bikes online - everything says "no data available". Is it a trades secret?

Fair enough, OP. Most bike frames will not have the fittings for a chain guard, so you either pay for one to be attached somehow, or are restricted to those that come already there.

Maybe look at the liv alight 2 or 3, I have the alight 1 but that doesn't have a step through frame, great bike very light I can easily lift it and I am small!

I have a Liv Alight 3 and I love it so much. It's light but I can have ds on the back without a problem. I can really whizz along (until some dastardly cad bungs 13kg of toddler on the back, anyway).

I named it and everything

Liv (giant's female sub-brand) are great.

I love having a hub dynamo so always have lights, no worries about batteries going flat. Usually an expensive replacement front wheel rather than coming with the bike though.

I have a USB front light so assuming I remember to take it off the bike, it's easy to charge at work.
Not got any further with choosing one as my LBS says the new models are about to come in. They had one lonely little women's hybrid in stock, not my size.

Update - despite saying I don't really want a Trek again, I tried a nice Trek today. I worked out I want a smaller frame if I'm between sizes to put the tag along on the post.
There's little out there at the moment as the new models aren't out so the shop I went to does have Liv which do look good, but nothing available at the moment.