Search results

I'm now thinking along the lines of a new / modern gravel bike with tubeless tyres as my go-to road / rough track all-rounder. I could just get something on the cycle scheme. We are going to the Lake District in Feb - and I am looking for a very competent and comfortable all-rounder by that...

This is not a thread drift - it's spot on - I am comparing vintage bikes with newer bikes when it comes to touring road comfort and other efficiencies. As versatile at the BLB bike is - it's a tad expensive for my pocket - no more than £500 used is preferable. The BLB does look like a great all...

Why are the 1x gearing setups fragile? When you say that do you mean the 1 cog on the front and 7 or more on the rear?

Soooo much knowledge from you chaps here. Another 'modern' alternative bike I was recommended (by a local bike shop) is a gravel bike. Gravel bikes can tour well on the British country roads without much effort - yet if you want to spin across a dirt track you can do that too. Sounds quite...

Thanks - that does help. I've just bagged the good lady a Raleigh Clubman (ladies bike) with 531 tubing in excellent condition - will perhaps need info on that one later if I get stuck.

I won't rush to buy - I have an average bike already - but the easy formula for me is, well, two numbers right now.... 531 and 105.

So is this Dawes Horizon a good configuration (despite not being 531) for a long comfortable road trip (Britich roads mind you)? I won't be putting heavy panniers on it - just my own heavy weight of 15 stone.

OK some pics - it's an XL frame:

Thanks - I also have a possible hand-me-down bike in the family - it's a Dawes Horizon - Dawes it may be but it only has a Reynolds 500 Cr-Mo Tube sticker on it (and at the bottom footer it reads T1 Reynolds 531 Limited England). I guess the 500 sticker isn't as good as the 531 despite being a...

OK useful stuff thanks. No welded 531s - noted! Just while you are here: this bike is local to me and does not have 531 tubing - so to be safe I thought I would ask you if it's any good or not: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/203625413485

As a place to start when looking for a bike - I assume the Frame quality is number one consideration because that is the foundation of the bike - so when on the lookout, do I simply search for Reynolds 531 framed bikes? It could be any make of bike, but it's the 531 that counts, or is it not as...

Oh dear - you may have upset the apple cart here :). But I appreciate your alternative way of thinking thank you!

I'm just having a bit of a wow moment over this bike . . https://www.raleigh.co.uk/gb/en/ti-raleigh-anniversary-edition-bicycle/?attrFrameSize=50cm&attrMarketingColor=Red&gclid=CjwKCAjw-sqKBhBjEiwAVaQ9a2cVvSLZ3DiTtaBccqzoErYsz89BH0MS6AnqFalFBChIdFDCQFzPbxoCMpoQAvD_BwE If only that was in budget :)

OK thanks - I'm not really handy with bike builds I'm afraid - so a complete bike would be preferable. I'm sure even I could upgrade wheels though :) I live in North Norfolk so the closer the bike is the better and I would need a large frame for a 6ft 1" chappy.

Another thing - can I keep the budget down to no more than £500 and still get a good used bike measuring up to my expectations?

So would this means building your own bike? Or is there someone out there putting these bikes together in the UK?

Thanks that sound like one good example.

Can anyone recommend me a good retro / classic road bike which acts as a fast comfortable tourer on the road - rather than paying for a modern equivalent? I could pay for a modern bike - but they don't seem to have the 'character' of older bikes - as long as the old bikes are not compromised...

Thanks - everyone please bear in mind that I am a complete beginner so even the term 'headset' is gonna fox me for now. Is there anything on YouTube instructing me how to do this and I will give the easy fix a go for now? Will I need any special tools?

Re: Thanks Keith - is this fixable on an old bike like this?