Get me home bicycle

[CynicalSurvival]

I've been thinking at a cyclocross too, via cycle to work scheme...

This one looks pretty sweet, from my non-expert eye, a good spec without costing as much as the top bracket versions. Any thoughts? Not actually cycling to work - I am thinking of it as general purpose transportation if and when cars cease to be a viable option... Hopefully getting fit in the meantime and lasting me a few years with care:

http://pinnacle-bikes.co.uk/road-and-cy ... cross-bike

If anyone knows of something similar/better in the approx 500 price range I'd be happy to hear about it

[Hoipoloi]

A couple of points to consider, it has no luggage carrying capacity and the aluminium frame/carbon forks will prove a problem to repair.

[CynicalSurvival]

Thanks for that. Availability of spares could be an issue too, I guess...

Hadn't really thought through the luggage carrying issue, that is huge so thanks for pointing it out. I had just kind of assumed I could add panniers. Is there a cycle brand that you'd recommend looking at?

[jansman]

Dealing/mending and riding bicycles as I do I have my own opinions. For what they are worth...

If you want a tough, reliable, everyday , load carrying bike, then a 26" wheel mountain bike style hybrid is good. Aluminium frame, 1.5 inch slick tyres and a rack to take luggage. The spares are everywhere. SHTF there will be loads of old mountain bikes knocking about.

As for branding. Check out Edinburgh Bicycle ( online) and look at their 'Revolution ' range. I love 'em.

[Hoipoloi]

And don't go for one with suspension on the rear. When you're putting on the power a lot of it is wasted compressing the suspension.

[jansman]

And don't go for one with suspension on the rear. When you're putting on the power a lot of it is wasted compressing the suspension.

Could not agree more. In fact do not have suspension of any kind. It is heavy and a maintenance headache.

[CynicalSurvival]

Many thanks, guys

Wow, Edinburgh Bicycle...that takes me back (I grew up in Edinburgh and some of my friends haunted that place, lol...)
That range looks excellent and they do the Cycle to Work scheme too...
I thought this looks cool too, and can take a rack: http://www.evanscycles.com/products/can ... e-ec071037?

And yes, I will avoid getting suspension. Sounds like a maintenance hassle if you're not a serious/competitive mountain biker.

[Hoipoloi]

I thought this looks cool too, and can take a rack: http://www.evanscycles.com/products/can ... e-ec071037?

Nice colour

Here's my steed, an old Muddy Fox:

[mongrel]

Thanks for all the input guys . for me, no suspension everything run of the mill, spare parts have to be easy, nothing to attract attention. as for fixed wheel, have you seen some of the hills up here?

In truth any daily commute bike would do, it's more important that its equipped for a possible 100 cycle trip

a bike box scrounged for a local shop and then dismantle and pack my bike away, instead of packing material I will stuff the box with the stuff I will need including panniers

[CynicalSurvival]

Thanks for the info and discussion, guys. You have given me lots of useful things to think about too. I am not going to use a bike in a get-me-home or bug out situation, but I think I'll need it for general transport in most 'post crash' scenarios.

I'm probably going to go for this or something very similar:
http://www.ukbikesdepot.com/m18b187s18p ... oCKBzw_wcB

Good brakes, no suspension, a hybrid, seems a pretty good spec for the price. Will get a rack and mudguard.
A friend also mentioned the issue of puncture-resistant tyres - he raves about them, says he's never had a communting puncture in 6 years when friends on the same route have had loads.

@hoipoloi Nice muddy fox there!