Author Topic: Which Bike?  (Read 10424 times)

RST Scout

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Which Bike?
« on: November 19, 2016, 08:32:37 PM »
I have been looking for a new bike for a while but I have a problem - I'm very short. :'(  I'm 1490mm high and my current bike has a stand-over height of 711mm. Most makers don't go down this low. I know I need one with a 26" wheel and I have been looking at the 'new' gravel/adventure bikes. But even so they are pretty nearly all too big (they look lovely tho). I have now narrowed it down to a small Thorn bike, either a Raven Sport Tour or a Sherpa.
I want a bike for shopping, day touring, longer touring possibly with a tent, and a bit of rough-stuff (hence the gravel bikes). I have no intention of going on an expedition. Europe will do for me but I do like to go on tracks etc (but no mud unless I have to!).

Can anyone offer me any advice?
Scout & Bettina's slave!

jags

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RST Scout

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Re: Which Bike?
« Reply #2 on: November 19, 2016, 09:21:00 PM »
Yes, its a very nice bike (especially the orange) but way out of my price range.
Scout & Bettina's slave!

macspud

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Re: Which Bike?
« Reply #3 on: November 19, 2016, 10:23:27 PM »
This might be of some interest to you:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/252627208202?ul_noapp=true

Not mine.

Best not to hang about if you're interested, the auction ends tomorrow 20 Nov, 2016 20:34:47 GMT, though there's been no bidding yet.


« Last Edit: November 19, 2016, 10:50:29 PM by macspud »

julk

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Re: Which Bike?
« Reply #4 on: November 20, 2016, 02:34:17 PM »
TabbyCat,
The Thorn bikes will do what you want as long as there is one small enough for you.

I would expect you to want some wide tyres for gravel use and the Sport Tour will probably not take as wide a tyre as the Sherpa.

I have appreciated the load carrying capacity of my Thorn, once carrying 30kgs of shopping in 4 panniers.

Have fun choosing.
Julian

RST Scout

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Re: Which Bike?
« Reply #5 on: November 20, 2016, 08:38:16 PM »
Thanks.
Scout & Bettina's slave!

Danneaux

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Re: Which Bike?
« Reply #6 on: November 24, 2016, 08:26:43 PM »
Hi TabbyCat and welcome!

Have you considered one of Thorn's step-through frames? This design appears robust enough for your intended use and the lack of a more conventional top tube eliminates any direct concerns about standover.

I recommended one to a friend last week. He is in his mid-60s and a recent hip replacement has made it difficult for him to mount a bike with even a sloping top tube. The open framed Sherpa or Raven looks like a good solution for him and might be worth considering for your needs.

Best,

Dan.

energyman

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Re: Which Bike?
« Reply #7 on: November 25, 2016, 06:14:25 PM »
Have a look at a Charge Grater 2 Mixte 2017 Women's Hybrid Bike too.
They do a selection of sizes.
Maybe one is purrfect ....
« Last Edit: November 25, 2016, 06:16:23 PM by energyman »

RST Scout

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Re: Which Bike?
« Reply #8 on: November 30, 2016, 08:07:39 PM »
Thanks all.
Scout & Bettina's slave!

bobs

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Re: Which Bike?
« Reply #9 on: November 30, 2016, 08:19:28 PM »
Have you thought about a Surly Troll XS size. It's a very good do it all bike.

Bob

RST Scout

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Re: Which Bike?
« Reply #10 on: January 09, 2017, 11:52:25 PM »
I have decided on a RST. It appears to be a few mm smaller than the newer bikes. Dave at Thorns says it will fit me. I've put a deposit down on it but I am still waiting for my Leica camera to sell (altho a friend said he would take the lenses). Its a nice racing car green with honey B17 and flat bars. Ho hum! Can't wait!
Scout & Bettina's slave!

jags

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Re: Which Bike?
« Reply #11 on: January 10, 2017, 12:36:55 AM »
Fantastic tabbycat  enjoy every pedal stroke  dont forget the photos ;)

jags.

Matt2matt2002

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Re: Which Bike?
« Reply #12 on: January 10, 2017, 10:07:35 AM »
Don't forget to post some pictures of your new baby!😉
Never drink and drive. You may hit a bump  and spill your drink

alfie1952

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Re: Which Bike?
« Reply #13 on: January 10, 2017, 01:16:36 PM »
And another one joins the club...... Welcome, BRG with a Brooks honey saddle sounds great.

Regards Alfie 8)
« Last Edit: January 10, 2017, 01:48:48 PM by alfie1952 »

energyman

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Re: Which Bike?
« Reply #14 on: January 10, 2017, 02:18:06 PM »
RST's RULE