Tini.AD

So today I was just about to set off cycling when my gears went funny, I ended up accidently shifting past the first gear and somehow flipping the gear thingy onto the spooks immobilizing the wheel.
As it will probably cost about £100 to fix and I'll likely have to do it myself, which usually doesn't end well, I'm considering buying a new bike.

I was hoping for some advice on the matter. I often go for the cheaper end of the market, and, well that bike's gears have always been a bit dodgy.

I live in Bath and will be commuting up Bathwick hill everyday soon (it's huge and I personnally find it a struggle). A bike suited to this sort of riding would be ideal.

Also I'm hoping for a very low maintenance bike, as I'm awful at repairing them. Something easy to ride would be great too because I'm pretty shocking at cycling.

I put this thread in the hybrid section just because I currently have a hybrid, but I'm open to good mountain or road bikes.

Thank you so much in advance for any help you can give, hoping to crack the problem this time, I'm stuck without my bike.

SlimRider

What kind of bicycle do you currently own?

cdyer77

sounds to me like to just need the rear derailer adjusted if its throwing your chain off into the wheel. No need for a new bike

Tini.AD

I currently have a Claud Butler Explorer.
It's not the chain that went into the spooks, it was the mechanism. Needed a lot of force to lever it off the spooks, so now that's completely bent and unusable.
I don't feel it's worth the money to replace the parts, let alone the effort finding them.

I'm hoping to buy something better than an Explorer with less fuss.

SlimRider

So in order for us to be of greater assistance, we will have to ask you a few questions, before starting.

1) What is the upper limit of your budget?

2) What type of terrain or surfaces will you be primarily riding on?

3) Do you prefer drop handlebars or flat ones?

4) Do you have a frame material preference (aluminum or steel)?

TIA

- Slim

jblaze22

Im also new to all this. My local bike shop let me take each bike out for a spin and i ended up with the 2011 raleigh misceo. for the same needs as yours. got it on close out last month for $400. and love it so far. dont know if they offer that bike in your area but it worth a look

MichaelW

The CB Explorer is an entry-level hybrid priced at about £300 with Acera 21 (or 24?) speed and RST forks.
It is perfectly OK quality to use as an everyday commuter and to get any worthwhile upgrade you will have to spend over £500. You should think about losing the suspension fork and getting disc brakes. For low maintenance I usually recommend an internal hub gear such as Shimano Alfine but the gear range is not as wide/low as standard derailleur gears and you have a big hill.
Boardman hybrid bikes are nice but they come with double chainsets, not the low MTB gears you need.
You have Merida dealers in Bath and the S-Presso 300D is a well specced , lightweight model.

It may be worthwhile repairing your bike, it shouldn't cost £100.
If the rear wheel has normal 32 spoke construction you can replace individual damaged spoke but it is not a simple beginner repair.
A trashed rear mech can be replaced/upgraded. They are pretty easy to instal yourself.

SlimRider

+1 ^This^ Is excellent advice!

Why buy another bicycle when you can just have your current one fixed?

Tini.AD

Thanks for the help so far guys!
I'm fairly settled on a Specialized Sirrus Comp 2011 that is currently on offer at the moment (£450).
The other options are Trek 7.3 (£500) and a Ridgeback Flight 03 (I don't think I'm going to go with this one, I've just read its unforgiving and I'm quite a nervous rider).

Do feel free to comment if you think there's any reason I shouldn't go for the Sirrus Comp, it might be a huge help.

Again thank you all very much.

SlimRider

Alright, so it's settled then. Glad you're happy!

You might want to research the nearest bicycle co-op, so that you may learn how to better mechanically maintain your bicycle. The money that you save on maintenance could very well go towards your next bike, should something more serious occur.

Good Luck!

a1penguin

Those are both great bikes. Pick the one that has the better fit; you'll be happier riding it. If they fit feels the same, then try the entire range of gears to see if you like one gear range better than the other. Only then can you select based on color :-)