Back-Up Bike
05-21-15, 05:19 PM
#1
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Back-Up Bike
I'm thinking of getting a back-up bike for when my bike is out of commission. The Motorbecane Mirage SLX from Bike Direct looks nice. Save Up to 60% Off Road Bikes - Motobecane Mirage SLX Carbon Fork Shimano Road Bikes Is it any good for this role?
05-21-15, 07:28 PM
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Not a bad deal for half a large.
I see mounts for a rear rack. No front fender mounts, but not everyone rides in the rain.
Not enough detail about the tires. I'd replace them if they aren't puncture-resistant.
Otherwise, it's not that far off the spec of my backup.
I see mounts for a rear rack. No front fender mounts, but not everyone rides in the rain.
Not enough detail about the tires. I'd replace them if they aren't puncture-resistant.
Otherwise, it's not that far off the spec of my backup.
05-21-15, 09:43 PM
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Wow, even shifters with inner paddles instead of thumb-buttons has trickled all the way down to Claris now! Looks like a good deal to me. Everything at BD seems like a good value to me (in way more styles than I am interested in).
They're out of stock right now, but this is in the running for my N+1 primary bike someday. 105, disc brakes and TITANIUM for $1400? Crazy!
They're out of stock right now, but this is in the running for my N+1 primary bike someday. 105, disc brakes and TITANIUM for $1400? Crazy!
05-22-15, 05:12 AM
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Backup bikes are a good opportunity to get another style. Got a roadbike?, get a CX. Got a hybrid? Get a folder.
You can also hunt around for just the right used bike, given that it is not an urgent purchase.
I have a bunch of loaner/backup bikes. Some of the very low cost ones are ideal for leaving in high-risk areas such as railway station lockups.
You can also hunt around for just the right used bike, given that it is not an urgent purchase.
I have a bunch of loaner/backup bikes. Some of the very low cost ones are ideal for leaving in high-risk areas such as railway station lockups.
05-22-15, 07:01 AM
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You don't need an excuse to buy another bike. 
Seems like a pretty decent bike to me. What bike are you riding now?
Seems like a pretty decent bike to me. What bike are you riding now?
05-22-15, 09:12 AM
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Nashbar is another alternative in the same price range. Their intro level cross bike has Sora and I like cantis for commuting, personally.
Nashbar CX1 Cyclocross Bike
Nashbar CX1 Cyclocross Bike
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05-22-15, 01:11 PM
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Is it better to get a backup bike that's about as good as the primary bike, or do you want a junker?
If you have two bikes that are similar, when one needs fixing you'll ride the other one. Until they both need work, and you just got home from a road trip at 9:00 Sunday night and need a bike to ride in the morning. (Been there, done that!)
If the backup is too bad, you'll never want to ride it, and work on the "broke" bike until 11:30 Wednesday night so you can ride it the next morning.
If you have two bikes that are similar, when one needs fixing you'll ride the other one. Until they both need work, and you just got home from a road trip at 9:00 Sunday night and need a bike to ride in the morning. (Been there, done that!)
If the backup is too bad, you'll never want to ride it, and work on the "broke" bike until 11:30 Wednesday night so you can ride it the next morning.
