jps
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| posted on 21/1/13 at 04:28 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by matt_gsxr
Hi there,
I need a new bike for commuting and I'd like to try to buy british but can't afford a properly expensive (i.e. 4 figures) bike.
Most of the components are made abroad (unavoidable), but there must be some opportunity for UK engineering effort.
In terms of spec, either fixed or alfine hub gear, and ideally disk brakes (cause I haven't had them before), straight handlebars and no
suspension. I don't want to get a Brompton because I want proper wheels. I accept I might get a slightly low spec for the money, but I can feel
supercilious which will make up for it.
Any thoughts on bikes that have a higher than average UK content or at least UK owned?
Closest I can get is Pace 4216 (which does look very pretty)
Matt
As above - components are largely going to be from the Far East - although keeping it car related if you have a Campagnolo groupset you are buying
Italian and from the same company that made wheels for top end sports cars in the 50s-70s.
Bob Jackson and Brian Rourke would be my suggestions for British made frames, no idea if you could get on on your budget though.
Wouldn't bother with disc brakes - heavier than rim brakes - and the only people more obsessed with weight saving that sports car builders are
cyclists...
For commuting i'd be looking for a frame you can fit proper mudguards to as a priority! Country of origin would have to come after that - no-one
likes getting into cold, wet clothes for the ride home at the end of the day...!
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swanny
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| posted on 21/1/13 at 04:34 PM |
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Do the Uni'opereate the "Bike to Work" scheme? Worth looking into, as it basically gets the the bike tax free so saves about 25%
(payment made from salary before tax/NI)
i would jave thought so, just bought mine through my Uni B2W scheme. a good chunk off the price of my new specialized
paul
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matt_gsxr
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| posted on 21/1/13 at 11:55 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by swanny
Do the Uni'opereate the "Bike to Work" scheme? Worth looking into, as it basically gets the the bike tax free so saves about 25%
(payment made from salary before tax/NI)
i would jave thought so, just bought mine through my Uni B2W scheme. a good chunk off the price of my new specialized
paul
Unfortunately, Oxford no longer do the bike to work scheme. 
I still don't know why they stopped doing as everyone cycles to work, I suspect the person in accounts who has to organise this doesn't
have a bike.
Thanks for those thoughts and ideas,
Matt
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emwmarine
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| posted on 22/1/13 at 07:46 AM |
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Unfortunately as others have said, all (i'm pretty sure) the mass produced frames are made in the East. The only British built bikes are the
specialist frame builder bikes. You could add Dolan to that list above as well.
A it sounds like you just want a commuter bike just go with the flow.
If you want an EU made bike then there are quite a few companies who still make everything in the EU. Orbea for example are Basque based (they prefer
that to being called Spanish!) and make their bikes including frames. Of course the groupset will be Japanese or you could choose Italian Campag. Very
good bikes they have a team in the tdf.
However I paid as much for my Orbea as I did my car so it might be more than you want to spend.
Building a Dax Rush.
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coyoteboy
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| posted on 22/1/13 at 08:29 AM |
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I don't think orange are UK are they?
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adithorp
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| posted on 22/1/13 at 09:19 AM |
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quote:
Originally posted by jps
Wouldn't bother with disc brakes - heavier than rim brakes - and the only people more obsessed with weight saving that sports car builders are
cyclists...
For commuting i'd be looking for a frame you can fit proper mudguards to as a priority! Country of origin would have to come after that - no-one
likes getting into cold, wet clothes for the ride home at the end of the day...!
On a commuting bike discs have there avantages though. In shitty weather the bike stays cleaner without the much from the ally rim and brake blocks
(nice when you have a puncture) and your wheels last longer without all the wear on the rims.
'Guards are important though.
Matt, they probably dropped the Bike2work as they have to fund the bike upfront and then you pay it back in installments. That could add up to a big
outlay of funds.
"A witty saying proves nothing" Voltaire
http://jpsc.org.uk/forum/
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Theshed
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| posted on 22/1/13 at 09:42 AM |
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How about this guaranteed made in britain approach....
http://www.framebuilding.com/index.htm
I have a pile of 1" chrome moly tubing and am sorely tempted to make myself a frame - brazed bottom bracket looks a doddle
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jps
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| posted on 22/1/13 at 10:14 AM |
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quote:
Originally posted by Theshed
How about this guaranteed made in britain approach....
http://www.framebuilding.com/index.htm
I have a pile of 1" chrome moly tubing and am sorely tempted to make myself a frame - brazed bottom bracket looks a doddle
Precision in frame alignment is VERY important - no 'winding out the top joint' to line everything up
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Mr Whippy
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| posted on 22/1/13 at 12:37 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by Theshed
How about this guaranteed made in britain approach....
http://www.framebuilding.com/index.htm
I have a pile of 1" chrome moly tubing and am sorely tempted to make myself a frame - brazed bottom bracket looks a doddle
WOW now that is an interesting company, maybe I could build a recubent bike with their stuff, cheers
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