Do I need a new bike?

[Spinynorman]

I've not been out on my bike for a while as I mostly walk these days but on clearing the shed out I suddenly got the urge. This got me wondering as to whether investing in a new one would be a good idea. The main reasons for jumping on my bike would be commuting, shopping, exercise and pottering about. It's mostly country lanes and hills where I live although going slightly further afield does involve proper roads.

My current bike is a Raleigh Mantis mountain bike and is nearly 40 years old. The problem I have is that it is in very good condition and it holds lots of fond memories. The drawback with it is that it must be the heaviest bike in the world.

What I am wondering (and I know that there are a fair few folks on here who know about bikes) is how much better a modern all round commuting type bike would be or should I just stick with what I have?

Cheers.

[murf]

Depends how much you love your bike and how much you think you will do going forward.

My advice would be to get out there on your old bike to see if a) you really will cycle a lot in future and b) what you really think of your bike.

You must be the only person in the UK with an older mountain bike than me. Mine is about 25 years old. A proper bike. No suspension, front or back, in them days. Is yours really 40 years old? First time I can recall seeing a 'mountain bike' was about 30-35 years ago. Yours could be worth a lot!

Also, consider an e-(mountain) bike. Getting more popular especially among those of a certain age. There's even shops round here dedicated to hiring them out.

[blahblah]

A bit harsh on Mrs Spiny

[Spinynorman]

I'm estimating at 40 years. Mountain Bikes were certainly a new thing when I got it. I had it a couple of years before my daughter was born and after having a special seat fitted on the back used to ferry her about everywhere as me and Mrs Spiny worked opposite shifts. My daughter (the original tiny spiny on here) is now 33 so maybe not quite 40 years.

[murf]

First Raleigh mountain bike was 1985 which was a year or so before I remember seeing one.
First time I rode one was 89/90. Buying mine somewhere between 93 and 95. Specialised Rockhopper. Still going strong!

[jpk]

Good luck getting a new bike, waiting lists are into 2021 for a lot of bikes under 1k when I was checking the other day

[unc.si.]

If it works (and its safe), just ride it.
anythings OK if you're just doing a few miles. if you get more into it, get a mid range hybrid.

no point buying a £200 Halfords job if your Raleigh's rideable and safe. wait until you know you want a new one then spend £600 on a better one.
how far would you be riding?

I've got a 1987 Ridgeback MTB. First bike I ever bought new. £350 from a bike shop in Stafford (working at GEC back then). Cost more than my first two cars put together Used to take it round Cannock Chase in the days before there were any MTB's around. Think they'd been around a few years then but not many around really. Giant, Muddy Fox and Ridgeback were the 3 main makes then I think.
still got the frame and the bars. keep thinking I'll build it up one day as a pub bike, but its got a (long deceased) U brake, which is pretty hard to source (would have to adapt a BMX brake I think).

did thousands of miles on that bike, including an epic 160 mile trip to Llanberis for a weekends climbing with a mate (there was a minibus going, so they took our climbing kit but no room for us).
Put slicks on for the ride, but to be honest 160 miles on an old fashioned heavy MTB into Snowdonia was one of the hardest things I've ever done. The journey there was just about OK, but the journey back 3 days later was hell. The worst thing was knowing how bad it was going to be. Set off at 4am and didn't make it back til nearly midnight

[Spinynorman]

Waiting list for bikes!

The worlds gone mad.

The most I'll be doing will be a 10 mile round trip with a reasonable gap in the middle. As I said before we have loads of hills around here.

I once did a 100k bike ride around the Forest of Arden for Action Research with some mates. The next day one of them rang the ward I was working on to see how I was. The staff nurse said to him that he would pop me into a wheel chair and bring me to the phone.

[unc.si.]

Good luck getting a new bike, waiting lists are into 2021 for a lot of bikes under 1k when I was checking the other day

ha - just had a look for a Specialised Sirrus (mid range but good hybrid) and yeah - looking at October at the earliest. I guess everyone's cycling in lockdown

[unc.si.]

Actually the answer to the question in this thread is ALWAYS 'Yes'

n+1

did you end up getting one?

I'm actually back on my bike now, and a few times a week on the rowing machine (I've got one set up in my shed). Need to get rid of the lockdown puppy fat and get fit again ready for the spring

[Spinynorman]

I've stuck with my old tank for now. I may take the plunge next year.