OpenStreetMap
I've had a bit of a break from any serious mapping but now hopefully going to start at it again. Looking at new bikes for the purpose.
I've around £400 to spend total, so about £350 for bike itself + various accessories. Want a hybrid, main purpose will be commuting (3.5 miles each way).
Local bike shop has Giant CRS range. Looking at CRS 3.0 City (basically CRS 3.0 with mud guards, rack and kick stand).
Any other makes/models I might consider?
TIA.
Discussion
Comment from Richard on 14 June 2009 at 21:46
We're very happy with our Ridgeback hybrids (both Velocity, but the model range might have changed since we bought them).
Comment from Welshie on 14 June 2009 at 22:14
I've got the CRS 1.0, can't fault it. (Probably didn't need the higher spec, but I was in a comfort spending mood). First thing I did to it when I got it home was take all the lovely weight saving stuff that they put on the 1.0, and add the additional weight of mudguards, a rack, and so on, and stupidly powerful lights with a heavy battery pack (well, I sometimes ride home on unlit cycle tracks..) - but it does give me a 12V accessory socket I can use to charge my phone/gps/whatever.
Comment from Teaandkale on 14 June 2009 at 22:24
Thanks both.
Nicest of 3 bike shops I went to yesterday stocks mainly Giant, as such I ended up with Giant catalog.
Almost considering not eating for a month and spending the extra on CRS 2.0 City. Will look at the Ridgebacks, though...
Comment from Biogenesis_ on 15 June 2009 at 01:57
That's not a bad thing, the weight you lose by not eating will help you ride further :).
3.5miles/5.6km isn't all that far though, just get what feels "right". Lots of little things will wear out and be replaced anyway. In the end 90% of the riding efficiency is in the tyres, so even a cheap bike with the accessories + better tyres will be good.
Like if you don't like the rear cassette don't fret too much because in 1500-3000km it'll be worn out and you'll need a new one anyway :p.
Comment from Teaandkale on 15 June 2009 at 08:33
There's only 60kg of me to start with, can't afford to lose much :D
3.5 miles is only my daily commute. Mapping is probably 1-3 miles additional with the occasional 15 mile outward trip to my favourite watering hole :).
Comment from LivingWithDragons on 18 June 2009 at 19:58
I ended up ordering from Evans Cycles because they had a nice Pinnacle(in-house brand I think) hybrid on special offer. They also delivered it free of charge prebuilt (I had to add the pedals myself) in a massive bicycle sized box (according to the college office it looked bigger than a bike).