Decisions, decision...
 

[Closed] Decisions, decisions .... (Cheap bike & 7sp/8sp content)

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In the market for a new commuter and I'd pretty much decided on one of these -
http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/ebwPNLqrymode.a4p?f%5FProductID=10813&f%5FSupersetQRY=C432&f%5FSortOrderID=1&f%5Fbct=c003155c018333c018336

Which is a bargain, frankly. But it has one drawback - No front mech cable stops should I want to fit a double/triple chainset for when we go touring or when I tow the trailer full of shopping.

So last night ambled into Halfords (I know, I know.... I'm no bike snob though, OK? 🙂 ) and saw they had a sale on Carerra Subway bikes. £220 for the Subway One, £80 off!
_AND_ there's a new model out which actually looks pretty decent and they've ditched the crap adjustable stem and suspension seatpost. So I have a look on t'interweb and discover that by reserving online I can get another 10% off! £198! Brilliant! Pefect!

But it's only 7 speed. Ahhh. I'd prefer 8sp. But is it all in my head? Will 7sp be good enough?

(I'd get the Subway 2 which is 8sp, but the discs will get in the way of mudguards and racks. I had a close look in the store and it'll be a major problem)

Tell me I'm being stupid please. Nowt wrong with 7sp is there? 😕


 
Posted : 12/11/2009 10:34 am
 Olly
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7spd/8spd makes not difference as to the range, just the resolution in between.

other than that, no difference.


 
Posted : 12/11/2009 10:52 am
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Yes that was my thoughts too. I've got a 7.5 mile commute and I'm used to 9sp, on a closer ratio cassette as well......


 
Posted : 12/11/2009 10:56 am
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Theres a Carrera subway on my notice board at work for £100, if your interested I could have a look at it and post it if its any good?.. Guess you could haggle the price too.


 
Posted : 12/11/2009 11:02 am
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7 speed will be fine. I certainly wouldn't worry about it. Only reservation would be that some 7 speed bikes are those naff screw on ones rather than actually a cassette, on a "proper" hub. Minor thing. Those Edinburgh cycle Couriers are nice bikes though.


 
Posted : 12/11/2009 11:05 am
 Olly
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you can get bolt on cable stops, if that helps


 
Posted : 12/11/2009 11:06 am
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Bigger gaps between the gears, it'll make a man of you. (if you carry on the singlespeeder's logic!)
My old '94 khs hardtail still has 7 speed. Can't say it slows me down particularly


 
Posted : 12/11/2009 11:10 am
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you can get bolt on cable stops, if that helps

Yeah I know. I'm not a bike snob, but I draw the line at bodge jobs! 😉

Only reservation would be that some 7 speed bikes are those naff screw on ones rather than actually a cassette

Good point. I'll check that out. It's a nice shiny decent looking cassette on there though, so I'd bet it's a cassette rather than a screw-on.

Theres a Carrera subway on my notice board at work for £100, if your interested I could have a look at it and post it if its any good?.. Guess you could haggle the price too.

I apprecite the offer, but TBH at this price I'll get a brand new one! 🙂

In the interests of research, I've just priced up an 8sp conversion. If I can get away with using the 7sp chain and the existing spokes it can be done for £57. Which is cheaper than converting the EBC bike to a triple chainset.....

Although, a decent 7sp cassette and chain is only £21. For that price it's hardly woth cleaning the damned thing!

Bigger gaps between the gears, it'll make a man of you. (if you carry on the singlespeeder's logic!)

I concur. I think I can live with 7sp. Especially at that price. 🙂


 
Posted : 12/11/2009 11:35 am