07-27-2010, 02:01 PM
Bare with me because I know next to nothing about bikes!
I have an MBK Super Sport road bike at Uni. I bought it randomly second hand because it was only £40, and it turns out its quite a good bike (correct me if I'm wrong - I really like riding it any way!)
Since its not practical to transport it back and forth between uni and my mum's house each christmas, easter and summer, I thought I'd buy another second hand bike to leave at home.
So again I purchased a random second hand bike for £40. I wasn't quite so lucky this time though... I guess I'm a bit spoiled, because this bike just feels rubbish in comparison with my lovely Mbk! Its much slower, both in terms of it's top speed and, most notably, the speed it accelerates at. When my MBK is in top gear I really feel the resistance when I'm setting off pedaling, and consequently I can really build up a good speed quite quickly, whereas this old raleigh seems to have hardly any resistance in top gear.
SO my question I suppose, is what makes a good bike, and most specifically, what makes a fast bike? Is it the make of the bike, the frame... gears, wheels... a combination??
Should I sell this Raleigh Esprit and just buy a better bike, or can I update and improve it?
If I am buying a new one, what key features should I keep my eye out for so I know if its any good?
If anyone can give me any advice, or tell me where I can get the answers to my questions, it'd be much appreciated.
Thankyou
I have an MBK Super Sport road bike at Uni. I bought it randomly second hand because it was only £40, and it turns out its quite a good bike (correct me if I'm wrong - I really like riding it any way!)
Since its not practical to transport it back and forth between uni and my mum's house each christmas, easter and summer, I thought I'd buy another second hand bike to leave at home.
So again I purchased a random second hand bike for £40. I wasn't quite so lucky this time though... I guess I'm a bit spoiled, because this bike just feels rubbish in comparison with my lovely Mbk! Its much slower, both in terms of it's top speed and, most notably, the speed it accelerates at. When my MBK is in top gear I really feel the resistance when I'm setting off pedaling, and consequently I can really build up a good speed quite quickly, whereas this old raleigh seems to have hardly any resistance in top gear.
SO my question I suppose, is what makes a good bike, and most specifically, what makes a fast bike? Is it the make of the bike, the frame... gears, wheels... a combination??
Should I sell this Raleigh Esprit and just buy a better bike, or can I update and improve it?
If I am buying a new one, what key features should I keep my eye out for so I know if its any good?
If anyone can give me any advice, or tell me where I can get the answers to my questions, it'd be much appreciated.
Thankyou