The cycle of life
Forget the referendum: with congestion increasingly clogging our cities, people are voting with their
wheels. Now that sunnier days are on the horizon, Rachael Street searches for the best bikes on the market with a little help from some expert friends.
Hybrid bikes
1) Revolution Pathfinder, £235 Available in either a male or female (pictured) version. Edinburgh Bicycle Cooperative's own-brand
hybrid works well both on and off
road. New for 2005. the Pathfinder is specially designed for comfort with an extra long head tube making it possible to ride upright. putting less strain on the back. Edinburgh Bicycle Cooperative. 8 Ali'anley Terrace. Bruntsj/ield. Edinburgh. 013/ 228 3565
www. edinbu rg/i -hi cyr 'l e. ( ‘0. uk
2) Ridgebeck Tempeet, £329.99
Designed specifically for the urban jungle. the Tempest has everything a rider needs to cope with both the rough and the smooth. lts mountain bike-style frame is incredibly light. making it easy to travel at speed. while disc brakes allow constant. dependable braking in all weather conditions.
Gear Bikes, I 9 Gibson Street. Hill/read. Glasgow. 0/4] 339
I l 7 9 ii'wu:gearbikes.cum
Road bikes
3) Specialized Globe Micro, £499.95
Perfect for anyone with a tiny flat or an insecure stairwell. the Globe Micro is a lightweight aluminium commuter bike that folds up quickly and easily thanks to a special latch system. The Shimano 8-speed gear system makes it even lighter and it's easy to maintain. while the
Specialized standard Flak Jacket tyres help to minimise punctures. Edinburgh Bicycle ('(m/n'ratii'e. See above/hr details.
4) Ridgeback Nova, £199.99
If a gentle roll along the roads or through the park is more attractive. the traditionally styled Nova is ideal. While the upright frame makes for a comfortable seating position. the tyres can cope with the rougher conditions around canal paths and forest routes.
Gear Bikes. See abate/Ur details;
Mountain bikes
Gary Fisher Wahoo, £329.95
As an entry level mountain bike. the Wahoo is not built for intense hillside use but makes an ideal introduction model. For a reasonable price it offers high quality. durable components and a solid frame from this trustworthy brand.
Alpine Bikes. [/6 Great lles‘tern Road. Glasgow. 0/4] 353’ 2226; 48 Hamilton Place. Edinburgh. 0131 225 3286 ivii'iv.alpinebikes.ctrak
5) Trek 6500 Disc, £649.95
For riders wanting to push their mountain skills a little bit further. this is an excellent model that will withstand more wear and tear than cheaper bikes. The frame has a lifetime warranty on it and features such as hydro-disc brakes give the
intermediate level biker plenty of
scope for progression. Alpine Bikes. See abovefur details.
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