My 2011 Agattu is now getting well past its best before, so I need to start considering its replacement. My brain won't cope with any more random online searching, so I'd appreciate suggestions please bearing in mind the following ...
I'm in my 70s, relatively fit considering, and having long ago given up the motor car, I'm used to cycling everywhere as a means of everyday transport as well as leisure. All that usually stops me is snow and ice. Height 1.8m, weight 80kg, inleg 80cm.
I hardly ever go off road, but It's really quite hilly round here and I occasionally need to tow a well-loaded (eg bale of straw) Carry Freedom trailer. I don't want to go to a bike shop for the next bike, having been very happy with both the Kalkhoff and my Thorn Sherpa being ordered online and delivered by courier.
As regards the bike itself, a realistic 20-25 mile range (without trailer) will do me. I'd rather have disc brakes or vee's rather than Magura hydraulics, simply because it's a PITA changing blocks on the the Maguras. I want an upright riding position, by which I mean bars at the very least 10cm higher than saddle nose. That's primarliy to minimise loading on my arthritic wrist, but also to avoid the repeat of an earlier back issue. Front suspension is essential to avoid shocks to my wrists but I'm happy with a sprung seatpost at the back. I need full mudguards and a strong rear carrier. Dynamo lighting would be nice, but the only other must-have is puncture-resistant tyres - either Schwalbe Marathon Plus, or equivalent.
Finally, the Kalkhoff's been totally reliable since the day I got it, and apart from brake blocks has only needed a couple of new sprockets and a chain. It's never once let me down. A similar standard of design and build would be good, but without it costing the earth.
And yes, I do know that you get what you pay for and that quality doesn't come cheap, but speed, street cred, and gimmicks are irrelevant. It doesn't matter to me what it looks like: it's comfort and above all reliablility that I need. It's all about putting off the dread day when I have to trade in my bikes for a mobility scooter ...
I'm in my 70s, relatively fit considering, and having long ago given up the motor car, I'm used to cycling everywhere as a means of everyday transport as well as leisure. All that usually stops me is snow and ice. Height 1.8m, weight 80kg, inleg 80cm.
I hardly ever go off road, but It's really quite hilly round here and I occasionally need to tow a well-loaded (eg bale of straw) Carry Freedom trailer. I don't want to go to a bike shop for the next bike, having been very happy with both the Kalkhoff and my Thorn Sherpa being ordered online and delivered by courier.
As regards the bike itself, a realistic 20-25 mile range (without trailer) will do me. I'd rather have disc brakes or vee's rather than Magura hydraulics, simply because it's a PITA changing blocks on the the Maguras. I want an upright riding position, by which I mean bars at the very least 10cm higher than saddle nose. That's primarliy to minimise loading on my arthritic wrist, but also to avoid the repeat of an earlier back issue. Front suspension is essential to avoid shocks to my wrists but I'm happy with a sprung seatpost at the back. I need full mudguards and a strong rear carrier. Dynamo lighting would be nice, but the only other must-have is puncture-resistant tyres - either Schwalbe Marathon Plus, or equivalent.
Finally, the Kalkhoff's been totally reliable since the day I got it, and apart from brake blocks has only needed a couple of new sprockets and a chain. It's never once let me down. A similar standard of design and build would be good, but without it costing the earth.
And yes, I do know that you get what you pay for and that quality doesn't come cheap, but speed, street cred, and gimmicks are irrelevant. It doesn't matter to me what it looks like: it's comfort and above all reliablility that I need. It's all about putting off the dread day when I have to trade in my bikes for a mobility scooter ...
