Re: Northampton, buying etc

Tony W

"PJ" <pj@tarags.demon.co.uk> wrote in message
news:ant0801001cb4Yam@tarags.demon.co.uk...
> DNQs = Dumb Newbie Questions...
>
> I'm contemplating returning to vanilla, 'transport' cycling after a decade
on
> four wheels. For the sort of journeys I need to make, a bike is the only
> practical and financially possible mode of transport (cars are too
expensive,
> public transport is crap and it's too far to walk).
>
> I have done some general web and Usenet Googling and downloaded a PDF of
the
> "Cycling Northampton," leaflet, which has answered most of my questions
with
> regard to the area. However...
>
> For the time being, my bike buying budget cannot exceed 100ukp. Preferably
> less (heck - I'm slighty worried I can't even afford a bike! (: ). I'm
tall,
> and need the 'off-road' capabilities of a mountain bike (lots of muddy
paths
> to negotiate). Do I try and find something second-hand, or do I buy new?
> Brands to look out for or avoid?
>
> My preference is to buy from a 'proper' cycle shop, staffed by courteous,
> alert people who actually know what they're talking about. The leaflet
lists
> ten cycle shops in the Northampton area - any particular ones you'd
> recommend?
>
> The leaflet also shows a fair number of 'cycle parking' sites around the
town
> centre - again, any particular ones you'd recommend, or suggest I avoid,
> given that I'd quite like to find a space when I arrive, and my bike still
> there when I return?
>

Proper bike shops are

Oakleys in Lutterworth Road (closed Saturdays and mind your language because
they are some form of religious nutters -- but reasonably normal otherwise)

Pitsford Cycles up at Pitsford Reservoir.

Also OK but with less choice are

Newlec Cycles in St James

McGanns in Kingsthorpe (a basic Raleigh dealer)

There is also a new Action Bikes in St Peter's Alley off Gold Street.

However, in your price range I suggest the tip (either at Sixfields or Ecton
Brook) -- seriously -- go on Saturday and lurk until something suitable is
thrown out. They will ask a tenner for you to take it away.

On cycle parking -- most in or near Abington Street seem OK. They have the
advantage of being under the CCTV system (mind you, you cannot pick you nose
in Northampton without Big Brother watching).

T