My Bike

At the moment I have one bike – a hybrid – that I bought in 2017 to get me back into cycling. It’s a fairly budget model, but it’s done over 10,000 miles and suits me for rides of roughly 20-30 miles before starting to get really uncomfortable.

Since its purchase, parts have changed as components have worn out or I’ve wanted something different to improve the ride for me – a new cassette with lower gearing to make climbing a bit easier, grips with bar ends for more comfort in the hands, an aftermarket rack for better luggage transport etc. The bike likely won’t remain my main ride forever – I’m pondering over a touring cycle or similar that will hopefully be more comfortable for extended rides – but this does me well for the time being and even if I do upgrade, this may well remain as a spare/runabout/guest bike.

Type	Hybrid
Frame Size	52cm
Fork	Aluminium Straight Blade
Derailleur	Shimano Acera-X 8 Speed
Shifters and Brake Levers	Shimano EZ Fire (8 Speed)
Brakes	Avid BB5 Mechanical Disc (replacement, front and rear) Promax-300 MTD Mechanical Disc (original)
Chainset	Shimano Tourney FC-TY301 – 48-38-28 with chainguard
BBSet	SunRace 68×127 square taper (replacement) RPM Square taper with cartridge bearing
Chain	KMC X8-99 8 Speed (replacement)
Hubs	Merida alloy disc hubs with allen key fitting
Rim	Merida alloy disc
Cassette	Shimano CS-HG41, 8 speed, 11-34 (replacement) B’Twin 8 speed 12-32 (replacement)** Shimano CS-HG41, 8 speed, 11-34 (replacement) Sunrace CS8, 8 speed, 11-32 (original)
Tyres	Continental Contact 32c Merida Cross 38mm (original)
Spokes	Chrome plated steel
Stem	Merida Comp 6061 Aluminium 15 Degrees
Handlebar	Merida Comp, 25mm rise, 660mm cut to 620mm.
Grips	Ergon GP4 (replacement) Stock ergonomic grips (original)
Headset	Conoid
Seat Post	Brand-X Layback 6061 27.2mm with 5mm offset Merida Speed Alloy 27.2mm
Saddle	Brooks B17 Crossway Sport
Pedals	MKS BM-7 Flats Comfort Double (Flats)
Rear Rack*	Topeak Super Tourist DX
Security*	Mounted frame lock
Weight	12.70kg (2017 published, as stock) 15.26kg (2022 estimate, unladen***) 18.90kg (2022 estimate, as usually riden****)

* aftermarket addition

** only viable replacement option in June 2021, when the pandemic coupled with a surge in demand for cycle parts meant a replacement Shimano 11-34 was not available.

*** No lights, cycle computer, camera, battery pack, trunk bag, multitool, tyre levers, spare tube. Includes unpacked top-tube back, light fitting, camera mounts, pump.

**** Includes lights, front camera, cycle computer, battery pack, trunk bag, water bottles, multitool, tyre levers, spare tube, pump.