Will a Shineray GY200 make a good winter commuter bike in UK. I’ve heard they’re unreliable. If so, Why?
Whilst I don’t know anything about the specific bike you are asking about I will make a few observations about other such generic “chinese” bikes I have seen.
Whilst similar in appearance to older Japanese machines, the quality of manufacture, materials and finish is visibly inferior. One example I saw had a group of unprotected, low quality, electrical connectors tied to the front frame tube in direct line of fire from spray from the front wheel. A few weeks of salted roads and that would be a breakdown waiting to happen.
Another one turned up in the car park at work a few weeks back. It had <100 miles on the clock but already an indicator mount had fatigued off and the rear brake actuating rod was wrapped round the hub (clearly the rear brake torque arm had come adrift on the journey in)
I would spend your money on a second-hand japanese bike, or maybe even an MZ. In this case buying new probably won't buy you reliability.
Of course, if you are prepared to strip it, re-paint a few things and then make sure all the bolts are done up tight, then you might well end up with reliable transport.
MPR News: Winter Bike Commuting
