Looking for a bicycle (or for info leading to the same)

[H е n d r i k]

Hi again,

i also have a rather specific question today that i thought i might hang into the wind here as well, while i am at it:

Where can i either buy the kind of bicycle described below or have one made or get the required parts to make one myself?
My next bicycle should have the following characteristics (this is a draft and the list of parameters may be adjusted as i become more knowledgable about the issue):
* the bicycle is made from material that does not rust as fast as the steel of your average made-in-China mountain bike, since in the Okinawan salt-climate such a bicycle becomes unusable in less than 3 years (speaking from personal experience)
* it has gears (at least 3, preferably 5 or 6, more are OK, if that is standard, even though they are not needed)
* it has suspension (springs)
* it has functional mud guards (as opposed to the decorative plastic pieces on mountain bikes that don't prevent the wheels from flinging water and road dirt at me when i am in any higher gear than first gear
* it has some rack or frame in the back to allow transporting some luggage (this could either be the kind of platform above the mudguard of the rear wheel, as is standard with European bicycles, or - perhaps even better, since it keeps the center of gravity lower - a kind of metal frame/basket or box on either side of the rear wheel where one can put bags, etc.)
* it has a price tag that calculates to no more than about 1000 Yen per month of amortization over its expected life time (for comparison: those made-in-China mountain bikes _without_ mudguards and baggage rack that have to be thrown away after about 2.5 years calculate to 600 Yen a month)

Now, it is possible that there are some among the KMUG crowd who know exactly what i am talking about, and i would be delighted to hear their advice. It is more likely, however,  that what i say does not quite convey the picture clearly (yet) - so if you know of anybody or anything that could help me define my search better, it would be most helpful.Whether it is some person who has relevant experience, whether it is the contact number of a cycling club, whether it is a shop that specializes in bicycles (especially customizing bicycles), or whether it is a mailing list, BBS, or website that deals with bicycles that are not "run-of-the-mill": any lead will help me get closer to what i am looking for.

Again, many thanks in advance!

H.

[Deano]

You have a lot of requirements!  The rust problem can be sorted by buying an aluminium frame machine (if you have the do-re-mi)

<http://www.bicyclestore.com.au/bikes/mountain/shogun.html>

I have had a Shogun for the last 15 years. Made in Taiwan >> It has an oval-section steel frame with aluminium alloy bars, Italian-made suspension forks and a 21-gear Japanese-made deraiileur system. I estimate my riding at about 100 km per month on average.

 I wouldn't buy the forks again (not worth it IMHO). I  live in Kobe, not far from the sea, and the machine has _not_ rusted (I clean it if it gets wet and keep it covered when not in use.

I only use six of the gears (middle cog on the front set) -- adequate for the routes i take.

Used to buy only Mitsuboshi HillTop tyres but the last two sets were Chinese-made and just as good but cheaper.

hth

[H е n d r i k]

Hi Deano,

i may be late but i haven't left yet...

Thanks for the info!

The rust problem can be sorted by buying an aluminium frame machine (if you have the do-re-mi)

<http://www.bicyclestore.com.au/bikes/mountain/shogun.html>

I have also received other info that makes me think Aluminum is the way to go (i'll have to buy a new bike very soon since the current one has begun to fall apart)...

Used to buy only Mitsuboshi HillTop tyres but the last two sets were Chinese-made and just as good but cheaper.

Noted! :-)

Thanks & regards!

H.