A Good Fitness Bike?

[SAB]

I'm interested in bikes for around £300-£400 (the start of 'the good stuff')

Ideally, a folder, but I'm not convinced that anything that's not a Brompton or good Dahon is worth it in terms of quality.

I'm thinking of the:

- Trek 7.0 FX (£330)
So sleek. A well respected brand, common enough to probably say it's a good bike that won't let you down.

- Specialised Source 2016 (£375)
Another phenomenal brand. And it's equipped with a rack / mudguards

- Norco VFR 6 (£296 on sale)
A brand that is so underrated it's unbelievable, but probably won't be on sale when I buy.


The only thing I think I have to lose is the prices. Everything seems to be on sale now, and if there's 2017 models I can't seem to find them. I'd be buying around December time.

Please don't recommend Halfords bikes, they are complete trash and built to a non-standard and even their higher range stuff is simply poor quality.

What do you all think?

 

[vickster]

Go to Evans, testride them, decide which you like most

Not sure I agree with your generalised views on Halfords, nor your view on Specialized,but you are entitled to them

If worried about depreciation, but second hand, then someone else has taken the hit

Why are you looking now if buying in December, you could have a completely different choice

2017 models will be out in the next month or so, they won't be very different to the 2016s or indeed 2015s generally however

 

[SAB]

Go to Evans, testride them, decide which you like most

Not sure I agree with your generalised views on Halfords, nor your view on Specialized,but you are entitled to them

If worried about depreciation, but second hand, then someone else has taken the hit

Why are you looking now if buying in December, you could have a completely different choice

2017 models will be out in the next month or so, they won't be very different to the 2016s or indeed 2015s generally however

It just keeps me motivated, looking at these slick and stunning bits of machinery! I suppose you're right though, maybe waiting to see what they deliver in the next month is the wise option.

So far I really like the Specialised one

 

[Drago]

Halfords sell some excellent machines, particularly in your price range. True, many of their mechanics couldn't assemble a train set properly, but this is true of many other bike emporiums, and some Halfords techs are excellent.

 

[Goggs]

The OP seems a tad hung up on brand image. That rarely ends well. Just sayin'.

 

[Bonefish Blues]

The OP seems a tad hung up on brand image. That rarely ends well. Just sayin'.

I think it's unfair to brand him thus

 

[Drago]

He's hung up on Jo Brand?

 

[vickster]

It just keeps me motivated, looking at these slick and stunning bits of machinery! I suppose you're right though, maybe waiting to see what they deliver in the next month is the wise option.

So far I really like the Specialised one

Why not buy now when the weather is perfect for cycling and there are good deals? Be rather harder to motivate yourself in December and the months thereafter!

 

[vickster]

He's hung up on Jo Brand?

Please do NOT mention the B word a third time...be akin to summoning this chap!

 

[S-Express]

Please don't recommend Halfords bikes, they are complete trash and built to a non-standard and even their higher range stuff is simply poor quality.

What do you all think?

I think you're wrong about Halfords, personally. Their ranges are just as good as the value-equivalents from any other brand. Sometimes, better.

 

[SAB]

I am surprised more people have responded about Halfords, as opposed to the merits of each bike.

From experience I have seen peers with other cheap / normal Halfords bikes as well as expensive Boardman ones and the bearings and quality of the production always gives out with proper usage, personally I wouldn't waste my money on it.

A few Giant and Trek owners have no issues along those lines, just the odd flat tyre or adjustments needed..

 

[S-Express]

Sounds like you've already made your mind up?

 

[vickster]

Just get the one that isn't black

 

[S-Express]

Unless you want a black one - in which case, get a black one.

 

[SAB]

I was hoping that some people on here might have experiences with the components of any of the choices and could advise on whether or not they were any good or one bike might be better due to having a certain component.

Is it common to buy a Halfords bike and upgrade the components over time to make it dependable and a pleasure to ride? So long as one is happy with the frame?