Absolute Beginner - looking for advice

[Angelfishsolo]

The thing is, unless you've worked in a busy bike shop and witnessed the trouble that so very many people have with BSOs I'm not sure you can appreciate how much truth there is in the description.

Most of us regular bicyclists would agree that any bum on any bike seat is A Good Thing, the trouble is that cheap, heavy, unreliable and uncomfortable BSOs with shoot brakes tell newbies only that cycling is difficult, painful and dangerous.

shoot bikes - rather than encouraging people to cycle, actually makes the task of persuading people to ride bikes more difficult.

I agree - My neighbour is 20 years my junior. He goes to the gym a few days a week and rides back and fore. That is all he can ride however - After 4 mile his is exhausted. I am sure it is because he has a full sus BOS rather than his being completely unfit.

 

[apollo179]

Don;t think this is the place. We have a BSO thread do we not?

Indeed. Aplogies to all .

 

[Angelfishsolo]

Indeed. Aplogies to all .

No need to apologies - Just don't want to scare a newbie away

 

[abo]

Stands for "bike shaped object". A derogatory term used by certain kind of person towards cheaper bikes.

not cheaper bikes (here we go again...)

 

[abo]

Probably touring size rather than race size ratios IMHO

True

 

[apollo179]

I agree - My neighbour is 20 years my junior. He goes to the gym a few days a week and rides back and fore. That is all he can ride however - After 4 mile his is exhausted. I am sure it is because he has a full sus BOS rather than his being completely unfit.

I question that.
If i went to the gym i would feel nackered after 5 minutes but i cycled from watford to catford and back yesterday on my bso. I suspect people feel nackered when they feel like feeling nackered - the bike is a side issue.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

True

That was teh thing I loved about my Apollo. It had touring gears. On the flat I was untouchable. On the hills I was unmovable

 

[abo]

Almost - i was also attempting to hint at the arrogance and conceipt that is intrinsic in its use.

I ride a bottom of the range Carrera, no arrogance or conceit from me...

 

[Angelfishsolo]

I question that.
If i went to the gym i would feel nackered after 5 minutes but i cycled from watford to catford and back yesterday on my bso. I suspect people feel nackered when they feel like feeling nackered - the bike is a side issue.

I know the lad and his fitness level so I base the comment on that.

 

[abo]

What characterises a mountainbike type frame ?

One that looks like a MTB?

 

[Angelfishsolo]

One that looks like a MTB?

but not one that is MTBFSO (MTB Frame Shaped Object)

 

[NeilEB]

Ok.....

Now I'm more confused then ever.......

 

[apollo179]

No need to apologies - Just don't want to scare a newbie away

Think the avatar may have done that allready

 

[HLaB]

Ok.....

Now I'm more confused then ever.......

Don't worry so am I

 

[Angelfishsolo]

Ok.....

Now I'm more confused then ever.......

Neil. You have done the most important thing which is to define what type of riding you want to do. Either a Hybrid (or Town Bike) or a 2nd hand hardtail or rigid MTB will do you just fine. Do not buy cycling magazines as you will think you need to spend £1000's to achieve what you want to achieve. The chap who posted the bike for sale is in the ball park. At the end of the day it's what feels right to you.