Advice on a new bike

[ScotlandStu]

Hi,

I found this forum whilst looking at getting a new bike to replace my Apollo XC 26 (bought for around £100 from Halfords about 4 years ago). All advice and suggestions welcome!

Here's the deal:

- I'm doing 20-40+ mile cycles, 2-3 times a week, mainly along canal paths etc for leisure/fitness (I also do running).
- I understand I should ideally get a hybrid bike and probably spend a minimum of £250 to ensure decent build quality?
- Also important to me is a decent saddle (the old Appolo saddle was torture, even after 10 miles!), although I suppose I could always get the bike and change saddle later?
- I don't really want a bike with a baggage holder (not sure of technical name!) on the back, but am willing to be persuaded here...

- Also I am unsure about whether to getting a bike with disc brakes or V brakes (the old Apollo had V brakes on the back and disc brakes on the front but the disc brakes never really worked properly, even the guy at Halfords said he was unsure why they had fitted them!)

I had looked at and really liked the Voodoo Marasa at Halfords (£350), it has hydraulic disc brakes (tho not sure how good they will be at this price??). I could stretch slightly more money, but would prefer to get a reasonable bike that meets my needs around this price. (Should point out I've looked at other websites and shops apart from Halfords as well!)

Any idea/comments/suggestions gladly received!

Thanks,
Stuart

 

[mightyquin]

Specialized Sirrus would be worth looking at, also consider a single speed bike if your routes don't have any steep hills, great for fitness.

 

[david1701]

racks are bolt on, so don't let it put you off a bike as you can just pull it off.

I know it sounds daft but look for bikes with less funky features (like disks) at the price point to get better fundamental components I have only ever bought one bike and it was a tricross so am less useful with specifics. In fact I do know you can get a bottom end Pashley for that but you probably don't want a vintage looking girls bike

 

[cyberknight]

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/...uctId_272619_langId_-1_categoryId_165534#dtab

If your sticking with halfords the carrera range are very good bikes for the money , i have 2 "racing " bikes with drop bars and they are great .

As for your numb bum do you wear padded shorts? they are a real godsend but you need to get a decent pair if you are doing 40 miles or so in 1 go .
Best ones i have found are the Decathlon "5" rated shorts , and they are a lot cheaper than many others.

 

[ScotlandStu]

Thanks guys.

I've decided to just get things fixed on my bike for now, it's not costing too much and that way in a few months time I'll be able to afford an even better (£500-600) bike in a few months time.

Just a question for cyberknight, the decathlon shorts, do you mean these (£24.99) Decathlon MTB Shorts 5? (I don't have any cycling shorts at the moment)

Thanks for advice.

Stuart

 

[cyberknight]

Thanks guys.

I've decided to just get things fixed on my bike for now, it's not costing too much and that way in a few months time I'll be able to afford an even better (£500-600) bike in a few months time.

Just a question for cyberknight, the decathlon shorts, do you mean these (£24.99) Decathlon MTB Shorts 5? (I don't have any cycling shorts at the moment)

Thanks for advice.

Stuart

I use the lycra shorts

..http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/cycling-shorts-5-flat-172056691/

I had the bib version ..
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/bib-shorts-5-plain-172065475/

They have a thicker red pad than the tinner blue pad i use for commuting

 

[ScotlandStu]

Thanks cyberknight, looks like a shout!