Advice on new bikes

[Dave6959]

Hi guy's i'm new to the site looking to get back into cycling. I'm just after some advice on what to look for when buying a new bike. I'm looking to get the bike thru the cycle to work scheme as this is the only way i can afford to buy one at the moment. I'm looking to use the bike for commutting but mainly off roading so was thinking of getting a hardtail MTB is this the right choice. My budget is a max of £700. I spoke to my local bike shop at the weekend about frame size's as i'm 6'9" and they mentioned that specialized frames better longer so better for taller people is this true.

Thanks

 

[2Loose]

Being a short arse I can't comment, but Specialized make some good stuff generally. Trust your local bike shop (lbs) and it is doubtful you will go far wrong.

 

[Valy]

Dave - you would do well to try some bikes - sit on them at least. Then you could test ride a few that you liked the most while sitting on them.

Trek and Cannondale have some big frames.

What were you trying to say in the last sentence?

 

[Dave6959]

Dave - you would do well to try some bikes - sit on them at least. Then you could test ride a few that you liked the most while sitting on them.

Trek and Cannondale have some big frames.

What were you trying to say in the last sentence?

When I went to my LBS at the weekend I did sit on a couple of bikes one was def a giant cant remember what the other was. The guy started to say something about Specialized frames are bigger in a certain way but I couldn't remember how. I've made up a list of bikes that are in my price range i'm just trying research what parts are good before I go back this weekend.

 

[Valy]

Yeah, though another guy said that Specialized have a smaller frame actually... but I'm not sure if that was what he said as it was a few weeks ago.

I have a 21" Hardrock Comp and I am about 6ft2" and it is okay for me - though I did have a bit of discomfort initially - lower back mainly, and the seat took a while to adjust - but the seat will most likely vary from bike to bike. One other thing is that the bike might fell alright while sitting on it in the shop, but once you ride it, it might feel smaller - that was the case with me at least.

As far as "good components" go - all of the bikes from the likes of Giant, Specialized, Trek, etc will have good compromises for the price - though I think, personally there are bound to be some sort of a compromise at price points of up to about £400 or so. Possibly even above that, but then again - it would be relative.

 

[Dave6959]

Ok thanks i've got a few bikes in mind to try when I go the the shop on saturday and i'll ask to ride them as well even if it's just in the car park

 

[Valy]

Ok thanks i've got a few bikes in mind to try when I go the the shop on saturday and i'll ask to ride them as well even if it's just in the car park

Yeah - I just pedaled around on a bike that I was considering, but after actually pedaling it became very apparent that it was too small for me.

Have you got any specific models on your mind?

 

[MacB]

Dave, at your size you may benefit from a 29er, Americanism, for a MTB that takes 700c road size wheels but still has MTB tyre clearances. Opinions vary about what performs better offroad, 26" or 29" but my impression is that the 29er is good for big guys. Onroad the 29er will outperform the 26" in most ways. You can run two sets of tyres, or wheels if you're lazy, one with narrower slick tyres for commuting and the other for the weekend. Just type in 29er to your search engine and have fun.

 

[Dave6959]

Thanks for the advice guys went to the bike shop at the weekend and after trying a kone blast deluxe and a specialized rockhopper i decided to go for the rockhopper. I've placed the order with the shop and now just waiting on the cycle 2 work voucher to come thru so i can go collect it an start riding again

 

[Valy]

Got a helmut?

EDIT: and of course, what model and size? I'm guessing 23"?

 

[rhys]

dont be shy to try b4 you buy!

 

[Dave6959]

Yeah I got a helmet, jacket and some other bits to go with the bike but forgot to get a LOCK!!! . So I'll have to pick one up when I collect the bike. And yes I got a 23" Rockhopper in black

 

[Valy]

Yeah I got a helmet, jacket and some other bits to go with the bike but forgot to get a LOCK!!! . So I'll have to pick one up when I collect the bike. And yes I got a 23" Rockhopper in black

But what model of the Rockhopper? Is it there nothing after the "Rockhopper"?

BTW - I was just looking around in Netto one time and there was a bike lock (cable rather) for £2! I dono how tough it might be, but it's been handy afew times now.

 

[Dave6959]

Ah sorry I belive it's the rockhopper sl

 

[kimz]

what is the comute to work thing is it still going and how do you claim your voucher is it easy ?