Another newbie looking for some advice:-)

[k8srd]

Again as with a lot of posts i am purchasing a bike through my cycle 2 work schem and was looking at a boradman hybrid comp. My journey is around 4 mile each way and is all on the road.

Having looked at the boardman with my limited bike knowledge are the tyres on it thick enough for use al year round i.e. through the winter months?? Obviusly not expecting to be using it if 3 feet of snow but will it be okay to use with our normal british weather??

Any help appreciated?

Scott

 

[ianrauk]

Hi K8srd and welcome to the forum.
The tyres, (I am assuming they are 28's) will be fine for what ever our great British weather decides to throw at us and as you quite rightly say, apart from snow.

I ride 25's semi slicks in all weathers..

 

[k8srd]

That's great thanks v much:-)

You are my new deignated bike expert!!! What's your opinion on i think it's called slime, put in your whells to prevent punctures as this is definatly the side i am least looking forward too!

Cheers

Scott

 

[ianrauk]

I have never used Slime, seems too much curfuffle to be honest with you. But no doubt others here will have a different opinion.

The best thing to do to avoid punctures is to not ride in the gutter and to avoid so called cycle lanes if possible. On the road, try to ride at least a couple of feet from the gutter, that way you will be in the tracks of cars tyres which would have pushed and picked up all the crap from the road.

 

[k8srd]

Thankyou again.

One last annoying question! How often would you recommend getting your bike serviced? I was going to take up halfords 3 year cover plan but after reading the press they got on the forums think i'll just find a good local bike shop.

Cheers again

Scott

 

[Lazy-Commuter]

Puncture protected tyres are the other option. Many folk swear by Marathon Plus, others swear at them: harder to fit, apparently.

Similar with Slime, many like it. Have to confess I've not used it: I'm put off by the tales of big cuts in the tyre / tube that the Slime can't heal leaving you with a really gunky tyre and wheel.

 

[ianrauk]

Strike a a good relationship with a LBS and they will look after you.
After buying a new bike, it should be supplied with a free first service, probs after a month to 6 weeks. I usually then get my bikes serviced every 6 months.

Thankyou again.

One last annoying question! How often would you recommend getting your bike serviced? I was going to take up halfords 3 year cover plan but after reading the press they got on the forums think i'll just find a good local bike shop.

Cheers again

Scott

 

[Lazy-Commuter]

Thankyou again.

One last annoying question! How often would you recommend getting your bike serviced? I was going to take up halfords 3 year cover plan but after reading the press they got on the forums think i'll just find a good local bike shop.

Cheers again

Scott

I've gradually learnt to do a lot of stuff myself: adjust brakes and replace blocks, replace a chain, gear adjustments. And I'm a real ham-fisted numpty when it comes to that kind of thing.

For the rest, it goes into an LBS. That's been about annually for me, but that's more by accident than design. I did just over 2100 miles in 2008 and am on course for about 2800 this year.

 

[andyfromotley]

Hi K,

and welcome. Keep them tyres pumped up to the max, that will help with the the P****ures. You will need a track pump for this as the recommended PSI can be astonishly high (up to 120psi!).

Dont worry too much about servicing, If somethings not right have a go yourself, ask here on the know how forum and if all else fails LBS. Definitely wouldnt take out the halfords service plan. Nice bike BTW.

andy

 

[Dayvo]

As others have mentioned, have a go yourself at some of the less difficult repairs.

And see if you can go on a basic bike mechanics' course. You'll soon recoup your money by making the savings on DIY.

 

[dubman]

Agree with above , dont take out a service plan. Have a go yourself i dont think there really are that many difficult jobs to do on a bike , plus the experience will help if anything go's wrong when out on your travels.

 

[k8srd]

Thanks for all the great advice. Will no doubt be back on soon with some more questions.

Thanks

Scott

 

[HJ]

Again as with a lot of posts i am purchasing a bike through my cycle 2 work schem and was looking at a boradman hybrid comp. My journey is around 4 mile each way and is all on the road.

Having looked at the boardman with my limited bike knowledge are the tyres on it thick enough for use al year round i.e. through the winter months?? Obviusly not expecting to be using it if 3 feet of snow but will it be okay to use with our normal british weather??

Any help appreciated?

Scott

The only thing I would say about getting the Boardman Hybrid Comp, is had you ride before you buy.

Are there many hills where you live?

It has a double chain set, there are only two chain rings at the front which means there are fewer gears (and higher) gears to choose from. There is nothing wrong with this, but some beginers (especially in hillier areas) find it easier using a triple chain set, which gives extra gears in a lower range.

You might only be doing 8 miles a day now, but you will soon be feeling the need to try a few longer rides...

 

[k8srd]

I had a little go but nothing too far. Thankfully there is only one real hill to get over on the way to work the rest is more gradual inclines that what i would call an actual hill.

Looking forward to the homeward trip much more freewheeling involved.

Many thanks

Scott

 

[Andy in Sig]

The track pump tip is a good one and you can save money by fiddling with it yourself as people have said. To that end, get a decent "how to" book e.g. Bicycle Technology by Rob van den Plas. As for p*******s, always carry a spare inner tube, tyre levers and a mini pump with you as straightforward replacement is the quickest option. You can then repair the holed one at your leisure when you get home.