Can you recommend either of these for a newbie?

[jamie147]

Hi guys

Excellent site! As a newbie, I have really enjoyed reading the forums here, especially the sticky newbie threads, which have been most interesting and have taught me a lot.

I realise that you get a lot of "Please help me choose a bike" type threads, so please excuse me adding another one!!

I have just been stationed in Swansea with work and thought that it would be lovely to get into the habit of evening bike rides to Mumbles and back, and even on to the Gower when I'm feeling up to it. It will be fairly gentle stuff, rarely more than about 20 miles each way at an easy pace, mainly on roads and occassionally coastal paths, but I don't intend to do any off-roading. It will also be handy to have the bike for short runs to work, around town and to the shops, etc.

I'm a fairly big chap - about 6 foot 2 and currently weighing over 21 stone (although I'm trying to do something about that now and lose weight. The bike should help hopefully!).

I thought I would start with a cheapish bike (under £300), and then if I really get into it, I can always upgrade later. The choice available is overwhelming, and hence I am here asking for advice! A couple of entry-level bikes have caught my eye and I would be extrememly grateful to get any opinions on these, and/or get any other recommendations, either of new bikes or second hand deals that anyone has seen or is offering, taking into account my requirements above.

Here are the two that caught my eye:

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/...uctId_711901_langId_-1_categoryId_165534#tab3

http://www.fellia.com/description.php?ref=OXFORD-1247670059

Many thanks for reading my post, and for any advice you may be able to offer.

Kind regards

Jon

 

[fossyant]

Have a look at the Carrera subways in Halfords........well regarded.

The Apollo has cheap suspension - don't bother - for that money - get a rigid fork. The second looks pretty cheap. Go more £200-£300

Are you near a Decathlon ? If you are quick, they are selling off their Triban hybrids for about £150 - there is over £300 of bike there, and its a bargain - I've had a good look at them, and was tempted to buy one because of the deal....would have given it to the missus....

 

[Norm]

I have no personal experience of either of them... but if I bike is called "Windsor", I'd have to vote for that!

Try them both, if you can. Be prepared that Halfords might only let you scoosh round the car park. At that price, I'd go without suspension. It probably won't help much, especially if you don't plan to go far off road.

It looks like the Windsor has a completely plastic rear mech, which possibly won't last very long, but the bike comes with mudguards and a rack which might be useful, depending on what rides you plan.

The Halfords one doesn't refer to "Brakeleavers" unlike the Fellatio website, and that alone would be enough to put me off their bike. (But I am a pedantic t**t at times)

Possibly not much help, really, just offering brainfarts as they spring into my head. I'd probably go for the Apollo Crossways but only after a good close look and ride.

 

[jamie147]

Many thanks for the lightning quick replies fossyant and Norm - very useful to get your guidance. Are these the bikes you were referring to fossyant?

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/...1&catalogId=10151&partNumber=406363&langId=-1

and

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/triban-trail-3-69567668/

They look great to me, and the Triban in particular is a very reasonable price. Given my size, I would probably go for the XL version. I will wait to see if anything else comes up in this thread, but this is my favourite so far, and one of their branches isn't too far from me.

Really appreciate the advice

J

 

[Alan Whicker]

Another vote here for the Triban. Nearly got one myself, but the top tube was a bit high to be er, safe for me.

 

[accountantpete]

Hi Jamie - the problem is that by going for the cheap option you will probably end up with a hulk of a bike with flimsy components which is going to make riding a misery esp if you hit the hills round Swansea.

Take a look at the Specialized range - this is pretty much the cheapest but if you can afford it I would go a bit higher

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Specialized-Globe-Vienna-1-2010-Hybrid-Sports-Bike_27487.htm

 

[jamie147]

Thanks for the continued advice guys - this is great.

Very good point accountantpete, and many thanks for your contribution. This must be a dilemma that faces almost every newbie, do you fork out for a really good bike, but risk making yourself skint on a hobby that you may not take to? Or do you go for a budget bike that could seriously compromise the quality of the experience?

It's a tough one, and I guess I am asking for recommendations that can address both these i.e. a good quality starter bike that doesn't break the bank - a bargain in other words. There seem to be plenty of good recommnedations coming anyway - the Specialized Globe Vienna looks great. I guess you'd be looking at another £100 or so to be road-ready (mudguards, lights, etc), but for a quality bike, £299 seems very reasonable.

Please keep them coming guys!

J

 

[ianrauk]

The Carrera Subway range from Halfords are very well made bombproof bikes. You wont go wrong if you purchase on of these. However one thing to remember is, if you do buy a bike from Halfords, take it to your LBS (Local Bike Shop) for them to set it up properly for you.

The bike you linked to is the Subway 8 with hub gears. Perfect for the riding you want to do. If you dob't want to go above £300 then look at the Subway 1 instead.

 

[threebikesmcginty]

The Kona Dew is well regarded - this lot have a couple of larger sizes for £229 at the moment...

http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/product/19925/Kona_Dew_Bike_2009

 

[ianrauk]

Kona Dew,
good call. Along with a Subway I also have a Kona Dew in my bike shed...

 

[jamie147]

Many thanks for all this guys - some great looking recommendations coming in here, really appreciate your time and expertise. Good bikes for less than I thought. I'm so glad I came here first before impulse buying.

Please keep them coming.

J

 

[ianrauk]

Jamie, are you looking at purchasing online or from a high street store.
It's very easy to make a mistake of buying a very nice bike online, getting it delivered then finding out that it doesn't suit you or you find the ride uncomfortable. I know... I made that mistake.. All bikes feel and ride different. So it would be worth checking out high street stores and haveing a few test rides.

Many thanks for all this guys - some great looking recommendations coming in here, really appreciate your time and expertise. Good bikes for less than I thought. I'm so glad I came here first before impulse buying.

Please keep them coming.

J

 

[SavageHoutkop]

Apologies for the slight OT, but if you're intending on going to work on it, does work offer the cycle to work scheme? If so (and you're looking to spend £300 ish); you could possibly get a bike worth more and still pay £300, total saving is supposed to be up to 42% depending on the finer details. But, more than half the trips of the bike are supposed to be to/from work.

 

[Banjo]

Welcome to the forum Jamie. In Swansea you have a really superb bike shop called Tredz.I would go in and have a chat with the guys in there.(also a big selection of bikes on their website)

A lot of people wont deal with halfords.My local Halfords is ok but i think the standard varies a lot from branch to branch.

Some great cycling in and around Swansea.Theres a tarmac cycle path up onto the Gower through Clyne park from Blackpill on the mumbles road.I rode it last summer ,very enjoyable day out.

 

[g00se]

Hi,

Another vote for Kona Dew range. There are quite a few 2009 models going about at silly prices - just saw a Dew Deluxe for £399 (list is £600). CyclesUK have Dew Pluses for £285 (list is £450). Really nice, reliable, fun bikes with decent specs. Also, can accommodate mudguards and racks.

Also, another vote to see if your work will do a cycle2work scheme. Though a number of the schemes will only sell at RRP and not sales price.