Can you recommend either of these for a newbie?
- Thread starter jamie147
- Start date
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Specialized make great bikes, and +1 to Ianrauk's suggestions because I know he has great taste in cycles. 
And also, check out what the Savage one said about the Cycle To Work scheme. It's flipping great to get the government to pay (up to) half the cost for you to buy a bike interest free.
Just last weekend, I picked up a bike from a fellow CC'er for £0.00. It's for a friend who hasn't cycled in a long time, and she isn't sure if she wants to. She was also looking at the £100 bikes, I begged and pleaded with her not to do it, then got lucky when the perfect bike appeared on here. Have a look in the for sale section here, see if there's anything which leaves your fancy tickled.
And also, check out what the Savage one said about the Cycle To Work scheme. It's flipping great to get the government to pay (up to) half the cost for you to buy a bike interest free.
Second hand? Avoid fleabay but is there a freecycle community near you?jamie147 said:
Just last weekend, I picked up a bike from a fellow CC'er for £0.00. It's for a friend who hasn't cycled in a long time, and she isn't sure if she wants to. She was also looking at the £100 bikes, I begged and pleaded with her not to do it, then got lucky when the perfect bike appeared on here. Have a look in the for sale section here, see if there's anything which leaves your fancy tickled.
threebikesmcginty
Corn Fed Hick...
- Location
- ...on the slake
Norm said:
You were done mate!
Hi again
I really appreciate all the help I have had on this thread. Many thanks to you all. Yesterday, I went to Halfords and Tredz in Swansea and found most of the bikes that have been discussed here, all of which were fantastic and any of which I would be proud to own. Experiencing the quality of these bikes made me realise that it is definitely worth doing the research and stretching yourself a bit financially to get something decent that really suits you. Another bike also caught my eye, a Claud Butler Voyager. I particularly like the large, sturdy, comfortable feel to it. It looks completely geared to the sort of cycling I have in my mind - gently paced cruises over not particularly challenging terrain, plus shopping, etc and travelling to work (also looking into the cycle to work scheme). Do any of you have views on that bike?
I've arranged with the guys at Tredz to go in next Tuesday to actually have some test rides. It is great that these people are so knowledgable about cycling and are so ready to help. They seemed to know exactly where I was coming form and were able to offer more great advice.
I can't thank you enough. I very nearly impulse bought one of the first bikes I saw, but I'm now so glad I came here to get your excellent advice.
All the best
J
I really appreciate all the help I have had on this thread. Many thanks to you all. Yesterday, I went to Halfords and Tredz in Swansea and found most of the bikes that have been discussed here, all of which were fantastic and any of which I would be proud to own. Experiencing the quality of these bikes made me realise that it is definitely worth doing the research and stretching yourself a bit financially to get something decent that really suits you. Another bike also caught my eye, a Claud Butler Voyager. I particularly like the large, sturdy, comfortable feel to it. It looks completely geared to the sort of cycling I have in my mind - gently paced cruises over not particularly challenging terrain, plus shopping, etc and travelling to work (also looking into the cycle to work scheme). Do any of you have views on that bike?
I've arranged with the guys at Tredz to go in next Tuesday to actually have some test rides. It is great that these people are so knowledgable about cycling and are so ready to help. They seemed to know exactly where I was coming form and were able to offer more great advice.
I can't thank you enough. I very nearly impulse bought one of the first bikes I saw, but I'm now so glad I came here to get your excellent advice.
All the best
J
I did try negotiating but (and this is a clue as to the other party for those P&Lers who have strayed in here) he wouldn't change his position!threebikesmcginty said:You were done mate!
The costs shot up an infinite amount when I had to "blow" a couple of quid on a cable, though I it was a fantastic deal and I offer thanks to the generous gentleman from Brum.
threebikesmcginty
Corn Fed Hick...
- Location
- ...on the slake
Norm said:
I know what you mean about the costs - my £40 Rockhopper needed new grips and I really resented the £6.99 they cost - about 17% of the original price of the bike!
- Location
- Next door to Mr Benn at No 54
I have been following this thread, because the OP seems to have the same requirements from a bicycle as I do. But I am not as tall as he is.
I would not be buying a new bike, but would probably keep a close eye on the ones for sale at a local Bicycle recycling workshop, that has an excellent reputation. He mentions the sturdy feel of the Claude Butler Voyager.
I try to remember the sorts of bikes that people have recommended, and see if they become available. If a certain make of bicycle is recommended for build quality etc, would that mean that all types of bicycle in that brand would be good?
I get confused tho, when the Triban Trail 3 says "touring - occasional use". Do they mean it would be ok for a two week tour, but not for a six month tour through Europe
or do they mean Touring, yes but not across rocky hillsides. (Well this is the beginners' section ).
I would not be buying a new bike, but would probably keep a close eye on the ones for sale at a local Bicycle recycling workshop, that has an excellent reputation. He mentions the sturdy feel of the Claude Butler Voyager.
I try to remember the sorts of bikes that people have recommended, and see if they become available. If a certain make of bicycle is recommended for build quality etc, would that mean that all types of bicycle in that brand would be good?
I get confused tho, when the Triban Trail 3 says "touring - occasional use". Do they mean it would be ok for a two week tour, but not for a six month tour through Europe
or do they mean Touring, yes but not across rocky hillsides. (Well this is the beginners' section ).Hi Speicher, nice to know that you, like me, are getting a lot from this thread. What I found when I actually looked at the bikes is that most of the ones listed here, like the Kona Dew for example, were absolutely stunning bikes, but they looked to be more geared for high performance/sporty riding than gentle strolls, etc.
For me, leisure and comfort is the priority above out and out performance, and being the size I am, the Claud Butler immediately impressed me. It is large, sturdy and has lots of features - the very large rack that comes as standard will be ideal for shopping, carrying luggage, etc, plus it has mudguard and chain guard as standard. It is visually striking, but not too sporty looking too, which suits me just fine.
It is the bike I am leaning towards at the moment, but I won't make up my mind until I've tried a few others next Tuesday. Good luck with your search. That bike recycling workshop sounds great by the way. I'll see if there's one near me.
Regards
J
For me, leisure and comfort is the priority above out and out performance, and being the size I am, the Claud Butler immediately impressed me. It is large, sturdy and has lots of features - the very large rack that comes as standard will be ideal for shopping, carrying luggage, etc, plus it has mudguard and chain guard as standard. It is visually striking, but not too sporty looking too, which suits me just fine.
It is the bike I am leaning towards at the moment, but I won't make up my mind until I've tried a few others next Tuesday. Good luck with your search. That bike recycling workshop sounds great by the way. I'll see if there's one near me.
Regards
J
accountantpete
OAP
jamie147 said:
Don't forget that there are two ways of looking at comfort - you can get a nice tidy performance orientated bike that will get you uphill and into a headwind a lot easier than a heavy bike that cuts down on the vibrations from the road.
Banjo
Fuelled with Jelly Babies
- Location
- South Wales
Claud Butler
http://www.cycletoworknow.com/prodimgs/00000855-adecb961f84c01cd70e.jpgThat looks a good bike for what you intend. Getting one complete with rack ,mudguards etc saves you spending more later.I havent had a bike with hub gears but apparently thjey require less maintenance than derailleur gears.
If you get the cycling bug you can buy a lightweight flyer later and keep the Claud as your utility bike for commuting shopping etc so it wont be wasted.
Whatever you buy make sure its the right size.There are sizing guides online if you google for them then get the bike shop to fit you and go for a test ride before you buy it.
http://www.cycletoworknow.com/prodimgs/00000855-adecb961f84c01cd70e.jpgThat looks a good bike for what you intend. Getting one complete with rack ,mudguards etc saves you spending more later.I havent had a bike with hub gears but apparently thjey require less maintenance than derailleur gears.
If you get the cycling bug you can buy a lightweight flyer later and keep the Claud as your utility bike for commuting shopping etc so it wont be wasted.
Whatever you buy make sure its the right size.There are sizing guides online if you google for them then get the bike shop to fit you and go for a test ride before you buy it.
lukesdad
Guest
That looks fine for the cycle paths and general use around the city. Beware the gower some steep little climbs.
I d suggest the blackpill path out thru gowerton and pick up the millenium coast path thats all pretty flat once you pick the route its not a bad ride.
Another one is out north past the liberty stadium following the tawe river.
Have fun.
I d suggest the blackpill path out thru gowerton and pick up the millenium coast path thats all pretty flat once you pick the route its not a bad ride.
Another one is out north past the liberty stadium following the tawe river.
Have fun.
Many thanks guys - not only do I get great recommendations from you about which bike to get, I also get great advice on where to ride it! I have checked out that Swansea - Blackpill - Gowerton - Millenium path, and it looks great. It will probably be one of my first rides out when I finally get the bike.
Regards
J
Regards
J
cyberknight
As long as I breathe, I attack.
- Location
- Land of confusion
ianrauk said:
+ 1
and subway 1 are on offer £229.99 atm ,my subway 1 has over 5000 miles on it and apart from normal wear is still going strong( change the tyres though the base ones are ok but not brilliant )