Dreaming about bikes!

[jenj1984]

I know you are probably all fed up of being asked 'what bike should I get?' but seriously I'm starting to dream about bike shopping now (or are they nightmares?)

I want a bike that I can ride to work, which is roughly two miles, pretty flat, tarmac road. I also want to be able to take the bike off road. We live pretty close to Thetford Forest and have enjoyed cycling around there. Some of the tracks are pretty bumpy.

I know I don't want a road bike. But then do I want a mountain bike? Or a hybrid (not 100% sure what they are). I am actually really confused. I have about £350 max to spend on this bike. What are good brands? I have been around a few shops in Norwich today (if anyone know's where I should be shopping in Norwich that would be great) including Halfords :S but I am really worried that someone is going to sell me a pile of junk that is going to fall apart within a year!

 

[Dayvo]

Without going into too much detail, for your needs, I'd get a MTB, and for cycling on roads use slick tyres.

Presumably you'll be on the road more than off it, so change your tyres when cleaning your bike down after a day out in the forest.

There's a Bike Hut in Norwich (owned/franchised by Halfords) but far better than Halfords.

It's near Bodyshop in Castle Street.

Have fun.

And welcome, by the way!

 

[Dayvo]

Or have a look downstairs in the large Intersport sports shop in London Street just down from Jarrolds.

 

[Dayvo]

Have a look here for an idea of which bike to get, then see if it's available near you.

http://www.evanscycles.com/categories/complete-bikes/mountain-bikes

 

[jenj1984]

Thank you! I had a look in both those shops today. Never thought about getting two sets of tyres. Thanks for that link also!

 

[Dayvo]

You could ask some of the girls here what MTB they'd recommend, and suitable clothing etc.

 

[Sittingduck]

Hi - Welcome to CC
How about something like this?

Many Thanks,
SD

 

[Randochap]

Ask yourself this question (and answer honestly):

How much time am I going to spend on the "bumpy trails" and how much time am I going to spend on the road? What are the percentages?

I've seen so many people come into the shop with the same idea as the OP, but when questioned carefully, admit that they actually might end up on the trails a couple times a year. The rest of the time they're going to be hauling a slow, heavy MTB around on the streets, back and forth to work, etc.

And on the subject of changing tyres: Do you really believe you are going to switch tyres every time you want to go offroad? I don't think so. The only practical way of sharing a MTB between road and track is to have a second pair of wheels. Running slicks on an MTB (which I have done) is only a stopgap conversion if you can't afford a road bike in addition.

A sturdy "hybrid" is the reasonable answer to a multi-use bike and will work for anything but technical mountain biking. In other words, if what you mean by trails are wide bridle paths and relatively domestic walking trails then a hybrid and reasonable bike handling skills will suffice. If you want to rip down technical mountain trails at speed, then you need a MTB. But don't expect that to be fun to ride on the road. It won't.

Another thing to consider is mounts for racks and mudguards, which any smart commuter will use.

Your budget will get you a decent entry level machine of either persuasion.

Welcome to CC and good luck with your shopping. You could peruse the sub-sections of VeloWeb -- touring, randonneuring, commuting -- to learn more about appropriate technology.

 

[jenj1984]

Okay. Honestly, I'm probably better off with hybrid from what you're saying. Could you take a look at this website for me as this is where I am going back to tomorrow to have a good look around. I'm looking at this mountain bike http://www.pedalrevolution.co.uk/product-detail.php?id=331 and is a town bike the same as a hybrid bike (sorry if that is a stupid question) if so what do people think of this bike http://www.pedalrevolution.co.uk/product-detail.php?id=229

 

[Will1985]

Yep, there are the ones you mentioned like Pedal Revolution and Cycle Republic, and also Specialised Cycles, Freemans Cycles and some others. You could also pop along the A1066 to Diss where there is Madgetts.

 

[Fab Foodie]

Okay. Honestly, I'm probably better off with hybrid from what you're saying. Could you take a look at this website for me as this is where I am going back to tomorrow to have a good look around. I'm looking at this mountain bike http://www.pedalrevolution.co.uk/product-detail.php?id=331 and is a town bike the same as a hybrid bike (sorry if that is a stupid question) if so what do people think of this bike http://www.pedalrevolution.co.uk/product-detail.php?id=229

Hi jenj1984
I think the store you're looking at has a fairly limited range of the types of bike you're interested in.
A suitable bike from there would be:
http://www.pedalrevolution.co.uk/product-detail.php?id=211
Or fully kitted for all weather commuting etc.
http://www.pedalrevolution.co.uk/product-detail.php?id=213

OK. I've chosen 'mens' style frames. Unless you're really petite or need a step-through design, then this 'mens/unisex' design is more rigid and will ride better than the 'ladies' frame. Despite what people will tell you, the evidence finds that men and women on average are proportionally the same, so there is no reason (unless petite) that a mens/unisex frame will not fit you as well as a 'Womans'. However, you might want to change to a womans saddle.
These bikes will be relatively light and fun to ride, have fattish tyres that will absorb bumps from trails well and will roll well on tarmac and be surprisingly tough. The gearing has a wide range suitable for speed on the road, steep hills and roughish ground. If you want you could add panniers front and back, tent kitchen sink and all and roll-off across Europe.
Quite a versatoile and satisfying tool. Maybe not sexy, but definately a good ride!
A £300 mountain bike will neither be a great MTB and a horrible road bike.

 

[marinyork]

I couldn't find a weight for the Giant Yukon W but suspect it is fairly heavy. I suspect the others and FF's selections weight a fair bit less.

 

[spandex]

Dreaming about bikes! I know it is time for me to see the doc if I do not dream about bikes or bike parts and witch way of doing something would look/work best.

 

[jenj1984]

Thanks for all your help everyone. I think I'm clearer on what want I'm going to attempt to find a decent bike today!

 

[punkypossum]

Or consider the subway 1 from (unfortunately) halfords. Would leave you with some extra cash for accessories, etc., do everything you need it for and comes in a women's specific frame as well.