First new bike in years....

[Dibs]

Hi folks,

Just joined. After several years of neglect (nearer 12 to be honest...) I have decided to try to give my body a new look...

I have £450 vouchers to spend (cycle2work scheme), so I am looking at the 3 following bikes - others may become a possibility once I get the actual vouchers...!


http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_1000 1_catalogId_10151_productId_512517_langId_-1_categoryId_165499

or

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_1000 1_catalogId_10151_productId_786835_langId_-1_categoryId_165499

or finally

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_1000 1_catalogId_10151_productId_518223_langId_-1_categoryId_165499

Basically, I aim to commute 14 miles to work one day a week, then if I get really into it, start doing some more adventurous trail riding at weekends. So looking for something that'll carry my extra, erm, muscle, but be useful for once I shed a few...

Also been advised to get road tyre for the commute and change into off road tyres when I get to do that...

Any help / advice gratefully received...

D.

 

[HLaB]

Personally I'd ditch the suspension fork and go with something a bit lighter to make the commute more enjoyable; I'd probably also look at a mtb orientated hybrid instead for what you describe (unless you are planning on serious downhilling) but out of the three you linked to, after a quick glance it appears that only the GT has lock out for its fork. Being able to lock it out on road helps so your energy is transferred to forward momentum rather than unecessarily bouncing up and down so that would influence me. If you go for the Mtb the advice of changing tyres for on road is a good too.

 

[Chichak]

Take a look at the Cube Nature. (MTB Hybrid) I've had one for about 8 weeks and IMHO i think its a great bike. It has a great spec for the money, Ok it has suspension but there is a remote lock out on the handlebars which is ideal when switching from Trail to road. Also the tires are great for both road and trails (not serious downhilling mind).

here is a linkhttp://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=44370

The 2010 model can be found for around £500.. 2011 Model £769.

 

[jugglingphil]

Do you have to spend your voucher at halfords?
Your 14 mile commute is that 7 miles each way? Any hills?

 

[mightyquin]

I've read some horror stories on the forums about Halfords (wheels falling off etc.) although their Carrera bikes are apparently good for the money.

Dare I suggest that you see if you can buy from a LBS (local bike shop) or one of the specialist chains such as Evans? You'll get more choice and most probably more knowledgable staff to help you make the right choice.

I got back into cycling recently. I started off thinking mountain bike - similar to you I want something to commute/run around on and do the odd weekend trail, charity ride etc. I quickly realised that what I really needed was two bikes!

The MTB will be heavier/slower for your commute, and suspension is a no-no unless you can lock it out for the road. Hybrids are an obvious answer, but not best for either purpose.

In the end I bought a single speed road bike for the commute/running about, and I was given an old mountain bike which I'll use for the trails for now and keep as a 'beater'.

Take a look at Cyclo Cross bikes, they seem a better all rounder than a hybrid, but to be fair I don't really know as I've never ridden one!

 

[Dibs]

Do you have to spend your voucher at halfords?
Your 14 mile commute is that 7 miles each way? Any hills?

Our vouchers have to be spent at Halfords, no choice with that!

It's actually 14 each way (although most days will involve a 10 mile trek back to the in-laws), so a weekly commute of 14 miles, relatively flat, but several hills nearer my house!!!

 

[corshamjim]

Our vouchers have to be spent at Halfords, no choice with that!

It's actually 14 each way (although most days will involve a 10 mile trek back to the in-laws), so a weekly commute of 14 miles, relatively flat, but several hills nearer my house!!!

Personally I'd go for the Carrera Subway 8 but that's because I like low-maintenance bikes, and it looks like the current discount makes it a real bargain.

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_551225_langId_-1_categoryId_165534

From the picture I assume the mudguards are included too - essential I would say if you're going to be commuting in all weathers.

In fact if I had £400 spare I'd snap one up for myself right now!