Getting Started

[Jack161]

Hello everyone,

Over the summer I have rediscovered cycling on my old MTB. I've taken regular rides over the last few months but now I'd like to take things one step further and start using my bike instead of my car where possible. This should include making trips to the gym, hockey training, local shops, etc. I'm hoping to build up to making a 40mile round trip commute to univerisity.

I've now got my heart set on a road bike. I want to be able to get places quickly and have some fun when out riding for pleasure. That is what it's about afterall!

After spending a week or so looking through the forums here I have got a fairly rough idea of what I want. However, I'm hoping that someone with a lot more knowledge than me can give me some more specific advice My budget is around £450 excluding accessories (i.e. helmet, clothes, locks, etc.). I am prepared to go second hand for the right deal, but I would prefer to go for a new bike so I know exactly what I am getting. I am 6ft 2 and in need of a 58cm frame.

I'm located in Kent nr. Canterbury and would like to get in touch with other local cyclists.

Thanks,
Jack

 

[Jack161]

Anyone?

Any advice will be appreicated. I'd really like to get a new bike soon so I can get used to it before I start back at Uni again.

 

[Randochap]

Welcome Jack. To accomplish your stated aims, you will need a bike that can take racks and mudguards (if you are going to be an all-weather commuter).

Therefore, I'd recommend a commuting, touring, or randonneuring (audax)-style bike. Visit those subsections of VeloWeb for more info.

£450 is a tight squeeze, but you certainly should be able to find a good used machine, or new mid-range hybrid for that.

Incidentally, I have good memories of my visit to Canterbury, after my Paris-Brest-Paris ride in '07. It was a good decompression. Also my first visit to the Cathedral.

 

[Jack161]

I think in wet weather I will use my old MTB. It's actually quite light and easy to ride so should be fine for travelling a couple of miles to hockey training. I won't want to get my pride and joy all dirty, lol. I will seek the comfort of my car on rainy days for my longer journeys to Uni (20 miles). No point in braving the rain when the shower facillities aren't great even when I get there!

Also, I should be able to fit all I need to carry in a backpack. Baring this in mind do you think I could get away with a normal road bike? If I take this option I think I will get more enjoyment out of it when using the bike only for pleasure.

 

[aJohnson]

Not sure how comfy a backpack would be on a road bike but if that's what you want I'll gladly give you the some advice.

Check your local bike store and see what bikes they stock in that range, and sizing is the most important thing.

 

[Jack161]

Thanks for the advice aJohnson.

I'm considering the Trek 1.5 (2009). It looks like a fairly decent spec and from reading others reviews, I could if I wish fit mud guards to cope with wetter days.

Yes, I have upped my budget to £550... It looks like you get a fair bit more for your money at this price level.

 

[aJohnson]

I have a Trek 1.5 which I love, it's my first road bike and a good entry level bike.

 

[SimonC]

Welcome Jack. To accomplish your stated aims, you will need a bike that can take racks and mudguards (if you are going to be an all-weather commuter).

Therefore, I'd recommend a commuting, touring, or randonneuring (audax)-style bike. Visit those subsections of VeloWeb for more info.

£450 is a tight squeeze, but you certainly should be able to find a good used machine, or new mid-range hybrid for that.

Incidentally, I have good memories of my visit to Canterbury, after my Paris-Brest-Paris ride in '07. It was a good decompression. Also my first visit to the Cathedral.

Shameless self-promotion

 

[Jack161]

I have a Trek 1.5 which I love, it's my first road bike and a good entry level bike.

Know of anywhere with a good deal on one?

Still open to all other suggestions btw

 

[aJohnson]

Know of anywhere with a good deal on one?

Still open to all other suggestions btw

Nope sorry I don't. I got mine from my lbs.

 

[Paul Narramore]

If your MTB is light, why not get a set of 700x35c tyres and wheels which will lighten it even further? Change a few more things to their alloy counterparts and you'll have a decent bike without a whopping great outlay of money.

My Marin hybrid was given to me free by a neighbour and with new skinny tyres and rebuilt wheels, she'll do very nicely thank you.

Canterbury Cathedral? Not been there for years, not since they introduced a disgraceful £8 entry charge. Foreign visitors are always gobsmacked when they see that.

 

[Eviljeem]

Hi Jack,

Welcome to the forum and all that.

Whereabouts are you near Canterbury? If you fancy some long rides I will be up for it. Though I warn you I have only just started properly and never really cycled more than 20miles at a time.

I bought a Boardman Comp Roadbike for £550, and use a rucksack like you were asking about. I fit all my work suit and shower stuff in there no probs. The bike is a fantastic ride, and pretty good spec for the money. Only thing I would suggest is taking it to a lbs to get set up properly after Halfords try and set it up.

Cheers.

James

 

[Jack161]

Thanks for the offer eviljeem! I might take you up on that once I have got used to riding my new bike.

Picked it up today, and I am now the proud owner of a 2009 Trek 1.2 Triple B) I went to my LBS to look at and buy a 1.5 2010. However, I got a great deal on the 1.2 so went with that. The guys in there were really helpful and helped me end up with a bike I am more than happy with. It was Tibbs Cycles in Canterbury. Really couldn't recommend them any more.

About to go out for my first ride! Will report back with pics later

 

[alecstilleyedye]

check the ctc website to find out about local clubs. well worth joining, in my experience.