Hi all - going to be new to commuting on a bike!

[AaronC]

Hey guys

Used to cycle loads, really really enjoyed it, only problem I ever had was I had a bit of a rubbish old MTB - weighed a tonne, brakes rubbed, gears would slip... the lot. I stopped cycling so got really unfit, recently started at the gym but decided I'd rather commute to work on a bike, would save so much money while getting fit aswell.

I'm going to take advantage of my works C2W scheme and get myself a Boardman bicycle from Halfords (hopefully!)

Basically, I'll be riding about a 10 mile round trip to and from work daily, most of it is hills and some pretty terrible roads. I'm also going to be using my bike for leisure rides at the weekend along canal paths etc.


Thinking of buying this one:
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_777731_langId_-1_categoryId_165710

Anyway I'll probably have loads of questions in the future, lol cheers guys!

 

[corshamjim]

Hi Aaron and welcome.

That Boardman CX bike does look good. It should be a lot of fun.

Maybe I'm too practical, but I would mention that if you're planning on commuting in all weathers you might find mudguards useful - and I'm not sure what mudguard options are with that one as it doesn't seem to have the mounting points for them.

A ten mile round trip is a good distance - far enough to be worthwhile without being too time-consuming - especially on that bike!

Cheers,

Jim

 

[MrHappyCyclist]

Welcome from another relative newcomer.

You will enjoy it. I'm so glad I started last year.

Nice looking bike. I like the dual control brakes. My daughter has just bought a cyclo cross bike, which has those dual brake levers, and they are a godsend for commuting.

 

[BlackPanther]

Good for you. I bought a Dawes hybrid bike just over a year ago and started cycling to work, a 22.4 mile round trip. I intended to cycle twice a week-ish, but after getting the first few weeks out of the way (hard work!) I now ride every day. I've lost just over a stone in weight and I'm fitter than I've ever been.

A month ago I bought my 1st road bike, an excellent Specialized Allez 2010 16 speeder (Dawes is 24 speed, and I never use 1/2 the gears as my commute is pretty flat), for £400. A fantastic bike for the price, and all I'll ever need for commuting. If you're serious about commuting every day, make sure you don't spend all your budget on the bike and then have to skimp on extras i.e. clothing, tyres, mudguards, lights, panniers etc etc. There are a lot of great bikes for around £500.

 

[david1701]

+1 on the panniers for a long work related trip, I ride some days with a laptop in backpack and its horrid, in the pannier I don't really notice it.

oh and guards ftw if you want to wear nice clothes

 

[AaronC]

Cheers guys! I'm gonna check to see if that bike can support mudguards before I buy it, if not I may have to look at alternatives as yeah I agree I will need them

Those Specialized bikes do look pretty nice, I'll have a look at those thanks

Thanks for all your replies guys!

 

[johnr]

I commute on a specialized tricross - have done for years. It's a great all round bike. I've done on and off roads on mine. I've put crudbuster mudguards on for the summer. They're not really for cross bikes, but they're light and do the biz.

Enjoy the ride!

 

[Beebo]

Hello. Pop over and say hello in the Commuting Forum which is great for tips, advice and the occasional rant. There are loads of discussions regarding safe riding in city traffic which is something all commuters need.

As Blackpanther says the bike is just a starter, you will need to buy bits as you start to become a cycle addict. I seem to find an excuse to pop into my LBS almost weekly. If you intend to cycle everyday you will need some of the following, a couple of sets of cycle clothing, a good lock, hi vis jacket, helmet, gloves, shoes, pump, p'ture repair kit, lights, mud guards, tools, etc etc. You dont need to get this all at once.

Most people just buy the basics and then pick up bits and bobs as they go along. I justify purchases by telling myself that I am saving £50 per week on train fares.

 

[AaronC]

Thanks for that Beebo, nice list, definitely intend to get a high vis jacket, helmet, lights and a lock with the purchase as I currently drive a car and it does make a massive difference when your headlights reflect off cyclists clothing!

I just realised I think I posted this in the wrong section - oops, but had some great replies feel very welcomed!