I don't like my new bike

[downhillfast]

My non-cycling partner has just given me a new Apollo Elyse as a surprise replacement for my old but very loved mountain bike (he was only supposed to pump the tyres up!). I've just ridden it to work for the first time and I hate it - the handle-bars are in the wrong place; the saddle is at a funny angle; it makes my arms ache as I ride; I don't like the position it makes me ride in....worst of all its almost pink (okay lilac) - its not the bike I would have chosen for myself and I can't imagine ever feeling at one with it like I do my old bike. Does anyone else ride an Elyse? Is it a terrible bike or is it just a big transition from a mountain bike? If I give it a chance, might I get used to it? Should I tell my partner I don't like it, or spend 10 years pretending to like it and occasionally cheating on it with my old bike? Any advice welcome!

 

[S-Express]

The riding position is almost certainly adjustable using simple, everyday tools. Try that first.

 

[cyberknight]

I would be honest , its nice that they bought you a new bike but im sure in the long run they would be happier knowing you had something you enjoyed rather than didnt like .
Why not discuss it with them and angle the conversation towards taking it back for a bike fit , i know its halfords but they will put you on a bike pre purchas and do minor adjustments then you can tactful and say its not right and push for an exchange ?

 

[mjr]

Some of those things may be fixable cheaply (saddle), some may be fixable at some cost (handlebar positions), but some might never be fixed because the bike might not be the right size. I'd tell 'em, even if only so s/he never buys you another bike that you haven't test-ridden.

Apollo is a Half-odds shop brand these days and range between OK and terrible IMO. There's an old one here that does duty as an ice bike, with big studded nobbly tyres on. It really only gets ridden these days if there's a good chance of ice - it's definitely the best choice for that (and was even before the studded tyres were fitted) but almost all other bikes are preferred to it.

 

[shouldbeinbed]

different bike styles do feel different at first, particularly if it has been an unexpected change or even if you have a stable of bikes, swapping to a MTB after a long time riding a roadie, or getting on a sit up and beg Dutchie like the Elyse all do feel a bit odd and take a ride or two to get use to again when you are expecting to and have got the choice.

I guess it is or feels a bit heavier and more cumbersome and less crisp than the MTB by the looks of it and my experience with step throughs.

2 choices really, grin and bear it, but they really are two different riding styles to get used to or be honest and tell him that you are grateful and think he's lovely for the thought but could the two of you go and switch it for something a little more like what you are used to riding - then angle maybe for a Carrera or Voodoo

 

[Cycleops]

Sounds like whatever you do to it you're not going to be happy. Just get shot of it and put to down to experience. We all make mistakes. Next time go to the shop and try them out. To be frank for the money you really can't expect anything very wonderful, so try to stretch your budget a bit.

 

[Big Andy]

Ask him to help you adjust the saddle etc as its very uncomfortable to ride. That should be a strong enough hint that its not the right bike for you.

 

[Cycleops]

Ask him to help you adjust the saddle etc as its very uncomfortable to ride. That should be a strong enough hint that its not the right bike for you.

That should come after he sees you trying to adjust it with a hammer.

 

[snorri]

Reminds me of a bike I bought nearly 20 years ago, one of the biggest new purchase disappointments in my life.
It has since taken me on a LEJOG, several tours at home and abroad, countless day trips and runs to the shops, but that was after a knowledgeable friend observed me on the bike and made some adjustments.
I think @cyberknight is right, take it to someone who knows about bike fitting and who will watch you on the bike and make appropriate adjustments.
You still might have to persevere a bit, any new bike takes a bit of getting used to after setting aside an old and trusted machine.
Good Luck!

 

[jonny jeez]

My non-cycling partner has just given me a new Apollo Elyse as a surprise replacement for my old but very loved mountain bike (he was only supposed to pump the tyres up!). I've just ridden it to work for the first time and I hate it - the handle-bars are in the wrong place; the saddle is at a funny angle; it makes my arms ache as I ride; I don't like the position it makes me ride in....worst of all its almost pink (okay lilac) - its not the bike I would have chosen for myself and I can't imagine ever feeling at one with it like I do my old bike. Does anyone else ride an Elyse? Is it a terrible bike or is it just a big transition from a mountain bike? If I give it a chance, might I get used to it? Should I tell my partner I don't like it, or spend 10 years pretending to like it and occasionally cheating on it with my old bike? Any advice welcome!

If my partner decided to upgrade my bike...I would be devastated.

I LOVE my bike and would never dream of replacing it. I'd get another bike in a heart beat but I would never get a replacement.

Perhaps your other half just doesn't understand the affection you had for the old bike. I would be honest and let them know in whatever way you think would least upset their feelings.

At the end of the day, its a lovely gesture but a little "mis-directed"

 

[swee'pea99]

Can you live with the colour? If not, it's a no-brainer: it has to go, and now, as 'effectively unused'. If you think you might learn to live with the colour, nothing else you describe can't be fixed (assuming it's not simply the wrong size for you - that can't be fixed). But adjusting handlebars and saddles is easy and quick, and can make a really big difference (while you're adjusting the saddle for angle, take a look at the height as well - again, easily adjusted, makes a big difference).

This, from the site...

would seem to suggest there's nothing fundamentally wrong with the bike. It could be just a combination of unfamiliarity (only to be expected, and easy to get over) and poor fitting (easily sorted, so long as the bike's not actually the wrong size for you).

Of course, whatever you do, it will still be lilac/pink!

 

[alicat]

Seriously, lilac?! Get rid now.

Or put it in the shed and secretly ride your existing steed (and pump up your own tyres in future ).

 

[annedonnelly]

I don't think anyone should get a bike without trying it out - at least around the car park. It's a lovely thought to buy you a bike as a present but it sounds like you are quite happy with your old mountain bike. I think you'll never get to like the new one and you'll probably end up not using it and perhaps not riding at all.

I'd try to get a refund as soon as possible - before they decide you've used it too much.

And next time ask your partner to take you to the shop as a surprise and help you choose something

 

[Cycleops]

I'd try to get a refund as soon as possible - before they decide you've used it too much.

Hopefully you haven't used it at all. They're not obliged to take it back but if you throw yourself on their mercy they just might, particularly if you want to trade up.

This Voodoo looks rather tasty: http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/...goryId=165499&productId=1112467&storeId=10001

 

[screenman]

Next time you park it up don't lock it up, that may work without hurting a person's feelings.