I know you must get bored of 'which bike' threads ....

[bsutt]

.... but!

I haven't so much as ridden a bike since being a teenager some 8 years ago. My main reason for getting back into cycling is for fitness and fun. Morning runs are becoming too much of a drag in the winter, a weekend bike ride will hopefully be more attractive as I can cover more ground and have fun finding routes round and about the countryside.

I live in Folkestone, near the sea, so anticipate cycling along the sea wall and around the many country roads in this part of Kent. My budget is around £500 which seems to make things a little difficult as I'm still looking at entry level bikes. This is fine though, if I find I enjoy cycling again I will grab a decent road bike down the line.

So, I'm debating on spending £280 on a Carrera Subway 2 or a Trek 1.7 FX for around £500.

Carrera:
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_551207_langId_-1_categoryId_165534

Trek:
http://www.trekbikes.com/uk/en/bikes/bike_path/fx/73fx/

I only have a basic level of understanding looking at the specs for both bikes, so any tips or suggestions would be great!

Cheers,

Ben.

 

[Steve Austin]

Both very different bikes. I know Activ have got the Trek in stock if you want to see one. Get a test ride at activ on the trek, you won't be disappointed. The Trek is a much better bike for what you want, and won't really need upgrading to ride the roads in Kent.

 

[accountantpete]

Hi bsutt.

The only thing I would say is that we get a few guys on here wanting to convert straight bars to drops having realised that they should have gone that way in the first place - this can be pretty expensive (£200 or so) and, as you hint that you might want a road bike in the future, is something that you might consider.

 

[bsutt]

Cheers for that - a DIY job that went on a little longer than expected kept me away from the LBS this weekend - will aim for a visit next. I saw that Activ supply the Trek bikes, so will head there first.

I'm nervous of riding on the roads after not cycling for a while and anticipate riding some rougher routes initially such as a canal path - so leaning towards a hybrid for now. Once I am fit/brave enough to spend most of my time on the road, I'd quite fancy a decent road bike for commuting. The trip to work wound be around 28 miles, so will try and find a job nearby in the mean time .

 

[Muddyfox]

Have you looked at buying secondhand ?

I picked up my Cannondale Synapse on here for £300

Simon

 

[bsutt]

Looks like you got a bargain! Nice looking bike.

I'd love to grab a bike second hand - not sure what the LBS's offer yet - will have a good look this coming weekend. Certainly an option I am considering anyway - anyone near Folkestone looking to sell?

 

[jay clock]

I have six bikes of varying types. One of these is a 5 yr old Subway 1. A really excellent all round bike. It has done 100k day rides, commuting, touring and off road. I would look seriously at this instead of the SUbway 2, and then in a few mths when you love cycling, add a road bike, and keep the Subway. In the unlikely event that you don't like cycling, you will have wasted less money and you will still have a good bike for occasional rides.

Whatever you do, avoid Halfords Apollo bikes....