In need of advice

[Rebekah]

Hi,
My pro bike full suspension is on it's way out gears and brake wise, i was told by Halfords i can't buy parts to replace them. so i am now in need of a new bike.

i would be happy with any bike as long as it has hydraulic brakes and no rear suspension.

Any recommendations?

Thanks
Rebekah

 

[vickster]

Budget? Uses, are you looking only for a hard tail mtb?

 

[Rebekah]

as cheap as possible really, but my recent searches have the cheapest price of 349.99 VooDoo Marasa from Halfords.
I love the mountain side handlebars which i can take off my broken bike.

I use my bike to get fit and commute too and from work, i also plan on joining a cycle club soon.

My OH has a hybrid bike, i'm not really fussy what brand as long as it doesn't have the rear suspension, it annoys me so much.

 

[vickster]

Do you do proper off road riding or most on road? If the latter, a bike with rigid forks will be better. Front suspension on a new bike at that price point is mostly poor

Why are you only looking at halfords?

Decathlon bikes offer good vfm, something like this. http://www.decathlon.co.uk/fit-3-road-bike-grey-id_8239797.html

 

[Rebekah]

until now i haven't known any other decent bike shops.
I actually do both off road and on road riding.

 

[Globalti]

As suggested above a hybrid would be better; you can take it for light off-roading and it will be faster on tarmac. You don't need suspension and in any case at that price level any suspension will be made from cheap metals and will weigh a ton and not work very well.

Agreed Decathlon offer some remarkably good value bikes but there aren't many Decathlon stores. Why not walk in to a proper bike shop and explain what you want? You will get free advice, fitting, spares, service and discounts if you support your local bike shop (LBS). Just Googling gives me Top Riders and Stephen James Cycles in Enfield.

Have a look at a Specialized Sirrus.

 

[vickster]

There are plenty in and around London. I'd pop to decathlon at either lakeside or Surrey quays

So you do want suspension, or not fussed?

 

[Rebekah]

NO rear suspension, front i am not fussed about.
I will look into the shops you have mentioned. Thanks

 

[vickster]

OK, if front suspension is not a must have and if you have a decent Halfords, look at the Carrera Subways. Sooner or later, they will be on offer for £300 or less - especially with a bank holiday weekend coming up

I'd say a Sirrus is ok for very light off road use, like a towpath/park path, but not for bounding through woods and rough stuff. It really is more of a flatbar road bike on 28mm tyres

See what the suggested bike shops have for your budget - Specialized, Trek, Giant, Dawes, Felt etc all make decent rigid fork hybrid bikes for under £400. Also, Pinnacle from Evans - there's one in Hendon, or lots in London

 

[Rebekah]

ok Brilliant, Thank you both for your advice. x

 

[vickster]

Indeed, the Subway is on offer

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._categoryId_165534_productId_912123_langId_-1

Or with disc brakes (be heavier, more rugged but will stop better in wet/mucky conditions)
- this is the ladies one
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_810615_langId_-1_categoryId_165534

 

[Rebekah]

oooo brill thanks. perfect xx

 

[jefmcg]

i also plan on joining a cycle club soon.

This is a key point: if you want to join sunday morning rides with a cycle club you'll want a road bike, though you may prefer a flat barred road bike.

It's a little faster (maybe) than a hybrid, but more importantly if you struggle to keep up, they will blame your equipment and you will end up needing to buy a road bike, even if it makes not difference to your speed.

 

[derrick]

until now i haven't known any other decent bike shops.
I actually do both off road and on road riding.

I see you are in Enfield . you should go and see Jason at Rochford cycles he will look after you, tell him Derrick sent you and you might get a bit more of a discount, he will do a deal if you haggle a bit. they are not to far away.
http://www.shorter-rochford.co.uk/

 

[derrick]

a

I use my bike to get fit and commute too and from work, i also plan on joining a cycle club soon.

My OH has a hybrid bike, i'm not really fussy what brand as long as it doesn't have the rear suspension, it annoys me so much.

As for a cycling club try southgate cycling club. they meet in Enfield town outside Barclays bank every sunday morning 8-50 am. nice friendly club.