Looking for a new bike..

[AshStone]

Suppose i could use this as an introduction thread as well

Basically i have started a new job, and public transport costs are so expensive so i am thinking of buying a bike so i can cycle to work. It is a 9 mile journey each way and i don't really know where to start looking. My budget is pretty limited, but i currently only own a BMX and it's not really the most suitable thing to ride distances like that! So basically what i'd like is some bikes to look at, or websites to look at. It does have to be a reasonable price though to be honest cause i'm not earning much money as it is.
Any links given to buy a cycle would be better if they were a British site as i live in the UK.

I am just short of 6 foot with a medium build, if this makes any difference. The journey is pretty flat and is on fairly good condition roads, but i would like to be able to use it across footpaths and the such at some point.

Thanks for any help

 

[david1701]

almost anything will do the job, mudguards are good, pannier racks are also good (I'd rather carry stuff on the bike than my back) and its up to you if you want a relaxed upright or a more aggressive posture on it

I'd work out how much you have to spend and rock along to a good local bike shop and talk to the guy, get him to fit you to a bike and test ride it

expect it to take maybe an hour each way to start with, but if its flat the speed will build up.

 

[AshStone]

an hour was the sort of time i was expecting to be fair, if not longer, as i'm not exactly fit either! But yeah i suppose i'll have a look, thinking about just getting a hybrid to be honest.

EDIT: I want something comfortable! this is probably the most important thing! Something i can sit on and have a relaxing ride but something thats able to pick the pace up should i need it

EDIT 2: been looking at http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/rockrider-5-2-grey-69566845/ as the price is withing my range, any experience? Actually got that link from a thread that's fairly similar to mine..

 

[Jezston]

If your route is fairly flat, and you won't be planning on taking it on any hilly expeditions, a single speed bike will save you a fair bit of money, maintanance and weight.

Do you have a budget in mind?

Does your employer offer a cycle to work scheme?

 

[AshStone]

i'd rather not have a single speed to be honest with you, just personal preference. The journey is 'flat' compared to a lot of England (Living in Norfolk ) but i would like to be able to use it in other places so i'd rather spend a bit more and get something with gears..

budget is low, the link i posted above is within by budget but i could probably only just stretch to 300. I know that this is a small amount to get a bike i want to use regulary, but being on an apprenticeship scheme money is quite tight.

and no, unfortunatly not, i just asked about it. It's not really viable for them as i'm only on a temp apprenticeship, and get paid next to nothing anyway.

 

[david1701]

same price but with a roadier bias http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/triban-junior-172069436/

though if you could throw another 60 quid at it, look at their entry level trekking bike, it should take a rack and guards and stuff for when you have more money to throw at it

 

[david1701]

the only thing about the big shop is you aren't buying into a relationship where you can pop in like you do with a local independant

 

[vickster]

You've linked to a kids bike for 7-11 year olds...I know apprentices are young but....

 

[david1701]

You've linked to a kids bike for 7-11 year olds...I know apprentices are young but....

hehehe, erm I thought I saw an uber cheap road frame, with ok gears, memo to self read properly next time

 

[AshStone]

David, i probably could put another 60 into it, is it trekking bikes i should be looking at? The more it is the longer it will be till i can afford etcetc

Vick - really?! I just got that link from another thread and liked the look of it.. My bad

 

[AshStone]

Oh were you not talking to me? Haha..

 

[vickster]

No, to David - the Decathlon Triban kiddie bike

Decathlon are decent for the cash, look at hybrids. The Carrera Subways from Halfords are also ok, just get it set up properly

On special right now so in budget http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_551273_langId_-1_categoryId_165534

 

[david1701]

no I put up a kids bike sorry :S

this one would be good http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/riverside-3-men-s-141401970/ not too heavy, shimano gears (lots of them- more an issue in a hilly area) and I'm pretty sure the facility to attach stuff to it

 

[AshStone]

Already looked at both of them before and they are definintly near the top of my list! Thanks for all the help guys!

 

[PaulSecteur]

Dont forget to leave about £30 for a saddle bag, multitool, spare tube, puncture kit (Scabs), chain lube.