Philonous
New Member
Hi guys! You probably get topics like this all the time, and no doubt they are the cause of much eye-rolling and consternation. I'll try and give you guys as much information as possible and keep unrealistic expectations ("Quality roadbike for <£100???") to a minimum.
Basically, I'm heading back to college this September to do a masters, and I'm hoping to do my commute by bicycle (estimate about 20-30 minutes). This will both be cheaper than annual fees for public transport in Dublin, and an excellent way to give me some kind of fitness and put some muscle back on my legs after years of lethargy and inaction. I have access to a couple of bikes, but they're basically mountain bikes that I got years ago, and in addition to being in less than perfect condition, experience has taught me that they're just a bit too awkward for comfortable city use. Time for a new bike, methinks!
So that's what brings me here. Basically, I want a solid road bike that won't cost the Earth. I've considered hybrids, but I do want fitness and speed to be priorties with this bike, and wish to purchase accordingly. Basically, I want something fairly fast and fairly light. It doesn't need to be astonishingly fast, as in truth I am unlikely to push it to its limits. It also doesn't need to be capable of dealing with any serious terrain, as I'll only be using it for communting and the route will be flat as a pancake. However, I do want something that will be enjoyable and reliable (read: no Bike Shaped Objects), and which will make my commute as brief and as pleasant as possible. In other words, I'm prepared to spend on quality, but not on luxury.
Now, what have I left out? Budget. The reason I haven't mentioned it is because I'm not really sure what I'd be willing to spend. Realistically though, I don't think I can spend more than €500/£500 (yeah, bit of a difference once you convert it, but it's the round figure I can deal with), as some decent locks and a helmet will have to go with it.
If you want more info, I am happy to provide it, and I appreciate any and all advice given. Some expicit recommendations would be welcome, as would any links to reviews of said recommended bikes.
And cheers!
Basically, I'm heading back to college this September to do a masters, and I'm hoping to do my commute by bicycle (estimate about 20-30 minutes). This will both be cheaper than annual fees for public transport in Dublin, and an excellent way to give me some kind of fitness and put some muscle back on my legs after years of lethargy and inaction. I have access to a couple of bikes, but they're basically mountain bikes that I got years ago, and in addition to being in less than perfect condition, experience has taught me that they're just a bit too awkward for comfortable city use. Time for a new bike, methinks!
So that's what brings me here. Basically, I want a solid road bike that won't cost the Earth. I've considered hybrids, but I do want fitness and speed to be priorties with this bike, and wish to purchase accordingly. Basically, I want something fairly fast and fairly light. It doesn't need to be astonishingly fast, as in truth I am unlikely to push it to its limits. It also doesn't need to be capable of dealing with any serious terrain, as I'll only be using it for communting and the route will be flat as a pancake. However, I do want something that will be enjoyable and reliable (read: no Bike Shaped Objects), and which will make my commute as brief and as pleasant as possible. In other words, I'm prepared to spend on quality, but not on luxury.
Now, what have I left out? Budget. The reason I haven't mentioned it is because I'm not really sure what I'd be willing to spend. Realistically though, I don't think I can spend more than €500/£500 (yeah, bit of a difference once you convert it, but it's the round figure I can deal with), as some decent locks and a helmet will have to go with it.
If you want more info, I am happy to provide it, and I appreciate any and all advice given. Some expicit recommendations would be welcome, as would any links to reviews of said recommended bikes.
And cheers!
