Looking to buy my first 'serious' bike - advice needed?

[dollarsandcents]

Hello members of CycleChat.

I'm new to this forum, but I hope to stick around and get involved in some discussion and pick up some tips and advice whilst I'm looking around. I'm a 23 year old looking to get into cycling more seriously. It's one sports/pastime that I've never really immersed myself in but after getting hooked on Le Tour in recent years, and having a couple of friends who cycle at University, I've decided to make the jump and buy a more serious bike. Looking forward to it! I'm sorry in advance if this topic has been done to death, but there really is no other place to start, right?

Obviously I've received a little advice from friends but I'd like to run it by the public, you guys! Basically I've decided on a hybrid, that I know. I'm fairly sure road cycling will be my eventual muse, and I realise a hybrid is more of a jack of all trades, master of none... but it will get me on the road and out cycling, and I imagine I'll upgrade to a road bike when I'm cycling regularly and I am more familiar with the cycling fundamentals.

Anyway, basically help and advice welcome in a couple of areas...

1) Aside from the bicycle itself (I'm going to go into a local retailer to get fitted), what other essentials are there that you really do need to cycle safely and comfortably? Obviously a helmet, but anything else I maybe should think about...

2) I'm willing to go upto approximately £400, maybe £500 if it's an exceptional buy. Obviously there'll be further costs, maybe replacing something and buying accesories such as a helmet but that doesn't need to be included.

Any advice on a good first bike would be appreciated, anything to avoid? Critical criteria? I'm unfamiliar with what is a good/bad component and what to look out for with regards to gearing, tyres or anything technical really. I'm sure I'll pick it up. Obivously I've been choosing based on minimal technical details, and more aesthetics! Not a good idea I know, but I've been reading reviews too.

Lastly I found a handful, any comments or blatant "don't buy that one!" would be great.

Bianchi Camaleonte 2 Mens 2010
Felt QX70 2011
Trek Valencia 2010
Specialized Sirrus 2011

Thanks in advance, any help would be much appreciated! I'll definitely be sticking around to pick up tips, share and read about some great stories and areas to cycle and engage in some friendly banter.

 

[dollarsandcents]

No advice regarding a bike then? Must be someone with knowledge of hybrid bikes to point a fool in the right direction! Even if it's just having a look at the few I've posted and giving them a brief review of pros and cons. It would be much appreciated.

 

[WychwoodTrev]

Hi ya and welcome to CC.
Can I ask why you are looking at Hybrid ?
I personally think they are great town/comuting bikes but if you want to get into the sport of cycling all you are doing is wasting £400-£500

You didnt realy say what you will be using it for as in comuting,Training,Racing,weekend blasts with mates or where you will be riding Town or country

IMPO you are better off going to you local Bike shop and test riding some bikes have a go on a couple of road bikes with drops and see how they feel, My step son has allways had MTBs and borrowed my road bike for a 30 miler on his return he could not believe how comfortable it was so many more possitions he could get his hands in so as to relieve the stess on them also less weight on his ass so that too was more comfortable.
I would say have a look at Forme Rapide, Specialized Allez or Giany Defy4

One good idea is get some decent pedals and shoes with cleats I have Mavic pedals and shoes poss the best investment but did cost £150 you dont have to pay that much you can get some for about £80-£100

 

[Evil Rabbit]

I agree with WychwoodTrev, if you want to get into road riding - go for it. It is not like it is some black art or fire juggling where you work your way up swallowing matches.

Just get a road bike now that you are comfortable with and enjoy riding.


There are lots around S/H, it is a great market right now, and £400-500 would buy you something darn good. Don't assume that all road bikes are unpractical and uncomfortable race bikes.

I have nothing against the bikes you listed, but if you desire a road bike with drop downs, go for it - you will always be more keen to get out riding, when it something you lust after.

 

[vickster]

Decathlon do a road bike with carbon bits for 500. Not the prettiest but light enough. Or second hand if you feel confident in getting a good un that isn't nicked! No point getting a hybrid if road riding is your ambition. You'll just end up with a lounge full of bikes like me! I have a road bike now which is for dry days and a hybrid commuter. Just sold my rugged hybrid as I never rode it.

 

[WychwoodTrev]

Sorry I should have said I bought a decent Giant TCR Alliance half carbon half alloy frame with 105 groupset for £450 on Ebay this bike was around £1200 new and has seen very little use so a bargain you too could go this route, But you do need to know what you are looking for when buying secondhand there is a mine field of pit falls like stolen or just wrecked bikes that can be a exspensive mistake

 

[dollarsandcents]

Thanks for all the responses, very helpful.

Like I say I decided on a hybrid simply for the versatility really. and more familiar position. Having not really been cycling for a while I thought it would just get me out cycling in a variety of places rather than being restricted to roads and tarmac. I've been 'umming and arring' over hybrid vs. road though, so this has just made me think I should reassess again. Damn! I was just told by a friend a hybrid was probably the best choice for now, and that I can always get a road bike if it looks like I'll be getting more seriously into the road cycling side.

I'll have a look at some road bikes now though, the ones you suggested too. Maybe I should stop being a coward and just jump straight in after all. Any other suggestions of road bikes for that price range (upto £500 - doesn't necessarily) have to spend it all for the sake of it) it would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks again!

 

[Sittingduck]

Decathlon do a road bike that looks super value, for 300... Carbon fork and all sorts. I am considering getting one for the winter, to reduce the heavy mileage I am putting onto my best bike, during commutes.

I would be inclinded to go straight for a road bike, as it beats spending 300-400 on a hybrid now and then having to fork out a second time in, say 6 months time - when you realise you want a road bike!

Nothing to say that you can't tackle light towpaths on a road bike... just unsuitable for anything rougher.

Why not go to a Local Bike Shop and test ride a variety of bikes, this will surely help confirm or deny the hybrid / road bike desire

 

[pepecat]

As far as accessories are concerned, if you're doing longer rides, padded shorts are definitely worth it. If you're buying a lock, the recommended calculation for lock prices is to spend minimum 10% of the value of the bike on the lock.
You might also want to get a saddle bag thing - a bit like this - to put spare inner tube / tyre levers / puncture kit in. And take a pump. I have a topeak pocket rocket which i keep on the bike at all times. The clip goes under the bottle cage holder.

 

[dollarsandcents]

I can tell this is going to get expensive! The initial expenditure anyway, having to buy the bike itself, a helmet and other odds and sods. Should probably buy a suitable outfit too, don't want to look like a cycling rookie now do we? Always wanted an excuse to wear spandex, finally!

I like the look of the Specialized Allez at the minute, I think I'm going to take the plunge at a road bike. They appear to have this bike on my local bike shop (Velosport if anyone is interested) so I'll pop in over the weekend if they're open, or one morning next week and have a little test ride and a chat. Hopefully he'll point me in the right direction of size and other essentials too.

Right? Cleated shoes and pedals. Are these a must have early doors or is it something I can buy as I go along? Obviously I understand the benefits of these and would like to have them in the long run, but buying so many things initially is going to sky-rocket the initial budget. I have the money, it just eases the pain buying things after payday!

Thanks in advance, and for the previous comments.

 

[Scotmitchy]

Hiya, I bought a Trek hybrid last year, and have really enjoyed it (thoguh didn't tend to use it over the winter).

Today I ordered a road bike _ i would never have imagined I would progress so much in a year, and effectivley just six months of riding.

From hardly doing any cycling I now use it about three or four days a week, and am going on a cycling minibreak this week too.

My new roadie, FWI, is the Specialized Dolce 24, and I have ordered shoes and pedals too.

I bought the shoes and pedals my LBS recommended, it took me long enough to sette on the bike without over analyzing the shoes and pedals too. Mine are Specialised Tahoe shoes, and Shimano SPD pedals.

 

[pepecat]

My Trek 1.2 came with toe clips and straps, and i've using them for two years, until today when I finally went clipless.
I got DHB road shoes from wiggle (for christmas) which were £40, look cleats which were about £17 and look pedals from a chap on here and cost me about £11 (i think). There are cheap ways of doing it if you buy the bits over time - you can wait for sales, see if there's anything for sale on here, for example.

 

[cyberknight]

I can tell this is going to get expensive! The initial expenditure anyway, having to buy the bike itself, a helmet and other odds and sods. Should probably buy a suitable outfit too, don't want to look like a cycling rookie now do we? Always wanted an excuse to wear spandex, finally!

.

Do not be fooled into thinking that the spending spree will never end, you have to have the latest shiny bit , oh and another bike etc etc etc

If you shop wisely you can get very affordable stuff with good quality .

Lidl + Aldi have cycle clothing and plety of other bits regulary so sign up for their email newsletters so you can get in there before it goes. the Lidl SPD shoes are very good for the money .

Ebay can be very good if you know what you want and can wait , you can get some real bargains .
I have got a saddle bag for tools from hong kong for a few quid that was better qulaity thanthe lidl one and recently i have got a liking for retro cycle tops that can cost a few quid .

Look at Decathlon for clothing, lights, etc etc as they are very good value and the shorts are the most comfortable ones i have ever had.

Shoes?
Start with normal pedals if you want and then move onto "clipless" if you get serious .
There are "MTB" shoes that have recessed cleats that are easier to walk on but you can use them on a road bike .

There are full on road shoes with a larger cleat that makes it harder to walk but gives you more attachment to the pedals.

Either system is fine and both have their fans.

 

[dollarsandcents]

Lots of stuff to take in. I'll take a look at some suitable, thanks for the recommendation in places to check, I'm sure they're come in handy. Comfortable shorts are such a Godsend when you find the right pair, that I know.

As for the shoes, I think I'll start with the regular pedals that come with the bike I eventually choose (hopefully next week) and see how I go to start with. Plenty of time for progression into the world of pedals. Being clipped into the bike sounds pretty damn terrifying to start with, I'm not going to lie! What are the best 'normal' shoes to wear for cycling before I delve into a pair of specialised (Specialized?) cycling shoes. I've got a wealth of different types for all occasions, so I'm sure I must have one that's more suitable.

Thanks for all the help again, maybe I'll look at some of the little pieces of kit first (tools, bag), no harm ordering them ready for when the day actually comes!

 

[vickster]

A lot of road bikes don't come with pedals, so you'll need to decide what you want at that point (and pay for them). If you think you may go clipless, you can get dual sided - platform one side, SPD the other.

Best shoes for cycling in on normal pedals, I just use flat soled trainers, chunky soles catch on the pedals, as most have jaggedy edges!