marshmella
Guru
- Location
- Telford, Shropshire
Looking to get into cycling
- Thread starter cvarley
- Start date
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Really appreciate the replies so far. I've had a look for a while online, read up on various things. Still not entirely sure what to go with.
I went to a bike shop nearby called 700. They recommended the Giant Defy 4 which was £599. As we'd be buying two bikes, as well as clothing, tools etc, the guy in the shop said he'd give us a reasonable discount on it all. We'd get it all properly fitted so I guess that's a benefit over buying it online. He also said that we shouldn't bother with clip ins etc initially and just go with normal pedals and then see what we decide later on.
Would you say this sounds reasonable or would we be getting dicked on in terms of pricing?
I went to a bike shop nearby called 700. They recommended the Giant Defy 4 which was £599. As we'd be buying two bikes, as well as clothing, tools etc, the guy in the shop said he'd give us a reasonable discount on it all. We'd get it all properly fitted so I guess that's a benefit over buying it online. He also said that we shouldn't bother with clip ins etc initially and just go with normal pedals and then see what we decide later on.
Would you say this sounds reasonable or would we be getting dicked on in terms of pricing?
snorri
Legendary Member
- Location
- East coast, up a bit.
Unless you have bucket loads of cash to throw at this game, I would suggest going to a local bike shop(LBS) and having a chat with the guy there, assuming he is not too busy at the time, and asking him if he knows of a second hand bike to get started on. This would get you into the world of cycling, get used to the bike, then perhaps join a local club and get practical advice from more experienced members. There is no need for special clothing, after a while you will get to know what you want and what you really need.
simon.r
Person
- Location
- Nottingham
A quick Google suggests that you could get that particular bike significantly cheaper elsewhere, but there's a lot to be said for buying from a local bike shop (LBS) if they're helpful and supportive. Bear in mind though that most shops will only stock a few brands out of the many that are available so will be limited in what they can offer.
I'd suggest, as others have said already, that you ought to try and test ride a few bikes before you buy. Find out what feels right for you - it's surprising what a difference small adjustments to sizing and positioning can make and a good LBS should be happy to alter things around for you and let you try a few different makes and models. You and your friend are unlikely to be exactly the same size, so what suits you may not suit your friend (and vice-versa of course).
Even more fundamentally, do you want a drop handled 'racing' bike, or flat bars? Or even a mountain bike? You say in your OP that you will be sticking predominantly to roads - does that mean some of your riding will be off-road? If so then you need to think about how suitable some of the bikes you've been pointed towards will be.
It does sound as if you have a few quid to play with, but I'd echo some of the other comments about not spending too much on your first bike. I'd guess that most people who 'get into' cycling change their bike (finances permitting) within a year or two, as they become more aware of what they want from their bike.
Re the extras - you can easily spend hundreds on specialist clothing, locks, helmets, lights...the list is almost endless, it's a whole new consumer experience
But you certainly don't need all that stuff. Personally I'd buy the minimum* to start with, then buy what you need when you know what you need, if that makes sense?
*My personal minimum would be a helmet, gloves, basic tool kit (enough to repair a puncture and a couple of allen keys to tighten things up if they come loose) and a water bottle. And probably padded shorts. Add a lock if you're planning to leave your bike unattended. You may not look the part wearing tracky bottoms, trainers and a t-shirt, but does it really matter? If it does and money's no object, go for as much kit as you want!
Most importantly - don't forget to get out and ride and ENJOY it
I'd suggest, as others have said already, that you ought to try and test ride a few bikes before you buy. Find out what feels right for you - it's surprising what a difference small adjustments to sizing and positioning can make and a good LBS should be happy to alter things around for you and let you try a few different makes and models. You and your friend are unlikely to be exactly the same size, so what suits you may not suit your friend (and vice-versa of course).
Even more fundamentally, do you want a drop handled 'racing' bike, or flat bars? Or even a mountain bike? You say in your OP that you will be sticking predominantly to roads - does that mean some of your riding will be off-road? If so then you need to think about how suitable some of the bikes you've been pointed towards will be.
It does sound as if you have a few quid to play with, but I'd echo some of the other comments about not spending too much on your first bike. I'd guess that most people who 'get into' cycling change their bike (finances permitting) within a year or two, as they become more aware of what they want from their bike.
Re the extras - you can easily spend hundreds on specialist clothing, locks, helmets, lights...the list is almost endless, it's a whole new consumer experience
But you certainly don't need all that stuff. Personally I'd buy the minimum* to start with, then buy what you need when you know what you need, if that makes sense?*My personal minimum would be a helmet, gloves, basic tool kit (enough to repair a puncture and a couple of allen keys to tighten things up if they come loose) and a water bottle. And probably padded shorts. Add a lock if you're planning to leave your bike unattended. You may not look the part wearing tracky bottoms, trainers and a t-shirt, but does it really matter? If it does and money's no object, go for as much kit as you want!
Most importantly - don't forget to get out and ride and ENJOY it
darth vadar
Über Member
About £420 from Ash Cycles
I think it was the 2012 model which seems to be similarly priced.
roadrash
cycle chatterer
- Location
- sitting on the edge of wigan pier
you can still get a giant defy 2 for £500 from wistanly cycles I DID
you can still get a giant defy 2 for £500 from wistanly cycles I DID
Wow, there are some good deals there. What do I do about sizing/fitting etc?
roadrash
cycle chatterer
- Location
- sitting on the edge of wigan pier
any local bike shop should be able to tell you what size you need ,whereabouts in country are you, their are many sizing charts on internet or guides on youtube, i was lucky winstanlys is only 1.5 miles from my front door
Headgardener
Armchair Cyclist
As your getting a dicount then the bike price might work out nearer what has been quoted above and his recomendation not to go clipless just yet is quite a good idea.
