Lost in a world of metal and rubber

[Mark Tyrone]

Firstly may I apologise, I have looked through this forum and tried to find answers to my question. I have been to local bike shops, specilaists and Halfords et al. I haven't rode a bike for about 10 years and to my amazement there is a "new" bike called a hybrid.. Perfect for my daily 6 mile commute. Only problem is, I have between £200 and £300 to spend and my head has been filled with way too much information, brands, tyre pressures and what lycra kit to get (I am 16 stone its not a good look) What I am asking of some kind soul is a bit of advice or a reccomendation of a bike that you have had and thoroughly enjoyed riding. I don't think I have ever been this lost in my life, well apart from that garden maze when I was 8.. Any help would really be appreciated!! sorry and thanks

 

[Dommo]

Hi Mark,

Have you checked to see if your company operates the Cycle2Work scheme? If they do, you can get some great savings given that your bike will be primarily for your commute.

I have a Trek SU2.0 hybrid from a few years back and it's served me well for five years or so. Something along similar lines will do you well (I'm also a similar weight to you)

Dom

 

[Mark Tyrone]

Cheers Dom, I like the look of that bike. We do have a cycle to work scheme but "apparantly" it won't start running until March.. I just think I work for a cheap company that doens't want to contribute.

 

[Canrider]

Welcome Mark, I'm sure many will be along shortly to offer advice.

First, thank you for the info on commute length, budget, etc. Can we assume you don't currently own *any* bike, not even a cheapo mountain bike?
The good news is there will be something suitable for you, your fitness level and your commute distance within your budget (maybe at the high end). Out of curiosity, what bikes have been recommended to you so far by the various shops you've visited?

 

[AndyRM]

What sort of bike did you ride 10 years ago? May be worth exploring that as an option as well as looking at hybrids?

As far as hybrids go, I have a Cannondale Quick, which is a very enjoyable, and versatile ride. It is the CX model, and I have a pair of slicks for commuting on road, and another set which I use for weekend cyclo-cross racing.

I'm not suggesting you need something similar, just giving an example of how versatile that kind of bike can be.

 

[Pauluk]

There are a number of people on here that really like the Carrera Subway and say it's really good value for money and within your budget I believe.

I have the Carrera Crossfire 2, which I like. It's is a bit more expensive at around £330, but also a bit heavier since it has front suspension which some people don't want or need.

Having said that I'm sure there a other reasonably good bikes at or around those prices.

 

[Mark Tyrone]

Thanks for the welcome, sadly I don't even have an old rust bucket in the garage, my last one was stolen. I have been advised on Merida Crossway 10, Specialized Sirrus 2012 , Dawes Discovery, Raleigh Grande Hybrid. I couldnt help but think they all had a vested interest in particular brands and were quite dismissive of others.

 

[Mark Tyrone]

I rode a mountain bike, which was very hard going and heavy, to be honest it was given to me and I would probably go out and about to the shops once a week. All in about 2 miles a week. Thanks for the suggestions

 

[Booyaa]

Cheers Dom, I like the look of that bike. We do have a cycle to work scheme but "apparantly" it won't start running until March.. I just think I work for a cheap company that doens't want to contribute.

Chances are the enrolment window will only be in March/April time. Most schemes have only one or two windows a year. It's not unusual.

 

[vickster]

The Subway is indeed popular and this one is nicely in budget with a few quid for kit left over http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_840933_langId_-1_categoryId_165534

 

[Mark Tyrone]

Thanks I didn't realise that about the windows, lets hope the boss isn't logged on. Do halfords not get the credit they deserve or are they just not very good for low end bikes?

 

[vickster]

The Carreras and Boardmans are generally vfm, the Trax and Apollos are supermarket bikes...their staff and mechanics vary very widely from store to store...if not technically adept, probably worth getting a Halfords build checked by a local shop or knowledgeable buddy unless you are lucky and have a good Halfords locally

On a £200 bike on C2W you'll save almost nothing - you'll save more not spending on the bus/car/train between now and then if you get bike

 

[Pauluk]

Halfords products tend to be very good, but their service is very variable and depends on the particular outlet.

Some of their shops have staff who are very good and quite knowledgeable where as some employ staff without sufficient training/experience. This means that sometimes you get a new bike that's not been set up properly but if you know what you are doing you can sort it yourself or insist on them doing it.

 

[snorri]

I couldnt help but think they all had a vested interest in particular brands and were quite dismissive of others.

Sadly this attitude is not so uncommon.
I am unable to recommend a bike, but feel it is usually a case of "you get what you pay for", if it appears very cheap then it is unlikely to give trouble free use for very long. A hybrid type sounds like a good choice for you at present, no suspension to complicate the mechanics and sap your energy.
Just ignore those who will try to convince you that lycra and special footwear is a necessity for all cyclists, these items may assist the sporting cyclist but can be considered an optional extra for utility cycling.

 

[Deanno1dad]

Have you considered a 2nd hand used hybrid..may get more for your money..Where in the country are you as may have something?