New all round bike suggestions

[jacko2401]

Hi,

I've not owned a bike for quite some time now (well, not at least when I was at school) and now I've decided to get a bike for a fair few reasons:
1. My knee is getting worse by twisting it from playing football. My physio suggested that cycling would be a lot better for it and build up more strength in the knee.
2. My work is only 3 miles away and I'm getting anoyed with north Bristol traffic each morning/evening.
3. My work is part of the government cycle scheme where I pay installments for the bike and the bike (plus accessories) is tax free.
4. I'd love to do some recreational cycling along cycle paths and paths round some woods that I know of that are not too extreme.

So with this all in mind, I can afford a better bike due to cycle scheme but there are so many types and makes and models out there that I'm completely confused. I want a bike that will be good for my 6 mile round trip commute to work but also want something that can handle some cycle paths/woodland paths (nothing too extreme). I've read up on what I should be getting though not sure if I would end up with the most appropriate bike. In my own mind (though take into account its confused!), it looks as though I want a hybrid type of bike but I wanted it to be more towards a mountain bike so it would be ok for the these woodland cycle paths but light enough on roads and hasn't got too many complexities.

The first question and main question I have is whether this is possible to get an all-round bike to accomplish this?

I've spoken to 2 places and summarised what I'm after and have been shown more "town and trial" type bikes: One was the Raleigh Urbans Mens 3 (from a LBS) and the other was the Carrera Gryphon (I think) or one of the subway range.

Can anyone give me an idea of sorts of bikes I should be after? Maybe a few makes/models that could fit the bill that I can start to look at.

Any quick help would be much appreciated because my work have given us till the start of December to find a bike and get a cycle scheme voucher for the price of the bike I want to buy.

Steve

 

[Banjo]

Hi Jacko welcome to the forum. I live in Wales but have ridden around bristol a bit,you have some great rides on youir doorstep.

Theres no such thing as the ideal bike for eveything, you will find that most cyclist who have been at it a few years have 2 or 3 bikes (or more).

For 3 miles to work plus cycle paths etc you would probably be better off with a hybrid than an out and out road or mountain bike.

For paths and trails I think the gryphon may be a bit too road orientated. Also it is usually a good idea to keep out of the place that gryphons are sold. Go to a proper bike shop and see what they have, you probably dont really need any suspension front or back as it adds a lot of weight and slows you down.

The Trek range of hybrids are good but there are plenty of good makes around. If you can afford it bikes start to get much better at the £400 point. £200 bikes will have cheap components that will soon pi$$you off .Having said that dont spend a total fortiune on youir first bike as you may soon decide it isnt right for you and want something else.

In your position a secondhand hybrid for less than £100 maybe a good move to see if you like it and move you up the learning curve quickly.
whatever You decide good luck and keep us posted on your progress.

 

[jacko2401]

Thanks Banjo.

Yep, heard a lot of good things of the rides round Bristol, though I only personally know of the steep "ups and downs" it has to offer. Hopefully they wont be all as steep as Consitution Hill or not while I'm building up the strength in my knee

My LBS is Fred Baker Cycles and they have a good range of the Trek range (if that is what you were talking about). I'll have to have a wander into their store this week to see what they suggest.

I'll see if I can have a look from the men's bikes on this page: http://www.fredbakercycles.co.uk/Search/trek+hybrid/Brand/TREK/Category/Hybrid+(Cross)+Bikes/

 

[Noodley]

Welcome to the forum jacko2401.

How about this?:

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Kona_Dew_Drop_2009/5360039059/#more

Drop handlebars, disc brakes, thicker tyres for off road, huge range of gears.

Edit - I only linked to wiggle as I knew they had them, but they only have one size in stock. But have a look around as you'll find them elsewhere.

 

[Alan Whicker]

Hello and welcome.

If you like the look of the Treks, have a look at the 7.3FX. I've got one, and I love it. Built to last, decent weight and really superb for commuting. It could certainly cope with light trails and towpaths - my FX is completely unfazed by the appalling state of the roads in East London.

 

[g00se]

Hi - agree with the others. Trek FX are good bikes. Another popular hybrid is the Specialized Sirrus. However, it may be a bit too road oriented for what you want - but they do the Crosstrail. Now, this has front suspension which you might not really need as it adds a lot of weight - but if you do decide you want front suspension (if the trails are a bit rough), then these can also be locked out on this model for when you're on road.

As well as the Kona Dew Drop, consider other Kona Dews (standard, Plus, Deluxe) as there are a lot of the 2009s on sale at the mo.

 

[Ant]

About six months ago I wanted a general purpose bike for trails and light off road, whilst still retaining some decent on-road performance for my 13 mile commute to work when the weather was a bit adverse and I didn't want to take out my road bike.

Having just spent £1200 on said road bike I wasn't looking to spend another huge wad of cash, so after a lot of searching and review reading I got one of these:

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_551211_langId_-1_categoryId_165534

I'm extremely pleased with it and it does everything I want it to. Both road and off-road performance is great and I love it. Disk brakes are fantastic.

The only downside is that it comes from Halfords, which means it may not be assembled very well (mine wasn't) but if you can do the necessary adustments yourself, or don't mind spending an extra £35 to get it checked over by an LBS then I'm sure you'll be very pleased with one and it'll do pretty much exactly what you seem tgo want it to

 

[Arch]

Hi jacko, welcome aboard!

I can't help with individual bikes or anything, it sounds like a hybrid will suit you. All I wanted to say is to remember to budget for all theother stuff you may need - I think you can add that stuff into the cycle to work pot to get discount on them. If you are going to commute, day in day out (and 3 miles is a great distance - enough to do you good, not so far that it feels like a huge undertaking) you will need:

A decent lock. A rule of thumb is to spend 10% of the price of the bike. Go for a good D-lock. (also if your bike has anything that is quick release, wheels, or saddle, either think about replacing them, or get a thin cable to loop through them and to the lock. There are a lot of thieving bastards out there.

Lights. The more the merrier. A dynamo system is a top idea, but if that's not an option, get a good front and rear LED, and have some back ups too - rear LED lights can be cheap as chips, and you can get some dinky little single LEDs that attach to anything with a little elastic loop. If your main light fails or the batteries run out, your back up is a lifesaver.

Clothes. Well, this is debatable, I commute 3 miles in jeans and teeshirt, so you don't have to go all lycra-clad. If you want to get sporty, get some padded shorts, and some wicking tops to stop you getting clammy. Padded mitts take the edge off any bumps in the road. Shoes - again, depending on your pedals, special shoes aren't essential, I use trainers, but a stiff soled shoe works best. A good waterproof jacket will be a good idea, and depending on what you want to commute in trouserwise, waterproof trousers or rainlegs.

Luggage. Do you have to carry stuff to work? If you can, get a bike with a rack, and use a pannier. You can use a rucksack, but it puts the weight up higher, and makes your back sweaty.

Pump. Keeping your tyres pumped up well is important, it helps to prevent punctures and makes it easier to pedal. You'll need one you can carry with you, and if you fancy, a track pump to keep at home...

Tools. Have a basic puncture repair kit, and know how to use it. You can carry a spare tube, it's quicker just to change it and fix the old one later at home. Have a basic kit of allen keys and spanner and screwdriver - a multitool is a good way to carry them all. If you fancy it, a good maintenance book (there is a Haynes manual) can save you money and keep your bike in tiptop condition. Or there are tutorial videos online.

Helmet. This is up to you. Search the forum for helmet debates. Suffice to say that if you want one, try a few, get it fitted in the shop and make sure you wear it right and well fitted. A loose or back to front (yes, it does happen!) helmet is worse than useless.

That might all look like a lot, it's the sort of stuff us regular cyclists have accumulated over time. But being well prepared will make cycling all the more easy and convenient. And think of the money you'll save on driving...

 

[jacko2401]

Thanks to everyone that has posted a reply. It is very much appreciated and I feel a little more comfortable knowing I'm on the right lines of getting something I will be happy with and it will be appropriate for my needs. The last thing I wanted was to be sold something that was far too much for my needs or inappropriate that I won't be making the most of the types of cycling I will will be doing (at least in the near future).

I've been told the cycle scheme includes accessories so will definitely be getting the most from this scheme. Thanks for the top tips on what accessories to get. I've got a decent idea what to get but when I see by LBS I will see what they have in store.

The Trek range "look" like a good range from the pics on the Internet and I appreciate the recommendations and I'm glad that the bikes that my LBS have are in this range.