New bike advice

[Atara]

Hello

I'm about to embark on a new bike adventure after six years with zero cycling and could do with some advice...

I'm getting a bike through cycle4work and have been reading reviews of boardman bikes. I'm considering the Hybrid Comp but I'm just wanting to make sure I'm making the right choice as the bloke in Halfords wasn't hugely helpful and was giving me incorrect specs for the bike I was enquiring about.

So anyway, here are my questions...

Edinburgh is rather hilly, will this bike do?

Would I be better off shelling out more money to get the higher spec model with hydraulic brakes or is it 6 and half a dozen for a newbie.

Are there any other bikes you would recommend from Halfords for £500?

 

[BrumJim]

Hello

Edinburgh is rather hilly, will this bike do?

Depending on leg strength, weight and loads to be carried, probably yes.

Would I be better off shelling out more money to get the higher spec model with hydraulic brakes or is it 6 and half a dozen for a newbie.

In normal conditions standard brakes are good enough. Disc brakes (with or without hydraulic actuation) are better in wet conditions and for high-performance mountain bike usage. If you want reliable brake performance in all weather conditions, consider getting them. I do OK without.

Are there any other bikes you would recommend from Halfords for £500?

Boardman bikes are the top end Halfords bikes. If you want to spend £500, then go to another bike shop and see what they offer. Halfords Carrera bikes are good for their money, but inhabit the lower price band (£200-£450, roughly)

 

[Atara]

Thanks for your help, you lot probably get tired of all of my type coming in here with no clue asking for probably silly advice so it's greatly appreciated

 

[tedydim]

Thanks for your help, you lot probably get tired of all of my type coming in here with no clue asking for probably silly advice so it's greatly appreciated

Hi. With hills + wet weather disk breaks will perform much better. As far as hydrolics... I am not sure you need to go that far. I would say go to a better bike shop as bunch of questions (weight, frame size, components... etc.), try on a few bikes, and either buy from there or once you have the knowledge -- go and buy from the cheaper store or online. Good luck!