New Cyclist Questions, Teman? S/H? New? Nightrider Plans

[blueschill]

Hey guys, im new to cycling so just want a few opinions if you could please.

After some heavy cancer and long time chemo, its time for me to get fit and have some fun as well so i chose cycling as a new hobby/sport. it left me overweight and very unfit as you could imagine.

i dont know much about it all but i need a bike and dont/cant really spend that much at all so probably around 150-200 quid.
i have been watching ebay, gumtree ect for a few weeks to get a grasp on what to look for and whats a good deal and bad,
i found a bike called teman and it is cheap on ebay
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TEMAN-Hybrid-Bike-Shimano-21-Gears-Alloy-Frame-/330731211850?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item4d011dcc4a

i understand that it probably has ugly welds and things but , i need to start somewhere (and wouldnt mind the bike to look half decent) anyone had any experience with these, i dont mind buying extra parts to replace rubbish one's eventually. just need a startup bike really.
or should i hold out for a s/h one , i just want one so i can get on the road as soon as possible im itching with excitement to get out there.

plus if i take to cycling then i havnt shelled out too much wonga have i.

any suggestions guys?

( hopefully by next year i will have a good bike as i want to do the nightrider in london next year, thats my goal )

Bobbie

 

[jowwy]

Carrera subway on sale in halfords for a shade under 200 notes......way better than the tehman

 

[DCLane]

Agree with the above. Whilst the general view on here is that Halfords aren't great, the Carrera / Boardman range are fine (I use a Carrera Virtuoso as my winter bike, others have Carrera's too).

 

[blueschill]

would it be ok just for a bike to start out on though, i know its not a lot more money for a carrera but i have to save my pennies, as the navy is going to medically discharge me soon, gotta keep spending tight,

 

[DCLane]

Try it - I'd looked at one and discounted it fairly quickly though.

 

[blueschill]

I have got an idea first though that just came to me, ill get in touch with Help For Heroes, and the Navy Sports Lottery and see if they can help me with costs, as my goal is to do the nightrider for help for heroes next year.
Maybe they can help me. never know

 

[Jimmy Doug]

I wouldn't ever buy a bike on the Internet. You really have to try them out to see if you like it/that it fits properly etc. Another route you can go down is the second hand one. Loads of bike stores sell second-hand machines and you can find a real bargain. In my opinion, if you do decide to look at second hand, it'd probably be best to buy from a shop rather directly from the owner. If you're new to cycling you'll probably not know if the bike is well maintained - fixing a badly maintained bike can be expensive. Also, think about the sort of cycling you want to do. Do you want to stay on the road or do you want to hurtle along forest tracks? Do you want to go fast or do you prefer to take things easy? These are important considerations on the type of bike you should buy.

 

[sabian92]

Agree with the above. Whilst the general view on here is that Halfords aren't great, the Carrera / Boardman range are fine (I use a Carrera Virtuoso as my winter bike, others have Carrera's too).

Winter bike?

It's my good bike!



Go for a Carrera - good bikes although I'd get it checked at a proper bike shop (Evans will do if you have one near you) because Halfords generally employ apes with spanners rather than proper mechanics.

 

[blueschill]

i got an apollo cx10 for now for 60 pounds. it is like new. it should do me for a starter bike untill i can save up for a big boys bike