New to cycling

[Rafreg]

Afternoon all

I am new to cycling and in the next week I will be purchasing a bike to ride to work 5 days a week. Problem is I don't really know what to get. people say to me Hybrid bike, others say road bike with flat bar. Another important thing is I don't know what is best for my money. I only have £400 - £500 to spend. What is better Specialized, Cannondale, Scott etc... as you know the list goes on. I just don't know what to pick. I would rather hear recommendations for enthusiast than a bike shop.

Any information would be gratefully received.

Many Thanks

 

[coffeejo]

I got a hybrid as I needed a jack of all trades but when I'm going somewhere rather than pootling, I regret not owning a road bike.

The only real advice I can offer is try before you buy, whatever you go for.

 

[brockers]

They're all pretty similar at the same price point performancewise. At the end of the day its your lungs and legs that make you go faster!

Go for the one that fits and looks nice.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

Make sure you know what you want your bike to do. At the moment you may only be thinking of commuting but you might also have some other ideas at the back of your mind.

Some things to think about.

Road Bikes - Very fast but may be difficult to ride if you are new to cycling (due to the gear ratios)

Hybrid - A great all round bike that can go on rougher terrain than a road bike but will be slower and a little heavier.

Hard Tail Mountain Bike (with lock out forks) - My personal choice. A go anywhere bike that will handle pretty much anything you throw at it but will be slower on roads even with slick tyres. At the price you are looking at will also certainly be the heaviest option.

Afternoon all

I am new to cycling and in the next week I will be purchasing a bike to ride to work 5 days a week. Problem is I don't really know what to get. people say to me Hybrid bike, others say road bike with flat bar. Another important thing is I don't know what is best for my money. I only have £400 - £500 to spend. What is better Specialized, Cannondale, Scott etc... as you know the list goes on. I just don't know what to pick. I would rather hear recommendations for enthusiast than a bike shop.

Any information would be gratefully received.

Many Thanks

 

[Red Light]

What sort of riding will it be? Smooth roads or potholed nightmares? Hilly or flat? Open country or busy inner city? Heavy congestion or free-flowing traffic? The more you can characterise the sort of ride you will be doing the easier it will be to recommend as each type has its pluses and minuses and where the best compromise is depends on how they marry up to the conditions.

 

[corshamjim]

It's definitely worth looking for any deals going. If it were me with your budget I'd go for something like this one.

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_551225_langId_-1_categoryId_165534

It seems to get good comments on the forums, and as it has a hub gear it should be relatively low maintenance especially if you only use tyres with decent puncture protection. If speed is your priority then maybe not though.

 

[mightyquin]

I went through this a few months back. I ended up buying a single speed bike and love it!

Someone advised me against buying a hybrid, and said buy a road bike if you're riding mainly road, or a mountain bike if not. I decided the SS road bike will be great for commuting and general running about, and to have a hard tail MTB as well for when I want something with gears and/or the trails.

So basically, you need 2 bikes !

 

[vickster]

I commute on a Specialized Sirrus, fine for paths and quick enough on the road - it is certainly up to what my legs and lungs throw at it as some one said

Best thing is to go to your local bike shop and look at the options - personally I have never wanted dropped bars, the Sirrus is my 4th hybrid and no offroading so an MTB is pointless for me. How far is your commute?

Is that £500 your absolute max as you'll need a good hundred quid for kit - helmet, lock, lights, padded shorts, mitts or gloves, some sort of showerproof/windproof jacket, bottle & cage just to start
​

 

[Rafreg]

My commute will be 28 miles a day. The £500 I have just allocated for the bike. I'm thinking of say £100 to £150 for the other bits and bobs. It's a little annoying as I work for a really big company, but my line manager has told me they don't do a ride2work scheme!

 

[vickster]

Is that 28 miles on the road? If so, that's quite a way so a comfortable road bike might be a good idea, but they do tend to cost a bit more than a hybrid

Where do you live - I am sure someone can recommend a good LBS

 

[Rafreg]

I'm in Slough and travelling to Sunbury on Thames. It is mainly roads, but there are a few trails etc.....As I'm new to all the abbreviation does LBS stand for Local bike store?

many thanks

Gregg

 

[vickster]

Yes, sorry Hmm, if there are trails a hybrid may be better. Do you intend to commute all year round or fair weather mainly (like me, riding home in the rain last night confirms why I am ).

Evans have a bit of a mixed rep but they do carry plenty of bikes - they have a great store in central London near Oxford Street if you happen to be in town Otherwise, Halfords are worth a look - I am not sure whether £500 would get a Boardman hybrid or only a Carrera as posted above

 

[Rafreg]

I have looked at Boardman and Carrera. I have also thought about second-hand but I'm scared of the bike not having a warranty! I do however keep on coming across and back to the Sirrus

 

[vickster]

The 2011 Sirrus sport is in budget at £449 or the better Elite at £549...maybe you can push the budget if have interest free credit?

E.g. http://www.hargrovescycles.co.uk/products.asp?category=Bikes&product=Sirrus Elite - 2011

Gives you some carbon in the forks to soften road noise though the hands

 

[Rafreg]

Thanks vickster!