New to the forum and just bought a couple of bikes - would value your opinion

[Randochap]

Nice bikes! Did you get mudguards ... maybe a rack?

Enjoy your explorations.

 

[Syphon]

Nice bikes! Did you get mudguards ... maybe a rack?

Enjoy your explorations.

hi, I didn't get mudguards, but probably should. Something else to add to the shopping list!

 

[jay clock]

Excellent choice of bikes. You avoided the schoolboy error of getting suspension. Both will be good all purpose bikes and if you decided to get a full on road bike will serve as backup/spare.

Re the clicking gears best to nip into a shop and get it sorted if you are not up to a fiddle yourself

For the commute, I would do a test run. For the commute I would work at easing off whatever pace you think is comfortable by about 10%. You will quickly get used to the journey and distance and about 25-35 mins sounds a good time depending on traffic, traffic lights, and how hilly!

 

[Syphon]

Excellent choice of bikes. You avoided the schoolboy error of getting suspension. Both will be good all purpose bikes and if you decided to get a full on road bike will serve as backup/spare.

Re the clicking gears best to nip into a shop and get it sorted if you are not up to a fiddle yourself

For the commute, I would do a test run. For the commute I would work at easing off whatever pace you think is comfortable by about 10%. You will quickly get used to the journey and distance and about 25-35 mins sounds a good time depending on traffic, traffic lights, and how hilly!

Ta.

I'm up for a fiddle so any idea what it could be?

I'll do a test run at the weekend I think. The weather's not looking too great this week.

The journey is mostly flat with a very steep hill at the end. It's pretty much a 60 road all the way, including the hill (which is quite twisty) so I'm fearing for my life slightly they way some people bomb along the roads

 

[jay clock]

Is the clicking from the rear cassette area? If so there is an adjuster barrel where the cable meets the rear derailleur (if not there will be one at the gear changer on the handlebars. Note where it is now, then turn, a quarter, then a half then another half and see if it helps. If not, move it back to where it was and go the other way the same amounts.... If no improvement, move it back to where it was.

The same principle applies to the changer for the front chainrings but the barrel adjuster will be on or near the handlebars probably. Only turn a tiny bit at a time....

 

[Syphon]

Is the clicking from the rear cassette area? If so there is an adjuster barrel where the cable meets the rear derailleur (if not there will be one at the gear changer on the handlebars. Note where it is now, then turn, a quarter, then a half then another half and see if it helps. If not, move it back to where it was and go the other way the same amounts.... If no improvement, move it back to where it was.

The same principle applies to the changer for the front chainrings but the barrel adjuster will be on or near the handlebars probably. Only turn a tiny bit at a time....

Thanks. It seems to be coming from the front gears and only when I am in the middle gear. I'll give that a go.

 

[jay clock]

it is probably the chain rubbing against the side of the cage at some point. Have a close look before fiddling!

 

[Arch]

Thanks. It seems to be coming from the front gears and only when I am in the middle gear. I'll give that a go.

Is your shifter for the front gears indexed (IE it has one click per gear) or friction (IE you can micro adjust it between the gears)? If the latter, you might be able to sort it just by moving a little further in or out. If it is indexed, I think you will also have adjusters you can play with, as described for the back.

Oh, do you know the golden rule of gears? Never be in the big ring at the front and the big sprocket at the back, or small-small - it makes the chain run at an angle which is bad for it, and you'll have the same gear in another combination somewhere. Even in middle, it might be best to shift down to the smaller ring before you hit the bottom gear at the back (and the same going up, but I've yet to need my big ring!)

 

[Sittingduck]

Sounds like you need to adust the front mech a bit to stop the chain rubbing, as per the above snippets of advice

Check this out for a guide.

SD

 

[Syphon]

Thanks all for the advice and links. I'll give it a go.

Cheers.

 

[Syphon]

Hi guys. Just got back from a trial ride to work and back. It took me 30 mins each way. the hill on the way there was a killer, but I enjoyed the outing. Not had a chance to look at that clicking yet. It doesn't appear to be rubbing on anything. I'll have a proper look later this weekend if I get a chance.

 

[Syphon]

My arms seem to hurt more than anything else

 

[Randochap]

Upper body doesn't get much of a workout on the bike. Consider some light weights and "core" strength workouts as an adjunct to riding.

I'd take the bikes in for a tune-up. These should be covered by the shop for 12 months.

Make sure you keep tyres topped up to appropriate pressure (see sidebar).

 

[mad al]

Hi,

New to the forum and not had my own bike for about 10 years. After a trip to Centre Parcs last week me and Mrs. decided to get into cycling properly with me commuting to work (6 miles each way) and taking occasional trips at the weekends.

I spent about 2.5 hours today in my local Evans store and the very helpful chap there gave me lots of advice and spent all that time with me to make sure I was happy with my purchase (despite being very busy).

I only discovered this forum tonight, so it's probably a bit late now, but I'd value your opinions on what I've ordered and expect to be delivered later in the week.

For me:
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/kona/dew-2009-hybrid-bike-ec017268

For the Mrs:
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/pinnacle/stratus-10-2009-womens-hybrid-bike-ec018118

Money well spent? or should I have come here first?!

I've also bought some accessories which he gave me a bit of a discount on (chain, pump, spare innner tubes, chain oil, helmets and a few other bits).

Cheers.

you were steered very much in the right direction and have two nice bikes, now hit them pedals and share your trips with us