I've browsed the forums for a while and it looks like a good supportive bunch so I've registered, read the sticky 'advice for newbies ' (nice one Andy) and here with my first question.
Like many I'm using cycling to try to get fitter and take some weight off in my late forties. Fairly early in my restart program - happy to do 20 to 30 miles in one go at around 12MPH average. Not quite so terrified of hills now, though I do live around Sheffield!
most cycling to date has been with the wife and kids but stretching out to go a bit further noe and commute to work. We try to stick to traffic free routes of course which means routes like the trans pennine trail etc. Not tarmac but mostly smooth usually. The commutes and fitness rides will be a mix of quiet roads and the TPT.
The Giant Hybrid I inherited is over 10 years old. Not a bad bike, bit big and heavy, does the job. I think I'll stick with it until Dec when our c 2 w scheme opens up again. I was looking hard at the Boardman Hybrid Pro, despite Halfords.
I spoke to some colleagues should are we'll into their bikes and realise I'm really close to a small company with a great Rep, in Planet X. They seem to focus on road bikes but have one really nice looking Hybrid at £899, well specified, carbon frame, lots of customisation options. To be honest it looks too good to be true, but the reviews are great. They even fit and build at the Rotherham shop.
One concern - 25mm tyres vs 28 on the Boardman. Will these bikes cope with the odd bump when I'm scooting round pedestrians on the TPT? Will it fall apart as soon as it loses sight of tarmac?
Happy to hear any views on the above. I'm off down to talk to Planet X tomorrow.
Like many I'm using cycling to try to get fitter and take some weight off in my late forties. Fairly early in my restart program - happy to do 20 to 30 miles in one go at around 12MPH average. Not quite so terrified of hills now, though I do live around Sheffield!
most cycling to date has been with the wife and kids but stretching out to go a bit further noe and commute to work. We try to stick to traffic free routes of course which means routes like the trans pennine trail etc. Not tarmac but mostly smooth usually. The commutes and fitness rides will be a mix of quiet roads and the TPT.
The Giant Hybrid I inherited is over 10 years old. Not a bad bike, bit big and heavy, does the job. I think I'll stick with it until Dec when our c 2 w scheme opens up again. I was looking hard at the Boardman Hybrid Pro, despite Halfords.
I spoke to some colleagues should are we'll into their bikes and realise I'm really close to a small company with a great Rep, in Planet X. They seem to focus on road bikes but have one really nice looking Hybrid at £899, well specified, carbon frame, lots of customisation options. To be honest it looks too good to be true, but the reviews are great. They even fit and build at the Rotherham shop.
One concern - 25mm tyres vs 28 on the Boardman. Will these bikes cope with the odd bump when I'm scooting round pedestrians on the TPT? Will it fall apart as soon as it loses sight of tarmac?
Happy to hear any views on the above. I'm off down to talk to Planet X tomorrow.
