Newbie here, help valued.

[jamino]

Hi. I've been wanting to get a new bike for a while now, but just find the choice, different manufacturers etc. really confusing and obviously want to get something that is optimal for the money that I have and what I want to do. I've read the post for newbies (so please don't refer me there).

I live in a city on the south coast and want a bike for both nipping in to the center (20 mins), visiting friends maybe 25 mins in car away, crusing up and down the costal road and for fitness. A lot I know.

Obviously a mountain bike is useless as I'm in a city with no rugged terrain.
It would seem that either a hybrid or road bike is where I'm at. I'm worried about the drop handlebars (saw post about that) and want to be able to ride this allyearround, is rain a problem for roadbikes?

From the hybrids I've looked at a Boardman and Ironhorse, but not sure where they rank, or which is better. A friend has a Boardman and recommends disc brakes for their all weather viability. He was going to get a road bike and went for hybrid.

Looking to spend between £300-400 (give or take a bit). (Some have recommended buying used bikes because they are better, what should look for.)

Please help. Thanks

 

[DaveP]

Jam,

I freely admit I am not an expert, but would it not be worth going down to your local (good) bike shop sorting out what fits you first then see what feels right for you..

All the best…

 

[dan_bo]

I'd go along with Dave's advice, go for the best frame and wheels you can afford- you won't go far wrong.

good luck!

 

[Lazy-Commuter]

Jam,

I freely admit I am not an expert, but would it not be worth going down to your local (good) bike shop sorting out what fits you first then see what feels right for you..

All the best…

+1.

You can try out a bike (or several) with drops and see how you get on with it, try a few flat barred bikes of whatever sort and see what suits you. A good LBS will listen to what you want to use it for, advise you on what might suit, let you try a few and generally look after you .. after all, they want you to go back for accessories, maintenance and the inevitable 2nd, 3rd, 4th, n+1th bikes.

Edit: one other point, based on my own (limited) experience. What you want to use the bike for might change over time. I wanted a bike to enable me to keep up with the kids: plodding around on bridleways, trails, parks and the like .. definitely going nowhere near a road, nope, not ever, uh-uh. So I bought a basic MTB. Eighteen months later, I'm commuting on it every day and wondering if I should get a second bike. Admittedly, my commute is a mix of on and off-road so the MTB is not too big a handicap and I love it, but a new bike is a huge attractor.

What I'm saying is, don't be too set in stone about what you'll use it for. Having said that, I suppose that if you keep trying to second guess yourself you'll end up in ever decreasing circles. So maybe you should just go with what you feel. Sorry, that doesn't help much does it. Still, it's a fun dilemma to be in ..

 

[ed_o_brain]

Jam,

I freely admit I am not an expert, but would it not be worth going down to your local (good) bike shop sorting out what fits you first then see what feels right for you..

All the best…

That's unless they try and sell you a python paragon



This isn't bad advice at all actually.

A hyrbrid with flat bars, slightly wider tyres, probably more compatibility with mudguards and rack fitments versus a road bike with narrower tyres and drop bars giving a wide variety of hand positions.

It really is a very personal thing. I fall firmly into the dropped handle bar camp. I'm a big fan of road bikes (preferably steel or titanium) with narrow tyres, full mudguards and the option to fit a rack.

With time you will learn what your preferences are, just like I did.

The most crucial thing, is to make sure the bike fits you well.

 

[Andy in Sig]

See also the thread at the top of page 4 entitled Best General New Bike Advice For The Average Beginner as it will give you a range of opinions.

 

[Paulus]

Hi there, rain is not a problem for road bikes or hybreds, but whatever you do buy in the end, make sure that the frame has enough clearance for mudguards which at this time of the year is essential. Some hybreds already have 'guards fitted, road bikes will not.

 

[Seville]

Jam,

I freely admit I am not an expert, but would it not be worth going down to your local (good) bike shop sorting out what fits you first then see what feels right for you..

All the best…

Hi

this is prob the best advice as you need to sit on the bikes that you are thinking about as they are all different. i started using drops for the first time 2 months ago and tbh they feel normal now and if i dont want to use the drops then i have 2 other hand positions to use.

if you are thinking about a road bike take a look at the boardman comp as its a well spec'd bike and has been reduced loads if you can get your hands on one.

seville

 

[Kestevan]

MUDGUARDS ARE EVIL AND DONT WORK.........


I never thought I'd type this, but sometimes I miss Bonj.......

 

[rich p]

MUDGUARDS ARE EVIL AND DONT WORK.........


I never thought I'd type this, but sometimes I miss Bonj.......

IMO it's horses for courses. My road/racing bikes for thrashing round the lanes or sportives don't have guards but my tourer does. Similarly a commuter bike with guards makes sense unless of course you're such a fashion icon that you can't bear to!

 

[Paulus]

MUDGUARDS ARE EVIL AND DONT WORK.........


I never thought I'd type this, but sometimes I miss Bonj.......

I personally wouldn't put mudguards on my Condor, but, on my tourer they are a must. How you can say they don't work is a little beyond me unless they are extremely badly fitted. On comuter bikes they are a must unless you like getting covered in c**p off the road up your front and back.

 

[TurboTurkey]

Phew. You can always 'put on' and 'take off' mudguards. You can always change the type of handlebars you have fitted.
If you buy secondhand, who is going to advise you. It could be a false economy. Spending a few extra quid in the local bike shop will win you a friend, hopefully, but go to one that is recommended. They are not all what they should be. Even better go with someone who knows a bit, if possible.
Finally, a lot of 'road bikes' have high gearing that you will not use. This fact alone should steer you towards the hybrid. You can always fit 'faster' tyres.

 

[palinurus]

It's possible to change from flat bars to drops but new shifters will be required, cheaper to get the bars you want in the first place (the shifters will be cheaper when bought as part of a bike).