Newbie Questions: Again

[aces_up1504]

Thanks to Longshot via another forum for his advice.

I really like the look of the Specialized Sirrus range of bikes.

But my knowledge of a bike and brands is non exsistant.

I will be buying a bike via the halfords cycle to work scheme. I hoping to avoid Halfords and use a local cycle shop for the purchase as they accept the vouchers.

I am probably looking at the 2012 or even 2011 ranges if anything is available, so basically sale bikes. Budget will be £600 all in, so bike and equipment.

The bike will be used on the road the majority of the time but would like it to be able handle tow paths, cycle ways etc. Nothing to extreme off road.

Obviously hybrid is they way foward i think given i new to the whole thing. As it will be mainly used on the road, something more geared to the road than off road would be better.

So outside of the Sirrus range and specialized brand, within say £500-550 budget what other recomendations are there?

Intially i think the bike will be used in short sharp bursts probably 5-10 miles to build up some fitness, but would also like to be able to ride long distances if the bug bites.

As i am new to cycling any advice on how to improve would be greatly accepted. I have foud a site called Strava and there are plenty of challenges to have a go at within my local area. Is this a good way to start?

 

[RiflemanSmith]

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_786825_langId_-1_categoryId_165534
I have the Marasa, is a good bike I use it every day for commuting and for fun at the weekends.
Is a very robust bike handles the mud and jumps well.
The gears and brakes are good.

 

[Mo1959]

If you are getting a bike from Halfords I think one of the best value for money bikes has got to be the Boardman Hybrid. Main concern seems to be if your particular branch has decent mechanics that will fit the bike up properly. If you don't think they are very good, probably better to take it along to a decent bike shop and get it checked over.

Strava is pretty popular on here. It is good fun recording your rides and watching your progress. Finding segments in your area can be fun as well once you get fitter and try and work your way up the leader board.

You will also have to budget for some cycling gear too. Padded shorts and a windproof jacket as a minimum.........then the sky is the limit after that

 

[aces_up1504]

Cheers for the replies.

Luckly i am not limited to halfords as i have a couple of shops near by which also accept the vouchers, which open up other brands and places to get the bike built.

 

[Mo1959]

Cheers for the replies.

Luckly i am not limited to halfords as i have a couple of shops near by which also accept the vouchers, which open up other brands and places to get the bike built.

Ahh, would recommend a look at the Sirrus then. Shame you had not been looking a couple of months ago when the 2012 bikes were selling off. I got the ladies equivalent the Vita Elite for £449. They will take a bit of gentle trail riding but I would say they are more road orientated.

 

[aces_up1504]

Cheers hopefully I will still be able to pick up an 2011 version
The sirrus sport looks around £350 online with the elite around £100-120 more.

Any more recomendations incase the local stores can not source one?

 

[inkd]

I am going through Cyclesheme with work at the moment, Im now waiting for the voucher to collect my bike. I set myself a budget and tried to stick with it, I did do alot of research online and read alot of reviews. I settled on a specialized sirrus 2013, a nightvision waterproof jacket and a good lock. I already own a helmet so total of £600. With cyclescheme it was retail price only so I would check if special offers are included with Halfords cycle to work.
My bike choices were - spec sirrus, trek 7.1fx, marin hybrid and i was going to check out merida bikes.
Try visiting some local bike shops and dont be afraid to ask questions. Good luck

 

[aces_up1504]

Cheers for the inkd.

I had heard it was retail price only but not read anything concrete on it, hopefully using a local shop rather than halfords they might be a little more flexible.

 

[Longshot]

I bought my 2011 Sirrus Elite in February at a greatly reduced cost so I would keep an eye out for 2012 models for a while yet.

 

[vickster]

Giant Rapid and Trek 7.1 similar to the Sirrus Sport...there are other brands too like Ridgback, go to the local shop (see your other thread) and see what they have for you to try out

 

[defy-one]

Cheers hopefully I will still be able to pick up an 2011 version
The sirrus sport looks around £350 online with the elite around £100-120 more.

Any more recomendations incase the local stores can not source one?

I bought the 2012 elite a month ago,looked at the sport,but carbon fork and silver colour swung it for me. Greats bikes. Also have a look at Giant Rapid and Cannondale Quicks ... they are all fast road hybrids and ideal for your sort of riding