Non-newcomer, but new to cycle related informed decisions

[theclaud]

EDIT: I fear I might have neglected to mention, at the moment I prefer cycling long flat distances, as in 15 miles here in Blackpool, and I wouldn't mind trying for more while in Swansea, around the bay...Do you still think it's a good idea to get a MTB?

Boopop

Ah well - that's a slightly different matter, then! Perhaps consider a hybrid after all, or a roadie if the long fast ride is more important than the fact of getting to and from Uni. If flat is your thing, why on earth did you choose Swansea? Never mind - there's plenty of good road riding to be had round here, although your commute home will not be great fun on a road bike. The bay cycle path is very flat and is excellent (although inclined to flooding in the current summer) - it's almost uninterrupted by junctions so you can whizz along it at fairly silly speeds, except for the bits where the summer crowds gather. There's also a good path going up the Swansea valley, and another one along the old railway from the bay to the north Gower (which cuts through the middle of the woods I mentioned before). The roads on the Gower are lovely (though not flat), but idiots in cars are a serious weekend nuisance.

 

[wafflycat]

*comes over all maternal as has own cycling offspring at university*

1. Get a bike that fits you

2. No, you don't need an MTB or suspension if you're on road/tarmac

3. Hybrid sounds better for what you've described

4. Even with £300 you're going to be limited in your choice, but should get something decent at entry-level

5. Avoid a certain national chain known affectionately as H*lfrauds by many a cyclist

6. Shop around.

7. Locks - nothing is going to stop a *determined* thief, but you can deter the opportunist thief. The best way is to have a mutli-pronged approach to keeping your bike safe.

• Check at your new place of education if you can have access to secure cycle parking where you can lock your bike and the bike shed itself is locked.
• Park your bike next to something more attractive to thieves.
• Use more than one lock.
• If you have insurance, check the requirements of the insurance policy - some dictate which model/make lock you are required to use and how you use it e.g. bike locked to an immoveable object.
• This is what Family Wafflycat do: D-lock round bike stand and bike frame. Cable lock round bike stand rear wheel. Another cable lock round bike stand and front wheel. Remove lights, computer etc and take those with you.

8. Accessories - remember to budget for locks, lights, reflectives, waterproofs, inner tubes, pump, puncture repair kit... and the like

 

[Boopop]

Just to inform you all, I got a few days ago a GT Avalanche 3.0 MTB, that is verrry nice. Got a free water bottle and £15 knocked off a £35 Kryptonite lock too