Nooby needs help pls!

[buggi]

The main cycling difference between men's and women's bikes is that yer average woman's body is differently proportioned to yer average man's. .

Which is actually not true at all and is just marketing bollox. Hi, I'm a girl and I've always ridden a man's bike. It doesn't matter whether you're male or female, we all have different leg, torso and arm lengths. Some men are shorter than women and have a shorter reach. Don't choose a bike on whether its male or female specific, choose it coz you love it. What is important is that you get the right size frame for your height and then you have a bike fit at the shop to adjust the bike to your height and reach which may include a few more pennies spent on a different length stem and different saddle. This is normal whatever bike you buy, whether women specific or not. I can guarantee you that if you buy a women's bike it will still have a saddle only suitable for a man! Even if it's pink!

I got my first bike from Halfords, and I chose it purely on weight and colour. God, I loved that bike!!! I was on it all the time.

Ditch the front suspension, it's heavy and unnecessary for what you need. Cannondale are a good make but see if the LBS can source it as they will do a better job on setting it up and sizing you for it.

V brakes are fine. Disc brakes are better yes, but they are gonna knock the price of your bike up (and replacement wheels). People have been riding round on V brakes for decades so don't worry. They are fine for the terrain you'll be riding on your bike. Disc brakes were invented for mountain bikes because they are in the centre of the wheel and away from the mud, which cloggs up V Brakes. Generally we don't get clogged up with mud on roads. I've got caliper brakes on my road bike, V brakes on my cross bike and disc brakes on my mountain bike. Braking distance is only noticeably different (longer) with the caliper brakes.

Your mate who wants the girly bike might like to check out the Bobbin bikes

 

[annedonnelly]

Your mate who wants the girly bike might like to check out the Bobbin bikes

Except that someone on here told me that the quality of the Bobbin's is rubbish. They do look pretty though

I think I've seen some pretty, girly Dawes bikes too.

 

[buggi]

Except that someone on here told me that the quality of the Bobbin's is rubbish. They do look pretty though

I think I've seen some pretty, girly Dawes bikes too.

That's disappointing, they look lovely

 

[sidevalve]

Just a thought when thinking about Ebay etc, If you aint sure go and look at it. Don't bother with bikes that are too far away to be an easy [ish] journey. Don't forget some older [not TOO old] bikes can be brilliant and steel is not just old gas pipe [look out for reynolds 531 tube - it WILL be labeled on the frame and definitely mentioned in the ad if on E Bay]. Carbon [even second hand is good] will probably be only in the forks at your price level [my Orbea cost well under £200 so if you keep a close watch it isn't just a fantasy]. Second remember this if you buy second hand [assuming you don't buy from a LBS when as I said it should be vetted and ready] as long as the frame is sound pretty much everything else is quickly replaceable and not too expensive. Chains / sprockets / tyres are all wear out- ables anyway and if you find a good bike that only needs a chain or tyres - grab it.
Finally as I said - give a road bike a chance drop bars are ok. You don't have to ride around on the drops al the time - you're not in the TDF and they give lots of choice as to where to put your hands.
PS - My Dawes has caliper brakes and with alloy rims and modern pads the stopping distance really isn't much different on that either.

 

[Easytigers]

If it's any help, a colleague of mine bought a Specialized Vita and loves it. Last year she rode from London-Paris and also commutes most days so it's ok for long or short rides. I don't think she's had to change anything since buying (but it's probably due a new cassette and chain now but any bike would be the same).

Good luck!

 

[Mo1959]

If it's any help, a colleague of mine bought a Specialized Vita and loves it. Last year she rode from London-Paris and also commutes most days so it's ok for long or short rides. I don't think she's had to change anything since buying (but it's probably due a new cassette and chain now but any bike would be the same).

Good luck!

Second the Specialized Vita. I have only just returned from a 51 miles ride with lots of climbing with mine this morning. You can stick narrower, more road orientated tyres on for road use or leave it with chunkier and wider tyres and it should cope with bridleways, etc too. Very adaptable bike.

 

[Julia9054]

I like Specialized bikes.
If you test ride the Vita, ask if you can also ride the Sirrus - the male version. A friend of mine has 2 of these and I occasionally ride his spare one and really like it.
On the question of women's and men's specific bikes, it makes no difference in itself - you just have to see which suits you. There is often more choice in men's bikes as more men cycle, each model comes with more options than that equivalent women's model. However, I have found that availability in the model you want may be more limited due to needing an xs frame size.
I have always had women's specific bikes in the past but last year, gave up on finding a women's cyclocross bike due to extreme lack of choice and ended up with a Specialised Diverge (a men's model) which I love.

 

[Easytigers]

I like Specialized bikes.
If you test ride the Vita, ask if you can also ride the Sirrus - the male version. A friend of mine has 2 of these and I occasionally ride his spare one and really like it.
On the question of women's and men's specific bikes, it makes no difference in itself - you just have to see which suits you. There is often more choice in men's bikes as more men cycle, each model comes with more options than that equivalent women's model. However, I have found that availability in the model you want may be more limited due to needing an xs frame size.
I have always had women's specific bikes in the past but last year, gave up on finding a women's cyclocross bike due to extreme lack of choice and ended up with a Specialised Diverge (a men's model) which I love.

I used to own a Sirrus and must say it did me well for a couple of years! (I don't work for Specialized btw!!!)

 

[_aD]

When considering the weight of a bike, do keep in mind that you won't be carrying it, you'll be riding it :-)
You wouldn't want to compromise on build quality by trying to squeeze a light bike into your budget, same goes for comfort.

 

[Ganymede]

When considering the weight of a bike, do keep in mind that you won't be carrying it, you'll be riding it :-)
You wouldn't want to compromise on build quality by trying to squeeze a light bike into your budget, same goes for comfort.

I see what you're saying, but round where I live it is only partly true. I use my bike on the train and in several rural stations that I use there is no lift so you have to carry your bike over quite a considerable bridge to get out of the single exit. For this reason, I never ride my recumbent when I know I have to visit one of those stations - it is too heavy and too weird a shape to carry comfortably up a long flight of steps, and I have a bad shoulder!

 

[Onmebike]

Hi All, another 'nooby' here... . I too am in the market for my first bike...for health/commuting. My budget is around the £300-350 mark. Have looked around a lot in the last couple of weeks, on line and in shops. My main reason for looking at bikes with suspension was my back issues...will it really make a difference...or should I just fit a suspension seat post to absorb the impact...any thoughts? Cheers

 

[Mouki]

Hi guys,

Back again after a busy week! I went to my 7th bike shop (yes seventh!!) but still haven't made it to Decathlon

There's a few points I want to comment on so apologies for another long post!

Bike shop no.7 = Evans Reading: A lot better than the first Evans (Maidenhead) and I was easily persuaded and about to buy the Norco on the spot until my Sister texted me "have you had a test ride"... No, no I haven't - What did you say about Decathlon sorry??

Firstly (apologies, a rant!) I am NOT a fan of "Sales" people (I'm sure some of you do this as a career and I don't mean to offend) but I am very weary (paranoid?) about tactics but can fall for it. I very much appreciate good/great customer service but I really dislike b*llsh*t. The problem is, I would like good customer service so I trust them / the LBS going forward to look after me in the future. When I hear "that place is rubbish and this bike is AMAZING" (exaggeration) it puts me on my guard. So at Evans Reading when a female worker (I didn't realise she worked there at first) ignored me twice, I then had to go to the counter myself, I spoke to 'Mr Evans Reading' (we shall call him), who was really nice until Decathlon was mentioned. "They can offer £3K bikes @ £3K whereas us little LBS trying to make a living can't match the £3K mark and can only offer the same bike around £4.5K." As bad as it sounds, I was like, wow, good for the customer right?? I stayed quiet and we went off topic but I came back to it... "So what's the problem with Decathlon??" Mr Evans Reading looked slightly confused and unsure about what to say next... "They don't offer the better components and 6 months down the line you will have to replace a lot of basic things to just maintain your bike." Oh, 360 U-turn! I thought they could offer great bikes at good rates?? (Maybe he was only referring to very expensive bikes I don't know!) But I snorted with laughter (yes snorted to my embarrassment) and said I will have to discuss with my Sissy and get back to him on the Norco.

I really REALLY liked the Norco bike, it's been mentioned here and at LBS that it used to do great Mountain bikes but has changed hands like 4 times recently, which again, makes me weary about companies cutting costs etc. And then the Customer Services; Evans is not your local LBS, it's well known. I guess not like Halfords or Decathlon but for an 'only bikes' company it is, so they are probably likely to undercut the 'real' little LBS!

Anyway! Possibly some major assumptions but he didn't leave me feeling too ecstatic when suggesting I put down my £50 deposit for the Norco before I left, even though he knows I haven't tried it out....

Next day back to Stows! And what a difference! I don't know if they're commission based or what but I went back in and said I've discussed the Specialized Vitas and the guy asked with whom I spoke to and I stated 'Jame's' and he directed me to him. I like dealing with the same person and was glad. I asked a few more questions and he asked me to get on the bike and held the front tyre between his legs while I peddled backwards - wow! How it felt for someone just to put the effort into the little things so I could feel comfy on the bike! Then I asked about trying it out and off we went for a spin around the car park! (I was too scared on the street tbh!)

WOW-WEEE! ........ It was a bike.. I don't get it, I could ride it, I didn't fall off, it was comfy and I felt happy! (Is that all i'm looking for???)

So I was persuaded! Good customer service, good brand with lifetime warranty on the frame (yes, i'm a saddo that will keep receipts for life!) And he offered to extend the first free service from 6 weeks to 12 weeks.. yey! BUT - Again, I wanted to discuss with my Sissy and the conclusion is: 1. I really like the bike and 2. I'm so tired of bike shops and 3. tired of all the mixed information!

Hurrah! I'm ready to buy! (this evening hopefully ).

So, to the other points!

@Crackle - Yes, I have thought about all those little buggering extras! A helmet I will need as I'm safety conscious (and clumsy!) And I have briefly looked into locks like D locks and chains and was shocked how much they were! Gold @ £60+! Mudguards, racks, lights! whaaaaa! I think it's the case of let me get the bike first and the extras will be on a separate thread!

@Herbie - HAHAHAHAHA!

@sidevalve - Ebay bikes just scare me and confuse me even more I think, I rather buy new first time now and learn what I can before investing in anything 2nd hand. The link I sent was 200 miles from me but I am from Leeds originally and going there tomorrow. As for drop bars, is that a joke?? I am a NOOB and I am SCARED of drop bars. They are for PROS! Pro ROADIES! I know people say don't be scared and give them a go but as a beginner, they don't appeal to me at all!

@_aD and @Ganymede - Have to agree with Ganymeade here, I wouldn't be bothered about the weight of the bike if I didn't have to carry it on and off the train. I am 5ft2 and have a long torso and short little legs apparently. I am new to all this so will be feeling awkward with a bike in itself, let alone getting it on and off the train and walking it around peoples at the station. That's why i'm so obsessed with weight; I don't want to struggle with it so it ends up putting me off.

So my next post will be confirming my bike (fingers crossed!) And thanks again for all your posts helping and the suggestions!! @buggi - Girl power woot woot! Loved the Bad Boy but think i'll stick to a STEP THROUGH Vita Sport to start!

Mouks!

 

[Ganymede]

Hi guys,

Back again after a busy week! I went to my 7th bike shop (yes seventh!!) but still haven't made it to Decathlon

There's a few points I want to comment on so apologies for another long post!

Bike shop no.7 = Evans Reading: A lot better than the first Evans (Maidenhead) and I was easily persuaded and about to buy the Norco on the spot until my Sister texted me "have you had a test ride"... No, no I haven't - What did you say about Decathlon sorry??

Firstly (apologies, a rant!) I am NOT a fan of "Sales" people (I'm sure some of you do this as a career and I don't mean to offend) but I am very weary (paranoid?) about tactics but can fall for it. I very much appreciate good/great customer service but I really dislike b*llsh*t. The problem is, I would like good customer service so I trust them / the LBS going forward to look after me in the future. When I hear "that place is rubbish and this bike is AMAZING" (exaggeration) it puts me on my guard. So at Evans Reading when a female worker (I didn't realise she worked there at first) ignored me twice, I then had to go to the counter myself, I spoke to 'Mr Evans Reading' (we shall call him), who was really nice until Decathlon was mentioned. "They can offer £3K bikes @ £3K whereas us little LBS trying to make a living can't match the £3K mark and can only offer the same bike around £4.5K." As bad as it sounds, I was like, wow, good for the customer right?? I stayed quiet and we went off topic but I came back to it... "So what's the problem with Decathlon??" Mr Evans Reading looked slightly confused and unsure about what to say next... "They don't offer the better components and 6 months down the line you will have to replace a lot of basic things to just maintain your bike." Oh, 360 U-turn! I thought they could offer great bikes at good rates?? (Maybe he was only referring to very expensive bikes I don't know!) But I snorted with laughter (yes snorted to my embarrassment) and said I will have to discuss with my Sissy and get back to him on the Norco.

I really REALLY liked the Norco bike, it's been mentioned here and at LBS that it used to do great Mountain bikes but has changed hands like 4 times recently, which again, makes me weary about companies cutting costs etc. And then the Customer Services; Evans is not your local LBS, it's well known. I guess not like Halfords or Decathlon but for an 'only bikes' company it is, so they are probably likely to undercut the 'real' little LBS!

Anyway! Possibly some major assumptions but he didn't leave me feeling too ecstatic when suggesting I put down my £50 deposit for the Norco before I left, even though he knows I haven't tried it out....

Next day back to Stows! And what a difference! I don't know if they're commission based or what but I went back in and said I've discussed the Specialized Vitas and the guy asked with whom I spoke to and I stated 'Jame's' and he directed me to him. I like dealing with the same person and was glad. I asked a few more questions and he asked me to get on the bike and held the front tyre between his legs while I peddled backwards - wow! How it felt for someone just to put the effort into the little things so I could feel comfy on the bike! Then I asked about trying it out and off we went for a spin around the car park! (I was too scared on the street tbh!)

WOW-WEEE! ........ It was a bike.. I don't get it, I could ride it, I didn't fall off, it was comfy and I felt happy! (Is that all i'm looking for???)

So I was persuaded! Good customer service, good brand with lifetime warranty on the frame (yes, i'm a saddo that will keep receipts for life!) And he offered to extend the first free service from 6 weeks to 12 weeks.. yey! BUT - Again, I wanted to discuss with my Sissy and the conclusion is: 1. I really like the bike and 2. I'm so tired of bike shops and 3. tired of all the mixed information!

Hurrah! I'm ready to buy! (this evening hopefully ).

So, to the other points!

@Crackle - Yes, I have thought about all those little buggering extras! A helmet I will need as I'm safety conscious (and clumsy!) And I have briefly looked into locks like D locks and chains and was shocked how much they were! Gold @ £60+! Mudguards, racks, lights! whaaaaa! I think it's the case of let me get the bike first and the extras will be on a separate thread!

@Herbie - HAHAHAHAHA!

@sidevalve - Ebay bikes just scare me and confuse me even more I think, I rather buy new first time now and learn what I can before investing in anything 2nd hand. The link I sent was 200 miles from me but I am from Leeds originally and going there tomorrow. As for drop bars, is that a joke?? I am a NOOB and I am SCARED of drop bars. They are for PROS! Pro ROADIES! I know people say don't be scared and give them a go but as a beginner, they don't appeal to me at all!

@_aD and @Ganymede - Have to agree with Ganymeade here, I wouldn't be bothered about the weight of the bike if I didn't have to carry it on and off the train. I am 5ft2 and have a long torso and short little legs apparently. I am new to all this so will be feeling awkward with a bike in itself, let alone getting it on and off the train and walking it around peoples at the station. That's why i'm so obsessed with weight; I don't want to struggle with it so it ends up putting me off.

So my next post will be confirming my bike (fingers crossed!) And thanks again for all your posts helping and the suggestions!! @buggi - Girl power woot woot! Loved the Bad Boy but think i'll stick to a STEP THROUGH Vita Sport to start!

Mouks!

Woot!

 

[Crackle]

@Crackle - Yes, I have thought about all those little buggering extras! A helmet I will need as I'm safety conscious (and clumsy!) And I have briefly looked into locks like D locks and chains and was shocked how much they were! Gold @ £60+! Mudguards, racks, lights! whaaaaa! I think it's the case of let me get the bike first and the extras will be on a separate thread!

Sure but having made this effort to buy it, make sure it's secure wherever you go or keep it and many of us here speak from bitter experience. Also add it to your household insurance if you have that option. But that's enough of the doom, back to the fun bit of picking it.

 

[Ganymede]

Sure but having made this effort to buy it, make sure it's secure wherever you go or keep it and many of us here speak from bitter experience. Also add it to your household insurance if you have that option. But that's enough of the doom, back to the fun bit of picking it.

Yes seriously Mouki, buy the lock at the same time as the bike. Your bike shop guy will be able to guide you on this. D-Lock, as good as you can afford, and a cable for the front wheel. It is worth it!