Owd lad needing advice!

[Denis Scaife]

I have not used a cycle for many years and I am now 62 years of age. I would love to cycle to work. however my village is on the A1 and is dangerous for cyclists. The only alternative is to cycle through the woods on a rough track, then onto a 'B' road and then through Clumber Park.

I am unable to decide which type of bike to go for. I also have the consideration of suffering with osteo arthritis in my wrists.

Can anyone make any suggestions? Budget: £500

 

[ColinJ]

Hi Denis. I just Googled Clumber Park - it looks nice!

Something like this Cannondale hybrid bike might suit you. It is halfway between a road bike and a mountain bike so it will cope with road and offroad. The front suspension would give your dodgy wrists a bit of relief.

There are plenty of other decent hybrid bikes at about that price.

 

[snorri]

It perhaps depends on just how rough the rough track throught the forest is, but I would think a hybrid style bike would best suit your requirements. Hybrid bikes have a comfortable riding position which should not put too much weight on your wrists. Make sure mudguards are included when you buy.

 

[ColinJ]

PS The main description of that bike is wrong - it doesn't have disk brakes. They are on a more expensive model. It has v-brakes, which are perfectly fine on a bike like that.

 

[Cycleops]

I don't think there is any point mentioning specific models as there are just so many in your price bracket. It sounds like a bike with flat bars, a good spread of gears, tough wide section tyres, and a fairly relaxed riding position which go to make a bike which can handle most types of terrain from tarmac to country trails. We call this a "hybrid", in other words a cross between a mountain bike and a road bike. All the major manufacturers make at least one model so there will be lots to choose from. Even Halfords have some in their Carrera range or you may wish to buy from your local bike shop, which some on here will say is preferable. With £500 to spend you be able to get a very reasonable mount. The only thing I would add is don't bother with suspension forks, they will only make the bike unnecessarily heavy and won't give you much extra comfort.

 

[ayceejay]

That sounds like a nice ride to work Denis. Allow yourself plenty of time in the beginning. I think you should send as little as possible at first because if you become keen you will want another bike and if you don't you haven't lost much.

 

[ColinJ]

The only thing I would add is don't bother with suspension forks, they will only make the bike unnecessarily heavy and won't give you much extra comfort.

Normally, I would agree with that but I think they might make a difference to Denis's sore wrists. I suppose it depends on how rough those forest trails are?

 

[Pjays666]

Hi Denis I got a diamondback contra flow in August last year and so far have done approx 2000 miles on it. Prior to getting that I had not been on a bike in 20 odd years. The contra flow has lock out suspension on it and has a comfortable position and disc brakes and for £270 was a bargain. Only problem is now I have got the bug so road bike will be next but I was warned when I started cycling. Try a few that you like look of for comfort and take it from there. Whatever you choose just enjoy it.

 

[Gravity Aided]

A slight sweep back on the bars may also be helpful, not in that the position the swept bars have will help, but that the more upright position may take some weight off the wrists. Trekking bars may be okay for more wrist positions so you can at least change about more as you ride. A good, supportive pair of riding gloves may also well be in order.

 

[Boon 51]

A bike with lock out is the best of both worlds..
Just my bob's worth.

 

[Denis Scaife]

Great advice thank you all. I read a lot about cyclocross bikes and worry that if I get a hybrid and get the bug then I may seek more speed. Also, what about those ' razor blade' seats. They look very uncomfortable!! Any advice?

 

[themosquitoking]

Great advice thank you all. I read a lot about cyclocross bikes and worry that if I get a hybrid and get the bug then I may seek more speed. Also, what about those ' razor blade' seats. They look very uncomfortable!! Any advice?

Rule #5

 

[Cycleops]

Cyclocross bikes are quite different from hybrids, they won't have the "sit up and beg" riding position and you will have more weight on your wrists. Hybrids can be fast too, pick one with narrow section tyres 25c to 32c.As for saddles, don't get people started! Everyone has their own idea. If you are spending around five hundred quid it will be fairly basic budget affair.You will find you will get used to it, but if you are worried get a gel padded one.

 

[fossyant]

If you aren't in a rush, get a MTB and enjoy the off road stuff. Do allow to get covered in mud when its wet though, so maintenance is key.

 

[Boon 51]

Great advice thank you all. I read a lot about cyclocross bikes and worry that if I get a hybrid and get the bug then I may seek more speed. Also, what about those ' razor blade' seats. They look very uncomfortable!! Any advice?

If you can try and get to a big bike shop that might be able to offer a test ride or two?