Recommendations for a newbie

[paul__w]

Hi folks,

New guy here 👋🏼

Saw the pinned post for help for people like myself who age new to cycling but wanted to ask for some more opinions.

Myself and my partner are looking at getting a couple of bikes as we are interested in taking up cycling as a means of both exercise and seeing more of the outdoors.

I’m looking for some advice on what is a good bike for a newbie at a good price that will also last? We will likely be using it on normal roads and pavements as well as the odd bike trail so maybe some gravel. Probably face some hills too on the normal roads.

Any recommendation of a make/model and realistic price tag I should be looking at would be great.

Thanks in advance 👍🏼

 

[Spiderweb]

Do you have an idea of budget?
Are you wanting flat bars or drop handlebars?

The problem you will have right now is availability, bike shops have never been busier and they are struggling to get new stock.
Decathlon is worth a look, their Triban RC 520 is a great do it all machine and fantastic value at £749 but when they will get stock is anyone’s guess.
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/rc-520-gravel-adventure-bike-105-id_8554425.html

 

[biggs682]

Morning & welcome @paul__w
With the info given hard to suggest too much
But if your local bike shop or shops are open worth popping in and seeing what they offer so you get more of an idea
If it was me i would suggest a budget of sub £500 to make sure you like the sport , if you are mechanically minded then have a look at the second hand market as always bargains to be had .
What to avoid ? Easy answer don't spend more than you need and don't get sucked in thinking you need all the latest technology and gizmo's as you don't

 

[paul__w]

Morning & welcome @paul__w
With the info given hard to suggest too much
But if your local bike shop or shops are open worth popping in and seeing what they offer so you get more of an idea
If it was me i would suggest a budget of sub £500 to make sure you like the sport , if you are mechanically minded then have a look at the second hand market as always bargains to be had .
What to avoid ? Easy answer don't spend more than you need and don't get sucked in thinking you need all the latest technology and gizmo's as you don't

Unfortunately I’m not mechanically minded so going for a new one would be my best option I think?

I’ve read on pages bikes need to be at least £800 and read recommendations for others at £350 so I’ve been a bit confused. The Carerra Subway 2 2020 had caught my eye as a beginner and for cost. Reviews seem good also?

 

[paul__w]

Do you have an idea of budget?
Are you wanting flat bars or drop handlebars?

The problem you will have right now is availability, bike shops have never been busier and they are struggling to get new stock.
Decathlon is worth a look, their Triban RC 520 is a great do it all machine and fantastic value at £749 but when they will get stock is anyone’s guess.
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/rc-520-gravel-adventure-bike-105-id_8554425.html

Not too bothered about drop bars as a beginner. Flat is fine to allow me to get use to cycling again. Not been on a bike for about 17 years.

I think I would only be wanting to spend about £500 or less as a beginner.

 

[Spiderweb]

Unfortunately I’m not mechanically minded so going for a new one would be my best option I think?

I’ve read on pages bikes need to be at least £800 and read recommendations for others at £350 so I’ve been a bit confused. The Carerra Subway 2 2020 had caught my eye as a beginner and for cost. Reviews seem good also?

Carrera Subway would be a great choice if Halfords have stock.

 

[vickster]

A bit more than the Subway but in stock in larger sizes
https://www.halfords.com/bikes/moun...s-hybrid-bike----18in-20in-frames-445471.html
and ladies version if required
https://www.halfords.com/bikes/hybr...ns-hybrid-bike---16in-18in-frames-445521.html

Subway 2 not currently on website

 

[paul__w]

I’ve found the Carrera in a different site:

https://www.cyclerepublic.com/carrera-subway-2-mens-hybrid-bike-2020.html

Is the subway good spec wise? We literally will be using it on pavement, road and the odd trail. We’ve not been on a bike for about 15 years each so wont be taking to dirt tracks anytime soon lol.

 

[SGG on a bike]

As a virtually new rider myself and similar in a lot of respects to what you want to achieve cycling wise, I'm going to throw a curved ball at you. I recently picked up a mid 90's mountain bike for next to nothing. It's in virtually new condition and only required a little fettling to get it to how I want it. There seem to be a lot of people clearing out sheds with a fair number of old, but relatively little used cycles appearing for sale.

My plan is to use that for a while until I know what I want from a cycle and upgrade from there at some point in the future. For now, it's doing everything I want and allowing me to maintain sensible average speeds for my ability. It probably won't be high on anyones list to be stolen either, so there may be a hidden bonus there. If you're cycling for fun and exercise, maybe that's an option for you too? Your local bike shop will appreciate the business to give it a once over for you, set it up correctly and want to look after you ready for when you want to upgrade later.

 

[vickster]

I’ve found the Carrera in a different site:

https://www.cyclerepublic.com/carrera-subway-2-mens-hybrid-bike-2020.html

Is the subway good spec wise? We literally will be using it on pavement, road and the odd trail. We’ve not been on a bike for about 15 years each so wont be taking to dirt tracks anytime soon lol.

They’re Halfords.
Says in stock but no way to add to basket. They’ve had some supply issues, couple of other posters have been let down having ordered, only to be told there’s no stock about 10 days later.
You can’t collect in store as they’ve shut them all down so you’d need to put it together yourself

 

[rivers]

I’ve found the Carrera in a different site:

https://www.cyclerepublic.com/carrera-subway-2-mens-hybrid-bike-2020.html

Is the subway good spec wise? We literally will be using it on pavement, road and the odd trail. We’ve not been on a bike for about 15 years each so wont be taking to dirt tracks anytime soon lol.

A lot of people are having issues with Cycle Republic at the minute

 

[paul__w]

Ah ok. I’ll probably give them a miss then.

The Voodoo Marasa looks decent from what I can understand?

My work also offers a cycle to work scheme so some money to be saved.

 

[vickster]

My work also offers a cycle to work scheme so some money to be saved.

Just check which scheme they use and which retailers will take the vouchers If you do go that route, don't forget to add some value to the voucher for essentials such as a track pump, a multi-tool, lights, a helmet (if you want one) etc

 

[NorthernDave]

If you can find the Carrera it will be ideal for your purposes.

 

[paul__w]

All Halford stock seems non existent right now lol