Taking up cyling again

[louise]

I used to cycle a lot when I lived in Lincolnshire I moved North and left my beloved bike at home, never to be seen again.

I bought a new one from a catolgue, big mistake its heavy and slow and is rarely used but I would love to take it up again. Cash is a bit short at the mo and I am just recovering from pretty major surgery on my shoulder so won't be for a few months.

I have looked at the options available and I think a hybrid would be my best choice, I intend to cycle around on the local roads out in the countyside.

I have looked at three main makes, CBR, Townsend and Raleigh, I fancy a pioneer urban as they do a 14 inch (I am 4 foot 11) either 2 or 3 but I more than open to suggestions and any advice would be welcome.

Thanks

 

[Alembicbassman]

Have a look at ebay for used bikes, I just bought one from ebay.

Do a local search (50 mile radius) that way you can collect and inspect the bike before handing over the cash.

Most bike shops have end of year deals on new stuff, especially on the smaller frames which they don't sell.

Stick with the big brands, Trek, Specialized, Giant etc... and you'll get a good idea on pricing.

If you have a bad shoulder you may want to consider a lightweight suspension mountain bike with road tyres to soak up the impacts.

 

[RedBike]

I have looked at three main makes, CBR, Townsend and Raleigh

The three brands that you've listed are all synonymous with catalogue bikes and to be honest are generally better off being avoided.

I would go to a GOOD local bike shop (I don't mean Halfords or Littlewoods!). You might end up paying more but at least you wont make the same mistake as last time.

 

[HelenD123]

Hi Louise. Welcome to the forum.

I'd do as RedBike suggests and if you can't afford what your local bike shop suggests look around for a second hand version. Make do with your current bike for now and save up. It's better waiting that bit longer until you can afford what you want rather than getting something which isn't suitable again.

 

[louise]

thanks

Thanks for your advise, the trouble is I am very impaitent and when I set my mind to something I want to do it straight away.

I am going to wait till at least Jan in the hope that I can get something in the sales, there is little point in me getting anything yet as my physio may not be very impressed at me attempting cycling at this stage of my recovery.

 

[beancounter]

Thanks for your advise, the trouble is I am very impaitent and when I set my mind to something I want to do it straight away.

I am going to wait till at least Jan in the hope that I can get something in the sales, there is little point in me getting anything yet as my physio may not be very impressed at me attempting cycling at this stage of my recovery.

There's really no need to wait until the January sales as lots of shops are getting their 2009 bikes into stock now so there are plenty of deals going on 2008 stock. I just got £200 off a £1200 2008 bike.

bc

 

[RedBike]

As Beancounter pointed out most stores will be getting the 2009 range in at the end of Sept / begining of Oct. This is when most stores will start reducing their bikes.

 

[louise]

Thanks again,

I have had a look around and came across some great bargains. Going to have a chat with physio tomorrow and she what she says I am guessing it will be another couple of months before they will let me get on a bike but I can't wait to get going.

 

[rich p]

If you're really keen you could always get fit by putting a new bike on a turbo trainer over the winter, while you're recuperating.

 

[LLB]

Now is a good time to start looking as the winter is approaching and those who haven't been using their bikes will be thinking of getting rid of them as dead money in a bike in the summer is even more galling than dead money when the weather turns bad - as well, people will be looking to raise money for christmas.

Quality 2nd hand is the way to go without a doubt, and you should get something very reasonable for a couple of hundred once you know exactly what you want.

 

[Ludwig]

You can get very good practical front sus top brand mountain bikes for around £200 new. And I agree there are lots of used bargains about. I got an old lightweight steel framed racer for £40 which has been fantastic.

 

[louise]

Thanks for your great advice, can I ask what Claude Butler is like as a make?

 

[RedBike]

can I ask what Claude Butler is like as a make?

Bit of a mixed batch.

They do have some very nice bikes in their range. Sadly they've also got a few you'd be better off avoiding.

 

[RedBike]

Have a look at these

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/ebw...&f_SupersetQRY=&f_SortOrderID=1&f_bct=c003155

 

[ChrisKH]

Thanks for your advise, the trouble is I am very impaitent and when I set my mind to something I want to do it straight away.

I am going to wait till at least Jan in the hope that I can get something in the sales, there is little point in me getting anything yet as my physio may not be very impressed at me attempting cycling at this stage of my recovery.

Hello Louise and welcome

Unfortunately this is a common problem; several years ago I had to get a road bike and I had to have it within a week. I rushed the decision and whilst the bike I have is good, in retrospect I should have waited a bit longer and got the next model up. The bike can last for many years so it's important to make the right choice and pay as much as you can afford/tolerate IMO. I don't mean £000's but possibly upping the budget a little to get a better model that will match you as you get fitter. Worse case scenario and you don't get on with cycling you will get a better resale value on the quality bike, I think.