Absolute Beginner - looking for advice

[Angelfishsolo]

Think of it as an extra workout

A thought

 

[mickle]

This idea that any criticism of cheap bikes is motivated by snobbery needs a slap-down.

Cheap bikes are difficult (even for an experienced mechanic) to assemble to roadworthy condition, are uncomfortable, unreliable and heavy, prone to rust and not cost effective to repair when they (sooner than later) break down. They are never available in a decent range of sizes, which, combined with the fact that few of them have much range of adjustment means that and the people who ride them are rarely sized correctly to them.

Slow, heavy, uncomfortable, unreliable and difficult to repair - far from being an inexpensive introduction to cycling they act as a major barrier. They reinforce the myth that cycling is hard work, that cycling is uncomfortable and tiring. And when the damned things break down and are dragged into bicycle shops to be told that the repair will cost more than the value of the bike they reinforce the myth that bicycle shops are out to rip people off. There is no joy or zing in a bicycle built down to a price - only wearisome trundle.

There is something seriously wrong with a society which thinks that a bicycle must cost less than a tank of petrol.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

This idea that any criticism of cheap bikes is motivated by snobbery needs a slap-down.

Cheap bikes are difficult (even for an experienced mechanic) to assemble to roadworthy condition, are uncomfortable, unreliable and heavy, prone to rust and not cost effective to repair when they (sooner than later) break down. They are never available in a decent range of sizes, which, combined with the fact that few of them have much range of adjustment means that and the people who ride them are rarely sized correctly to them.

Slow, heavy, uncomfortable, unreliable and difficult to repair - far from being an inexpensive introduction to cycling they act as a major barrier. They reinforce the myth that cycling is hard work, that cycling is uncomfortable and tiring. And when the damned things break down and are dragged into bicycle shops to be told that the repair will cost more than the value of the bike they reinforce the myth that bicycle shops are out to rip people off. There is no joy or zing in a bicycle built down to a price - only wearisome trundle.

There is something seriously wrong with a society which thinks that a bicycle must cost less than a tank of petrol.

The only clarification I would like to make is that not all cheap bikes meet your criteria. I have a Viking Road Bike and for £200 is a gem. When it comes to bikes that cost the same as a night in the pub I could not agree more.

 

[mickle]

The only clarification I would like to make is that not all cheap bikes meet your criteria. I have a Viking Road Bike and for £200 is a gem. When it comes to bikes that cost the same as a night in the pub I could not agree more.

Simply the difference between inexpensive and cheap.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

Simply the difference between inexpensive and cheap.

Very good point and well made

 

[mickle]

Very good point and well made

I agree.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

I agree.