Advice for Beginner

[BrynCP]

I am looking for some advice on what bike to buy, and perhaps where from.

I currently live in Hull, Yorkshire (which might affect the where). I am 30 years old male and recently I hit 120KG in weight, so the main reason for cycling is health, hopefully to get fitter and lose weight and other problems associated with it. I haven't ridden a bike since a child.

To begin with I will not commute on the bike as the commute is just over 10 miles and I will not be able to cope I feel, so it will be local riding. The riding will be the vast majority on road/cycle paths.

I know you tend to get what you pay for, but I think to begin with my budget would be fairly low, say around <£300 to make sure that if it doesn't work out, I haven't wasted money. Money isn't a problem going forward so if it works out and I decide to commute/do more I can upgrade/buy again.

I was thinking from other threads a Hybrid sounds most sensible, one reason for that is the seating position? I also am not sure where is best, there are two Halfords here, and many independents, the thing about the independents is they seem to aim at the more experienced market (and the price reflects that) and the thing about Halfords is the reputation!

Any advice, at all, would be appreciated.

 

[jon222]

Have a look at the crossfire 1. Its a sturdy bike and reasobably light and quick, i think they are doing a ltd 2013 edition for 269 at present which looks interesting. Some halfords are quite good and you get a 6 week check.

 

[helston90]

I would drop by your LBSs if I was you, you'll be surprised at the variety of people they have coming through the doors- from total newbies to sponsored riders, they'll be able to give you a few pointers even if they don't have a bike there and then for you.
This time of year you may be able to pick up a bargain if they know your price bracket and needs!

 

[tribanjules]

or another tack would be to pick up something for £40 = £100 from gumtree around hull to get u going - then spash the cash once u have a feel for it ?

 

[themosquitoking]

Try to get something with thinnish wheels and a good gear range to help up those hills. Decathlon might be a good place to start looking.

 

[MikeW-71]

I started on a hybrid and then went for a road bike later when I knew I'd got the bug.

As for bikes, the Carrera Subway is often a good buy, Bikes with suspension might seem attractive, but if you're only riding on the road or cycle paths, it is just useless extra weight. At that price point it doesn't work well anyway.

Decathlon is also a good call, they do excellent bikes of all types. Don't be scared of a specialist bike shop though, mine does everything from kids bikes, BMX, MTB, Tourers, Hybrids and Road bikes.

 

[BrynCP]

Thanks for all the replies; I will look into the options.

Try to get something with thinnish wheels and a good gear range to help up those hills. Decathlon might be a good place to start looking.

Hull is flat!

 

[BrynCP]

The Subway appears to have a few models, 2 previous years at £399 and 2 limited editions at £229. Can I assume that the first two have had their prices hiked and therefore not worth this? There are no reviews on the limited editions.

The crossfire limited editions is also without reviews and I noticed these Crossfires have suspension.

 

[MikeW-71]

Pretty much, yes. It's a common retail tactic to make things look better value than they really are. Halfords seem to use it an awfull lot on their bikes. The Subway is a £250 to £280 bike at best.

 

[BrynCP]

Pretty much, yes. It's a common retail tactic to make things look better value than they really are. Halfords seem to use it an awfull lot on their bikes. The Subway is a £250 to £280 bike at best.

I expected as much. Do you have any knowledge of the newer subways? I know with "own brand" products in any sector, the actual manufacturer can be different from model to model, season to season etc.

 

[drewc65]

I looked at the subway but bought a specalized sirrus at my local Evans and I can't fault it. Done a couple of hundred miles on it and use it on a 13 mile each way commute.I paid 350 for it.

 

[MikeW-71]

I expected as much. Do you have any knowledge of the newer subways? I know with "own brand" products in any sector, the actual manufacturer can be different from model to model, season to season etc.

The Carrera bikes are good, I don't know who actually manufactures the frames, but of all Halfords "own brands" these seem to be the best. Trax are just utter rubbish, Apollo are better, but still use components made of cheese.

My brother bought one of their Carrera Centos MTB's, priced at £299 "special offer half price" (worth no more than £400 IMHO). He didn't want to spend a fortune on a bike that he might not use that much. It's actually really good and he's loving it, he's riding it a lot, he's properly got the bug and is looking at new bikes I haven't dragged him up a Lake District mountain on it yet though

The 2013 Subway they have for £229 is well worth it. Frame looks like it's MTB based (tough), 26" MTB wheels and tyres (comfortable), decent gearing range with decent entry level Shimano components, doesn't weigh half a ton. Possible question marks on the tyres and the saddle, but those are easily changed. As a cheap bike to get you into cycling, you could pick a LOT worse than the Subway.

 

[BrynCP]

Thanks again. Went to Halfords (two of them) to check if this bike is suitable size wise, they only have 18" and 20" and I have a 35" leg, neither had one on display, so just assumed they had none; checked stock online now and it's in stock in both apparently!

 

[vickster]

Both sound a little small if you are tall as well as long legged?

 

[BrynCP]

My thoughts exactly - I am 6'2".

Of course the £399 version is on display and in stock, but as said above this is over priced! I find it odd this frame is only available in two sizes.

They have a crossfire limited edition at £269, in more frame sizes, problem is the website is incredibly light on detail and the label in Halfords was blank!