Advice on a bike for a beginner….

[Scrappy]

Hi all, I’m looking to get back into cycling for fun and some exercise, nothing too serious.

I've been trying to figure out which bike to buy and after reading through threads on here I’ve decided against a mountain bike (which was my original plan before I read up on here). I also decided to try and get a branded one if I can get one cheap enough rather than fix a cheap one all the time.

The bike will be used for road, paths and forestry. Halfords currently have yet another sale on and I think these would be suitable…

Carrera Subway
Carrera Crossifre

 

[Scrappy]

I've just realise on the Halfords website there is a questionnaire type buyers guide, after answering the questions it suggested to get a mountain bike , now i don't know what to get again . Where would you say the line is between mountain bike and hybrid?

 

[defy-one]

Mountain bikes in general are heavier and may even come with suspension. This all adds weight.
If your rides with be paths and well worn forest paths, i would still go with a hybrid. They are tough enough. That way you will have a decent road bike.
You can always put fatter more grippy tyres on it for the forest, or more road slicks depending on your needs.




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[Scrappy]

How do hybrids cope with potholes or even cycling off curbs etc? and is it possible to change the wheels or is it just tyres that are changeable?

 

[vickster]

Hybrids are fine on potholes - try not to hit them and not at speed if possible, you can change wheels if you want. I ride off kerbs very gently and stand up- does abit depend how heavy you are

If you plan on riding mainly on roads, mountain bikes are best avoided - ok, if going to have mixed use - i.e. proper offroad, but get with lockout forks for the roads (although more money)

Carrera Subways are very solid and a good entry level choice - you'll get a better bike than the Crossfire with cheap and heavy suspension forks

 

[Scrappy]

Thanks for the information, what’s the score with quick release front wheels? Is it bike dependant or is it possible to put one on any bike? The bike will be going in the boot/back of a small car so it is kind of required.
Apologies for all the questions

 

[Scilly Suffolk]

How do hybrids cope with potholes or even cycling off curbs etc? and is it possible to change the wheels or is it just tyres that are changeable?

Broadly speaking it's the wheels and tyres, rather than the style of bike, that will determine this: a hybrid will likely be fitted with sturdy rims and wide tyres. So a hybrid will cope with these obstructions better than a dedicated road bike with skinny wheels and tyres.

Both wheels and tyres can be changed, but there are limits as to which wheels will fit which frames and which tyres will fit which wheels (rims).

...what’s the score with quick release front wheels? Is it bike dependant or is it possible to put one on any bike? The bike will be going in the boot/back of a small car so it is kind of required...

Practically all bikes except the very cheap and the very specialised will come with quick release wheels, but they can be retro-fitted to any bike.

 

[Scrappy]

Thank again for the information guys, much appreciated.

I think I’ll go for the Carrera Subway, I will pop to Halfords and see if they have it in later.

 

[Scrappy]

I just thought of another possible deciding factor…brakes.

Is it worth trying to get disc brakes? I do have memories from my teens (approx 10 years ago) of the non-disc brake type being absolutely useless when they get wet, or have they improved since then.

Although I could be letting my interest in cars be getting involved here

 

[Scilly Suffolk]

The V-brakes fitted to either of your choices will provide ample stopping power.

 

[Browser]

Is it too late to suggest a cyclocross bike?

 

[Scrappy]

It is indeed, in the end I went for a Carrera Subway.