advice on first bike (for some years)

[london_lasher]

hi all, long time lurker here.

So after a break of 20yrs or so i want to get back on a bike. I live in London and have no interest in commuting (at least not yet) but we have a static caravan up in suffolk and I'm looking to get one to keep up there.

I'l be using it reasonably infrequently - odd weekends and maybe a couple weeks in the summer, and mainly for short trips to start at least until the kids grow up a bit more and can do longer rides. So i think mainly pootering along the country lanes, fetching the morning paper, bridle baths, sea front etc so am thinking a hybrid may be best way to go.

Given i've not ridden for some time i think i may want to go second hand - in case i don't take to it and thus don't want to spend loads - if it works well i could upgrade in a year or so.

So am thinking around £150 mark - I popped into my LBS the other day but selection wasn't great, I've found this one 2nd hand online:

http://www.gumtree.com/p/bicycles/gents-ridgeback-hybrid-bicycle-7-speed/1123377358

also decathlon seem to be doing a deal on B'Twin 500 for £160

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/C-376962-hybrid-and-touring-bikes

Given i remember nothing about buying bikes maybe is better to go down the new bike route in case i miss something on a 2nd hand?

Lastly I'm a big chap - 6'2'' and around 115kg - weight is hopefully going in one direction but in the meantime it needs to be sturdy-ish - don't know if thats a factor at all nowadays,


Thoughts/comments/suggestions welcome.

Thanks
Lasher

 

[steve50]

Best advice I can give is, if your budget is £150ish go 2nd hand, for that sort of cash you will get a good quality bike that suits your needs. Look for the bigger framed cycles 21"+ , aluminium frame hybrid will suit you nicely. Modern bikes are built fairly sturdy and with multiple gears it will make tackling most terrain a doddle.

 

[adamhearn]

Agreed with Steve. At that budget you should focus on a good 2nd hand purchase. Buy locally and sensibly (Gumtree has a bad rep for stolen goods). Try to stick to a few known brands and hold out for a local bargain rather than plump for a BSO (bike shaped object).

A hybrid is probably an easier re-entrance to cycling but a road bike (aka a bike with drop handlebars) will give you more hand positions that you'll benefit from on longer rides.

A lot of road focused hybrids come with triples giving the greatest range of gears. Whether you need this depends on the routes you expect to take. Ideally get an 8 speed rear end (total gears 16 or 24); that way you'll be getting a cassette instead of a freewheel providing a stronger axle for today's poor condition roads. Wear and tear items (chains and cassettes) are cheap at this level.

A bike is just the start so you should allow budget for puncture repair (spare tube and repair kit, tyre levers and pump) and clothing (padded shorts). Don't worry about "special" pedals, shoes, shocks or jerseys until you've decided you want to do more.

 

[bozmandb9]

http://www.gumtree.com/p/bicycles/t...frame..700c-wheels..new-mudguard../1123690889

This looks like a good option You can try a £150 offer, but to be fair it's not overpriced at £200, and a really good bike. I had the fx 7.2 briefly, much lower in the range, and it's a fantastic bike.

Here's a review of the 7.6:http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/hybrid/product/review-trek-7-6-fx-32853/

 

[london_lasher]

Hi many thanks all for the advice, just popping back to update you.

After perusing gumtree online and not really seeing anything i felt confident in terms of bike maintenence or its history i plumped for a carrerra crossfire for £229 from halfords. Realise could get more for my money elsewhere but at least i know its definately of a certain standard.

Hopefully I'll take to it and upgrade in a year or so.

It arrives this weekend - very excited.
Thanks again