Begginer looking for first bike sub £350

[haddock_n_chips]

Hi everyone

im new to the forum and cycling. Well i have cycled a bit before but just for fun and on cheap bikes, nothing any good!

Basically i have a knee problem and my physio has recommended to start cycling to help strenghten my knees and i also thought it would be good to help with my fitness and reduce my fuel costs by cycling to work!

I have a budget of about £350, i cant get cycle to work scheme as i only work on short term contracts

I would prefer new really rather than second hand even though i know this will limit the choices

i have seen a few things i like the look of though

claude butler roubaix 2010 £349

claude butler echelon 2010 £299

Kona dew plus 2010 £359

Viking Giro D'Italia 2010 £189

any advice would be greatly appreciated

WiLL......

 

[haddock_n_chips]

oh and im 6'0 tall with a 32" (80cm) inside leg

best size?? i know it depends on frame etc and brand but in general which size would be best (i will try some out too!)

 

[colinr]

You've picked out three road bikes and a hybrid, do you have a preference?


Personally I'd go with a road bike unless your commute includes rough trails. The internet isn't very forthcoming with the difference between the Claud Butlers but they both look better than the Viking on paper.

As much as Halfords can be hit or miss, the Carrera Virtuoso is worth a look in this price bracket too.

You'd probably want a 56cm or Large frame but it's worth having a try to see, torso/leg length can mean you're more comfortable in something that your supposed size.

 

[haddock_n_chips]

cheers for the help colinr,

well i live in cambridge and it will be mainly used for road cycling, i doubt i would wanna go anywhere rough

i just liked the look of the kona and know they are a fairly decent brand

i'd probably prefer a road bike tbh

as for size like i say im 6'0 (well 1cm short of 6ft!) which seems to be right on the cusp of sizes!

guess i'll have to trya few out

as for recommendations im up for anything, im not bothered about colour etc, just want the best quality i can get for my, albeit fairly low, budget

 

[mark barker]

If you're able to buy tomorrow Go Outdoors have a half price sale on cycling stuff, and the airlite 100 will be £250. A friend got one before xmas and loves it...

 

[haddock_n_chips]

cheers mark, looks nice but dont have a go outdoors nearby and will be at work tomorrow

 

[TheBoyBilly]

Ben Hayward Cycles in Cambbridge (CB2 postcode) has the 2010 Trek FX 7.1 for sale @ £325. Admittedly a flat-bar bike but FXs get very good reviews. As you are just getting back into cycling this would make a very sensible purchase. It comes ready to take racks and mudguards if required.

Bill

 

[accountantpete]

You basically want a name brand and groupset.

Claud Butler has a goodish reputation and make sure it has the Shimano Sora groupset which is also good entry level equipment (I couldn't see one for £349 -the cheapest was £390 odd). It should also have carbon forks which will take some of the sting out of the road buzz.

Size wise the CB's seem to measured from the centre of the bottom bracket to the top of the seat tube (50,53,56 etc) with a sloping top tube. At 6' I'd say the 53 would be best (this gives a notional horizontal tube height of 57cms -if the tube didn't slope) but I'd enquire when buying just to be on the safe side.

 

[subaqua]

any where near a decathlon. some good deals to be had there all year round. the bike staff are also extremely helpful in getting the right bike for you if you are honmest with them about what you want to do with it.

 

[haddock_n_chips]

im really liking the sound of this one "claude butler echelon 2010 £299"but having trouble finding out much about it

it has the shimano 2300 which is one below the sora groupset but i have heard some good things

hmm....... theres definitely lots of choice!

 

[haddock_n_chips]

oooh so much to choose from!!

still weighing up between road or hybrid too!!

seen the Kona DEW (not dew plus) for £249

aagghh!!

 

[haddock_n_chips]

slightly out of my price range but this looks nice as

Norco VFR Disc 4 £399

Not heard of norco though, any good?

Spec includes alloy bladed fork, Shimano Alivio, FSA Dyna Drive Triple chainset, Avid Juicy 3 brakes • Shared frame with VFR Disc Two – 7005 Alloy frame, curved and ovalised seatstays

 

[colinr]

still weighing up between road or hybrid too!!

Road. Problem solved.
You can get flat barred road bikes if you don't fancy drop bars, but drop bars are worth it IMO.

 

[Soltydog]

I stumbled across THIS yesterday. Just over your £350 but a massive saving & hub gears for less maintenance

 

[Soltydog]

or THIS BIKE got a very good review in Cycling Active magazine last month