Bike Advice.

[bellevueace]

At present as ive just started cycling im using a bike i bought from Halfords on a special deal for £70. Its an Apollo FS26, ive had it a couple of years but only used it a couple of times. now of course im having to use it daily, thing is ive been reading reviews of this model, most reviews tend to be negative in so much as there are problems with the gears, chain, pedals, sprockets breaking easily. These reviews tend to come from people who use the bike more off road, reviews from people that just use it on road appear more positive. Thing is as im starting to build up my distances if this cycle really isnt up the the job and problems soon occur what would be the best criteria for finding a cycle that would suit my personal needs? Could anyone offer any recommendations of make/model of say up to £200? The selection of different makes and models is rather confusing if you are not well up on the better manufacturers, also has anyone any experiances good or bad of the FS26? Many Thanks.

 

[kishin]

I've had an Apollo FS26 for a couple of years and have had hours of fun on it in that time. It was bought for me by my other half when I said I wanted to start cycling again. To be honest, it's not a brilliant bike but then again, it's not a terrible bike either. The furthest rides I did on it were 25 - 30 miles and I had no major problems. I'm not currently using it but once winter is upon us again, I've got no doubt I'll be putting it to use once more.
If you're intending to stay on roads and light trails, it'll probably do you just fine. If you're happy with it at the moment, I'd keep using it for a while and save up a bit more so that when you feel you really want to change bikes, you've got a bit of a higher budget to play with and will have more choice open to you.
If it's meeting your needs at the present time and you aren't experiencing any major mechanical hassles, why change it just because of a few things you've read on forums?

 

[bellevueace]

Hi Kishin, thanks for your input, yes its been fine at the moment and im going to keep it until i up my distances considerably more, i do believe you get what you pay for so wasnt expecting much when i bought it, it was half price so thought it would be ok on camping trips, but now im aiming to become a more serious cyclist was wondering if this model was up to it, some reviews confirmed those doubts, but you are right if its running ok with no problems why not just keep with it for the foreseeable future.

 

[biggs682]

it will depend on whether you are riding on road or off road , on road will be easier on a hybrid or road bike . but if it suits you and your budget just keep using it till you have to replace it , try and find another member local to you who might be prepared to let you try a differant kind of bike to see what you think . if you are close to wellingborough feel free to ask always got a couple of road bikes you coukd try .

 

[chewy]

Hi and welcome to the forum!

Must agree with the others, if your enjoying using it and it seems ok the carry on! See where it leads...ie you may end up hating it or loving it , then you can gauge how muh to spend and what to buy next!!!!

 

[bellevueace]

Thanx for your feedback, im going to stick with it until it needs replacing then will look at a hybrid or road bike, as im only using it on the road the wear and tear shouldnt be as bad as off road use.

 

[dirkthedaring71]

Not sure whattyres you on your bike but if you're going to be using it on the road I suggest you get some slick tyres as you will be much faster and able to travel much further without getting knackered.

 

[billy1561]

I am going to generalize a little here, but I can't see a £200 bike being that much of an improvement especially while your Apollo is doing a decent job. Why not keep using it and put some more cash away if possible and then when its ready for the scrap yard you may have enough for an even better bike. It should be good for a few years yet if looked after.

 

[bellevueace]

Ive not got slick tyres on it and it does make sense to change them for road use. I agree £200 isnt going to make a lot of difference quality wise after checking out prices, i thing holding on to the current cycle whilst building up funds is the right way forward, it will also allow me to get into cycling more before commiting to any extra expense, Cheers.

 

[stevetailor125]

If you do want to upgrade you could always consider a used cycle, I got my Ridgeback hybrid from my local bike shop, it had a lot of upgraded parts fitted and new tyres, I got change from £70 after trading in my bso and even got a warranty

 

[jefmcg]

Don't put slicks on it unless you are planning on the next bike having the the same size wheels: it's a lot of money compared to the cost of the bike. Just keep using it until you are fed up or parts start to wear out. Then you can make a decision based on what has worn. New pads or tubes: yes. New bottom bracket: no. Anything else: judgement call.

I'm not an expert on bikes, but I think a £200 rigid frame would be much better than a £70 full suspension. Oh, and now your budget is £230, with the money you saved on the slicks :-)