Bikes and Lights

[tjsc1]

Hi All
Been going round my head during the night, Been mentioned that I should have a look at a Specialised bike (need an 'extra small ' frame) but have been thinking that with the bike and then having to buy accessories it is going to take me over my limit, (mind you....christmas is on the way (presents)).....do I buy the better bike and then save up more for lights etc or go the cheaper route with a cheaper bike and being able to buy lights etc straight away. Starting cycling again mainly for health reasons first.
Also have been looking at some clubs, IE Edgware/Southgate, both in North/North West London. What way would you go?
Terry

 

[cyberknight]

Tricky one.

At this time of year you need lights on pretty much all of the time even in daylight it can be a bit murky and i would ride with at least a rear flasher on in day light.

If you have not got the bike yet i would suggest you can wait another month and get a better spec bike then start riding when you have both.

You can get really cheap , effective lights if you shop around and are prepared to wait eg.

http://www.dealextre...ls.dx/sku.35036
works out about £2 and is as good as my £12 smart rear flasher.

http://www.dealextre...ls.dx/sku.26800
Around £8 and with 2 of these i can get away with cycling on unlit country roads(just) so they are bright.

http://www.dealextre...ls.dx/sku.18307
Same as lights sold by shops for £20

You could maybe join the cycle club and blag a spare light set till you get some?

 

[summerdays]

I would go with the better bike ... and get some of the cheaper lights for now (they can become your backup lights) - and put good lights on your Christmas list. But I see a greater problem - nice bike you need a nice lock (D-lock) unless you are never intending to let it leave your side - and that will cost more than your cheap lights.

The other thing you don't say is whether you are riding in town or in the dark ... if its in the pitch black then the cheap lights the sort you could get from Tesco's won't help. Though a torch is probably the way to go to get a cheap, stronger light (as CK has linked to above).

If its a case of waiting a month for the money to come together I would wait...(impatiently), I would always be thinking what would it be like riding the other bike.

 

[HLaB]

I'd go for the better bike and buy get me by lights just now and save up for something better/ Christmas. Remember that for most folk, they buy a bike that is used 90% of the time (guess) in the light summer months/ during the day; you want a bike that feels good to ride.

When it comes to a club I'd just say go for it, try them out.

 

[kfinlay]

I'd go for the best bike I could afford and try to get a few other things as crimbo pressies. If your starting to cycle for health reasons then you want to get the bike right as it's not going to be winter forever (although it might seem like it especially after last year) so in the summer you'll be wondering what the better bike could be like. Something like a specialized Allez is good as I think it's the same frame for the starter £500 one as the higher spec £1000+ model so gives you a good base for future upgrade/replacement parts.
So as suggested you could wait a month and get some extra cash together or get just the bike now and cycle in the daytime only to get you started. Also does your work offer a cycle2work scheme? You can get a bike and accessories on that and save yourself 30-50% depending on your tax bracket

 

[rockyraccoon]

Better bike definitely! Try to get it from your LBS. The usually throw some free stuff such as lights.

 

[TheBoyBilly]

You say 'Specialized' bike, but not what sort. If it's a hybrid you may have a good chance of buying a 'new' 2009 or 2010 model as extra small/extra large sizes are the last to sell I would think. With a good saving like that you will have a bit more money to put towards decent lights. Have a look at the Evans website to see how much bike you can get for your buck. Also consider trying to get some lights thrown in to 'seal the deal'. It can work, especially if a LBS can see that you may come back with more business. There are some good bike lights out there for not too much money.

Bill

 

[tjsc1]

Hi All
Just want to say a BIG thank you for all your help/advice/ideas. I have been on some big forums to do with cars etc and none have been as friendly, helpful and caring as you lot.

To add to post:
Think I will take all of your advice and go for a better bike, maybe pay the 'extra' on a card so I dont have to wait!!

Cyberknight....that website for the lights are saved in my 'favourites' will keep them in mind....Tks

Summerdays...I have a d lock from a few years back, a bit dirty and a couple of rust spots, but it still works. To begin with it will be just cycle tracks during the day/early evening, but a mate goes out every weekend and has said that when I am ready I can join him....

kfinlay...Been looking up the 'allez' unfortunately Evans dont do the small one. Googled it and the small one came up as just over 700 quid!! a bit too much for me.............and the wife!! No cycle to work scheme as I am Self employed!! Tks for ideas.

the boybilly....Looking at the Specialized Sirrus......I dont know whether I have the bottle to ask for something free!! (whimp)

Thanks again everyone
TC

 

[cyberknight]

How small is extra small?

found a 52 cm ....
http://www.mcconveycycles.com/store/product/10651/specialized-allez-16-silver-52cm/

£399

Check out endinburgh cycles own brand

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/ebw...QRY=C438&f_SortOrderID=1&f_bct=c003155c018341

and decathlon own brand

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/sport-1-54-57-69567468/#TAILLE

I have a virtosso from halfords then medium is a 54 cm frame.

 

[tjsc1]

Cyberknight.......Nice! Thats the trouble with starting out again, you dont have a clue until you join a forum like this, I am really small, 4ft 11ins so I need something like the Edinburgh own make, that looks nice, would the equipment on that bike for instance be an OK bike. When I see that they do the bikes in small frame sizes........i start getting excited!! Would they be comparible with say 'Specialized'. Until I start knowing a bit more about bikes I am afraid I will have to rely on you lovely people!!
Terry

 

[buggi]

In my opinion... Specialized are well overpriced !!! and you'd do well to look around at "like for like" models

My mate said she wanted a Specialized but said she couldn't afford it. I asked her which one she wanted if she could afford it and she said one of the Ruby's and sent me the link.

When i looked i nearly fell off my seat!!!!

105 Groupset and full carbon frame.... a snip at £2,000!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NOT!!!

I told her to leave it with me and i would see if i could find her something similar for better.

She has just bought a KUOTA. It's 105 groupset, mavic Aksium wheels, alu frame with carbon forks. Ok, not full carbon but the frame weights only 1100 grams which is carbon weight. Plus it is the most gorgeous bling colour and she's dead chuffed and can't wait to pick it up. It cost £1,000 on the cycle to work scheme which will prob cost her only about £650 with the tax benefits.

and the full carbon one was £1500 (still 500 below the specialized) which, had she been able to go over the cycle scheme limit (but i told her not to coz i knew it would be a stretch) she probably would have been able to negotiate some off that anyway.

i really think, if you're so close to your limit that it's a choice between bike and lights, then you need to shop around a bit more for a better bargain.

I have a SCOTT CR1 Pro (Ultegra groupset). When i went to the shop they only had a the Scott CR1 in (not the Pro) which had 105 Groupset and was £1300. The Pro version with Ultegra was £1700. I like the frame on the 105 version slightly better (same frame but different colour) but i wanted Ultegra so i asked the shop if they would be willing to put Ultegra on the CR1 frame. They couldn't be arsed, so knocked £400 off the Pro for me to bring it down to £1300 So i got a better Groupset and better wheels for the price i would have paid for the next model down. Also, got the pedals thrown in, and £50 quid off a garmin.

It pays to shop around mate.

 

[tjsc1]

Ever thought of going into 'bike consultancy', the main producers would love you!! ha ha.

Cyberknight just recommended Edinburgh cycles http://www.edinburgh...=c003155c018341, which I really like the look of, if you get a spare moment could you take a look and see what its like, would appreciate it. the only thing would be the advice try before you buy!!
Terry

 

[Lilylass]

No cycle to work scheme as I am Self employed!!

If you're company is a Ltd one, you can register it iwith Cyclescheme (even if you're the only employee). Someone told me it was £50 so may be worth thinking about..

 

[cyberknight]

heres a gesstimate size thngy , well advanced ...

http://www.competitivecyclist.com/za/CCY?PAGE=FIT_CALCULATOR_INTRO

the equipment on the bike is fine , 2200 is just below sora but nothing wrong with it i run the same equipment on my road bike and it is fine

sizing wise according to the bikes own website ..

49cm 5' 0" - 5' 3" 152 - 160
So a 48 might be ok? its reach more than anything that is the deciding factor if your legs long enough, like others have said try before you buy unless you are really sure

 

[tjsc1]

cyberknight.....Yea, going by other sizing websites 48 would be ok for me, I cant remember because it was a few years ago but I had a Ridgeback and it was ok for me and dont think they did that many sizes all those years ago. Cant thank you enough for looking out for me!!
Thanks again cyberknight
Terry