Hello all,
I am very new to the forum. Having commited myself to doing 2 half-marathons next year, I thought I would look at cyling, and bingo, 2 weeks into it and I am hooked. Like many other beginners I guess, I dug out my old bike from the garage and off I went. I have done over 50 miles in a week with the longest stretch at 12.5 miles so am pleased with it so far. I live on the Herts/Essex border and have discovered some amazing tracks including a disused railway line which is fantastic.
My current bike is a Raleigh Trailer 3000 which has a 20" frame, and although it works well, I feel a little cramped on it (I am 6ft1" with 34" inside leg). I am putting together a shortlist of replacements (hybrids)however that will be form a seperate post and of course would really appreciate any help/advice you can give. In the meantime however, a few questions ......
Boardman Bikes
I am always a little cynical when it comes to marketing strategies being based upon the name of an (albeit extremely good) sportsman. I am guessingthe bikes are good based upon reviews (and prices), but who actually makes them, and what is the history/pedigree ?.
2010 Bikes
I assume manufacturers produce a new range of bikes every year in order to persuade us to part with our cash. Am I right in thinking that actually now is a good time to have a look at 2009 bikes, as some 2010 ranges have already come in, which I am guessing will depress the prices of perfectly good 2009 machines ?.
Tyre/Wheel Sizes
Looking at Hybrids, the wheel sizes eem to be either 26" x 1.2 (eg) or 700 x 32 (eg). I am guessing that the second figure isa the width, but cant see how 26" relates to 700 what I am guessing millimetres ????.
Sorry for asking what I am hoping will soon be the obvious - please go easy on me
I am very new to the forum. Having commited myself to doing 2 half-marathons next year, I thought I would look at cyling, and bingo, 2 weeks into it and I am hooked. Like many other beginners I guess, I dug out my old bike from the garage and off I went. I have done over 50 miles in a week with the longest stretch at 12.5 miles so am pleased with it so far. I live on the Herts/Essex border and have discovered some amazing tracks including a disused railway line which is fantastic.
My current bike is a Raleigh Trailer 3000 which has a 20" frame, and although it works well, I feel a little cramped on it (I am 6ft1" with 34" inside leg). I am putting together a shortlist of replacements (hybrids)however that will be form a seperate post and of course would really appreciate any help/advice you can give. In the meantime however, a few questions ......
Boardman Bikes
I am always a little cynical when it comes to marketing strategies being based upon the name of an (albeit extremely good) sportsman. I am guessingthe bikes are good based upon reviews (and prices), but who actually makes them, and what is the history/pedigree ?.
2010 Bikes
I assume manufacturers produce a new range of bikes every year in order to persuade us to part with our cash. Am I right in thinking that actually now is a good time to have a look at 2009 bikes, as some 2010 ranges have already come in, which I am guessing will depress the prices of perfectly good 2009 machines ?.
Tyre/Wheel Sizes
Looking at Hybrids, the wheel sizes eem to be either 26" x 1.2 (eg) or 700 x 32 (eg). I am guessing that the second figure isa the width, but cant see how 26" relates to 700 what I am guessing millimetres ????.
Sorry for asking what I am hoping will soon be the obvious - please go easy on me
