Comfortable urban bike that doesn't make me look like Miss Marple?

[Pompeydave]

Hi all,

My last dip into the world of cycling was a couple of years ago with a Bianchi Nirone 7. It was a nice bike, but I hated the racing bars, and only ever held them on the top flat part. I also hated the seat which was bone hard and made me feel very sore within 20 minutes of riding.

So, I sold it, and have put on weight as a result ever since . I'm now the thick end of 18 stone, and have to do something to lose weight. I'm 50, 5' 10" and I'm looking for a bike that will never go off road or on anything other than a Tarmac surface. I want a more comfortable seat and flat bars, and as light a bike as possible. My budget is low, only £200, but I'm happy to duck and dive into the used market and can travel up to say, 70 miles from Portsmouth.

I like the idea of disc brakes, but don't know if they're just a gimmick on pushbikes? Last but not least, I'd like to have something that looks half decent. I don't want to look like Miss Marple riding gently to a Sunday church service!

Any recommendations please? Many thanks in advance..

 

[outlash]

So what you're basically looking for is a hybrid then?

 

[vickster]

Or a flat bar roadbike

Lots of options from most manufacturers, go round the shops

At 18 stone, you might want to consider the spoke count of the wheels

The wrong stock saddle isn't a reason to discount a whole bike, easily changed although trial and error. And riding on the hoods and tops predominantly is normal for road biking

 

[midlife]

If you are going new how about something like a Ridgeback Motion? Not very glamorous though, we have two Ridgebacks in the garage and they have never let us down.

Shaun

 

[vickster]

On the losing weight, unfortunately you won't do it by cycling alone, you need to revisit your diet. The exercise is a bonus and will help you feel fitter but the calories burned, say 30 a mile won't compensate for eating and drinking too much. It'll get you put the house and away from food which is a good thing

 

[Pompeydave]

Thanks for the replies everyone. Ok, so yes a Hybrid appears to be what I need. Agree Vickster, riding a bike isn't going to be enough. Dietry changes have already started and I'm seeing minor success in a couple of pounds lost in the first week, but I want to improve my cardiovascualr functon, and riding a bike can't do any harm on that score! Shaun, the Ridgeback Motion looks like a lot of bike for the money, and would tick many boxes. Do they have a good reputation? I'm 5' 10", so what would be the best frame size for me?

 

[Rykard]

Subway?

 

[Saluki]

Subway?

Good idea. They are bomb proof and will go anywhere, just about.

 

[coffeejo]

Check out your LBSs (local bike shops) and see what takes your eye and what's comfortable to ride.

 

[Pompeydave]

Ok, cheers for the advice. What frame size do we think would be best for me at 5' 10"?

 

[outlash]

Subway?

I thought the OP wanted a bike, not a meatball marinara on hearty Italian

 

[DCLane]

Non-suspension Carrera Subway or a Ridgeback hybrid - either of these would be OK for you as a starting suggestion.

 

[Pompeydave]

Ok, thanks. I'm being greedy now, but I'd like suspension if poss- are Muddyfox Tempo200's any good? Sportsdirect.com have them at £169.99, which seems very good value.

 

[Drago]

A Chopper, though for 200 sheets itll be a scruffer.

 

[vickster]

Ok, thanks. I'm being greedy now, but I'd like suspension if poss- are Muddyfox Tempo200's any good? Sportsdirect.com have them at £169.99, which seems very good value.

No it'll be utter crap. Go to decathlon