Hello from a new cyclist

[Welshdan]

Good day all.

I'm about to take the plunge and return to the saddle after 25 years. A biking accident in my teens turned me off cycling until, mp but a determination to get fit and feel the wind in what's left of my hair means I'm now ready to get back on a bike.

I can take advantage of the cycle to work scheme, and so far my eye is trained on a Scott Sub 20 hybrid. As a complete newb I've done some research and realised I also need tool kit, some cushioned Lycra for the rear but could do with some advice on other essentials. I'm looking at mainly riding on the road but there are plenty of cycle paths in the South Wales area, hence the hybrid.

Couple of questions if I may.

Is the bike I'm looking at any good or is there a better recommendation (budget of £750)

What other essentials should I be looking to get.

Thanks in advance

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

Croeso Welshdan.

The Scott seems to be well specced. I expect you'd get on well with that one.

I suppose this comes under the heading of toolkit, but a pump is pretty essential. Ideally you'll want a light one plus a repair kit or spare tube to take on rides in case of puncture (although, the tyres shown in the spec are pretty decent, so these should be rare) and a workshop one with a gauge to keep those pressures right.

 

[Welshdan]

Thanks for the reply and impressive use of my native language. Have £100 worth of Halfords vouchers to get accessories but any recommendations on tools or where to buy from is greatly appreciated

 

[paul04]

Welcome to the forum
Quite a few people have a little saddle bag which fits just under the seat, just in case you have a little problem while out on your bike, I carry a spare inner tube+a few patches, 2 tyre levers and disposable gloves, that's about all I can get in it.

this link is just a example, shop around and you can get it cheaper( in aldi they do a little bag and a few tools for £4.99))
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_985893_langId_-1_categoryId_273905

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Welshdan! May I also suggest some decent lights for the winter if you are planning to commute to work.

 

[Ladytrucker]

welcome

 

[Ern1e]

Hi and welcome a good rear rack and panniers are also quite useful.

 

[Welshdan]

Thank you all for your advice. Certainly a lot more to think about. With a budget of £750 is the Scott giving me bang for my buck or are there other recommendations? I appreciate that I would need to test it and see for my self but am open to any other good bikes

 

[Ruislip_Gooner]

The Boardman Hybrid Comp is a very well built, and well specc'd bike. It'll also save you a few quid compared to the Scott. Don't scrimp on the lights front, quality lights will get you noticed, and that's imperative. Personally, I'd recommend 2 x inner tubes...........and yes, it has happened.

 

[Welshdan]

Unfortunately a Boardman is not available on the cyclescheme my employer uses.

Took a trip to Tredz in Cardiff today to have a nose about. I'm amazed how light these bikes are and have to say I had my head turned by a couple of road bikes. As a complete noob when it comes to cycling am I better playing safe with a Hybrid or throw my lot in for a Road bike? There more I research this, the more difficult my choice is getting

 

[Ruislip_Gooner]

Road bikes are brilliant, but it most definitely depends on what type of use you have in mind. If you'll only ever be commuting/leisure riding on good roads, then the roadie will be perfect, but if there's any chance you'll want to go off road, even towpaths, parks etc, then a hybrid would give you that option.

 

[hobbitonabike]

Definately depends on the surfaces you will be on. I dove straight in onto a road bike and love it...but am hankering after a n+1 hybrid as we are limited to where we can take the kids who are a bit wee to be on the roads yet. Try some and see what feels good to you

 

[Welshdan]

Thanks for your replies. As in my OP I'm looking at the Scott Sub20 hybrid, and the guy at Tredz recommended the Specialized Sirrus and the Trek7.4FX. I also liked the look of the Cube Peloton road bike. Aaaaarrrgghhh this is hard work. The technology has changed so much since my Raleigh Activator.

There are a lot of cycle paths in the South Wales valleys so I won't be exclusively on roads.

Some acronyms still confuse me though. What's an n+1 hybrid?