Hello from East Yorkshire!

[Emmaroid]

Hi there!

Just thought I would say hello as I am about to put a deposit on a bike and wanted to search for hints and tips before I do so! I also thought it might help me with other advice along the way as I haven't had a bike since I was about 8, and even then it was a hand me down!

I have 2 kids, 3 dogs, 3 cats and 6 boas! I love them all dearly but need to do something active and as a few friends go out on Skyrides ec I thought I would join in! I'm a single mum too so when the kids are away, it would be good to make new friends etc!

As I plan on doing both on and off road cycling, I think i'm gonna opt for a 29er, and have fallen in love with the Giant Revel 0 as it has locking front suspension etc. I decided that I could change my tyres if I decided to do a lot of road cycling! Have also seen a Trek and a Specialized I like but haven't made any concrete decisions yet! The Giant is £550 which is a lot to pay if I don't like it but don't want to get something which is going to put me off cycling forever! Arrrgggghhhh!

Anyway, sorry for rambling on... Hello and I hope to speak to you all soon :-)

 

[Rohloff_Brompton_Rider]

Hi and welcome,

You seem to have done your research. Would a cx bike fit the bill?

 

[ColinJ]

Welcome to CC, Emma' - I'm sure you will have piles of fun on here!

 

[Emmaroid]

Oooh Hebden Bridge! I used to live Halifax and the kids dad lives Luddenden Foot so I know Hebden a little! Used to travel that way when I lived Ilkley as I went over the tops and dropped down into Hebden Bridge...

Thanks for welcomes

 

[sidevalve]

Hi from an ex pat yorkshireman in sunny [!] Durham. Just wondering how much off roading you plan to do ?
If you mean to go for real off road tracks then fair enough but if you mean [as many seem to do] the odd towpath / bridleway / rough country lane I would really consider as to wether you really need suspension at all.
Just remember every ounce has to be pushed by you and no matter how cheap [or expensive] it has to be paid for, the extra cash may be of more benefit on a higher quality frame / groupset.
There are those who will disagree and fair to 'em but I have yet to find a genuine need for suspension other than on real heavy duty off road sport. Still each to his [her] own just a warning to be sure what you really need.

 

[Hitchington]

Hello Emma! I agree with sidevalve about the suspension, don't bother with it if you're planning to do road biking.

 

[Emmaroid]

Thanks For the input

That's the thing, I don't know exactly what I will be doing... I know I don't like how spindly the Hybrid bikes I have seen are and I know that I wont be commuting to work on my bike as I dont have the time... TBH I started out looking at £250 bikes but seem to have been told every step of the way that you can't get anything decent for that and so it has bumped up Its gonna take me a bit to pay for it but better that than getting a cheapy one from Halfords and hating every second!

I'm also a 'big lass' at 17 and a half stone so dont want to look a berk on a spindly frame! The guy who has been helping me look hasn't said going for an MTB and swapping tyres would be what he would do so that is what I have gone with so for but I am not one for just doing what someone else says lol! I like to make my own mind up after research!

 

[Emmaroid]

Another thing is, I have seen what ignorant gits car drivers can be so plan on being on the road as little as possible, but then again if I am in a group with others then I wont be as worried about it! SO really, I don't know.... I sound like a right berk haha!

 

[Boon 51]

Hi Emma..
Welcome to the forum... They are a good bunch on here and will help with any questions..

 

[davester65]

Hi Emma,
Welcome Nice to see another local on here, there seems to be quite a few peeps from Hull and East Yorks on CC.
Think the advice you've been given is right too, decent quality bikes cost £500+ these days, just had a quick peek on the Giant website, lovely looking bike and well specced for the money and it should last a good few years with a little tlc.

 

[Dave7]

Hi Emma.
I'm a relatively new "born again" cyclist and have got a hard tail with 'lockout' suspension and TBH I find it great as it really does lock out but takes all the vibrations/shakes out of rough terrain i.e. paths with lots of potholes which my old hands & wrists appreciate.
The other comments are quite correct in that, if you dont really need it, then the money is best going into better frame & components.
Just one question.......
"3 cats and 6 boas! I love them all dearly"
How does anyone love 6 boas???
Enjoy your cycling.

 

[Emmaroid]

Haha they are cheeky il so-and-so's! And they are stunning to watch and look at....

 

[Supersuperleeds]

Welcome from another Ex pat - I'm originally from Beverley

 

[Pat "5mph"]

I have 2 kids, 3 dogs, 3 cats and 6 boas! I love them all dearly

Welcome to cycle chat, Emma!
Soon you will have at least 2 bikes to love also!
Enjoy your cycling

 

[ComedyPilot]

Hello Emma, welcome to CC. There's a few of us round East Yorks, and we've met up a few times to do a number of rides. I'm near Driffield if you need a slow/patient ride buddy?