Hello There.... First Bike.

[Teppic]

Hi all, new to this forum and cycling in general. Haven't rid a bike in 9 years or so and a lots changed since then.

Anyway, sorry to bore you all with another "which bike" post but I'm afraid I had too. Just after a bit of advice on potential buys. I'll be commuting to work 8 mile round trip, mixture of roads, pavements etc and I think the best option would be a hybrid. I honestly don't know a whole lot about bikes I.e, which brand is best. I've browsed around the net and a few have caught my eye but I'd much prefer to have an actual look / sit before spending any of my hard earned. Budget is roughly £400 but could go a little higher if it was warranted. I plan on going to a few stores this weekend to get a better idea.

Bikes that I've came across are:

Pinnacle Lithium 3
Fuji Absolute 1.5
Boardman Hybrid Comp

Reviews seem good and all three are reasonably priced.

Any other recommendations or advice would be appreciated.

Never thought buying a bike would be so "involved", gone are the days to waking up Christmas morning to a new bike. Haha.

 

[vickster]

Hopefully when you say pavements, you mean shared paths

On the bikes, go to Evans, test ride the Pinnacle and the Fuji as they are stockists. You just need photo ID and a bank card. If there is stock in the warehouse, Evans will get your size in for a £60 refundable deposit. Go sit on the halfords one (if you decide to buy there, joining British cycling for around £30 will get you 10% off)

Personally, i would choose a carbon fork and no suspension for road use

Only you can decide which bike is best for you, on feel and looks parts wise, they are likely all much of a muchness at any given price point. Buying a bike isn't actually that hard

You could just give your mum the £400 and tell her to buy you a bike

There's some discussion here https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/pinnacle-lithium-3.194277/#post-4111621

 

[Arrowfoot]

If there is a Decathlon that you can get to, try their wide range. Its really value for money and they have improved their design and colours (it has to look good! ). I normally suggest Decathlon for those who are beginners or getting back into cycling and not sure what type of bike they need. The first bike need not be an expensive as you might want to switch to a race bike a in a matter of months or upgrade the hybrid.

 

[Racing roadkill]

Try different types of bike. Road, Hybrid (flat bar), something with front suspension, and maybe a single speed. If I was just doing short commutes, on mixed surfaces, I'd go for a front suspensioned flat bar, like the Boardman MX sport or Comp ( dependent on budget ). Decathlon have a very capable range of city / hybrid bikes, at good prices as well. If it was my money, I wouldn't want to overspend unnecessarily, on a 'big brand' bike, until I was entirely sure that I actually liked riding, enough to justify the outlay. Too many people I know, have decided that they needed the latest fancy Nancy branded bike, then realised that cycling really wasn't for them after all, and took a massive hit in the pocket. That said, I did end up with a bargain Synapse, last year, because of just that. I rode it about for 2 months, gave it a strip check and clean, then sold it for 50 quid more than I paid for it.

 

[Teppic]

Thanks for the replies. I assume it's a shared pavement, I see cyclist using it as I'm driving home (runs parallel with a dual carriage way). I the Pinnacle was my initial choice, going off the eye test on my screen, what can I say the Lime green stood out .

The bike will be getting used daily, change in shifts at work means the other half gets priority with the car.

In regards to budget, at first I wasn't too bothered about getting a "cheapy" as long as I got from A to B but it's something I've wanted to get into for a little while now but never got round to purchasing a bike. I'm comfortable with paying the amount I've mentioned. Predominantly I just want something that's reliable and looks good. There's a Decathlon on the way to Evans so I'll call in there on route.

Can't complain at that now can we, end up with a good bike for a while then get your money back and then some. Winning

Thanks

 

[steve50]

It would have to be the boardman hybrid for me, I own the boardman sportbike and can vouch for the ride and build quality of this bike. Have a sit and if possible a test ride on a few of the bikes, you will soon get a "feel" for the bike you want.

 

[Racing roadkill]

That's the Boardman MX comp (resting on Dani King's spangly golden box). The best 400 odd quid ( after discounts ) I've spent on a 'hack' bike, quality and value.

That's the Triban 520 (from Decathlon) the best 350 quid I've ever spent on a new bike, period.

 

[Teppic]

I like that Boardman, halfords have it offer at the moment for £350. Like the idea of the locking suspension, I think that's something that may come in handy for my commute. Best part is I actually don't really know what the surfaces are like as it's just a mental map I've got in my head to get to work

 

[NorthernDave]

+1 for the Boardman MX Sport - I bought one for my return to cycling last year and it's difficult to fault it.
Mind you, I did go buy a Boardman Road Comp as well a few months later...

 

[Teppic]

Anyone have any thoughts on this?

http://www.ascycles.co.uk/index.php/bikes/1146/Giant-Roam-2-Disc-2016-Model

I know choices are subjective and it's down to personal preference but all advice is welcome. The Giant is from my LBS, not been in yet (work nightshift) but a friend has recommended the place. From reading various posts, I'm inclined to try and use a smaller independent shop - better service from what I've summised.

Although I do really like these:

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/...egoryId=165534&productId=991978&storeId=10001

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/...egoryId=165534&productId=992090&storeId=10001

But I think it's down to pot luck whether or not they're in stock.

Cheers

 

[vickster]

I think Boardman are clearing old models to make way for the new range, which is why availability is patchy

Giant make good bikes, they aren't the worlds biggest manufacturer by luck

Building a relationship with your LBS can be useful, also Halfords mechanics are quite hit and miss in their skillset

On the suspension front, I've never needed it for shared paths, just have to slow down. Make up for it on the roads where the suspension makes riding harder work

 

[Racing roadkill]

Anyone have any thoughts on this?

http://www.ascycles.co.uk/index.php/bikes/1146/Giant-Roam-2-Disc-2016-Model

I know choices are subjective and it's down to personal preference but all advice is welcome. The Giant is from my LBS, not been in yet (work nightshift) but a friend has recommended the place. From reading various posts, I'm inclined to try and use a smaller independent shop - better service from what I've summised.

Although I do really like these:

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/...egoryId=165534&productId=991978&storeId=10001

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/...egoryId=165534&productId=992090&storeId=10001

But I think it's down to pot luck whether or not they're in stock.

Cheers

The Giant has a far inferior Groupset to the Boardman MX, but costs more. That's the whole 'paying for a set of stickers on the frame' thing in action.

Try and get a ride / trial on them, and then see which you prefer. It's your bike, and your money, and your choice ultimately.

 

[vickster]

If you are ok buying online, and prefer Giant look at older giant models on Rutland, ash cycles and others

 

[Teppic]

Yeh online isn't out of the question but I have no clue on my sizes , but I'm off out now to have an actual look at some bikes. Exciting times. Thanks for the heads up on the spec in regards to the giant.

I'll give an update when I get back.

 

[NorthernDave]

The 2016 Boardman range is out in a week or so, hence the good deals currently on 2015 models.