Help needed for a newbie

[IckleTrixter]

I am looking at buying a hybrid bike to help me get fitter.
I currently have a mountain bike which i find is a real hinderence on the cycle paths and roads where i live (Ashford in Kent)
I have found this bike online http://www.bikes2udirect.com/B6254.html and was wondering if this would be better than my mountain bike?
My budget is limited at present and cannot go above the cost of this bike.
I would appreciate any advice.
Thanks ☺

 

[ScotiaLass]

Hi
that looks like a nice bike

I ride a MTB but bought a Dawes ladies hybrid recently which is fine for the type of terrain you mention - I go to the shops on her and use towpaths and roads.
This is my bike...I got it for around £280 on a price match
http://www.bikes2udirect.com/B5447.html?mv_pc=gp1&gclid=CKPu3umU28ACFSoEwwod7o0AHA

 

[Peteaud]

Depends on what MTB you have.

Why is the MTB giving problems?

If its a heavy bike with big nobbly tires, then this will make you fitter anyway. If you want an easier ride, then slick tired on the MTB can be a cheap alternative.

Do you have any local bike shops, also might be worth a look.

 

[IckleTrixter]

Peteaud
My mountain bike is heavy and really is too big for me (I'm only 5'2", bad advice when I bought it) So my fast growing son is now the owner of my MTB.
Ive tried my local bike shop. They have Claud Butler bikes but not the Windermere.
Scotialass
My limit is £235. Is Dawes a better make than Claud Butler?

 

[ScotiaLass]

Peteaud
My mountain bike is heavy and really is too big for me (I'm only 5'2", bad advice when I bought it) So my fast growing son is now the owner of my MTB.
Ive tried my local bike shop. They have Claud Butler bikes but not the Windermere.
Scotialass
My limit is £235. Is Dawes a better make than Claud Butler?

I really don't know....I've never ridden a Claud Butler bike and know nothing about them but know they have a good reputation so you wouldn't go far wrong with one!
I am really pleased with my Dawes and got it cheaper than the £330....£280 and free delivery - if you find a bike you want, look around before you buy as you may get it cheaper.
Also, could your local bike shop (LBS for short) get you the model you want? Often if they stock the brand you want the can get the model in, worth an ask? My LBS were great when I bought my mountain bike but luckily they had the one I wanted in stock, in my size.

This is my MTB...a Specialized' Myka Sports Disc' 29er
I use it on trails, woods, towpaths and cycle paths! It is so much lighter than my old MTB, which was steel framed and very heavy but it did get me fitter! I can cycle a lot further on the new one though!

 

[IckleTrixter]

I've looked around and can't get it cheaper than on the website I found it on. My LBS gave me a Claud Butler catalogue but the prices were much more expensive.
I've looked on Ebay etc but bikes2u are cheaper

 

[ScotiaLass]

I've looked around and can't get it cheaper than on the website I found it on. My LBS gave me a Claud Butler catalogue but the prices were much more expensive.
I've looked on Ebay etc but bikes2u are cheaper

Yeah, I had a quick look but it seems that's the cheapest price.
If you look at last years models (2013) they are usually of a similar spec but cheaper....worth a search?

 

[Cycleops]

The bike you are suggesting should be fine, it will feel much quicker than your MTB. For just thirty quid more you could get this CB http://www.bikes2udirect.com/B4910.html?id=rTdu7NtS better components, 24 gears and rather a pretty colour, but you don't get the rack and mudguards!

 

[IckleTrixter]

I simply don't have an additional £30. Also, I wanted mudguards and a carrier as I plan to cycle to and from work in the near future. A new cycle lane is opening up near me that cuts out some very busy roads and runs along the edge of a field to the town centre. Much safer than the current route.

 

[Cyclist33]

Friend at work rides a ladies' Claud Butler, I think it's an Odyssey from a couple of years back, anyway she's very happy with it.

Looks nice, do you know what size you want, as this is THE big risk with buying online, and also, are you okay with putting it together, it will come in a box and you will probably have to faff about to set it up!

 

[IckleTrixter]

Friend at work rides a ladies' Claud Butler, I think it's an Odyssey from a couple of years back, anyway she's very happy with it.

Looks nice, do you know what size you want, as this is THE big risk with buying online, and also, are you okay with putting it together, it will come in a box and you will probably have to faff about to set it up!

I tried a Claud Butler bike in my LBS so I know the frame size I need.
My hubby will be able to put it together (He says he can)

 

[Cyclist33]

I tried a Claud Butler bike in my LBS so I know the frame size I need.
My hubby will be able to put it together (He says he can)

Lol, don't count your chickens etc!

Well just be aware that a "Claud Butler" could be any number of different geometries depending on the model. But anyway, sounds like you have an idea of sizing

 

[ScotiaLass]

I tried a Claud Butler bike in my LBS so I know the frame size I need.
My hubby will be able to put it together (He says he can)

When my Dawes came, the only assembly it needed was the pedals putting on (they are threaded but the instructions were very clear) and the handlebars turning round the right way, both of which I managed myself.

 

[IckleTrixter]

Lol, don't count your chickens etc!

Well just be aware that a "Claud Butler" could be any number of different geometries depending on the model. But anyway, sounds like you have an idea of sizing

I tried several Claud Butler bikes.
I also tried a few others and for my height I need a 17" frame.
My MTB is a 19" which is why my son now rides it. I could touch the ground on one side tip toe leaning
Really bad advice from the shop I bought it from.
I'm going to order it today!!!!
I'm excited! !

 

[IckleTrixter]

I received a reply from bikes2u regarding assembly
"Bikes arrive 80% built and need final assembly. This is relatively easy
and takes on average 30-60 minutes but if you are inexperienced then any
local bicycle shop would be happy to assemble a boxed bike for you at an
average cost of around £25. If you speak to your local bike shop they
may agree to us shipping the bike direct to them (put their address
under delivery section) and then you can pay them on collection for
assembly.

The remaining key things to on assembling a bicycle are :-

1. Insert front wheel and tighten (the wheel is a nutted axle)
2. Insert seat post + saddle and tighten
3. Screw in and tighten both pedals (the left pedal screws into the
pedal arm anti-clockwise)
4. Affix handlebars (the handlebar stem is known as a "quill stem")
5. Brake and gear adjustment (gear adjustment is not always required but
should be checked prior to riding)

If you have issues whilst assembling call us on01274 674 333 or you can
try searching Google where you will find a multitude of free information
and videos relating to bicycle assembly.

Below are example links for instructional videos to assist you in
assembling and maintaining your bicycle.

Adult Cycle: http://www.raleigh.co.uk/Support/SupportArticle.aspx?id=63

Maintenance:-

General: http://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help/new-bike-assembly
How to adjust gears (front derailleur)

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10wMxBJkU2A

How to adjust gears (rear derailleur)

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfLHRIdMem0


I hope this helps, and that we can be of service to you soon.

Regards,

Ben
Customer Care
Bikes 2U Direct | www.bikes2udirect.com"