Help, what bike is best for me!

[Sacwhh22]

Hi all

Looking for a bit of advice, recently got back into a bit of gentle cycling to help manage depression, started with a cheap 700c hybrid from tesco , did it's job, spent a few months doing a number of 20 mile is rides, all flat and simple, have loved it - now time to upgrade!!!

The flat cycle trails are likely it continue to be my style of cycle, can't ever see me steaming up and down mountains!

I will be buying through cycle to work so will be halfords, but not sure what way to go with it, probably a £700 limit.

I am around 22stone at present , hope to lose weight in time but won't happen fast!

Do I go for a hybrid or a mountain bike with a tyre change for something slicker - 2 main considerations are the £600 boardman mx comp hybrid or the MTB comp 650b mountain bike? I did consider the new 13 range but am not so sure now!

Any thoughts on the advantages or disadvantages of each style or their respective components??

Cheers

Steve

 

[MikeW-71]

If you're riding on the roads or on tarmac/hard surface trails, I'd choose the MX Comp hybrid. It'll be similar to your first bike but be much better quality and longer lasting.

Glad you are enjoying cycling though, keeping up that exercise with a healthy diet should see the weight reduce too. Keep up the good work!

 

[Sacwhh22]

Thanks for that Mike!

My gut was telling me that the hybrid is clearly best suited to my needs, the swaying factor seems to be comfort on the bike - my back and shoulders not in the best shape (actually none of me is in the best shape) and the mountain bike position felt more relaxed and comfortable in that respect.

Such hard decisions that at that cost I don't want to regret my choice lol

 

[13 rider]

Hi scwhh22
I have just purchased a 13 alpha hybrid from halfords the cheapest one and it does everything I want riding position is quite upright and very comfortable for a newbie like me . One thing to consider if you are not going off road front suspension just adds weight you may be better with a hybrid without suspension if riding on good Tarmac . visit as many shops as possible and keeping trying and don't rush its a big decision
Happy riding

 

[Sacwhh22]

Hi 13 rider

I did consider the 13 brand, was looking at the entry mountain bike or the beta intuative hybrid, seemed good spec for cost - was just concerned with purchasing something not yet known or reviewed or even available to look at in shops. (Wasn't 100% sure if I liked styling)

How do you feel he build quality is compared to the boardmans?

The reason I wanted the suspension is because partly my weight, and partly lots of the cycles I do on cycle trails and canal paths although flat, are not as smooth as Tarmac - it's a toughie!

 

[13 rider]

Build quality is up with the boardmans and good spec for the money. Yes buying without trying is odd.my shop ordered my bike in on their laptop and had it delivered next day but I did not have to pay until I had seen and tried bike and was under no pressure to accept.I was lucky a staff member in my branch had risen the range for vidios and was very helpful I have had mine for three weeks done 75 miles no problems so far .and in my opinion the whole thirteen range looks cool. Not sure how you would stand buying on CTW worth asking in branch

 

[Sacwhh22]

Yeah it's fine on CTW scheme, anything available online is allowed.

I didn't think the pictures did them justice online, couldn't really see what the grips were like or how thin the bars are, and doesn't give much of a paintwork finish idea. I was hoping some would be in store but seems like only 3 or 4 in uk until mid November, and none near me! Lol

My local halfords are great actually, just wanted I dependant views and thoughts to help.

 

[13 rider]

Yes its seems strange they are not yet in branch's yet .when I brought mine they had just been launched .they must be missing sales because most people would want to see and try before buying . good luck in your quest if your not in a rush try some LSB to try other ranges I had looked at trek ds 8. Range and nearly went for one but preferred the look of the 13

 

[Sacwhh22]

Saw a 13 frame today - quite impressed! Off on holiday for a week tmw, good chance to mull it all over!! Cheers!!

 

[BrumJim]

Hi 13 rider

I did consider the 13 brand, was looking at the entry mountain bike or the beta intuative hybrid, seemed good spec for cost - was just concerned with purchasing something not yet known or reviewed or even available to look at in shops. (Wasn't 100% sure if I liked styling)

How do you feel he build quality is compared to the boardmans?

The reason I wanted the suspension is because partly my weight, and partly lots of the cycles I do on cycle trails and canal paths although flat, are not as smooth as Tarmac - it's a toughie!

Your backside will get used to the lack of suspension much quicker than your legs will get used to wasting energy pumping the front up and down, and carrying the extra weight up hill.
But there again, I'm not happy unless I am going faster.

 

[Phixion]

My brother has the MX Comp, it's a good bike for beginners and does nicely on the road or trails. You can always lock the suspension fork.

I personally think that if you aren't used to cycling you are going to have a tough time on a road bike or a flat bar road bike/hybrid.

Make sure you get a decent saddle, one of the Specialized BG or the Charge Spoon or Fabric Scoop are comfortable for many and they're relatively cheap.

If your main goal is to lose weight, get a comfortable bike, get yourself out at least a few times a week and the weight will fall off.

I've lost almost 11 pounds since starting cycling again 3 months ago.