Hybrid or Mountain?

[lucky67]

I need a bike!
To keep up with DDs (6 and 12) - 6 yo disappeared from view for 20+ mins of me speed walking the other day...
DD1 has an ok (ridgeback) mountain bike and DD2 a no gears, no frills basic bike ..(can upgrade if we start going more often) .
I'm a bit porky (size 16-18), older(mid forties) v unfit and not ridden a bike for 20 years...
Currently planning on getting a cheap bike for me - to see how we get on - guess will use on road and cycle paths - and on level gravel paths through local woods ...obviously I'm not going to be doing anything too strenuous just yet! (and if I ever want to I would upgrade)
Keep looking for second hand (so less choice) but nothing suitable coming up locally -so think I might have to get new...

I think I probably should get a hybrid - but worried that the thinner tyres seem a bit flimsy? ...mountain bikes seem sturdier...with my extra weight might be better????
(But wouldn't want suspension. I think that would be just something that could go wrong that I don't need...)

 

[avsd]

Mountain bike without suspension would be a good idea,

 

[themosquitoking]

Pardon my ignorance but DD?

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

I can assure you that the thinner tyres fitted to "hybrid" bikes are not flimsy. They also have the benefit that they roll better on road than MTB tyres so you can go further and faster for the same effort.

To give an example, I run Schwalbe Marathon in 700x35 on my main bike, which is a trekking type, and they cope with on and off road including this with no problem:

View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qO2C4vym3Q


The video is not mine BTW, just demonstrating the route.

 

[Cubist]

You've probably just described a B'Twin Riverside, which is a basic suspension hybrid trekking bike, or their Rockrider 5.0, a rigid forked MTB. Excellent VFM according to those who own them.

 

[Pale Rider]

Pardon my ignorance but DD?

Dear Daughter - have a look on mumsnet if you want to see loads of others (and read lasses talking dirty to each other).

 

[themosquitoking]

Dear Daughter - have a look on mumsnet if you want to see loads of others (and read lasses talking dirty to each other).

Thanks for the info but i've never been on mumsnet and i'm pretty sure i never will. I reckon i know lots of internet sites where they talk dirtier.

 

[vickster]

Carerra subway, solid bike and always on offer at halfords. Might want to get the build checked by local bike shop. Indeed I would go to said shop and see what they can offer In budget

 

[lucky67]

Sorry I thought 'DD' was a common internet forum term ...but then again have been know to visit mumsnet occasionally...(missed the talking dirty bit though...unless it went over my head!)
Not that I'm intending to go on any rides like that (turned my legs to jelly - my hands were flexing squeezing on 'my brakes') - on that video the white bits on the floor stone chips? That's what I was worried about buckling the wheel - my weight and hitting something like that...the easier riding on the road was what appealed to me...
Sad to say thinking about going to Halfrauds ...have £125 worth of shopping vouchers from a Christmas bonus 3 years ago ...about to run out and haven't managed to spend them yet - and Halfrauds are one the few places that I can use them...will check out the Carerra subway now...
Many thanks and more to think about ...

 

[lucky67]

Should make that clearer - can spend more than £125 ...but can put that towards a bike to 'get rid' of them ...

 

[vickster]

Carrera subway sounds a fine choice, unless you fancy going mad and getting the boardman team. Just avoid their trax and Apollo ranges which are rubbish. You may even like the Pendleton ladies range

For a decent bike, your size should be no problem. I am a similar build and have never had an issue. Just don't go bunny hopping down every kerb you see!

 

[Spinney]

Definitely hybrid rather than mountain bike - if you are doing on-road and gravel tracks, hybrid will be much easier to ride than a mountain bike. Don't worry about your weight, the bike will be fine for what you say you want.
Halfrauds - some can be good, depends on the person who serves you! Do you have any cycling friends who could go with you? Alternatively, ask a local bike shop (LBS) to check the bike over when you get it, just to make sure everything is set up right. You'll have to pay them, but it might be worth it.

Or buy the bike from the local bike shop, but use up your vouchers on things like helmets (huge debates on here about whether or not to wear them, but apart from anything else mine helps to keep my hair out of my eyes!), cycle computer etc.

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

Not that I'm intending to go on any rides like that (turned my legs to jelly - my hands were flexing squeezing on 'my brakes') - on that video the white bits on the floor stone chips? That's what I was worried about buckling the wheel - my weight and hitting something like that...the easier riding on the road was what appealed to me....

Yes, the white bits are chunks of stone - it's a fairly rough track. To be honest, I wasn't descending at the kind of speed those guys were.

The point I was trying to make (very badly; my apologies for that) is that the look of the wheel isn't an indicator of how strong it is, especially at the bottom end of the market where I've had a wheel let me down quite badly on my cheap mountain bike. (Here is the ride report for your amusement. )

The Carrera Subway suggested earlier has a lot of fans on here as it is a solid entry-level bike that is easy to live with. Don't buy it at the full price though. Halfords have very frequent sales and with the right timing you can get it for about £200.

The Pendleton bikes that Vickster mentioned should be pretty decent too - have a look and see what you think.

 

[lucky67]

Thanks - I am going for a hybrid !
What are Raleigh like? Halfrauds have some on 'special' offer ... (not sure how 'special' as can't see any 'was £x amount for a week last November' info ...)
The Carrera is over £280 at moment.... pendletons at £230 - thinking I want to spend £200...
Will have to get a helmet - get 'dear daughters' to wear them (think I would be labelled as the worst parent in world if I didn't!) - so I will have to too...

 

[vickster]

Raleigh are now mass produced in the Far East - like most bikes - no links to the Nottingham firm really now, just kept the name. To assess the current cost, have a google and see what other companies are selling the same models for

£200 buys an entry level bike with entry level components and it'll be pretty heavy - certainly avoid anything with suspension at this price point

If you join British Cycling for around £20, you can get 10% off everything at Halfords and lots of other benefits too