My post here is dedicated to those who "just want a bike" and may be tempted to look at Halfords cheapest stock or Argos, Tescos or similar.
I have three Halfords bikes in my garage, two Apollo and one Gemini. We also have a Raleigh MTB and a Claud Butler Crossover/Hybrid.
The Gemini is a dated obviously quite hideous piece of junk that is unpleasant to ride and is as heavy as a sack of coal, I think it was about £60 years ago. But if ever we have visitors who need a bike or we need a bike on a winter trainer machine then it's ok.
One Apollo - a Men's HC26 hardtail 20 ins MTB at £117 was a fair bit of kit for the price. A very comfortable saddle and quite a nice 18 gear MTB on the surface. After just under 400 miles the problems have started compounding, the worst being the disintegration of the rear outer sprocket. So now it's a 15 gear MTB! The tyres are made out of sponge cake and the quality of components I'd rate alongside a set of Lidl knives and forks!
The other Apollo is a Ladies MTB - the XC26'S'. In fact a much higher quality product with Shimano Tourney 21 speed, excellent tyres, amazingly comfy ride for female use (hardtail). This has not shown any problems over approximately 400 miles. Total cost on special offer £179. I have to say though that my wife never stands on the pedals and rides like a 1950s Margaret Rutherford movie (although thankfully much slimmer than the late Ms Rutherford!)
The Raleigh is an Explore Men's MTB (rigid 20 ins) and although not used that often has proven faultless to date (purchased around 2006 for £120 special offer). It's a bit of a boneshaker though and the original Raleigh saddle must have been designed with an act of contrition for ones sins in mind!
I recently purchased a Claud Butler 22 ins Classic 21 gear hybrid bike. The one that comes with mudguards, carry rack etc. Total £215 delivered. Still a cheap bike but a whole world away from supermarket and cheaper Halfords stuff. Quality of finish and component parts so much better. The ingenuity of handlebar adjustments and perfect gearchanges so impressive! Although a rigid bike with no suspension it is a delight to ride for anyone wanting to enjoy the experience of "getting there" at a leisurely pace.
So whilst this is of no interest to "serious" cyclists here, - those who seek perfection and are maybe totally absorbed into the wonderful world of cycling, what I am saying to anyone who comes into this Forum just "looking for a bike" for health reasons, commuting or days down the local cycle trail, then just spend that bit extra because I've found the difference between a £100 quid bargain and something at around £200 to be absolutely huge.
Regards
I have three Halfords bikes in my garage, two Apollo and one Gemini. We also have a Raleigh MTB and a Claud Butler Crossover/Hybrid.
The Gemini is a dated obviously quite hideous piece of junk that is unpleasant to ride and is as heavy as a sack of coal, I think it was about £60 years ago. But if ever we have visitors who need a bike or we need a bike on a winter trainer machine then it's ok.
One Apollo - a Men's HC26 hardtail 20 ins MTB at £117 was a fair bit of kit for the price. A very comfortable saddle and quite a nice 18 gear MTB on the surface. After just under 400 miles the problems have started compounding, the worst being the disintegration of the rear outer sprocket. So now it's a 15 gear MTB! The tyres are made out of sponge cake and the quality of components I'd rate alongside a set of Lidl knives and forks!
The other Apollo is a Ladies MTB - the XC26'S'. In fact a much higher quality product with Shimano Tourney 21 speed, excellent tyres, amazingly comfy ride for female use (hardtail). This has not shown any problems over approximately 400 miles. Total cost on special offer £179. I have to say though that my wife never stands on the pedals and rides like a 1950s Margaret Rutherford movie (although thankfully much slimmer than the late Ms Rutherford!)
The Raleigh is an Explore Men's MTB (rigid 20 ins) and although not used that often has proven faultless to date (purchased around 2006 for £120 special offer). It's a bit of a boneshaker though and the original Raleigh saddle must have been designed with an act of contrition for ones sins in mind!
I recently purchased a Claud Butler 22 ins Classic 21 gear hybrid bike. The one that comes with mudguards, carry rack etc. Total £215 delivered. Still a cheap bike but a whole world away from supermarket and cheaper Halfords stuff. Quality of finish and component parts so much better. The ingenuity of handlebar adjustments and perfect gearchanges so impressive! Although a rigid bike with no suspension it is a delight to ride for anyone wanting to enjoy the experience of "getting there" at a leisurely pace.
So whilst this is of no interest to "serious" cyclists here, - those who seek perfection and are maybe totally absorbed into the wonderful world of cycling, what I am saying to anyone who comes into this Forum just "looking for a bike" for health reasons, commuting or days down the local cycle trail, then just spend that bit extra because I've found the difference between a £100 quid bargain and something at around £200 to be absolutely huge.
Regards
Pass it on to a friend that I don't want to stay friends with I guess .. 
