Just Starting Out and help much appreciated

[jillm]

Hi everyone
I'm keen to get back into cycling but no bike and haven't been cycling since my teens. Keen on doing a combo of road and a bit of off road, hills etc cycling. Also keen on doing a 47mile charity cycle, not a race, in September. Any help on what I should look for in a bike, how much is too little or too much to spend on a first bike? Obviously I don't want to spend a fortune but again I don't see the point in spending too little on an uncomfortable bike that I won't enjoy riding.

Any help would be great
Thanks!!!

 

[black'n'yellow]

comfort is really down to fit, rather than price, but as a rule you do get what you pay for in terms of quality. Depending on how serious the offroading might be, I would probably suggest a cylo cross type machine. That will give you good road and 'light' off road use, like parks, tow paths, forest rides, etc. If you are leaning toward heavier off road use (ie MTB trail centres, etc), then you're probably looking more at MTBs

 

[jillm]

Thanks for that! Just realised there was a good post on beginners forum. Sorry you must get asked all these questions all the time!!

 

[Jimmy Doug]

There's a trade off between spending too little and spending too much on a new hobby. Cycling does demand quite a sizeable initial outlay - but once you've got everything it's not too expensive. I don't think comfort and price always go together. You will need a good saddle, though, and only you can choose that. My advice would be to go to a shop with a large amount of second hand machines. You can get real bargains that way. Don't be tempted to get anything online, though. You'll need to try it and you'll have to get help with the fit. The best quality bike in the world might as well be a bone-breaker if the sizing is wrong.

 

[Berties]

Best thing get to a local cycle shop sit on a few bikes ,decide on your budget and get a wish list and let the cycle chat massive help you ,distance rides consider what kit you need,47 miles on the wrong bike will be enough to put any one off!!

 

[Berties]

Edited duplicate post

 

[chewy]

Indeed, get around the local shops and ask ask ask!

Once your happy with one then reward them with purchases, knowing that you have built up a relationship where you can trust them to help you make the right decisions!

A new bike £1000 (ish lol)
Helmet £50

Trusted bike shop : priceless

 

[Jimmy Doug]

Two good retailers in the GB for new bicycles (neither stock second-hand). This one is my favourite. Not everyone's cup of tea but I love this shop. Great product range to suit everyone's pocket and a really fantastic after-sales service. Only problem - there aren't many and they're only in the north (for the time-being at least).
Second - my least favourite store, but that's because they've killed off practically all small bike stores here in France and now they're out to conquer the rest of Europe. The quality is mostly mid-range to good, and you can't really beat them for value of money, I have to admit.
The one most people around here will tell you to avoid is Halfords. Personally, I can't really comment because I haven't set foot in a Halfords for a hell of a long time - but I don't think the criticisms are totally without foundation. (Uh-oh... I feel another Halfords discussion coming !! )

 

[MrJamie]

You've got to take a guess at what you think youll be riding mostly and how much youre willing to compromise on one thing for another. An offroad MTB will be harder work on the roads and the closer you get to fast road bikes the less good they are at trails and muddy stuff. Then also decide if youll want fittings for mudguards, luggage etc. As a totally debatable ballpark figure Id probably recommend about £250-400, but keep in mind you can quickly spend the same amount on locks, lights, clothes, saddlebag, repair kit, mudguards. I think my hybrid was about £400 and although its no pro racing carbon-fibre machine, its been an absolute joy to ride compared to the crap id been used to and made me look forward to getting out.