New bike advice needed! bit clueless!

[Miffy]

Hi all, I realise this question has probably been asked lots already but couldn't seem to find anything really relevant to me..
I am thinking about getting a new bike but am really undecided as to what to look at. Currently I am riding around on a 12 year old Emelle girls bike (should I be ashamed? ) but I would like something a bit nicer.. I use it to ride to university (8 mile round trip) and longer rides on the weekend either on cycle paths or on easy mountain bike trails (prob no longer than 20 miles). Having given up cycling for about 10 years I've really enjoyed riding again having been encouraged by a younger (fitter) friend. I can't see me taking up serious mountain biking or road racing so would a hybrid be a good choice? If so any particular bikes anyone can recommend? I wasn't wanting to spend more than £500 as i'm only working part time at the mo and the university is bike theft central (one good thing about riding an old cheap bright pink bike- don't think its attractive to thieves!)
Any advice would be much appreciated! i'm 28, 5'1 and 7 stone if that makes a difference.

 

[PaulSecteur]

Currently I am riding around on a 12 year old Emelle girls bike (should I be ashamed? )

only if you`re not a girl!

 

[vickster]

Hybrid does offer the best of both worlds, if not going on anything rougher than a path, then a 'fast' hybrid (basically a flat bar sports bike is a good idea). I would look to spend £400 max on the bike, then £100 on a couple of good D Locks annd lights or whatever

Here's an option to look at - now is a good time to buy as the 2012 models are coming in and there are some good discounts to be had on 2011 models (you may be able to find some of these cheaper)

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/vita-2011-womens-hybrid-bike-ec023872

This will be a nice light quick bike and a small should be spot on if you are 5'1 looking at the sizing chart , leaves plenty of cash in the pot (I'd consider cycle insurance as well as the locks)

 

[Miffy]

Definitely a girl On a very girly bike! (Its called Star!)
Thanks for the advice, that looks like the sort of thing I wanted, will definitely consider that one. Having had a few bikes stolen when I was younger I will invest in some good locks and look into insurance then. Will probably keep poor Star for bashing around trails..

 

[Milo]

I would not bother with bike sppecific insurance myself. Many get it done under their home insurance.

 

[mr Mag00]

depending on the cost of the bike obviously

 

[mr Mag00]

my better half got a very nice gary fisher with good stand over height compared to frame size, which was important compared to other women specific bikes out there, she is a little taller than you, but small farmes did not always mean a good clearance.

 

[vickster]

I would not bother with bike sppecific insurance myself. Many get it done under their home insurance.

As I did but I have a £200 excess, leaves me a pretty reasonable gap to replace £500 of bike and kit

Cycleguard or the like are worth looking at but you will need a specific type of lock, but there is no excess often

 

[Miffy]

Hybrid does offer the best of both worlds, if not going on anything rougher than a path, then a 'fast' hybrid (basically a flat bar sports bike is a good idea). I would look to spend £400 max on the bike, then £100 on a couple of good D Locks annd lights or whatever

Here's an option to look at - now is a good time to buy as the 2012 models are coming in and there are some good discounts to be had on 2011 models (you may be able to find some of these cheaper)

http://www.evanscycl...d-bike-ec023872

This will be a nice light quick bike and a small should be spot on if you are 5'1 looking at the sizing chart , leaves plenty of cash in the pot (I'd consider cycle insurance as well as the locks)

Unfortunately this seems to have disappeared from the website
Went for a look around today and saw this, took it for a quick ride around the car park, seems nice though doesn't look as sleek as the one suggested
http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Giant-Escape-City-3-Womens-2011-5-Hybrid-Classic-Bike_45468.htm
Could get insurance for about £2.40 a week, think a few a week are going missing from the university and its grounds at the moment according to the annual police email

 

[vickster]

Looks like Evans have sold out

Where do you live? Might be able to find the Spesh elsewhere? Plenty of dealers around

£349 here http://www.totalfitnessbath.co.uk/products/2011_Specialized_Vita-1881-21.html

£400 here for the Sport which is the next model up http://www.mailordercycles.com/m1b1s361p1333/SPECIALIZED_Vita_Sport_2011/RS_GB/4783

Otherwise, the 2012 Vita is £370 - should be able to find fairly easily

 

[Miffy]

Went for the 2012 Vita in the end, I don't have much to compare it to but its a world away from the old bike, so much faster and easier to ride. Trouble is now I want to go out and ride it when I should be writing essays Thanks for the replies!

 

[vickster]

Good stuff, gets dark early now, ride in the light, write the essays at night Just make sure you lock it up really well