New bike advice please

[beetlesteve]

Hello folks,

I've decided I need to save some money and get fitter, so will be cycling to work from september. There's just one problem..................I don't have a bike!

I'm not looking to spend a lot, and having not looked at bikes for about 15 years really don't know what is a good bike for reasonable cash?

I won't be doing any serious off road or anything, just the road to work and maybe some paths, trails etc.

What would you recommend? (Also what size frame, I'm 5'11)

Cheers,

Steve

What about this?
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/s...egoryId_165534

 

[Wigsie]

Hi Steve and Welcome.

I dont think I have ever seen or heard anyone slate the Carrera Subway, by all accounts they are a cracking deal and good quality for your money.

Just remember however you are buying it from Halfrauds and finding one that knows how to set a bike up properly is as rare as hens teeth! There have been reports of wheels falling of, brakes failing etc after they set the bike up.

I would suggest you stick it in the boot of your car, whisk it straight round to your LBS (Local Bike Shop) and pay them £30 ish to check it over and make sure its been set up properly, they will also set it up sizing wise for you, this can make a huge difference in performance and also the affect on your body, a wrongly set up bike can damage knees, back, neck etc.

Having said that, get it set up right and you will be hooked.

Good luck and keep us posted!

 

[g00se]

Hi,

It sounds like you are after a 'hybrid' - road bike frame and wheels with mountain bike ancillaries and in-the-middle tyres. have a look at the 'my advice to newbies" thread that has been stuck at the top of the forum - lots of good advice in there.

If you don't want to spend too much - how much is too much? - then try to avoid any suspension (sprung front forks etc) as at the lower end (<£400-500) they are not up to much, suck up effort and add a lot of weight. Saying that though - there are some reasonable bikes out there with front suspension that can be 'locked out' so that the forks are rigid when on roads - like the Specialised Crosstrail.

Head off to your local bike shop (LBS) and try a few out.

 

[vegan]

i got a bike from halfords absolutellly awful set up had it sorted 2 hours later the pedal fell off i rang customers services they offered a full refund despite bike being 6 months old so if you buy any bike from halfords and its set up wrong give em a chance to sort it then ring customer care friends rave about subway

 

[Ant]

I bought a Subway a couple of months ago. Good bike for what it is (road commuting, light off road) Has facility for mudguards and panniers too.

Bits started falling off when I put it in the car....including the back wheel, so heed the advice on a good check over for it.

 

[pinkkaz]

I think you should go for a road bike. I was in the same position as you and bought a hybrid and after only one month I was hankering after something lighter and faster. Or a light tourer.

 

[RabbitFood]

personel prefrance id say A racing bike but then thats me its down to you, you need to get out and try a few out.

Depending on your budget get to Evans cycles somewhere like that and depends on budget.

i was going to go for a £300 racing bike but ended up getting Allez 09 for £580 and so much worth the extra money and I only ride 3 times a week

let us know what your looking for as you go