New bike/New Cyclist

[Oliver Markham]

Hey guys, i've been reading about the Cycle to work scheme my employer offers and i fancy buying a bike, for the purpose of commuting (2 miles by road), also one that is capable of riding the cycle routes close to home - some of which are partly offroad (sandy/dirt tracks - no jumps or anything)

I know literally nothing about bikes, other than i owned one when i was 12 - and it was fun.

Can anyone make a recommendation. My budget is probably around £400.

I went to a nearby cycle shop and the guy recommended a claude butler 300 Explorer.

However, after doing a bit of research, i found it £80 cheaper (Incidentally, this shop wasn't included in the cycle scheme)

Would really appreciate some help here.

Thanks

Oliver

 

[Pale Rider]

Two miles is not very far for a commute, but I would suggest you still need mudguards and a rack for carrying stuff.

Lots of choice at £400, Ridgeback is as good a make as any in your price range:

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/products/ridgeback-speed-14

 

[Oliver Markham]

would they fit those sorts of things? What else would i need? - im guessing helmet? lock? anything else

Many thanks for your reply.

 

[vickster]

Any LBS worth its salt should fit mudguards and rack FoC to a new bike, obviously if you buy the parts from them...

Anything else...

Bottle cages and bottle
Lights (rear at minimum even if riding in day)
Padded shorts
Pannier bags (for the rack)
Mitts
Couple of pairs of padded shorts (if going further than 2 miles)
Windproof top (and a gilet)
Glasses
Buff
Mini pump
Track pump
Spare inner tubes
Tyre levers
Multi tool

Helmet, your choice, but make sure it fits properly and is comfortable

Should do for starters

 

[SteCenturion]

Hi & .

I can't advise (Road bike fan) other than to say, take your time & get it right.

A bike that fits properly & you enjoy will keep you cycling whereas one that doesn't...

Enjoy your new bike.

 

[sazzaa]

Any LBS worth its salt should fit mudguards and rack FoC to a new bike, obviously if you buy the parts from them...

Anything else...

Bottle cages and bottle
Lights (rear at minimum even if riding in day)
Padded shorts
Pannier bags (for the rack)
Mitts
Couple of pairs of padded shorts (if going further than 2 miles)
Windproof top (and a gilet)
Glasses
Buff
Mini pump
Track pump
Spare inner tubes
Tyre levers
Multi tool

Helmet, your choice, but make sure it fits properly and is comfortable

Should do for starters

With the commute only being 2 miles, I probably wouldn't bother with inner tubes and mini pump, it's always going to be walking distance from home! Even a bottle cage and bottle wouldn't be needed for that length of journey! And a buff - are you mental woman? It's summer!

 

[vickster]

It was freezing in the rain on Monday!

Barely worth having a bike for 2 miles, but hopefully he'll get the bug

 

[sazzaa]

It was freezing in the rain on Monday!

Barely worth having a bike for 2 miles, but hopefully he'll get the bug

We've totally missed all the rain up north. A balmy 13 degrees here and I'm ROASTING. Short sleeves and everything!

 

[vickster]

Has to be about 20 before I go to short sleeves

 

[Oliver Markham]

The cycle path stretches for about 18 miles. Ridden 9 mile down it before on a rented bike. Wouldnt mind giving it another go.

 

[annirak]

I second the track pump. Make sure it's one with a gauge. I killed a pair of tyres in a year because I didn't have a gauge and had them under-inflated with just my mini pump.

 

[Oliver Markham]

Been suggested an Orbea Comfort 30?. Anyone know anything about them?

 

[Cyclist33]

Know nothing, but it looks quite nice