Newbie Buying Advice

[superdon]

Hi all

Myself and the wife have decided we want to get bikes. These will mainly be used for recreation with a some off road stuff, but nothing major. Neither of us know a lot about bikes. I prefer to buy something decent rather than cheap, but at the same time don't want to spend mega money. I am hopefully getting a move at work soon, which will mean I only have about two miles each way to work, so there's a good chance I might use mine to commute.

I have done quite a bit of reading but unfortunately due to some difficult circumstances (recovering from major surgery) I can't get out to any bike shops.

I want to spend up to about £500 on the bike for me and may £350 on the wife's.

On my list so far for me I have....

Specialized Crosstrail Sport Disc
Cube LTD CLS Pro (2013 model)
Boardman MX Comp

I am led to believe the Boardman is the best value and can be had for around £430 at the moment with the various discounts available. Seems a very good deal?

As for the wife, I have no idea.

Finally we have two young kids. They are not bike riding age, so we were thinking of a little trailer for them to ride in when we go out on trips. Not sure if that makes a difference on bike choice though.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[superdon]

Now starting to wonder if a mountain bike would be a better option, as any road commuting would be minimal compared to the countryside and track riding.

Getting very confused.

 

[vickster]

29er? Rugged but bigger wheels for roads?

 

[superdon]

That's what I am thinking.

I have read some good things about the Voodoo Bizango which I could get for similar money to the Boardman MX Comp (around £450 after discounts). But then it looks a bit...well....in your face. but I can't find manu other options around that sort of price.

 

[vickster]

Have a look at Paul's cycles deals on 29ers and MTBs

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m1b0s155p0/Mountain-Bikes/Front-Suspension-29ers

 

[superdon]

Have had a goo look around, including at Paul's Cycles and can't seem to fine a better deal than the Bizango?

I am now thinking of a Voodoo Bizango for me (£419 after all discounts and cashback) and a Carrera Vulcan for my wife (£263 after discounts).

I know the names not so good, and it means giving Halfords the business but it seems like a good deal for two seemingly well specd and reviewed bikes?

 

[superdon]

Anyone offer any advice?

If the Vulcan is no good, I quite like the look of a Felt Six 90 for the wife, which is a touch under £300.

Need to make some decisions soon

 

[vickster]

Ask her to ride them, her decision

 

[John Phelan]

Hi all

Myself and the wife have decided we want to get bikes. These will mainly be used for recreation with a some off road stuff, but nothing major. Neither of us know a lot about bikes. I prefer to buy something decent rather than cheap, but at the same time don't want to spend mega money. I am hopefully getting a move at work soon, which will mean I only have about two miles each way to work, so there's a good chance I might use mine to commute.

I have done quite a bit of reading but unfortunately due to some difficult circumstances (recovering from major surgery) I can't get out to any bike shops.

I want to spend up to about £500 on the bike for me and may £350 on the wife's.

On my list so far for me I have....

Specialized Crosstrail Sport Disc
Cube LTD CLS Pro (2013 model)
Boardman MX Comp

I am led to believe the Boardman is the best value and can be had for around £430 at the moment with the various discounts available. Seems a very good deal?

As for the wife, I have no idea.

Finally we have two young kids. They are not bike riding age, so we were thinking of a little trailer for them to ride in when we go out on trips. Not sure if that makes a difference on bike choice though.

Any help would be appreciated.

Suggest if you can't visit local bike shop at the moment, give them a ring explain situation & get their advice.
Cycle to work scheme could reduce your costs & spread payments.
If you are not cycle aware, your local shop will help with repairs & service afterwards. When things go wrong or you need upgrades, you will find that relationship with local bike shop will be worth it.

 

[SteCenturion]

Not going to give advice this time as I haven't had a MTB for quite a while.
I did by my girl a MTB for Xmas (Carrera) unappreciated & unused so not qualified to comment.

though anyway & hope you & your good wife find just the thing you need.

 

[KneesUp]

I have just bought bikes for us (the wife and I) The bikes I got would have cost £1800* when new, and I paid a grand total of £56 for them. that's two bikes for £56, not £56 each. They are both steel-framed mountain bikes, and both are fully functional, and a pleasure to ride. In fact, Mrs Knees wasn't that taken with the idea of cycling but after about a mile she was of the opinion that cycling is brilliant, and her problem previously was that she'd only ever had rubbish bikes.

So, my advice is buy a second-hand bike and spend the reamaining £800 of your budget on accessories, a bike rack, a weekend away and a new shed. Or something


*Inflation adjusted

 

[SteCenturion]

Cool that Mr KneesUp.

Excellent buy.