Raleigh_Grifter
Active Member
- Location
- Newcastle
Hi all,
Had a look on a few forums and this seemed like it might be the best place to join. I'm early 40's and have had only the one bike since late teens (10 speed racer), which I just used in occasional spells - nothing serious, and nothing for about 8 years.
I've recently entered into a charity ride end of June (63 miles - I've never cycled anywhere near that far before), and obviously need a bike. I've been meaning to get one for a year or two, as I occasionally play five a side, but injuries etc, mean it's difficult to keep fit that way, so I want to try getting into cycling, as my fitness is pretty low.
I was thinking of getting a hybrid, as I didn't want to limit myself to roads only. I quite fancied leaving myself the option to use country paths and trails as well as building up some miles on the road, though I'm not interested in breaking my neck mountain bike style! Commuting could be a possibility in the future (25 mile round trip), just to add that into the mix.
After doing a little bit of research I noticed that cross bikes could be a possible option, as they have the sturdiness of a hybrid, but also could be decent on the road? However they seem short in numbers compared to the vast numbers of hybrids, and there aren't many in my price range it seems.
I must admit to being quite amazed at just how much is out there, how technical all this is and how expensive! I thought I would be looking at a decent priced bike, but it seems I am definitely at the lower end of the market.
The little bit I've learned so far, I think I could be looking possibly for a cross bike, maybe around £500 max mark (although my initial starting point was something for £250ish!), but what width of tyres? What kind of saddle? What kind of bike? And what about all the kit needed?
One of the things that has maybe put me off a hybrid, is the straight bars. Would they not get uncomfortable on the road for decent distances? I'd want something that could do the miles on the road nicely without being too heavy, but also capable of doing non road stuff.
I guess I'm just looking for advice and experience of others. I'm not rich, so I want to make the right decision about this bike.
Sorry about the long ramble, but the more I get into this the more questions I'm finding!
Thanks in advance.
p.s. Please no jargon - I've looked at specs of bikes online and 90% of it goes over my head!
Had a look on a few forums and this seemed like it might be the best place to join. I'm early 40's and have had only the one bike since late teens (10 speed racer), which I just used in occasional spells - nothing serious, and nothing for about 8 years.
I've recently entered into a charity ride end of June (63 miles - I've never cycled anywhere near that far before), and obviously need a bike. I've been meaning to get one for a year or two, as I occasionally play five a side, but injuries etc, mean it's difficult to keep fit that way, so I want to try getting into cycling, as my fitness is pretty low.
I was thinking of getting a hybrid, as I didn't want to limit myself to roads only. I quite fancied leaving myself the option to use country paths and trails as well as building up some miles on the road, though I'm not interested in breaking my neck mountain bike style! Commuting could be a possibility in the future (25 mile round trip), just to add that into the mix.
After doing a little bit of research I noticed that cross bikes could be a possible option, as they have the sturdiness of a hybrid, but also could be decent on the road? However they seem short in numbers compared to the vast numbers of hybrids, and there aren't many in my price range it seems.
I must admit to being quite amazed at just how much is out there, how technical all this is and how expensive! I thought I would be looking at a decent priced bike, but it seems I am definitely at the lower end of the market.
The little bit I've learned so far, I think I could be looking possibly for a cross bike, maybe around £500 max mark (although my initial starting point was something for £250ish!), but what width of tyres? What kind of saddle? What kind of bike? And what about all the kit needed?
One of the things that has maybe put me off a hybrid, is the straight bars. Would they not get uncomfortable on the road for decent distances? I'd want something that could do the miles on the road nicely without being too heavy, but also capable of doing non road stuff.
I guess I'm just looking for advice and experience of others. I'm not rich, so I want to make the right decision about this bike.
Sorry about the long ramble, but the more I get into this the more questions I'm finding!
Thanks in advance.
p.s. Please no jargon - I've looked at specs of bikes online and 90% of it goes over my head!
