Newbie

[Lou1982]

I have decided to buy myself a new bike. The last bike I got when I was about 13, I'm now 32!!! I'm going to take advantage of the cycle to work scheme but I know absolutely nothing about bikes. I have found 2 possibilities, both a similar price, but I don't know which is best. 1 is in 1 shop, the other in another. I'd really appreciate some help and advice!
One is Scott Contessa 630 2014, the other is Cannondale 2014 Tango 7.
There is £20 price difference.
Thank you in advance!!!

 

[vickster]

Are you planning on riding to work on roads or trails, if the former you would be better off on a bike with rigid forks rather than a mountain bike with suspension, you'll go quicker and use less energy

They are different types of bikes, one is a 26" wheel MTB the other a 29" wheel bike. The latter will feel bigger and more stretched. Best ask the shops for a test ride

 

[Lou1982]

Tbh probably both, I'm not even sure I'll ride it to work all that much, I think it'll probably be mainly used on trails and in the forest

 

[vickster]

Just don't tell your HR department that... or post it on a public forum

I'd go for an MTB for twistier tighter off road over a 29er, i.e. the Scott...looks cooler too

 

[mickle]

Welcome aboard Lou.

 

[Crackle]

They're both quite similar in spec, my advice would be to try a ride on each if possible. You don't mention your height but if going for the 29" the issue might be standover height, hence the curved tube which rises quite steeply after the flat part in comparison to the 26.

 

[Lou1982]

I've got pretty long legs - my inside leg is 34". Does that make a difference?? Lol. I said I didn't have a clue what I'm doing and here's the proof

 

[vickster]

Should be ok with a 29er, assuming you are tall with the long legs too! Just ride it and check for size

 

[SquareDaff]

As above ^ . You can look at all the specs you want but ultimately it should come down to whichever feels more comfortable/natural. If you don't enjoy riding it then you won't!!

 

[SteCenturion]

Hi & .

No advice from me sorry - not enough knowledge -

Girls will certainly give you good pointers though.

 

[Crackle]

I've got pretty long legs - my inside leg is 34". Does that make a difference?? Lol. I said I didn't have a clue what I'm doing and here's the proof

You don't necessarily need to look at women's specific bikes then. They tend to be shorter reach for a longer proportional leg length which doesn't suit everyone. You'd do better to widen your search as neither of the two you linked to are good value for money in my view. if a bike fits, it fits, women's specific or otherwise. Do you have a budget, we may be able to find something within it?

For instance the Halfords Voodoo is great value for money http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/...uctId_927845_langId_-1_categoryId_165499#tab2

They do a 29er as well with a not quite as good spec but for 500quid that's a good bike and consistently gets good reviews.

 

[vickster]

I think those two bikes are around £450-500

 

[Lou1982]

Just don't tell your HR department that... or post it on a public forum

I'd go for an MTB for twistier tighter off road over a 29er, i.e. the Scott...looks cooler too

I quite often car share with somebody when our shifts match so then I'd ride to their house rather than drive!!!

 

[Lou1982]

I popped into my most local shop that sells the Scott one I've mentioned. They were very nice and gave me a couple of catalogues to look at. Still like the Contessa 630, although they didn't have any in stock as delivery is due tomorrow.
Is there anything in particular I should look for on a bike?? I really don't know anything, apart from how to ride it. What benefits are there for having more gears for example? And are disc breaks a good thing to have over old skool type?
Getting quite excited now, although I know I'll probably end up waiting 4 weeks for certificate to come through, cos that's just my luck!!

Thank you to you all for your help so far!!!

 

[Lou1982]

I think those two bikes are around £450-500

The Scott is £449, the Canondale is £469