Djohariah
New Member
Hello all,
I'm soon to move offices (fortuneatly nearer to where I live and within cycling distance) and I have decided to ditch 4 wheels for 2. I'm not "new" to cycling as I did it as a kid, but last month was my first bike ride for about 5 years. It took a bit of getting used to again but I've been out and about on three, 8 mile rides since and it's all coming back to me. I've loved it.
However, the bike I've been riding is my dads old mountain bike. Rusty, old and sqweaky despite me giving it a good oil. It's functional but antiquated. I want and need something of my own that will be able to cope with a 9 mile commute to work, 6 days a week on varying terrain.
Yesterday, I got up early and did the commute to gauge distance, time and how "bike friendly" it is. Most of the commute is on a designated cycle track, but it is hilly and the very first "track" is in a rural setting so it's not the smooth tarmac of the city. Bumpy with holes in the tarmac. Not ideal. The last mile of the commute is on the road.
For the vast majority of the ride, I'd say a touring bike is perfect. But I worry about buying one because of the difficult track at the start, and because of the hills. Ideally I'd have a mountain bike for the first 2 miles, and a touring bike for the rest of the trip!
I spent all of yesterday afternoon and much of this morning researching all options available. Last night I liked the look of a folding bike, but I've gone off it this morning. The added independence they will give sounds great, as well as the ability to carry it into the office as well as shops and pubs. However, I'm not going to be hopping onto a train or bus mid commute. I also worry that it would only be suitable for flat, smooth tarmac.
A "hybrid" bike could be perfect, but I have no idea which to choose. My budget is £300 for the bike alone but I would spend a bit more for a noticeable increase in quality. I've been onto the Halfords website but something about their bikes don't sit well with me. The "Carrera" range gets great reviews on their site, but as they're Halfords own brand, I'm concerned that they are poor quality.
Any help, or suggestions will be appreciated. It's a big purchase for me so I want to get it right. The most important thing is that the bike is fun to ride, as I will be using it a lot.
By the way, I'm a 6 foot 1 male.
Cheers!
I'm soon to move offices (fortuneatly nearer to where I live and within cycling distance) and I have decided to ditch 4 wheels for 2. I'm not "new" to cycling as I did it as a kid, but last month was my first bike ride for about 5 years. It took a bit of getting used to again but I've been out and about on three, 8 mile rides since and it's all coming back to me. I've loved it.
However, the bike I've been riding is my dads old mountain bike. Rusty, old and sqweaky despite me giving it a good oil. It's functional but antiquated. I want and need something of my own that will be able to cope with a 9 mile commute to work, 6 days a week on varying terrain.
Yesterday, I got up early and did the commute to gauge distance, time and how "bike friendly" it is. Most of the commute is on a designated cycle track, but it is hilly and the very first "track" is in a rural setting so it's not the smooth tarmac of the city. Bumpy with holes in the tarmac. Not ideal. The last mile of the commute is on the road.
For the vast majority of the ride, I'd say a touring bike is perfect. But I worry about buying one because of the difficult track at the start, and because of the hills. Ideally I'd have a mountain bike for the first 2 miles, and a touring bike for the rest of the trip!
I spent all of yesterday afternoon and much of this morning researching all options available. Last night I liked the look of a folding bike, but I've gone off it this morning. The added independence they will give sounds great, as well as the ability to carry it into the office as well as shops and pubs. However, I'm not going to be hopping onto a train or bus mid commute. I also worry that it would only be suitable for flat, smooth tarmac.
A "hybrid" bike could be perfect, but I have no idea which to choose. My budget is £300 for the bike alone but I would spend a bit more for a noticeable increase in quality. I've been onto the Halfords website but something about their bikes don't sit well with me. The "Carrera" range gets great reviews on their site, but as they're Halfords own brand, I'm concerned that they are poor quality.
Any help, or suggestions will be appreciated. It's a big purchase for me so I want to get it right. The most important thing is that the bike is fun to ride, as I will be using it a lot.
By the way, I'm a 6 foot 1 male.
Cheers!
