Returning to cycling.

[Lurcher100]

Hello all, am thinking of buying another bycicle after many years off,am 61 yrs.old and have been inactive for last some time,although reasonably jealthy and not overweight. Am currently looking at something that will help me uphill as live in Huddersfield which has some very steep ones. Have been looking at Dawes range,fancy the loer gearing options and would prefer disc brakes. Have some trouble with back pain so unsure as to wether flat bars would be better than drops.Grateful for any suggestions/advice.

 

[gavroche]

Get a road bike with a 32 teeth cassette and preferably 30 teeth front small ring and it will get you up those hills after a bit of training. Good luck in your search.

 

[Bonefish Blues]

Ride a few bikes to see what's comfy, take your time if you've not been on a bike for a while. Gear low - as low as you can (triple chainsets can help, as opposed to doubles) - no use freewheeling downhill if you can't get up the bludgers in the first place

You don't state a budget but Decathlon is very good value and has a decent range - Sheffield's your nearest I think. Take a look at Evans' Pinnacle Lithium range too - low gears, robust but not heavy. Discs are good, but not essential, I'd say.

 

[Cycleops]

If you haven't ridden for some time it might come as a bit of a shock to the system! Using your legs for cycling is quite different to walking and sitting on a saddle gets some getting used to. Don't worry, it'll all come right eventually, but it'll take time. Start off with a few miles and build up gradually. Living in your part is an advantage as you have some great countryside round about.

I'm 66 and ride vintage drop bar bikes and I'm comfortable with that, straight bars might suit you better. The only way is to try some out, if the dealer will let you. Find one who will 'fit' you for the bike. Wheelspin Cycles look good, this might suit http://www.wheelspincycles.com/product/bikes/hybrid-bikes/trek-71-fx-1320010-2016/ Don't discount Halfords but people on here have had varying experiences, it's a bit ' Darren is the bike guy but it's his day off today'. If the sales guy doesn't sound that clued up walk away. Their Subway might be worth a look. Decathlon do have some good bikes but you might run into the Halfords problem. Dawes are at the lower end of the market but should suit you well enough, maybe something with a triple chainring. Don't bother with suspension as it just adds weight for little benefit. If the saddle is not comfortable don't worry you can swap it out. It may take some time to find the right one.

Good luck, if you feel you need further advise ask again on here.

 

[Lurcher100]

Ride a few bikes to see what's comfy, take your time if you've not been on a bike for a while. Gear low - as low as you can (triple chainsets can help, as opposed to doubles) - no use freewheeling downhill if you can't get up the bludgers in the first place

You don't state a budget but Decathlon is very good value and has a decent range - Sheffield's your nearest I think. Take a look at Evans' Pinnacle Lithium range too - low gears, robust but not heavy. Discs are good, but not essential, I'd say.

Thankyou, the Pinnacle Lithium 6 2016 looks to have nice low gears and hydraulic brakes sound good.

 

[Lurcher100]

If you haven't ridden for some time it might come as a bit of a shock to the system! Using your legs for cycling is quite different to walking and sitting on a saddle gets some getting used to. Don't worry, it'll all come right eventually, but it'll take time. Start off with a few miles and build up gradually. Living in your part is an advantage as you have some great countryside round about.

I'm 66 and ride vintage drop bar bikes and I'm comfortable with that, straight bars might suit you better. The only way is to try some out, if the dealer will let you. Find one who will 'fit' you for the bike. Wheelspin Cycles look good, this might suit http://www.wheelspincycles.com/product/bikes/hybrid-bikes/trek-71-fx-1320010-2016/ Don't discount Halfords but people on here have had varying experiences, it's a bit ' Darren is the bike guy but it's his day off today'. If the sales guy doesn't sound that clued up walk away. Their Subway might be worth a look. Decathlon do have some good bikes but you might run into the Halfords problem. Dawes are at the lower end of the market but should suit you well enough, maybe something with a triple chainring. Don't bother with suspension as it just adds weight for little benefit. If the saddle is not comfortable don't worry you can swap it out. It may take some time to find the right one.

Good luck, if you feel you need further advise ask again on here.

Thankyou, I had been considering the Dawes Galaxy Cross AL. Liked the hydraulic brakes and hopefully the gearing would suit although it would be a matter of building up my fitness as well.

 

[Cycleops]

The Galaxy AL should suit you well. Good choice and it's one of their premium bikes, comfortable and plenty of gears. But like I said make sure you get the right size.

 

[Cycleops]

Looking forward to seeing a pic of your Lurcher with the bike!

 

[Lurcher100]

Looking forward to seeing a pic of your Lurcher with the bike!

Perhaps before the ride rather than after?

 

[Bonefish Blues]

Thankyou, I had been considering the Dawes Galaxy Cross AL. Liked the hydraulic brakes and hopefully the gearing would suit although it would be a matter of building up my fitness as well.

Bear in mind that you can spec up the Pinnacle as you want it (perhaps the 5, which has a wider gear range might be the better choice?) incl the accessories that are on the Dawes fitted for less than the Dawes off the shelf. I do think the Dawes is slightly heavy for what it is. IThe Pinnacle is well-suited if you want something that will also do some off-roading too.

See also, perhaps, from a highly-regarded supplier who know their stuff not a million miles from you: http://www.spacycles.co.uk/m1b0s21p3283/ROUX-Etape-250

 

[Lurcher100]

Bear in mind that you can spec up the Pinnacle as you want it (perhaps the 5, which has a wider gear range might be the better choice?) incl the accessories that are on the Dawes fitted for less than the Dawes off the shelf. I do think the Dawes is slightly heavy for what it is. IThe Pinnacle is well-suited if you want something that will also do some off-roading too.

See also, perhaps, from a highly-regarded supplier who know their stuff not a million miles from you: http://www.spacycles.co.uk/m1b0s21p3283/ROUX-Etape-250

So much to think about, thanks, need to get this right.

 

[Lurcher100]

Just looked at this bike and it does seem ideal with gearing and add on options. Thanks for advice.

 

[Cycleops]

I agree, looks like a good deal for the price. I'd always advocate a steel frame over an Ali one but that's just a personal preference.

Edit: I see that they also have the 2013 Galaxy with a steel frame for thirty quid more, but only in the 53cm size.

 

[Lurcher100]

Bear in mind that you can spec up the Pinnacle as you want it (perhaps the 5, which has a wider gear range might be the better choice?) incl the accessories that are on the Dawes fitted for less than the Dawes off the shelf. I do think the Dawes is slightly heavy for what it is. IThe Pinnacle is well-suited if you want something that will also do some off-roading too.

See also, perhaps, from a highly-regarded supplier who know their stuff not a million miles from you: http://www.spacycles.co.uk/m1b0s21p3283/ROUX-Etape-250

Got me thinking now, may pop over to Harrogate to look at Roux Etape 250, gearing sounds good with disc brakes.

 

[Bonefish Blues]

Got me thinking now, may pop over to Harrogate to look at Roux Etape 250, gearing sounds good with disc brakes.

Tip. If you want the gearing lower, ask them at point of sale - they have "own label" options (I have one of their XD2 chainset on my touring bike).

They are notable for allowing proper (I.e. long, not just around the block) test rides. In short, they know their stuff and the local terrain! Be aware that there are variable reports about their customer service niceties on occasion