Riding to work..chore to fun.

[ttocs]

Hi all.
I started riding to work a few months ago to save a few quid a month. It was painful at first as I hadn't been on a bike for years but now I actually enjoy it. Work mates think I'm strange. Hoping I can get advise on what bike I need to upgrade to. I'm sure some of you can help.

 

[Sca1ey]

What sort of bike are you riding currently?

Tim

 

[ttocs]

A Raliegh Moto Max. Something I picked up 2nd hand to see if riding to work was something I would do. Its falling apart and impractible!

 

[Sca1ey]

How far is your commute and what sort of surfaces are you travelling on?

What else do you use your bike for (or might in the future)?

 

[boybiker]

Welcome.

Find out if your work run a cycle to work scheme as you can get a bike through that and it works out a little cheaper and saves you stumping up all the money in one go!

 

[Kelvin_C-J]

I suppose the most suitable question would be: do you like the current 'style' of bike you are presently riding?

If not, do you think you may prefer something along the lines of a hybrid, mountain or road bike?

Depending upon the answer to the above, do you have any preference in riding position?

Are you planning on solely using the bike to cycle to work - or, may you also be interested in riding it elsewhere etc.?

As cycling is such a pleasure (mainly!), rather than chore these days and popular past-time - the amount of choice may elude you!

EDIT: Apologies to Tim for repeating a question.

 

[ttocs]

Hi Tim.
It's 6.5 miles with a mile up hill section at the end which is a country lane lane. The rest is generally flat with a closed road at the other end which even in (this) summer has become muddy with large puddles ond rough tarmac. I've never ridden a bike with dropped handles and with the roads I'm I'm thinking hybrid is the way to go.

What i'm worried about is in the last week my bike has started falling apart and needs work asap. I don't really want to spend money on it but need something now. I'm new to bikes and didn't know if I would regret spending £300 on something now or waiting until I had a slightly bigger budget?

 

[ttocs]

Hi Kelvin

Since riding again I now use it to vist friends and shops when I've had alternitive transport.

Even chosen to ride a longer way home on nice days.
I don't know of any other riding position but but what I have now suits me. The frame was a bit small so I bought an extended seat post so I'm leaning forward on a mountain bike.

 

[Kelvin_C-J]

If you have a hill to climb, a lighter bike would be an improvement in your effort level needed to get to where you want.

If you are comfortable seated upright - a hybrid or mountain bike may be better for you, if 'maximum speed' is not your end goal.

A lot of people say good things about the Carrera Subway from Halfords - however, almost 14kg on the bike alone mean climbing is not as easy as on a 12kg bicycle.

If the road is often muddy - road tyres (or thin tyres) may not be the best solution unless you are comfortable on a bike and confident of not falling off.

Generally, it depends what you are most comfortable with and would be happy to ride. Something with a bit more pace but capable of on and off road would be a hybrid bike - they vary from £150 to over £500; a mountain bike is a good alternative but often is harder to go as fast as a hybrid.

Many people favour hybrids as they offer the flexibility of a mountain bike (i.e off road) while 'go faster' than a traditional mountain bike.

A road bike is a good idea if you want a 'sporty' bicycle - but bear in mind that offers little comfort in place of emphasis on speed. (But can be customised to your liking - as can all. But, generally, a light frame is a good place to start as it makes any cycling easier).

 

[ttocs]

The bike I have is mountain bike and the gears are defiantly wrong. I need to go higher.
Thanks for all the advise, a hybrid is the way forward.

After lurking on some forums I got the impressoin that if I spent less than £300 it would be awaste of time. Do you think this is true or is that enthusiats knocking cheaper bikes?

 

[Sca1ey]

Ttocs,

Sounds like you would be looking at a MTB/Hybrid if you are not intending to do lots of road cycling.

Others will have their own opinions but ultimately it's your money/choice. Get yourself down to a bike shop where you can try out a few different models. The most important thing is to get a bike that is the right size that you are comfortable on.

Don't get too hung up on the price; there is a bike for everyone's budget.

Tim

 

[Norm]

There are a couple of decent bikes at that price - my son has a Specialized Sirrus and a Carrera TdF, for example, or the ubiquitous Triban 3 - but they are the exception rather than the rule.

 

[ttocs]

Cheers Tim, I won't.
I was always going to go to a shop but wanted a bit of insight before I spoke to them. No-one on here has financial gain by advising me so now I can go in with more of an idea about what to ask for and know what I want.

 

[ttocs]

I've seen a couple of bikes in my local shop which are just under budget but have not found many on-line reviews.
Has anybody heard of got an opinion on http://www.hawkcycles.co.uk/AMMACO-CS300-HYBRID-WITH-LOCKOUT-FORK-3-3-product-66.html
or http://www.bikes2udirect.com/B4380.html ?

 

[Kelvin_C-J]

First warning sign regarding those bikes you have linked to: no weight is listed.

As they are not 'brand name' (while even they can be poor quality) the unfortunate likelihood is that these bikes were manufactured for quantity not quality - on the assumption that people would buy them for their price not quality.

Specification wise - they have branded components - but bear in mind these are not going to be 'top quality', more likely the lower end of the quality spectrum.

£300 is a good budget. Personally, I have only ever spent £250 and £300 respectively on bicycles. However, I try to find the absolute best deal for my money. Supporting your local bike shop is a good idea - but if your budget is relatively restricted - you may be better off looking online where wholesale discounts may be applied to the consumer, or, look to a brand name store with lots of outlets. This of course may mean that extra user setup is required - but if your current bike is falling apart, I am sure you have learnt about the components the hard way!

Both of those bikes you have linked to look similar to the Carrera Subway - though without disc brakes. If you can view them at your local bike shop, I would ask if you can at least give them a 'test ride' to see how they compare. Better yet, ask if you can test ride a more expensive and renowned bike to see if you can see any difference.

- But, it is worth to bear in mind - even if you cannot 'immediately', you may very well soon down the line.

I believe the general consensus if that 'if the bike is not bought from a supermarket' then you may be able to get 6 months out of it, if it is not well renowned. However, as with anything in life - paying for quality gets quality.

My Triban 3 was a great purchase at £300 - but the wheels are its major flaw for me personally - they are heavy and not as mechanically strong as I would like. With every cheaper option - sacrifices are made somewhere. A good question to ask yourself is: where are you comfortable making those sacrifices?