What bicycle to get for commuting and leisure (in Aberdeen)?

[crispijn13]

Hi there, I'm new to this forum and I hope someone can help me out.

I have recently moved to the UK and I like to cycle. I'm looking for a bicycle with a small budget.

I would maily use the bike for commuting between home and work. For this reason, I think I would like to have mud-guards on the front and rear (and possibly a cargo-rack), te be able to get to work without getting too dirty. The roads are generally good (asphalted), but sometimes, I'll have to take the side-walk and some of the roads are badly maintained (i.e. a pure road bike will probably damage quickly). Furhtermore, it will be slightly uphill and downhill and one way will take about 40mins (google-maps). This will on average be twice a week.
Every once in a while I would also like to us the bike to just tour into the country (yes, it's in Scotland) on a Sunday. This will likely be once every two months.
Based on this, I am thinking about getting a hybrid bike, a touring bike or a cyclocross bike.

Now I have three main questions:
- what type of bike would you advice (any others that I'm overlooking, advantages, disadvantages)?
- do you have examples in or around Aberdeen for GBP 150-200?
- what size of frame and wheels should I have, if I'm 1.82m tall (6.0')
A lot of questions, I know, but hopefully you can help me out!
Thanks in advance!

Crispijn

 

[Shortmember]

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bik...kes/carrera-crossfire-1-mens-hybrid-bike-2015

Any new bike below £200 will almost certainly be too poorly constructed to withstand the hammering it would get on Britain's potholed road system. This one is probably the best you will get for close to your budget. Carrera cycles have a good reputation for strength and rideability and the slightly pricier Subway at £249 is considered by some owners (myself included)to be almost indestructible.

 

[Pale Rider]

Crossfires and Subways are very well thought of.

The OP mentions a cross bike.

My local bike shop had a Halfords cross bike in for some fettling.

The owner paid £225 for it, and the mechanic reckoned it was a decent bike - excellent for the money.

So a visit to Halfords would be a good first step.

Advising on size ought to be within their compass.

But briefly, the bike should feel comfortable with your arms close to full extension when they are on the handlebars, and your legs close to full extension on the down stroke of the pedals.

 

[shouldbeinbed]

Rule of thumb sizing 56-58 cm frame but you need to sit on them to be sure of the actual fit.

Road bikes aren't made of tissue paper and can take day to day cruddy UK road so don't necessarily rule them out if you happened to find a decent second hand one at your budget.

I guess your broad decision is flat bar or drop bar, that is personal preference and someone more local to Aberdeen letting you know about the weather & hos much benefit you may get from drops and being able to get more aero and hunkered down out of the wind.

 

[MichaelW2]

At your budget, hybrid bikes are probably best value. CX start much higher.
Edinburgh Cycles Revolution brand are always good value.

Subway bike is OK; previous years used std 26" MTB wheels. 2015 model uses new-fangled 27.5" (650B) wheels, for which road tyres are a specialist item .

 

[vickster]

There's been positive forum feedback on this as a budget cx if you try the search function

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/road-bikes/carrera-crixus-limited-edition-cyclocross-bike-2015

Over budget but new