What bike.....should I be buying??

[Enigmatic Blonde]

I'm brand spanking new to this forum, hoping for some sound advice from the pros. Just started cycling the few miles to work (NHS borrowed bike scheme......horrid clunky, heavy bike). Decided I enjoy it and want to buy my own.

I know I want a Hybrid ( weekend long trips on cycle routes for recreation), I know to avoid Halfords. I've heard and read good stuff about Specialized. That's pretty much all that I know.

I have approx £300 to spend, no issues with second hand......but don't know what I should be looking at!

Any advice great fully received!

Xx

 

[SteCenturion]

No advice (hybrid's not my forte')

But hi & from the Peoples Republic of Mancunia

 

[vickster]

You don't have to avoid halfords, in fact their carrera subways are perfect commuter bikes well within your price range and will handle your weekend bike routes admirably. The potential issue with halfords is a lack of staff knowledge, not the bikes (as long as you stick to carrera, boardman and indeed Pendleton). You could buy the bike from halfords and then get it checked by a local bike shop of repute

Specialized make good bikes, but if buying rrp, they are expensive for the level of kit. Other solid brands are giant, trek, ridgeback. You could do worse than go to your local Evans and take advantage of their free test rides.

Don't bother with front suspension for a commuter bike unless the route takes you properly off road!

You'll get more bike buying second hand, but be very careful to check it belongs to the person selling, ask for a receipt, service history, have a good look over it, test ride it. Better still take a knowledgeable friend with you. Don't meet the seller in a pub carpark or similar

 

[Bodhbh]

You don't have to avoid halfords, in fact their carrera subways are perfect commuter bikes well within your price range and will handle your weekend bike routes admirably. The potential issue with halfords is a lack of staff knowledge, not the bikes.

I don't even think the staff knowledge is always an issue. My local Halfords used to be excellent - enthusiastic, knowledgable. and would do odd repairs cheap and quick. Some LBS are rubbish. It's just the luck of the draw.

 

[SteCenturion]

I don't even think the staff knowledge is always an issue. My local Halfords used to be excellent - enthusiastic, knowledgable. and would do odd repairs cheap and quick. Some LBS are rubbish. It's just the luck of the draw.

Wholeheartedly agreed.

 

[vickster]

I did say it's a potential issue and an LBS of repute

 

[Enigmatic Blonde]

Thank you for your replies!

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_810737_langId_-1_categoryId_165534

What are your views? Obviously (or perhaps not so) I will go to the shop and try before I buy. Not too bothered about women's/men's given that I'm not wearing full dresses and bothered if my ankles show whilst getting on!

I'm in bristol and we have a big Evans cycles in town which I plan to pop to on Saturday for a chat.....but it always helps to have a bit of prior knowledge so I don't sound a complete pleb. I also want something light.....that one claims to be approx 13.4kg. One I'm currently using is 15.2kg.....but I'm adamant that's without pedals, handle bars, wheels, frame, fruitless luggage rack and brakes added on.

Thanks guys x.

 

[Scoosh]

Any CCers in the Bristol area ready, willing and able to help out a damsel in distress ?

 

[vickster]

@summerdays is in Brizzle I think

 

[summerdays]

@summerdays is in Brizzle I think

Yes I am ... Well on the north side.

Where abouts are you looking for a LBS? In the past some people I know have had bad advice from Halfords but I haven't heard anything recently, but there are lots of other bike shops including a new specialized one that I haven't been into despite being close by last week and forgetting about it. And get a decent D-lock to keep the pests at bay!

 

[Enigmatic Blonde]

Hmmm you're all going technical on my arse"..."LBS" my best guess is Local Bike Shop? In which case doesn't matter, have wheels will travel!

Don't forget I'm a complete novice. I just want a light set of wheels that doesn't cost the earth!

X

 

[summerdays]

In which case I like Harvey's Bike Shop in Henleaze (closed Wednesdays). Very small (think front room and upstairs a bedroom), but lots of good advice. (And yes LBS is Local Bike Shop sorry!)

 

[Arjimlad]

Hiya,

I'm in North Bristol - you could do worse than have a browse round the large Giant shop in Bradley Stoke.. bikes of all styles to look at, sit on, etc..

Harveys in Henleaze is good, as @summerdays mentions. Fred Bakers on Stokes Croft is a well-established shop.

I'd love to take a look at the new specialized shop soon...

Do you want flat bars or drop bars ?

 

[Enigmatic Blonde]

Flat all the way!

 

[cyberknight]

Thank you for your replies!

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_810737_langId_-1_categoryId_165534

What are your views? Obviously (or perhaps not so) I will go to the shop and try before I buy. Not too bothered about women's/men's given that I'm not wearing full dresses and bothered if my ankles show whilst getting on!

I'm in bristol and we have a big Evans cycles in town which I plan to pop to on Saturday for a chat.....but it always helps to have a bit of prior knowledge so I don't sound a complete pleb. I also want something light.....that one claims to be approx 13.4kg. One I'm currently using is 15.2kg.....but I'm adamant that's without pedals, handle bars, wheels, frame, fruitless luggage rack and brakes added on.

Thanks guys x.

Cracking bikes for the money , just posted this on a similar post but they same goes , add some semi slick tyres like city jets and you will fly !

http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/the-new-winter-hack-has-arrived.136257/