FabSwingers.com forum: What type of bike

By *aucylad OP Man
over a year ago

Dublin

hey all,I will be finding myself with a little time on my hands in the coming weeks and would like to cycle around the lovely countryside to clear the head and get abit of exercise in. Im wondering what type of bike to get.It will be a 2nd hand bike in gonna get.It will be a leisurely cycle,nothing too crazy but at the same time I'd be doing maybe 10km every day anyhow just to get into it and it will be on a road.Should I get a racer bike or a mountain bike?? Any tips appreciated.

Thanks.

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By *otmrgreyMan
over a year ago

Belfast

I'd go for a road bike unless you're planning to go off-road. Boardman has some great bikes. Maybe go for a hybrid bike, something from carrera might be best.

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By *ealitybitesMan
over a year ago

Belfast

A gravel bike or a hybrid. I bought a road bike just before lockdown just because it was cheap but I'm limited to only road cycling so give yourself options by going for either of the above.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

A hybrid or a mtb with hybrid tyres and tall steering stem so you aren't cramped

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By *aucylad OP Man
over a year ago

Dublin

"A gravel bike or a hybrid. I bought a road bike just before lockdown just because it was cheap but I'm limited to only road cycling so give yourself options by going for either of the above. "

When you say road bike is that a racer? And is a gravel bike a mountain bike?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

My opinion from reading your post. A gravel bike would suit best. I have a road bike but also a gravel bike for commuting. It is that bit sturdier, wider wheels ,disc brakes and a higher positioned front cassette.

It will give you the option of off road hard surface rides

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

A gravel bike is styled like a road/racer

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By *ealitybitesMan
over a year ago

Belfast

"A gravel bike or a hybrid. I bought a road bike just before lockdown just because it was cheap but I'm limited to only road cycling so give yourself options by going for either of the above.

When you say road bike is that a racer? And is a gravel bike a mountain bike?"

Yes that's what a road bike is and a gravel bike is just a variation on that which gives you the option of cycling on gravel tracks.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Would also recommend a Hybrid. Best of both worlds.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

How often do ye get punctures in Ireland? I was also thinking of getting a bike but remember when I was a teen getting punctures almost weekly just cycling around with friends

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By *kcoupleCouple
over a year ago

.....

As the lads above have said a gravel bike sounds like it's more subtle for you. Basically has bigger tyres 30/32 and disc brakes which are great if you are hitting any mud. I had two versions of the Giant Roam and I'm sorry I didn't keep one before switching to a dedicated road bike. It's not a great time of year to buy second hand but if you can wait another month or two the covid panic buyers will all be flogging 9 month old hardly used bikes when it gets cold. Don't be afraid to get something 2/3 years old if it's in good condition. You'll save hundreds

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Might be worth talking to a pro or someone in a good bike shop that knows what they are talking about, get them to recommend a size of frame for you , I see so many people on the wrong size bikes !

Then decide what you want to ride on road or off road .

Plenty of good second hand bikes on DoneDeal or eBay

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By *oghunter33Woman
over a year ago

on the hill NordWest of

On irish roads you need a sturdy bike with decent tyres and a good set of disk brakes, a comfy saddle, high vis top and a helmet.

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By *aucylad OP Man
over a year ago

Dublin

Thanks,defo seen some good ones on donedeal.

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By *ajobMan
over a year ago

Newtownabbey

Going by your height u need a med or med/large frane...if road bike...most tend to be compact frame so a 56cm will fit you grand....gravel bikes are quite new to the bike world...whatever happened to good ol cyclocross bikes...gravel bikes are cyclocross styled bikes with even larger spacing between the forks to take chunky wheels and have plenty of mud clearance...as stated gravel/cyclocross geometry tend to be more off the ground due to bottom bracket clearance....ive had 23mm tyres to 33 knobby tyres....ended up using 28mm rd tyres on a cross bike for ages...much prefer a rd bike geometry with 25mm tyres...though if the frame can take 28s i'd def recommend that for extra comfort...performance isnt reduced....tour pros do the paris roubaix(hell ofthe north)with sturdier tyres due to the cobbles and farm rds...anything from 26-32mm tyres and them guys hit them cobbled sections at speeds upto 60km...

Look for a decent aluminium frame bike with atleast 9-10 gears and a compact chainset 50-34 with sonething like a 11,12-28 upto 32 cassette will be good enough to get you down the road...if u get a hybrid/mountsin styled bike then comfort will be better but your speed wont...so go with what u feel suits your situ best...ps...clipless pedals are a god send if you get into riding...really connects you to the bike

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Don't get a mountain bike for the road unless it's a 29er. You prob be best to get a hybrid, no need for suspension either (unnecessary and just adds weight). A nice hybrid with aluminium frame would do the job nicely. Also stay away from mechanical disk brakes.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

if your only doing leisurely short cycles and don't want to limit yourself then get maybe a hybrid or a mountain bike.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

10km a day?

Might aswel walk and save the cash

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By *oxminxCouple
over a year ago

NaughtyVille *×* Laois

After packing in racing many years back I've found a new love for two wheels on a hard tail mountain bike 29er.

Avail of the bike to work scheme of you haven't already.

The big plus is being off road on quiet trails which in turn has kept me away from the danger of sharing roads with trucks and cars.

One thing with a mountain bike, you won't be going anywhere too quick but it will be a heck of a laugh and great workout if you can put in an hour a couple of times a week.

Halfords/Decathlon etc have good value bikes but they offer dreadfull advice. Try shop with a decent local bike store, usually owned and staffed by experienced cyclists for the best advice and service.

Hope you enjoy whatever you choose.

PS get some lights too, the dark evenings are creaping back in.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"hey all,I will be finding myself with a little time on my hands in the coming weeks and would like to cycle around the lovely countryside to clear the head and get abit of exercise in. Im wondering what type of bike to get.It will be a 2nd hand bike in gonna get.It will be a leisurely cycle,nothing too crazy but at the same time I'd be doing maybe 10km every day anyhow just to get into it and it will be on a road.Should I get a racer bike or a mountain bike?? Any tips appreciated.

Thanks. "

If employed, look at the bike to work scheme, save a ball of money that way.

I went to Giant.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Make sure that you get good cycling shorts and don't wear regular underwear with the cycling shots. The all in one shorts and bib are comfy. Don't skimp on the shorts. A raw arse is no fun.

I cycle alot. Pm if you want more tips

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By *etergemmaCouple
over a year ago

South Dublin Area

Like already mentioned a gravel bike is the one to get, especially with the tubeless tyres.

Road bikes are not as comfortable and with the punctures pain in the hole.

10k is fuck all though to be riding really is.

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By *etergemmaCouple
over a year ago

South Dublin Area

"Make sure that you get good cycling shorts and don't wear regular underwear with the cycling shots. The all in one shorts and bib are comfy. Don't skimp on the shorts. A raw arse is no fun.

I cycle alot. Pm if you want more tips "
spot on

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By *hilaboutMan
over a year ago

kilkenny

Look hey it's all relative really

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By *aucylad OP Man
over a year ago

Dublin

Thanks.Some good stuff there.Well I'm saying 10k as a starter but I know in no time i will be going on longer routes.Its about getting abit of countryside in really,the distance isn't set at all.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

You might be better with the racing bike. The Cork countryside would be great especially west Cork. Maybe join the local cycling club

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By *ol_ieMan
over a year ago

Dublin west

You start with one bike and before you know it you have one for winter and one for summer and one for gravel and a hybrid for commuting and a soft tail mountain bike...

I ride about 1200km a month on average and would go the gravel route as its well enough to ride on the road for a decent spin and can handle the bumps of the typical Irish road. Get something with a relaxed Enduro position rather than super fast aero as comfort is a key at this stage.

Go speak to a decent bike shop or a couple of shops till you get a feel for what you want.

And its more fun if you can find others to cycle with be it road gravel or mountain so don't be afraid to go join a club.

Get out and enjoy the roads and trails. Its great exercise and really good for the headspace.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I used to have a road bike and loved it, great for long distance and speed so if that's your thing go for one, gravel bikes have the advantageof a riad bike but you can take em off trail if you find roads getting a bit tedious or boring and want to change it up. Currently i have a fatbike and its great for leisurely cycles and cruising but you can change it up and take em off road and that's where they truly shine, its like riding on a cushion over lumps and bumps but can be tiresome on long haul cycles. It all depends on what kind of cycle you plan to do.

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By *aucylad OP Man
over a year ago

Dublin

What size frame should I be looking at ? I'm about 5.10 or 5 11

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Hybrid with 20 odd euro each tires , wide but with a narrow ridge on them , 10 is fuck all on a bike so a child stolen bike will do for them kms

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"What size frame should I be looking at ? I'm about 5.10 or 5 11"

Probably a 56-58 op

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By *itemeagainMan
over a year ago

Wexford

Fuck your hybrid road bikes , I've a horse outside ,,,

Jeasus get yourself a horse man ,, can't go wrong , bike , shit spreader, auto mower all in one

and ya did drive when ever,, sure it's only great !!'

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By *ajobMan
over a year ago

Newtownabbey

"What size frame should I be looking at ? I'm about 5.10 or 5 11

Probably a 56-58 op"

58 too big....depending on geometry...tradition rd bike id look at a medium...54/56cm...modern compact 56cm...though the likes of colnago itd be a 52 with there sloped geometry....look at 54-56cm for a rd bike...no harm in callin into bike shop and asking questions about that...id say a 54 would feel more comfortable for you...ya dont want the frame to feel like your having to stretch at anytime when you have to unclip and so on

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By *m1991Man
over a year ago

belfast

A hardtail mtb is hard to beat

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By *itemeagainMan
over a year ago

Wexford

Aluminium shoes on your piebald,, won't even slip boy !!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Have been cycling for years - touring cycling, panniers when required, across Europe plus heading into town etc

For a good all rounder - a hybrid with decent tyres - say 35mm wide.

A hybrid is excellent on the road and unless you are going mountain biking or rough tracks all the time it is more than adequate especially on cycleways, greenways and cycling gravel tracks.

Regarding punctures - personal preference is Schwalbe Marathon Plus or even Marathon Plus Tour. I have been using them for many years and have cycled thousands of km's fully loaded with them - virtually puncture proof due to the inner 5mm thick puncture guard. Just bring a spare tube with you and fix any punctures in the evenings.

My advice - buy a normal non expensive one first and get used to that and increase your mileage, then when you are hooked upgrade.

My first proper hybrid bike which has done huge distances including a few European tours cost, 2nd hand,120 euro about 15 years ago !! A hybrid can always be used as a daily run around bike.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

In no time you will be well above the 10km/day.

During our recent forced holidays !! - I was going for a daily relaxed tour and wander around all the back roads at my leisure. Most days it was 100km - but when you are not rushing and the weather is good you dont feel or notice it but great for relaxing, keeping fit and getting rid of stress.

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By *aucylad OP Man
over a year ago

Dublin

You hit the nail on the head...thats exactly what I want it for.

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By *aucylad OP Man
over a year ago

Dublin

Would a 20 inch frame be OK?

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By *oxminxCouple
over a year ago

NaughtyVille *×* Laois

"A hardtail mtb is hard to beat "

Depends whose on it lol

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I got a 24 hr Forum ban for mentioning a bicycle tyre manufacturer !!!

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By *ealitybitesMan
over a year ago

Belfast

"I got a 24 hr Forum ban for mentioning a bicycle tyre manufacturer !!!

You might get another for mentioning your ban

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By *ajobMan
over a year ago

Newtownabbey

"Have been cycling for years - touring cycling, panniers when required, across Europe plus heading into town etc

For a good all rounder - a hybrid with decent tyres - say 35mm wide.

A hybrid is excellent on the road and unless you are going mountain biking or rough tracks all the time it is more than adequate especially on cycleways, greenways and cycling gravel tracks.

My advice - buy a normal non expensive one first and get used to that and increase your mileage, then when you are hooked upgrade.

My first proper hybrid bike which has done huge distances including a few European tours cost, 2nd hand,120 euro about 15 years ago !! A hybrid can always be used as a daily run around bike."

Only bring the one spare?only asking for trouble..make sure theres always 2 in the saddle bag,more the merrier,ya dont wanna be stuck out on the rd already having a flat and are miles from where u start/finish and have no other back up..squeeky bum yime in the hope ya get back ok lol...never had 2 flats in a single day...though had a few with just the one but its best to be over prepared that way your not f$%&ed....them marathon tyres are too heavy....vit g+ are great tyres...better than contis any day of the week,used the pavè for yrs,moved to rubino pro g+ 2.0 good resistance,light and fast rolling..plus great price.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Have been cycling for years - touring cycling, panniers when required, across Europe plus heading into town etc

For a good all rounder - a hybrid with decent tyres - say 35mm wide.

A hybrid is excellent on the road and unless you are going mountain biking or rough tracks all the time it is more than adequate especially on cycleways, greenways and cycling gravel tracks.

My advice - buy a normal non expensive one first and get used to that and increase your mileage, then when you are hooked upgrade.

My first proper hybrid bike which has done huge distances including a few European tours cost, 2nd hand,120 euro about 15 years ago !! A hybrid can always be used as a daily run around bike.

I am referring to touring tyres only - not road racing tyres.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I got a 24 hr Forum ban for mentioning a bicycle tyre manufacturer !!!

You might get another for mentioning your ban

I have seen very long forums here about cars for instance where loads of car manufacturers are mentioned, about places to stay where hotels etc are named - I could go on and on.

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By *itemeagainMan
over a year ago

Wexford

Giddy up lads ,,, Back her into me there .. a da Cruz a god on ya ,,, where'd ya be goin on them metal horsies???

And then funny little padded pants ,,, kinda like one a them "" make me boobs look bigger bras"" eh !

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