FabSwingers.com forum: What bike??

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

Hey folks....

I very recently learnt to ride a bike....oh how liberated I felt in that day!!

However, that was on a borrowed bike...and now I feel ready to buy my own.

I'm mainly planning on riding around my local area (paved) the countryside and some parks - nothing too hilly or demanding.

I'm overwhelmed with the choice. Some folks recommend a hard tail mountain, others a hybrid.

Then there are so many bikes to choose from...can anyone help?

Oh, I'm looking to spend around £350...

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

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

Get a hybrid and make sure it has road tyres on it, no point having big chunky treads if you're not going over gravel or grass paths, also, no need for any suspension at all, you'll find yourself workin harder.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

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

You can get a reasonable hybrid for £350. Try halfords. If you could add another £100 you would get a lower spec good name bike like giant or specialised. Halfords are a big stockist of Boardman bikes and the new models are due out soon so you might get a good deal. Unless you wanna do mountain biking or long distance road riding I'd stick with a hybrid. Best of both worlds.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

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

Have a look on PAULS CYCLES web site.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

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

I'd advised against going to halfords, they no feck all about bikes despite the adverts

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

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

I've got a bmx diamond back... can do wheelies and endos.... and a couple of cheeky bunny hops

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

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

If you are really only looking for paths and tracks then get a rigid city/commuter bike.

You will get more for your money, plus at that price point suspension on hybrids is heavy and only give the illusion of suspension. You can add bigger volume tyres and run them at lower pressure when you want more comfort for tracks.

Do not get a 'full suspension' bike at that price point. It just adds weight and removes pedalling efficiency. They ruin do many people's early cycling experiences.

Certainly consider a hardtail mountain bike. They can go more places more easily. But they are not as quick when riding around on tarmac all the time. You can put slick tyres on though, a lot of people use that as the compromise to let them get around town a bit faster.

If you decide to go down the hardtail MTB route then for about 400 you can get the voodoo hoodoo. That is pretty good value, the fork actually works as suspension to. Unfortunately halfords will put it together for you.

Go outdoors have recently created tier own range of bikes called calibre. I've not really checked them out but I've heard whispers that they are worth a look.

Regardless, get yourself a bike and get pedaling. Only when you ride a bit more you will know how adventurous you will be. Few people who get into cycling get 'the right' bike as their first bike for what they end up doing. Most will still have fond memories of their first proper bike though.

You may as will get the right one for what you intend on doing now.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

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

"I've got a bmx diamond back... can do wheelies and endos.... and a couple of cheeky bunny hops"

I had one of them as a kid

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *rightonsteveMan
over a year ago

Brighton - even Hove!

Halfords are crap. Find an independent bike shop. Much better service and you can negotiate some freebies too

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

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

There's a shop nearby.. I'm planning on visiting them later today to get some advice.

I think it'll be a mixture of road, gravel, and some manageable grass terrain (for newbies) that I'll be spending my time on.

There are some Specialised ones I've seen online for around 350.... So many brands and models... I'm very much out of my comfort zone. Agh!

Thank you for your advice, everyone!

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

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

"Halfords are crap. Find an independent bike shop. Much better service and you can negotiate some freebies too

They are crap, but they now own the Boardman brand which considering budget might be a good option.

As long you can find descent sale rep and trust them to do the build!!

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

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

Halford bikes are good decent value for money bikes, both boardman and carrera make excellent entry level bikes, what I did when I bought a bike from Halfords is take it to my lbs and had them check it over they charged me 20 quid, well worth it to make sure everything was spot on,

Evans cycles have some good deals on, there prices are reasonable, as for what your looking for a hybrid sounds spot on, that will get you over grass and gravel if you get one with cross tyres on it, Mrs l started out on a giant hybrid cost us 300 notes and was spot on if a little heavy

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

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

Not sure if your place of work are on board with it but it may be worth asking if your employers will allow you to purchase the bike on the cycle 2 work scheme. Look it up on the internet. Some good savings to be had and you'll be able to spread the cost, possibly allowing you to get a higher spec bike

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

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

"Not sure if your place of work are on board with it but it may be worth asking if your employers will allow you to purchase the bike on the cycle 2 work scheme. Look it up on the internet. Some good savings to be had and you'll be able to spread the cost, possibly allowing you to get a higher spec bike

Yep, there is such a scheme where I work. In fact, if there wasn't, I'd have been looking at gumtree for a £100 bike methinks.

I guess, since I've just learnt to cycle, so I'm looking to not spend too much... £350 seems reasonable for a decent entry level. It's just a question of which make and model.....

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

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

Yep, there is such a scheme where I work. In fact, if there wasn't, I'd have been looking at gumtree for a £100 bike methinks.

I guess, since I've just learnt to cycle, so I'm looking to not spend too much... £350 seems reasonable for a decent entry level. It's just a question of which make and model.....

Probably a wise budget then, some of the brands already mention are what you want to be looking at. I went for a Trek and I'm well impressed with it. I guess it's weighing up the spec of the bike your getting for your money more than brand though and it does get confusing as there's so much to consider.

I'd go to an independent local bike shop as you'll have a back up service if needed and they will usually do you a better deal. Stay away from halfords the odd store has a trained specialist, but the general staff know next to nothing.

If you plan on very little off roading a hybrid is definately the way to go.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ust RachelTV/TS
over a year ago

Horsham

As a few have said get a hybrid, they are a jack of all trades bike. Have a look at the voodoo marrasa, £350 and it has hydraulic brakes.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ist-meTV/TS
over a year ago

Alton / Winchester / Petersfield

Many employers will offer the "cycle to work" scheme. You can get a bike for about half price! Government run scheme means the employer isn't lossing out. It is bought and repayed via salary deductions. A bit like repaying HMRC if you underpayed tax in a previous year. You can also use it for cycling clothes and accessories.

Means you can get a better bike without the initial outlay of cash

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

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

"As a few have said get a hybrid, they are a jack of all trades bike. Have a look at the voodoo marrasa, £350 and it has hydraulic brakes."

Brother in-law just got a voodoo....descent looking spec for the price.

Maybe OP should check out Bikeradar website, lots of good reviews on there and can set search options for budget etc...

Spec in your price range is limited!

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

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

The voodoo bikes seem to very well reviewed... is it only Halfords that stocks them?

I'd rather go to a local retailer.

I did check out Bikeradar... I'm a bit wary with internet review sites... but bikeradar does seem legit.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *horltzMan
over a year ago

heysham

"I'd advised against going to halfords, they no feck all about bikes despite the adverts"

Top advice

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ust RachelTV/TS
over a year ago

Horsham

The voodoo marrassa was my first hybrid I owned, i used it for the london to brighton several times. Only thing I did was change the tyres snd pedals, but that was personal choice.

For £350 you are getting a good spec, ok it is halfords but that bike is one I would recommend. It is light, gears and brakes are good.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

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

Is the marasa (hybrid) a better choice than a VooDoo Hoodoo (MTB)...?

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

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

"The voodoo bikes seem to very well reviewed... is it only Halfords that stocks them?

I'd rather go to a local retailer.

I did check out Bikeradar... I'm a bit wary with internet review sites... but bikeradar does seem legit.

Bikeradar is the web site for a few cycle magazines. Cycling plus and pro cycling....plus Moutain biking ones. The reviews are all done by journo's that test new bike for a living for feature's in the magazines. The advice is always sound and they know what there talking about!

I've bought from halfords before.....because they're the only stockist of the boardman team series. I wouldn't be put off because of their bad rep. You can always get the bike given a once over by somewhere else once bought!

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

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

I'm inching towards the Hoodoo....though will visit a local bike shop for some advice too.

Plus I need them to help me figure out what else I need besides the bike. I'm guessing mudguards and a helmet are important..not sure what else!

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

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

Have a look in decathlon, the rock rider range are good bikes for their money

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

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

I'd also consider a cyclocross bike. They are essentially a slightly beefed up road bike with more clearance for chunkier tyres and some have mudguard mounts. Newer ones even have disk brakes.

I built one and it's as fast as a road bike on the road and decent off it provided you have the correct tyres. You may find one secondhand for £350 but there's loads of choice at £600-£1k if you go cycle to work. The Boardman CX bikes are meant to be good for the money.

If you can wait then new bikes can be heavily discounted in the winter as the newer models come out. You can also double your Clubcard points to spend at Evans who also price match their competition.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

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

Get a R1 and forget about peddle power.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *amslam1000Man
over a year ago

willenhall

"I'd advised against going to halfords, they no feck all about bikes despite the adverts

Top advice

one halyards round here has a great guy for bikes just have to wait in line for him to help your screwed if he's on holiday dire service and advice

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ust RachelTV/TS
over a year ago

Horsham

The difderance between the two are.

Wheel size - Mtb 26" wheels with big tyres, Hybrid 700c with 45mm tyres. good road holding, ok to green lane.

The frame is lighter as there is no suspension on the marrassa.

The gears are good on the voodoo for both road and green laning.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

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

"Have a look in decathlon, the rock rider range are good bikes for their money"

I've had a wee look at the rock rider 8.1 which seems to be reviewed strongly alongside the voodoo hoodoo.

Not sure which to pick out of the two at the moment.... Though I think my work place doesn't have a deal in place with the Halfords cycletowork scheme and they have exclusive distribution rights on the voodoo's .... Hmmmm

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

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

Agh.. The other problem is that the rockrider 8.1 is £500 and the Voodoo, £400..... Though the rockrider is available to me on the cycle scheme. Hmmm. Grrrr.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

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

I am new to cycling to and took up my works cycle to work scheme. I am loving it and have been cycling to work and back for 6 weeks now.

I got my bike from a specialist bike shop and the guy there is excellent. I chose my bike, a Raleigh Caprice vintage style bike and he helped with the rest because I have absolutely no idea. He fitted extra lights, helped with the helmet, a pony tail friendly bike

helmet and a good lock.

I've just had my 6 week bike maintenance check and discussed bike saddles because my bum is sore. I love him now because he told me I don't really warrant a supersize bike saddle and to give it time for my bum to get used to it.

I'm really pleased with the service I received and the ongoing service I will have, so I do recommend going to an independent bike shop.

I can't comment on boys bikes as I know nothing about them

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

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

"I am new to cycling to and took up my works cycle to work scheme. I am loving it and have been cycling to work and back for 6 weeks now.

helmet and a good lock.

I'm really pleased with the service I received and the ongoing service I will have, so I do recommend going to an independent bike shop.

I can't comment on boys bikes as I know nothing about them

Aww - great to hear you had a fab experience

I know little about boys bikes either...

I've just discovered the calibre two two which muddies matters even more!

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *an_LexaCouple
over a year ago

Sunderland

Id definitely go for a cross if you can afford one but you might be pushing it at that price. I wouldnt buy second hand if you dont know what youre doing. Apart from anything else you need to make sure it fits properly. Lbs is invaluable for the continued help and support they will give you if you buy from there. Some do sell second hand bikes too but youll be getting expert advice and a bike thats been checked and serviced

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

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

I'm another tgat would say that for the type of riding you describe a cross bike is perfect but you will struggle at that price.

If you are buying on the bike to work scheme I would think about increasing your budget. With the tax benefit a £500 bike will cost you around a tenner a month more on your repayments but it is the point that you start to get a lot more bang for your buck!

I'm not a fan of many hybrids. Most are jack of all trades and master of non. Changing the tyres on an mtb is often a better bet

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

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

"I'm another tgat would say that for the type of riding you describe a cross bike is perfect but you will struggle at that price.

I'm not a fan of many hybrids. Most are jack of all trades and master of non. Changing the tyres on an mtb is often a better bet"

Thank you for that... Which, if any, cross would you recommend?

I'm wary of spending too much, given how new I am to cycling...and have accessories to consider too.

Top of my list currently sit the calibre 2.2 and hoodoo... But I'm definitely open to suggestions and I guess I could stretch to the £500 mark

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

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

Would anyone know if the specialised crosstrail was any good...?

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ausagetimeMan
over a year ago

Bury

Find a good independent bike shop. When you go in you are looking for somewhere that is clean and tidy and has a good size selection of road, cross and mountain bikes. If you can find/know anyone who does a lot of cycling ask them where the good shops are in your area.

A big clue as to whether you should give the place your business is if they offer a frame measuring service. Decent shops will have a track stand and a bike available for you to jump on so they can ensure you get the right size bike.

Ribble cycles online us also pretty good.

Don't forget to budget for a helmet. And give serious consideration to proper cycling shoes and pedals. Most bikes come without pedals so you can fit the type of clipless you like. Proper cycling shoes = pain free feet and far more efficient use of your energy.

And if you've never worn them you'll find proper cycling clothes are far more comfortable on the bike.

Maybe try and haggle in some freebies like a water bottle and cage or cycling gloves.

Good luck

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

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

The boardman cx comp looks decent too... at a slightly beyond original budget of 599

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

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

"The boardman cx comp looks decent too... at a slightly beyond original budget of 599"

A serious bit of bike for the money. Halfords have also just launched a new inhouse range '13' and the designer has considerable pedigree, they have a cross bike for £499 which looks the business.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

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

"Find a good independent bike shop. When you go in you are looking for somewhere that is clean and tidy and has a good size selection of road, cross and mountain bikes. If you can find/know anyone who does a lot of cycling ask them where the good shops are in your area.

Ribble cycles online us also pretty good.

And if you've never worn them you'll find proper cycling clothes are far more comfortable on the bike.

Maybe try and haggle in some freebies like a water bottle and cage or cycling gloves.

Good luck

Thank you.... One bike I visited recommended hybrids...but at the time I had my budget at 350-400... I'm considering upping it a little more to see if a decent cross bike is within reach.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

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

"The boardman cx comp looks decent too... at a slightly beyond original budget of 599

A serious bit of bike for the money. Halfords have also just launched a new inhouse range '13' and the designer has considerable pedigree, they have a cross bike for £499 which looks the business.

Do you know any cross bikes that aren't exclusive to halfords..? My cycle scheme isn't compatible with theirs

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

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

If you want to go fast get a road bike, can't beat them for speed, problem is they are uncompromising on anything other than Tarmac

Cyclocross bikes offer nearly as much speed but with the option of better breaks in wet weather. I still wouldn't recomend one as an off road option.

Hybrid bikes are a good compromise if you want to do a bit on the road an a bit on the towpath. But again for off road they are lacking.

Mountain bikes come in lots of different flavours but I'd stay away from anything that is full suspension. You won't get anything that's pleasent to ride for the sort of money you want to spend.

Decathlon do a descent range and seem to be able to get a better spec for your money.

I'd recommend having a ride first, don't just buy one on line, the way a bike fits and feels is as personal as a pair of shoes. You won't be able to tell by looking at a picture.

I guess the bottom line is if you know what type of riding you want to do then you get that type of bike. That might be why I own a road bike 2 mountain bikes and a Brompton folder

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

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

Get yourself to Halfords and sit on a few. If you want a decent hybrid they have a carrera subway2 for around your budget and is a good bike.

Or try your local bike shop or an online retailer. Evans cycles is good. But always try before you buy as the set ups can differ from bike to bike.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *an_LexaCouple
over a year ago

Sunderland

Find your local, they will listen to what you want to do on it, what your budget it is etc and advise you well - once youre hooked they want you going back to them when you buy your next bike, and the one after. Coz trust me it will happen

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

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

"The boardman cx comp looks decent too... at a slightly beyond original budget of 599

A serious bit of bike for the money. Halfords have also just launched a new inhouse range '13' and the designer has considerable pedigree, they have a cross bike for £499 which looks the business.

Do you know any cross bikes that aren't exclusive to halfords..? My cycle scheme isn't compatible with theirs

canondale genesis specialised all do a cyclocross as well as evans own brand called pinical

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

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

"The boardman cx comp looks decent too... at a slightly beyond original budget of 599

A serious bit of bike for the money. Halfords have also just launched a new inhouse range '13' and the designer has considerable pedigree, they have a cross bike for £499 which looks the business.

Do you know any cross bikes that aren't exclusive to halfords..? My cycle scheme isn't compatible with theirs

Ribble do one for £560 but while i personally ride one of their road bikes, I'd be wary of suggesting them to a new cyclist as their bikebuilder app needs a degree of experience.

Merlin have got a couple of sensa bikes at that price in their sale.

Fuji do one that is similar in price to the boardman.

If you can use Evans the Norco Threshold is reduced and a decent bike

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

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

Also for everyone saying support a local bike shop, there are plenty out there that will sell you what they have in stock rather than what you want or need

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

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

Nervously excited. Will check out the recommendations and have a go at some of them. Thank you all

I think Evans will work with the 'cyclescheme' my workplace is signed up for

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

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

"Nervously excited. Will check out the recommendations and have a go at some of them. Thank you all

I think Evans will work with the 'cyclescheme' my workplace is signed up for "

Not just Evans. Most cycle shops will be registered with the c2w scheme.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

Post new Message to Thread