Anyone know bikes?

oldtoolie

Please make sure the brakes work properly. If you don't know what you are looking for, ask a local independent bike shop for an MOT style checkup.
Why not ring around to independent bike shops and ask if they have any cheap (under £100) 2nd hand bikes that have been checked.

I know from personal experience that the old bike sitting in the garage may not be safe to use even if it is rideable. It almost cost someone their life and it did cost her a long stay in the hospital.

Drea

rev_henry wrote: »

That one looks decent, and is definitely a normal size. Also doesn't have knobbly tyres so will be a bit quicker for your commute.

I got this one last night, thanks for the advice! It was a man who services bikes for a living who was selling a few so I'm pretty sure it's safe. Not a bad size for me either

Now I just need to learn some road sense!

MsHoarder

Cardiff Council haven't put their adult cycle course dates for 2011 up yet.

CTC also has some good advice

rev_henry

Drea wrote: »

I got this one last night, thanks for the advice! It was a man who services bikes for a living who was selling a few so I'm pretty sure it's safe. Not a bad size for me either

Now I just need to learn some road sense!

Hope its alright for you! Do you drive? That will obviously help. Also get yourself a copy of Cyclecraft by John Franklin. It's the cyclist's Highway Code basically.

Mids_Costcutter

rev_henry wrote: »

Hope its alright for you! Do you drive? That will obviously help. Also get yourself a copy of Roadcraft by John Franklin. It's the cyclist's Highway Code basically.

I think you mean Cyclecraft and it's not really about rules and regulations, more advice on how to ride confidently and safely in traffic. Published by The Stationery Office.

rev_henry

Mids_Costcutter wrote: »

I think you mean Cyclecraft and it's not really about rules and regulations, more advice on how to ride confidently and safely in traffic. Published by The Stationery Office.

Oh !!!!!!, I can't believe, having googled and immediately realised that it was cyclecraft I was talking about, that I went ahead and wrote roadcraft... I shall amend...

Drea

Thanks guys, I might get that book, it has realy good reviews

I don't drive, so fingers crossed!

Strider590

Some reasonable advice in here from the replies, the only thing I will add is do NOT go for a bike with suspension, a good set of suspension forks for a bike will set you back £300-£900.... How can a suspension bike worth less than £200 possibly have decent parts? It can't, it will fall apart.

I bought my ex a bike on ebay for £45 (not worth buying new for a few days use each month), it was a solid frame..... I added a ladies gel saddle (£15ish) and it was a damn good bike for the money. So good that I tried to buy it back from her when a friends bike gave up the ghost.

Oh and, safety gear.... Very important, I would recommend a hi-vis vest/jacket if your riding on busy roads.

vaio wrote: »

get the first one and turn the forks round

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

Absolute classic.... Probably bought new from Halfrauds.

thelawnet

Strider590 wrote: »

Oh and, safety gear.... Very important, I would recommend a hi-vis vest/jacket if your riding on busy roads.

If you're riding on busy roads you'll need not just the hi-vis but some good lights and a copy of Cyclecraft.

rev_henry

Pound shop is a good place for a Hi Viz btw. And Wilkinsons has most bike spares the cheapest you'll find anywhere...