new bike advice

posit1ve

Hi all

Think i am probably setting myself up for a sharp shock but here goes!

I am looking for a bike. I am keen to encourage my daughter's confidence on her bike and am struggling to do this running along beside her so the time has come to get back on the bike!

I am aware that if i buy something too heavy i will be put off but as i am now by myself am on a budget (aren't we all!)

I am looking at the halfords apollo etienne 16" - sorry, can't post links yet.

I have seen lots of your posts advising against halfords (especially apollo!) but i don't think there are other reasonably priced bike shops in my area - dundee.

i am keen on this one for it's good reviews and current discount.

I have looked on gumtree but am worried about putting myself off by buying some old banger that i don't know how to judge if it's any good or if bits need fixing.

It is probably going to be used twice or 3 times a week - twice on days off and a couple of evening rides.

Any advice greatly appreciated.

Thank you

Handsome90

Hi. It's great that you want to cycle with your daughter. I'm a keen cyclist and I love cycling (shame nearly every week someone decides to ruin my enjoyment).

I didn't buy anything from Halfords so can't comment on them. However, I bought my current hybrid bike from Evans cycles and I would highly recommend them. I know that Evans are having a sale and I found a really nice bike for £216. It's called Summer Picnic 2011 Women's Hybrid Bike. It weights 13 kg and has a hub gear (I prefer hub gear as the gear change is smoother and you can change gears while stationary).

If you want to buy accessories, please check the price from google shopping before buying it from Evans.

Here is the link to all the sale bikes http://www.evanscycles.com/categories/bikes/hybrid-bikes/f

I hope this helps.

posit1ve

hi, thanks handsome90 for your reply.

i can see the summer picnic bike for £259 on the link? the bike looks lovely!

I am a bit concerned about the comfort of the saddle (even as a teenager i tied a sponge to my saddle!:rotfl:). Do you know of anywhere I could try this bike?

Thank you for your help.

ventureuk

Have a day out to Edinburgh and go to Decathlon

You'll get a fantastic bike for less than £200 with an excellent warranty and great service.

My wife and daughter both have the B'Twin 5 Hybrids and kitted out with luggage they rode them through France for a week last year.

We have both the red and the grey version but I was in Decathlon on Monday and it's now also in pink !

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/original-5-red-id_8165504.html

They also do a full suspension version for £249, I've ridden it and it's fair to describe it as a feather bed on wheels.

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/original-7-id_8165505.html

I ride about 5000 miles a year and have owned up to 7 bikes ( only 3 at present ) and I can't honestly believe they can offer such a well made, well specified, comfortable bike like the B'Twin 5 for less than £200, it will be perfect for what you want.

If you do decide to have a look, I'd suggest the bike with the 700 (bigger) wheel size rather than the 26" (smaller) wheel, the 700 rides much better in my opinion, ask the man in the shop he'll help you out.

And make sure you sign up for their loyalty card, you'll get a voucher for a few pounds for a £200 purchase.

Happy cycling.

Handsome90

You are welcome

I swear I saw the price tag as £216. I checked it now and it says £216.66 and here is the link http://www.evanscycles.com/products/summer/picnic-2011-womens-hybrid-bike-ec026152

Sorry but I don't know how to attach an image

I can see springs below the saddle so it shouldn't be that uncomfortable. However, for comfort nothing beats bikes with suspension but those can be quite bulky. The only thing I could suggest is to raise yourself from the saddle if you are about to come across a large pothole or speed humps. That's what I do.

You could try phoning your nearest store (I believe that's in Edinburgh) and ask whether they have that bike in store. Alternatively, you could order the bike and return it (under distance selling regulation) if you don't like it. I'm not sure whether the return is free or not but you'll have to ask Evans that.

Hope this helps

posit1ve

Wow! Thanks.

Think i am going to have to give this a bit more thought and maybe a trip to a couple of places at the weekend.

Thank you

oldtoolie

Get a gel saddle cover if the seat isn't soft enough.

mvteng

Hi posit1ve,

The advise I would give would be to physically try out the bike before you buy. I was really surprised at how much difference there was in bikes which on paper semed identical.

I would absolutely recommend Edinburgh Bicycle Co-op. They're only 5 minutes away from Evans.

When I bought my bike I hadn't cycled for a few years. They were really helpful & more than happy for me to take bikes out for test rides until I picked 1 I was happy with.

The one thing I would say though, is that they do get very very busy, so if possible I would try to go midweek.

Have a look at the website. This might be what your looking for

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/products/revolution-streetfinder-womens-11?bct=browse%2fbicycles%2fwomens-bikes

Dave_C_2

Here is the definitive guide to saddles

When buying a bike, obviously sit on the saddle and make sure you are sitting on your sit bones. Similarly any decent bike shop should offer you a choice of saddle.

Dave

posit1ve

Hi all

Thank you all for your advice.

Went to halfords tonight & looked at the bike. Had a go on it (just in the store) & seemed the right size. Saddle felt comfy - wish i had read about the "sit-bones" beforehand as i didn't look out for that.

The chain guard & mudguards seemed pretty flimsy.

Planning to go to Edinburgh on Sunday for a look at the other options suggested here.

Thanks again :T

posit1ve

Hi

Also, meant to add, I would like to include my younger daughter 4 years but she is not pedalling yet. Thought of a trail gator attachment to her bike behind.

Unfortunately the large wheels on the Etienne (which i like!) Mean that there is not enough clearance between the bottom of the seat & the top of the rear tyre to allow for the towing bar. If that makes sense?!

Anyone have any ideas of other ways that my youngest could be carried/towed or other ways to attach her behind my bike - when I get one!

Thanks in advance.