Need advice buying bicycle please.

candjsmum

My son has seen a bike he would like from our local bike shop, has tried it out and really likes it. He has saved his own money to buy it. I have seen it £40 cheaper online but it says it comes part constructed. Would it be just a case of putting the wheels and handle bars on or is it more complex than that. I know buying it from the shop would probably be our best bet, but also £40 is a lot for my 13 year old.

Thanks for any help.

Nicky

Sgt_Pepper_2

Wheels, bars and pedals are the usuals.

Are you able to adjust the brakes and index the gears?

If not get the bike shop to throw in a service. The cables will stretch after a few rides.

candjsmum

Thank you. I think for my piece of mind we will get it from our local shop, and being me I will probably give him the £40 so he will be saving anyway.
Thanks for your advice.

Takeaway_Addict

candjsmum wrote: »

Thank you. I think for my piece of mind we will get it from our local shop, and being me I will probably give him the £40 so he will be saving anyway.
Thanks for your advice.

Ask the shop to price match...they would be happier getting 20% of something than 0% of a higher price

MX5huggy

Good choice go with the Local Bike Shop (LBS).

A month ago I got my wife a bike, (Wiggins effect no doubt!) from my LBS, they discounted by 15% it was set up ready to ride. This week I took it in for the free 1 month service telling them the front brake needed adjusting as the springs were uneven. But they just changed the brakes free of charge to Shimano ones.

candjsmum

Thanks for all the advice. We have just bought it at the local shop along with a new helmet, asked for a bit of discount and got £20 off and free service in 4-6 weeks. Really happy with it.

Thanks
Nicky

Tilt

Make sure it's got lights and reflectors. Only an extra few quid but if he's going to ride it when it's dark then it's not only a legal requirement but it also may save him from serious injury.

candjsmum

Tilt wrote: »

Make sure it's got lights and reflectors. Only an extra few quid but if he's going to ride it when it's dark then it's not only a legal requirement but it also may save him from serious injury.

Thank you yes it came with reflectors but will defo be putting lights on his and my daughters who has today started college and will be cycling. They will also be wearing hi viz vests and I have threatened them that if I see either of them not wearing their helmets they will be in serious trouble. The amount of kids I see cycling to school with their helmets on the handle bars is ridiculous.

Thanks all xx

SpeedyMarcus

Helmets is another debate - Chris Boardman had some interesting viewpoints recently on TV (eg millions of cyclists in Holland, very few wearing helmets, why?). Glad you supported your local bike shop though - they are invaluable and you never know when you'll need a bit of advice or an urgent repair.

F_Bear

+1 for the local shop.

altho id like to get a feel for the place before i bought there. are the owners/staff interetsed in what there selling etc,