Beginner bike

Richard53

You live in the real world, and I know where you are coming from. We all need to keep our costs down. I just wonder where it will all end. If everyone makes all the major purchases online, then the retailers will have to change what they offer if they are to survive (bearing in mind that they will not be able to compete on price over large items like whole bikes, ever). Perhaps become novice-friendly, selling entry-level machines and tying in with cycling schemes and the like, and providing the odd bits and bobs that you can't order online when you need them at 4pm on a Saturday - and accepting that big-ticket items that provide the bulk of the operating profit will be bought elsewhere. I wonder how many small shops would survive selling kids' bikes and inner tubes? It's a different world now, I guess.

I've seen the same with small bookshops. The availability of cheap mainstream books on Amazon has shredded the independent bookshop sector, who carried the niche stuff at very little profit because they could sell a million Da Vinci Codes to pay the staff and the rent. I'm as guilty as anyone of buying my books online, but I wouldn't visit a bookshop, note the ISBN numbers of the ones I liked, and then go to Amazon with my credit card. I just couldn't do it.

mazza_white

I am brand new to cycling (6 weeks ago) and got a Carerra Subway from Halfords for £279 and I absolutely LOVE it. I've done nearly 300 miles already over all different kinds of terrain and had no problems with it. Only problem is pay day when I spend all my spare cash on accessories. Have fun!! A cycle is the best purchase you will make for years.

jaffa30

gingernm wrote: »

Not disagreeing with anything you say, for the sake of a few pence, i'd sooner visit a shop and get great personal service!

I have a local independent bike shop in town (for advertising - NEWLEC in Northampton), I use them whenever I can, I've bought bikes for my family from them and advised numerous people to give them a visit. My own bikes make at least 1 visit to them a year for a service and inspection (perform the skilled checks / corrections as required).

They are more than happy to pass on their knowledge and advice, which to a person new to / returning to cycling is invaluable!

But then when the difference is no longer pence, but hundreds of pounds, I'm sorry, it's the cheaper option for me, after all we're MSE'ers.

Back to the OP...

Please visit your local bike shop, they will help with brand choices, bike sizes and general kit you'll need from the beginning and give you ideas for items you'll need down the line.

Regards


Rob

I have to say i am with you 100% on this, i am lucky there's a cycle shop in Chester Le Street called Cestria cycles, the service is 2nd to none, the free advice off Stu is the best, what that man doesn't know about bike i guess isn't worth knowing...
I often pop in just for a natter and a cuppa when passing

SteveJW

ILW wrote: »

I have a soft spot for Konas. Steel ones ride beautifully.

I'll second that, purchased second hand Kona Kilaeua steel hardtail with project 2 forks dated around 1995 for £75 a couple of years ago, person had the original receipt.
Not saying it will outperform some of the more expensive mountain bikes, but guess it will hold its own against most sub £5-600 modern bikes
Upgraded to XT hubs with Swiss DT spokes and Mavic D521 rims, they must be worth more than a cheap Halfrauds bike
To OP get a bike and ride it

catoutthebag

I have seen a kona lanai...are these all rigid? Guy doesn't know frame size but is 2inch taller than me & fits him well

Seems to be mainly hardtail when browsing ebay

catoutthebag

150 it went for:rotfl:

catoutthebag

Please advise, I've seen 2 cheap mtb and I'm hoping to get 1 over the w/e. which sounds best / best fit me given differing brands (5'6/7)

1) Trek 850, 19inch, steel chromo frame, original parts, 21gears, 26wheels (hard tail or rigid?)

2) Saracen fast trax, 18 inch, alloy frame, hardtail, 26wheels, 18 shimano gears

ILW

SteveJW wrote: »

I'll second that, purchased second hand Kona Kilaeua steel hardtail with project 2 forks dated around 1995 for £75 a couple of years ago, person had the original receipt.
Not saying it will outperform some of the more expensive mountain bikes, but guess it will hold its own against most sub £5-600 modern bikes
Upgraded to XT hubs with Swiss DT spokes and Mavic D521 rims, they must be worth more than a cheap Halfrauds bike
To OP get a bike and ride it

Odd thing is that you could put that on Ebay and get £200 or £300 for it now. Would have cost a grand when it was new.

This looks good.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Kona-LavaDome-Mountain-bike-26-/190837974340?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item2c6ed46544

catoutthebag

catoutthebag wrote: »

Please advise, I've seen 2 cheap mtb and I'm hoping to get 1 over the w/e. which sounds best / best fit me given differing brands (5'6/7)

1) Trek 850, 19inch, steel chromo frame, original parts, 21gears, 26wheels (hard tail or rigid?)

2) Saracen fast trax, 18 inch, alloy frame, hardtail, 26wheels, 18 shimano gears

Together with the above, feel free to do the same below.
Decided I'm not spending as much as anticipated so don't mind bidding and taking a risk. They're decent brands.

Looking for sizing info as seems to be discrepancies in sellers descriptions for some

Anyway

3) specialised rockhopper, 18'', 15gear

4) giant atx850, 17'', alivio shimano 24g, rock shox susp

5) giant boulder, 19'', 24g shimano, rock shox judy tt susp

6) specialised rockhopper, 19'', aluminium frame, 27g shimano, manitou axel susp

Appreciate details missing, going by descriptions I have & know some will be familiar with models, components etc

catoutthebag

Shall I pick a random :rotfl: