New bike-buying advice for a novice

rumblefish

Hi all, I've recently started cycling on my days off and I'm enjoying myself so far. However the bike I'm using is (relatively) ancient at about fifteen years old and has seen better days.

Speaking as something of a novice when it comes to cycling, could anyone point me in the right direction as to what I'm looking for when buying a new bike.

I'm cycling the Taff Trail in South Wales and only use roads VERY sparingly, and ride about 20 miles during a round trip but plan on increasing this. The trail is mostly tarmac but interspersed with sections that are a little rougher, so that's the surface I'll be riding on.

Modern bikes appear to have suspension on the seats and wheels, something that is new to me.

I'd like to spend about £250 maximum and don't mind buying second hand.

Any links to something suitable or pointers would be much appreciated!

Mandybham

Have been cycling since a kid (now 38). Best advice is MUST have disk brakes front and rear. Front suspension is pretty good for when hitting kerbs and bumps etc. Rear is ok but adds qiute a lot of wieght. Look around Halfords to get a good idea of prices (they do a free 3 month service aswell). Also invest in a decent D lock to keep it safe (around £20+)

gingernm

Hi,

For your 250, do not even consider a full suspension bike (front and rear), it will be cheap components and heavy.

Go for a hardtail (front suspension only). Again for your money you will not get premium parts, so you may be better off getting a 2nd hand one from ebay. Another option could be to get an ex demo bike from the likes of evans. Have a look at their website as they list sale/soiled bikes in a seperate section.

Go into your local bike shop and get sized up for a bike and then you can start searching for correct size frame.

Remember to set some cash aside for the extras, helmet, bottle & cage and clothing.

Have fun!!


Rob
London 2 Brighton - 16th June

cinderfella

A bike to me is one with the biggest possible saddle. I have no idea how people ride on anything less without getting a bad back.
Get the perfect saddle with two whopping springs at the back & that's a bike with suspension. Normally called a 'big bum comfort saddle'.:j

custardy

cinderfella wrote: »

A bike to me is one with the biggest possible saddle. I have no idea how people ride on anything less without getting a bad back.
Get the perfect saddle with two whopping springs at the back & that's a bike with suspension. Normally called a 'big bum comfort saddle'.:j

:eek:
dear lord no
Saddles are a very personal thing and not a criteria for picking a bike
I find wide saddles uncomfortable
I'm running a charge spoon just now



OP. A hard tail(as in suspension on the front only) mountain bike would probably suit
personal preference would be a bike with a lockout on the front forks(less bounce when not needed)

ohreally

cinderfella wrote: »

Get the perfect saddle with two whopping springs at the back & that's a bike with suspension. Normally called a 'big bum comfort saddle'.:j

You mean a tractor seat.

SteveJW

custardy wrote: »

:eek:
dear lord no
Saddles are a very personal thing and not a criteria for picking a bike
I find wide saddles uncomfortable

Totally agree, don't know how anyone can advocate a wide saddle, chaffing on inner thighs, legs and knees at strange angles.

Selle Italia Flyte Titanium for me on an old Kona hardtail and I'm well overweight, over 60, but can manage 40 odd miles on a good day

Humphrey10

custardy wrote: »

Saddles are a very personal thing and not a criteria for picking a bike

What he said ^

There's loads of info on the internet about how to choose a saddle, it's not one size fits all.

mcfisco

A wide bouncy saddle will not be comfortable for most people.

116 miles today for me on a Charge Knife saddle, no soreness whatsoever

jonparr

I do a similar commute and use a hybrid, light enough to not require too much effort but strong enough for a bit of off road stuff. A mountain bike would be just too heavy. Would also suggest you pay a trip to your local bike shop as opposed to a big chain store as they will have a lot more knowledge and expertise. If you are on cycle tracks, make sure you have enough for a nice bright light as these tracks won't be lit up in winter!