Bike Advice

RachRubyD

Hi I just need a little advice and help on what bike is best to get. My partner has just started work but as its night isn't able to get the bus. Neither of us have any clue about bikes and worried might get ripped off with a bike that isn't that great.

Basically it is a 7 mile cycle there and then 7 miles back. As it's pretty far, he really needs a decent bike. Looking at spending under £300 if possible. He works around 4 nights a week but will be more with christmas season.

What's the best type of bike to get a road or hybrid? The whole wheel inches confuses me. He is around 5,11 if thats of any use but only slim.

frisbeej

A road or hybrid will both be fine. It largely comes down to personal preference, a hybrid will be more upright, the hand position is probably more natural and it'll have tougher tyres, a road bike will be faster.


They'll both have 700c wheels.


Probably one of the most important things is good mudguards. Not only do they keep the rider clean and dry but they also keep most of the road spray off of the gears and chain, making it last a lot longer.

[Deleted User]

Unless you're planning to ride as fast as a racing cyclist you really don't want a racing bike as they have far too high gear ratios for everyday use. They have narrower wheels which give a harsh ride and are more vulnerable to pothole damage, and they often don't have enough clearance to fit mudguards. Some don't have fixings to fit a luggage rack if you need one.

Touring bikes make ideal general purpose bikes with lower gearing and the ability to carry loads but they're like hens teeth in High Street shops and aren't cheap as most are hand built for a specialised market.

Mountain bikes are designed for off road use, so they tend to be too small, too heavy, and the suspension and knobbly tyres are a waste of energy if you don't need them.

On the whole, I would think a hybrid is probably you're best bet, they have low gears like mountain bikes and touring bikes, but the frame is more suited to commuting and general purpose use. Make sure you get one with mudguards or clearance to fit them as you will soon get tired of getting soaked, and look for rack fixings if you're planning to carry luggage.

The choice of handlebar is mainly about personal preference, try a few and see which you like best. Butterfly bars and drop bars give more choice of riding position, but flat bars are more common so may be cheaper and easier to find. If you're planning to stick at it, try and avoid the very cheapest bikes as they may wear out pretty quickly if they're getting a lot of use.

Kendall80

Halfords will likely have many suitable bikes within that price range. A hybrid would probably suit him best imo.


In terms of frame size. I'm 5'10 and I ride 18" frames so I'd suggest a 19" if your chosen bike has that option.


In terms of wheel size - I wouldn't say its of crucial importance in this instance but I believe most hybrids will be 29"/700c as standard although for such journeys 26" wheels would be adequate.


As he'll be riding at night a decent set of lights are a must. The Cree T6 XML lights on ebay are fantastic value for just 20-30 pound and very bright. I have a set that I use off road and they are ideal. Anything decent, red and 'flashy' will do for the back


Dont forget a helmet, puncture kit, spare tubes, tools, bottle and cage etc. Aldis bike day is great for those kind of things.


7 miles isn't that far 30 mins or less at a decent pace.

RachRubyD

Ah thanks for all the advice. I will defo order or try get a bike with mudguards for sure.

I've got a few options here but not sure which is best? Some are ex-display (am guessing they just been on display and not used but have quite alot of the price knocked off).

http://www.ukbikesdepot.com/m89b0s800p12977/RIDGEBACK_Speed_Mens_Ex-Display_Hybrid_Bike_2014

http://www.ukbikesdepot.com/m89b0s800p13630/RIDGEBACK_X2_1_Dual_Track_Ex-Display_Hybrid_Bike_19_inch_2013

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/hybrid-bikes/apollo-transfer-mens-hybrid-bike

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/hybrid-bikes/apollo-envoy-mens-hybrid-bike

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/hybrid-bikes/apollo-belmont-mens-hybrid-bike

I am a bit wary of halfords, someone said they worked there and they just make up the rrp price and says its been slashed half price most of the time.

labp04

Hi, a couple of things to add to the good advice already offered:

- if the route is flat'ish or fitness/weight loss is a goal then very good single speed bikes can be bought new with the advantages of less to go wrong and easier to clean than a bike with gears at your budget

- very often local bike shops sell decent second hand bikes and you can get more bang for your buck as they say with other advantages too eg usually good service at point of purchase and for the future

Whatever you/he decides hope it works out and cycling receives another convert:beer:

richj

if you have a decathlon near you they sell great value bikes

chucknorris

Does the company he works for offer a 'cycle to work scheme' where he can sacrifice his salary, this means he ends up saving tax and national insurance as his gross salary is used to buy the bike.


http://www.cyclescheme.co.uk/

dandelionclock30

RachRubyD wrote: »

Ah thanks for all the advice. I will defo order or try get a bike with mudguards for sure.

I've got a few options here but not sure which is best? Some are ex-display (am guessing they just been on display and not used but have quite alot of the price knocked off).

http://www.ukbikesdepot.com/m89b0s800p12977/RIDGEBACK_Speed_Mens_Ex-Display_Hybrid_Bike_2014

http://www.ukbikesdepot.com/m89b0s800p13630/RIDGEBACK_X2_1_Dual_Track_Ex-Display_Hybrid_Bike_19_inch_2013

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/hybrid-bikes/apollo-transfer-mens-hybrid-bike

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/hybrid-bikes/apollo-envoy-mens-hybrid-bike

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/hybrid-bikes/apollo-belmont-mens-hybrid-bike

I am a bit wary of halfords, someone said they worked there and they just make up the rrp price and says its been slashed half price most of the time.

Out of this lot, I'd go for one of the Ridgebacks.Appolos are not that great and he doesnt want to be breaking down in the middle of nowhere. Also make sure he gets the right size, as its really easy to end up with the wrong size bike. Its not just about the height of the person and their leg length its the reach as well. He needs ideally to sit on it for sizing. A lot of bike shops are not good at sizing and will sell people the wrong sized bike.

Avoriaz

RachRubyD wrote: »

...Looking at spending under £300 if possible. He works around 4 nights a week but will be more with christmas season.....

Do a bit of research, learn about bikes and consider buying second hand.

That is what I did last year when I took up cycling again at age 61 after not owning a bike since I was a teenager.

You could buy a decent bike that originally cost maybe £500 for your budget or buy a £300 bike for £150.

There are plenty of decent bikes for sale on eBay, Gumtree and local bike shops.

Just make sure you learn what to look out for or get the advice of someone who knows about bikes.

Good luck.

johnmcga

Couple of thoughts that might be helpful (or not!):

- Seven miles is perfectly doable as a daily commute. It might seem tiring to begin with (especially if you have any hills on the route), but your partner might be surprised how quickly they settle into it.

- Get some good lights. I have two front and two rear - a combination of Moon Gems and cheaper Cateye lights. Don't skimp here!

- If at all possible, go to a friendly local bike shop and try a few bikes before your partner makes a decision. Riding positions can vary considerably, and if they don't get a bike they're comfortable with then it could put them off cycling completely!

- If they need to carry stuff to and from work, consider some panniers rather than a backpack. I lug a whole pile of stuff with me using a cheap rack and some panniers that clip to it.

- Similarly, buy a good lock, a couple of spare inner tubes, tyre levers and a pump, and learn how to use them. (Changing a bike tyre is really easy once you know how, but you don't want to do it for the first time in the dark, at the side of the road, while it's raining!)

Good luck! Commuting by bike is a brilliant way to save a fortune and get fit. I highly recommend it.