Which bike?

pm2326

Hi

I've been considering getting a bike for a while now but need some advice please as getting a bit overwhelmed with the options.

I'm looking for a ladies bike, I want to use it around town but also want to be able to go out for longer bike rides as there's really good purpose built cycle paths around here.

Thing is I've not been on a bike for at least 15 years and fitness levels are not as good as they should be. so not expecting to do a lot of milage yet.

I'm thinking I should start off in the £200 - £250 range and then get a better bike in a few years when my fitness has improved?

Where do I start??

littleredhen

I have just been to my local Bike Station and got a Sirus specialised for £220 second hand, it's amazing, light and easy to ride. My old bike had a really heavy frame and big thick tyres. I am just about to start commuting along a railway line to work about 10 miles per day, can't wait! If you have a look at my thread on help buying a bike you might get some help there too

littleredhen

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5280584

pm2326

littleredhen wrote: »

I have just been to my local Bike Station and got a Sirus specialised for £220 second hand, it's amazing, light and easy to ride. My old bike had a really heavy frame and big thick tyres. I am just about to start commuting along a railway line to work about 10 miles per day, can't wait! If you have a look at my thread on help buying a bike you might get some help there too

Unfortunately there's no bike station near me, there's an expensive
Independent or a halfords

AndyBSG

Couple of questions regarding usage which should help people give you advice.

Does the budget mentioned above include accessories or is that just what you're willing to spend on the bike?(adding lights, water bottle and cage, puncture kit, saddlebag, pump, bike lock etc will add up)

Are you planning on any real off road? By off road it doesn't mean few dirt paths or fields but real heavy terrain with a lot of drops that will require suspension.

Does it have to be a female frame? Most females I know do end up just buying mens/unisex frame bikes as there's much more options and the advantages of a female specific frame really are negligible.

Do you want to add panniers/storage for carrying things?

Some options to look at are the Dawes Discovery Trail, Dawes Sahara, Ridgeback Anteron, Ridgeback Motion, Claude Butler Urban and Giant Escape but a bit more info on exact usage and expectations will hopefully help people suggest some more specific bikes.

Rummer

Do you have a refurbished bike shop near you? In Scotland there is Bike Station, however I would imagine there are equivalents all over the UK. If you go there you can get a good bike at a lower cost with a guarantee. We went there to get our DD bike and they were very helpful.

My own bike is a Bobbin Black Orchid and I love her When I was considering bikes I knew that even if I got into cycling that I would not be hurtling off track down hills and that I would be sticking to roads/paths etc and she is just perfect for me and I can't foresee ever having to change. However if you think your interests in cycling may diversify then it sounds as if a refurb/inexpensive starter bike would be the best choice.

dandelionclock30

Go Outdoors and Decathlon have some good deals. Also look at Gumtree but make sure you get the right size for your height.
This is a good deal http://www.decathlon.co.uk/hoprider-300-womens-city-hybrid-bike-id_8307663.html

This is alright as well http://www.decathlon.co.uk/original-300-hybrid-bike-white-id_8245553.html

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/hybrid-bikes-and-classic-bikes/pendleton-brooke-hybrid-bike.

pm2326

AndyBSG wrote: »

Couple of questions regarding usage which should help people give you advice.

Does the budget mentioned above include accessories or is that just what you're willing to spend on the bike?(adding lights, water bottle and cage, puncture kit, saddlebag, pump, bike lock etc will add up)

Are you planning on any real off road? By off road it doesn't mean few dirt paths or fields but real heavy terrain with a lot of drops that will require suspension.

Does it have to be a female frame? Most females I know do end up just buying mens/unisex frame bikes as there's much more options and the advantages of a female specific frame really are negligible.

Do you want to add panniers/storage for carrying things?

Some options to look at are the Dawes Discovery Trail, Dawes Sahara, Ridgeback Anteron, Ridgeback Motion, Claude Butler Urban and Giant Escape but a bit more info on exact usage and expectations will hopefully help people suggest some more specific bikes.

Hi

Hope this helps:

Budget is for bike only, accessories has separate budget

Not planning any off road so don't need suspension

I don't mind about frame as long as I'm comfortable with it

Yes I'd like to add panniers if possible as would rather not use a backpack.

Off to google your suggestions!

pm2326

dandelionclock30 wrote: »

Go Outdoors and Decathlon have some good deals. Also look at Gumtree but make sure you get the right size for your height.
This is a good deal http://www.decathlon.co.uk/hoprider-300-womens-city-hybrid-bike-id_8307663.html

This is alright as well http://www.decathlon.co.uk/original-300-hybrid-bike-white-id_8245553.html

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/hybrid-bikes-and-classic-bikes/pendleton-brooke-hybrid-bike.

I've been checking gumtree all week, nearly all mountain bikes with suspension or road bikes over my budget.

I'm 5'7 so thinking I need a 19" frame? Only hybrid of that size on there is an emmelle park lane hybrid...the other 2 are 18"

Richard53

In the days when most bikes had level top tubes, frame sizes meant something. But nowadays, each manufacturer measures frame size in different ways, so use the advertised size as a guide only, and make sure you are happy with the bike by actually sitting on it.


Loosely quoting the great Richard Ballantine - if you want to put a child off cycling for life, buy them a cheap bike. It will be horrible to ride and will break quickly, and then it will be left to rust in a corner of the garden. Your budget should get you out of the nasty zone and onto a decent bike, but you will get a better bike for your money if you buy secondhand. If you can buy from a dealership with warranty, great, otherwise take along a knowledgeable friend. If that isn't an option, there are plenty of good bikes at that price. Don't dismiss Halfords - the bikes they have around £200-250 get generally good reviews.


And don't let anyone tell you you need suspension. For the kind of riding you are planning it isn't necessary, and will divert some of your energy into compressing a spring rather than driving you forward.


Hope you pick a bike that makes you happy and have many happy miles. I'm getting back into it over the last year, after many years away, and I couldn't be more pleased.