Cycling beginner in need of advice

[Speedy1995]

Hi guys im a complete novice when it comes to cycling, there are two questions i need answearing.

1. Is it illegal to cycle on pavements ? I dont see many do but when i do i generaaly dont mind. Personally i want to avoid the road as much as possible as im not that quick and have heard horror stories of people being knocked off by cars and left in the road with no help.

What is the best under £250 bike to buy for commuting on smooth surfaces such as concrete. I will not be needing any fancy kit that can get me to the top of everest just a comfortable good quality bike.

Sorry for the crap spelling, as previously stated i am a novice so dont be to harsh
Thanks .

[Magic919]

Except where they are cycle lanes and signs you should avoid the pavements. Cycling on the roads can be fine, but varies so much from road to road. If you can use quieter back roads at first you might be happier.

I don't think I'd have high expectations of the bike for that budget. Options are go to Halfords or buy secondhand. I'd look for a used bike, Trek, Specialized or similar. Get a friend to tag along that knows a bit about bikes if you can.

[Juffled]

as already said you might want to try the quieter side streets/back roads, if you ride is 6 miles on main roads then on back roads maybe add 15% so up to 7 miles which is 5 mins so hardly a disaster and will build confidence slowly, under £250 maybe try something from Edinburgh bike company, evans own brand pinnacle, or maybe decathalon?? or if oyu have a decent 2nd hand bike shop go in there and ask what they have but dont say how much you have to spend initially, see how helpful they are....or take along a friend who knows a bit more!

[nammynake]

If you are sticking to relatively flat terrain then I would choose a singlesoeed bike. Have a look at the Vitus VEE-1 at Chain Reaction Cycles. It's a great bike for the price.

[Roman]

Juffled said:

maybe try something from Edinburgh bike company

+1 Lots of great newbie advice and plenty of excellent value hybrids:
http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/products/revolutio...

I'd recommend a Bike It training course too:

http://www.sustrans.org.uk/what-we-do/bike-it/wher...

[anonymous-user]

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/riverside-3-mens-id_820...

[castex]

I'd be looking at a local second-hand raleigh, carlton, peugeot or similar from ebay or similar. Cash in hand, check the size is right. Reynolds 531 is a steel frame that has been made for decades, is light and strong. If it has 531 on it, with no dents, it is good. Riding on pavements is alright so long as you remember that the pedestrian has right of way.

[markh1973]

castex said:

I'd be looking at a local second-hand raleigh, carlton, peugeot or similar from ebay or similar. Cash in hand, check the size is right. Reynolds 531 is a steel frame that has been made for decades, is light and strong. If it has 531 on it, with no dents, it is good. Riding on pavements is alright so long as you remember that the pedestrian has right of way .

Cycling on pavements is illegal so unless you are a small child is not something you should resort to.

[Fartomatic5000]

markh1973 said:

Cycling on pavements is illegal so unless you are a small child is not something you should resort to.

Unless it's shared use, there are quite a lot of them around here.