New to commuting

[wolves_wanderer]

Alright gang, I am looking to start commuting via bike. I've done a few 10-20 mile runs on a nasty steel framed mountain bike and reckon something like this would be a decent upgrade. I don't want to spend loads but alternatives and reasons why I should spend more are welcome. (the commute is about 8 miles along mainly Tarmac and gravel paths)

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/...

[magpie215]

The Subway is a good machine for the money

[2volvos]

Nothing wrong with that per se, but if you want to look at alternatives and you are close to a Decathlon store have a look there first before deciding. Their bikes IMO are a bit better designed, made and set up than the own brand Halfords equivalent.

[option click]

I'd suggest browsing the classifieds. You'll get a much better bike for the money, so long as you're comfortable buying second hand and know what to look for.

Maybe also consider a cyclocross bike? A Specialized Tricross might be a good bet.
BikeRadar forums have a very active classifieds section that's worth a look: http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/index.php

Edited by option click on Wednesday 27th March 10:48

[wolves_wanderer]

Went for this in the end. Although I'm not letting Halfords nail it together for me

Edited by wolves_wanderer on Wednesday 15th May 11:20

[AndyDRZ]

A mate has one of those and loves it.

[Rob_T]

very sensible and good choice.

make sure you keep the tyres pumped up to avoid getting flats, or invest in some schwalbe marathon plus tyres.

[S10GTA]

Good choice. As above, don't bother with waterproof stuff, it doesn't work.

[BliarOut]

wolves_wanderer said:

Went for this in the end. Although I'm not letting Halfords nail it together for me

Edited by wolves_wanderer on Wednesday 15th May 11:20

I'm gonna hunt you down and pass you

[Rob_T]

in fact, cycling to work is a complete false economy. you will need to remortgage you house to ensure you have:

better tyres
better pedals
lights, multiple, front and back
spring clothing
summer clothing
autumn clothing
winter clothing
assorted water proofs
correct shoes
cleaning equipment
lubes & oil
degreaser
pumps
spare tubes
appropriate rucksack or
pannier and pannier bag
a more comfortable saddle
replacement brake pads
replacement cabling
other wear and tear items (chains, cassettes etc)
helmet
head warmer (for winter)
glasses for those kamikaze flies in your eyes in the summer

have i missed anything?

on the plus side you'll be fitter, happier and healthier if you stick at it. and you can eat more pie without putting on the pounds.....

[Justin Cyder]

wolves_wanderer said:

Went for this in the end. Although I'm not letting Halfords nail it together for me

Edited by wolves_wanderer on Wednesday 15th May 11:20

Me too & I love it.

[S10GTA]

That's what I like to see, a bike on the kitchen worktop. I bet you live alone.

I used to live alone too

[BaronVonVaderham]

Put all your things in a stout plastic bag inside your cycling bag to keep them dry when it inevitably pisses it down. Even just cycling on road, the amount of grit/dirt/crap that accumulates on one's kit is astonishing. Nowt more annoying that arriving a work with at white shirt that looks like used loo roll.

[Justin Cyder]

S10GTA said:

That's what I like to see, a bike on the kitchen worktop. I bet you live alone.

I used to live alone too

I see you used to live in the 1970's. No shame in it, many of us did.

[S10GTA]

Justin Cyder said:

I see you used to live in the 1970's. No shame in it, many of us did.

It's always best to purchase the worst house on the best street

[bakerstreet]

Rob_T said:

in fact, cycling to work is a complete false economy. you will need to remortgage you house to ensure you have:

better tyres
better pedals
lights, multiple, front and back
spring clothing
summer clothing
autumn clothing
winter clothing
assorted water proofs
correct shoes
cleaning equipment
lubes & oil
degreaser
pumps
spare tubes
appropriate rucksack or
pannier and pannier bag
a more comfortable saddle
replacement brake pads
replacement cabling
other wear and tear items (chains, cassettes etc)
helmet
head warmer (for winter)
glasses for those kamikaze flies in your eyes in the summer

have i missed anything?

on the plus side you'll be fitter, happier and healthier if you stick at it. and you can eat more pie without putting on the pounds.....

A-Men to that.

I was surprised how much maintenance my road bike has required. Forgetting fuel, I have actually spent more money maintaining my bike than I have my car this year

I recommend the ALtura Night Vision jacket. Waterproof and very comfortable along with two very usable pockets

[wolves_wanderer]

Cheers guys. I was hoping to keep the spend around the £300 mark but I seem to get a lot more for spending the extra, the bike must be half the weight of the old POS I have been using and I haven't seen a bad review of it yet.

I have a decent waterproof jacket and ride in normal jogging trousers or 3/4 length shorts. I'm wearing trainers to ride in at the moment which aren't ideal, can anyone recommend decent shoes?

[Justin Cyder]

Remember the rule though. It won't get any easier on a lighter bike. You'll just get faster.

[wolves_wanderer]

BliarOut said:

wolves_wanderer said:

Went for this in the end. Although I'm not letting Halfords nail it together for me

Edited by wolves_wanderer on Wednesday 15th May 11:20

I'm gonna hunt you down and pass you

No chance

[wolves_wanderer]

Justin Cyder said:

Remember the rule though. It won't get any easier on a lighter bike. You'll just get faster.

I was dubious about even buying a new bike as the only reason I am doing it is for fitness. I am allowing half an hour at each end of the day so if I get faster then I'll just add a diversion to keep my time the same. I can't really bimble on a bike for some reason.