Possible newbie - advice sought on bike to get
Discussion
Hi all... so I've decided to get myself fit! Currently do weights 3x a week, and walk up to 15,000 steps a day most days of the week, but I still feel as though my cardio fitness has suffered due to the lack of anything truly vigorous.
I've just bought a second hand cross trainer, which is junk, but to be fair, it does allow me to get a workout in regardless, which is a start.
I got rid of my car last year and as I now live basically in the centre of town, along with trying to pay off debts, it's highly unlikely I'll be back in a car anytime soon... but... I do miss going out for fresh air and whatnot. My mate is also a petrolhead for whom the cycling bug has well and truly hit, and says that he's found cycling just as enjoyable if not more so than his cars, as well as it keeping him fit and he has been encouraging me for ages to get a bike.
I did suggest to him I should get a second hand bike just to see how I get on with it but he is advising me to buy new due to not knowing what condition a second hand bike might be in... also suggested a cheap new one but he was even less keen on that idea saying it would hurt me in the long term and probably wouldn't last.
So, it's not that I'm not taking his advice on board, but he is the sort where money comes and goes very easily whereas I'm trying to be budget conscious.
My usage would be mainly going out locally on a weekend, so mostly tarmac riding, and being able to get from A-B quickly is not even remotely a priority (not interested in personal bests or anything like that), and I would probably like to be able to go off road occasionally and do trips with my mate when I get fitter to do a bit of downhill dirt track riding, so I'm guessing I'd probably want a mountain bike?
Also, my three purchasing options as I see it are (1) risk buying second hand (2) there is a place near me (a charity) who recycle and refurb bikes and sell them on with a warranty, presumably for less than buying a brand new bike or (3) buy one from a shop but will be more expensive. Max budget is about £400.
Would be great to hear the thoughts of the experts.
I've just bought a second hand cross trainer, which is junk, but to be fair, it does allow me to get a workout in regardless, which is a start.
I got rid of my car last year and as I now live basically in the centre of town, along with trying to pay off debts, it's highly unlikely I'll be back in a car anytime soon... but... I do miss going out for fresh air and whatnot. My mate is also a petrolhead for whom the cycling bug has well and truly hit, and says that he's found cycling just as enjoyable if not more so than his cars, as well as it keeping him fit and he has been encouraging me for ages to get a bike.
I did suggest to him I should get a second hand bike just to see how I get on with it but he is advising me to buy new due to not knowing what condition a second hand bike might be in... also suggested a cheap new one but he was even less keen on that idea saying it would hurt me in the long term and probably wouldn't last.
So, it's not that I'm not taking his advice on board, but he is the sort where money comes and goes very easily whereas I'm trying to be budget conscious.
My usage would be mainly going out locally on a weekend, so mostly tarmac riding, and being able to get from A-B quickly is not even remotely a priority (not interested in personal bests or anything like that), and I would probably like to be able to go off road occasionally and do trips with my mate when I get fitter to do a bit of downhill dirt track riding, so I'm guessing I'd probably want a mountain bike?
Also, my three purchasing options as I see it are (1) risk buying second hand (2) there is a place near me (a charity) who recycle and refurb bikes and sell them on with a warranty, presumably for less than buying a brand new bike or (3) buy one from a shop but will be more expensive. Max budget is about £400.
Would be great to hear the thoughts of the experts.
Forgot to mention, in case it has any bearing on anything, that although I dont mind spending a little bit of money I'll have be careful as bikes disappear in no time around here - suffice to say i'll be keeping it indoor but it might be a factor as to whether i just get a clunker or something a bit better.
You could do a lot worse than a bit of gumtree / facebook marketplace browsing for a 2nd hand back at £250. If it needs a service and a couple of small parts (new tyres / bit of grease / brake pads) that should come in under £150, keeping you under budget.
Like used cars, buy on condition. If the wheels turn smoothly, and everything looks tidy, it's probably in good nick.
Buying new at £400 won't get you a lot of bike. Low-end halfords/ decathlon (nothing massively wrong with either) - but a used bike in that bracket could get you riding something much nicer (albeit not new)...and if you don't like it (and don't spend a fortune doing it up) you should be able to sell on for somewhere near what you paid.
Like used cars, buy on condition. If the wheels turn smoothly, and everything looks tidy, it's probably in good nick.
Buying new at £400 won't get you a lot of bike. Low-end halfords/ decathlon (nothing massively wrong with either) - but a used bike in that bracket could get you riding something much nicer (albeit not new)...and if you don't like it (and don't spend a fortune doing it up) you should be able to sell on for somewhere near what you paid.
First port of call would be a decent local bike shop. See if they have anything in budget. I know shops do second hand stuff too, so you may find something useful.
If it's a decent shop, they will also be able to give you advice on the correct size of bike and a decent fit.
I live in Lincolnshire and there is a second hand shop down the road. I bought my daughter (4) a bike from there and it's decent enough. Not sure what level of fitting advice you would get from there.
If you are doing mainly tarmac a decent road bike would be the thing to get. See if you can find something with a relaxed geometry. Helps a lot with long distance riding. I'm not the slimmest of people and don't fancy a hardcore slammed bike.
I bought myself a new road bike yesterday. It was £630, so just outside your budget. It looks nice though. A Specialized Allez. Can't advise on any specific manufacturer as I don't read a lot of reviews etc.
One thing to note, invest in decent riding gear. Your riding will be much more pleasurable with the right clothing and equipment.
Another thing, make sure you get proper accessories. You need as a minimum some sort of bag (saddle bag, top tube bag etc.) to carry things, at least two spare inner tubes, a pump, tyre leavers, water bottle cage and water bottle, and multi tool. Cycle computer is optional but is quite useful. Mudguards are helpful, but more in winter than this time of year.
Hope this helps.
If it's a decent shop, they will also be able to give you advice on the correct size of bike and a decent fit.
I live in Lincolnshire and there is a second hand shop down the road. I bought my daughter (4) a bike from there and it's decent enough. Not sure what level of fitting advice you would get from there.
If you are doing mainly tarmac a decent road bike would be the thing to get. See if you can find something with a relaxed geometry. Helps a lot with long distance riding. I'm not the slimmest of people and don't fancy a hardcore slammed bike.
I bought myself a new road bike yesterday. It was £630, so just outside your budget. It looks nice though. A Specialized Allez. Can't advise on any specific manufacturer as I don't read a lot of reviews etc.
One thing to note, invest in decent riding gear. Your riding will be much more pleasurable with the right clothing and equipment.
Another thing, make sure you get proper accessories. You need as a minimum some sort of bag (saddle bag, top tube bag etc.) to carry things, at least two spare inner tubes, a pump, tyre leavers, water bottle cage and water bottle, and multi tool. Cycle computer is optional but is quite useful. Mudguards are helpful, but more in winter than this time of year.
Hope this helps.
Thanks chaps - I'm in Newcastle upon Tyne....
This is the charity place i was on about, might be worth a look, they seem to have a decent enough reputation from what I've heard about them
http://recyke-y-bike.org/
This is the charity place i was on about, might be worth a look, they seem to have a decent enough reputation from what I've heard about them
http://recyke-y-bike.org/
If you're looking at mountain bikes, then I'd suggest you do the following:
1. Find a bike you like the look of which is priced at around £800-1,000 new.
2. Search for the same bike on eBay. You'll probably find one which fits your budget at around 3-4 years old.
MTB technology (or the marketing thereof, at least!) has moved on dramatically in the past few years, so lots of things which were on high end bikes just a handful of years ago (26" wheels, straight steerer tubes on forks and 2x or 3x front gears are the main ones) are now considered obsolete, despite the fact that they're still very good bikes, and for your budget will be infinitely better than anything new.
1. Find a bike you like the look of which is priced at around £800-1,000 new.
2. Search for the same bike on eBay. You'll probably find one which fits your budget at around 3-4 years old.
MTB technology (or the marketing thereof, at least!) has moved on dramatically in the past few years, so lots of things which were on high end bikes just a handful of years ago (26" wheels, straight steerer tubes on forks and 2x or 3x front gears are the main ones) are now considered obsolete, despite the fact that they're still very good bikes, and for your budget will be infinitely better than anything new.
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/riverside-900-hybrid-b...
This would do the job you describe brilliantly, and it’s brand new, and below budget. I can’t speak highly enough of the bikes I’ve bought from Decathlon over the years. You get a lot of bike, for not a lot of money, and they last as well.
This would do the job you describe brilliantly, and it’s brand new, and below budget. I can’t speak highly enough of the bikes I’ve bought from Decathlon over the years. You get a lot of bike, for not a lot of money, and they last as well.
GOATever said:
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/riverside-900-hybrid-b...
This would do the job you describe brilliantly, and it’s brand new, and below budget. I can’t speak highly enough of the bikes I’ve bought from Decathlon over the years. You get a lot of bike, for not a lot of money, and they last as well.
I'm trying to see where the difference / money then goes in to this one : https://www.decathlon.co.uk/riverside-920-hybrid-b...This would do the job you describe brilliantly, and it’s brand new, and below budget. I can’t speak highly enough of the bikes I’ve bought from Decathlon over the years. You get a lot of bike, for not a lot of money, and they last as well.
actually a mild 'comparison here: https://www.decathlon.co.uk/C-376962-hybrid-and-to...
WhatHappenedThere said:
I'm trying to see where the difference / money then goes in to this one : https://www.decathlon.co.uk/riverside-920-hybrid-b...
actually a mild 'comparison here: https://www.decathlon.co.uk/C-376962-hybrid-and-to...
The more expensive one has a SRAM 1x11 groupset ( 11 gears rather than 10 ) better mechanisms, and various other higher spec components ( wheels and brakes for example ) The cheaper one will still do the job well, just not as well as the more expensive one.actually a mild 'comparison here: https://www.decathlon.co.uk/C-376962-hybrid-and-to...
Edited by GOATever on Thursday 25th April 09:06
GOATever said:
WhatHappenedThere said:
I'm trying to see where the difference / money then goes in to this one : https://www.decathlon.co.uk/riverside-920-hybrid-b...
actually a mild 'comparison here: https://www.decathlon.co.uk/C-376962-hybrid-and-to...
The more expensive one has a SRAM 1x11 groupset ( gears etc ), and various other higher spec components ( wheels and brakes for example ) The cheaper one will still do the job well, just not as well as the more expensive one.actually a mild 'comparison here: https://www.decathlon.co.uk/C-376962-hybrid-and-to...
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