Which bike and helmet?
Discussion
Hi All
First time posting in this area of PH, I do a lot of walking and one of the guys at work has pushed me towards starting cycling. I've done a couple of rides, enjoy it, but the bike I'm using is my old bike from when I was a teenager (okay, not that long ago, I'm only 24! It is probably about a decade old, picture below.
The age isn't the problem, the fact it has sat in a shed for 6+ years is. The chain slips, the gears snapped (so it's currently on a set from a spare bike my dad had) and the rear brake basically doesn't exist. It is also rather heavy. I'm now looking for a new one, and haven't got a clue on where to start! It will be used in all situations, canal tow paths, paved roads, gravel, up and down shallow steps etc. Said friend from work has warned me a good bike is expensive, so I'll set a budget of £1000 for bike and helmet, less I'd be very happy with! What's your suggestions?
Just to add, most of my riding (like my walking) will be more long distance stuff than speed orientated. My longest walk to date is 35 miles, longest ride has been 32. I have no idea whether that makes any difference to the bike design though!
First time posting in this area of PH, I do a lot of walking and one of the guys at work has pushed me towards starting cycling. I've done a couple of rides, enjoy it, but the bike I'm using is my old bike from when I was a teenager (okay, not that long ago, I'm only 24! It is probably about a decade old, picture below.
The age isn't the problem, the fact it has sat in a shed for 6+ years is. The chain slips, the gears snapped (so it's currently on a set from a spare bike my dad had) and the rear brake basically doesn't exist. It is also rather heavy. I'm now looking for a new one, and haven't got a clue on where to start! It will be used in all situations, canal tow paths, paved roads, gravel, up and down shallow steps etc. Said friend from work has warned me a good bike is expensive, so I'll set a budget of £1000 for bike and helmet, less I'd be very happy with! What's your suggestions?
Just to add, most of my riding (like my walking) will be more long distance stuff than speed orientated. My longest walk to date is 35 miles, longest ride has been 32. I have no idea whether that makes any difference to the bike design though!
I recommended the bike in the link below to a couple of guys at work. They both got one and love them. I had a go on one of them the other week and it was amazing for the money (coming from someone who spends fortunes on bikes). Going from the bike in your picture to the one below would be like going from a Ssangyong Rodius to a VW Golf GTI
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/comfortable-carbon-f...
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/comfortable-carbon-f...
Bonefish Blues said:
This is a lot more like I was thinking, with the rack on the back which could be handy when using the bike rather than the car (I don't like driving the car into the nearest town, about 3 miles, as obviously it isn't good for the engine). It is probably my lack of knowledge but it doesn't look especially sturdy for a hilly, gravel park incline?
Norgles said:
I recommended the bike in the link below to a couple of guys at work. They both got one and love them. I had a go on one of them the other week and it was amazing for the money (coming from someone who spends fortunes on bikes). Going from the bike in your picture to the one below would be like going from a Ssangyong Rodius to a VW Golf GTI
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/comfortable-carbon-f...
Love your comparison. I've just replaced a 13 year old Avensis Estate for a 2020 Leon FR and the difference is distinct! That bike looks a bit racey though?https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/comfortable-carbon-f...
Bill said:
Worth looking here for gravel bike chat. The bike I got seems perfect for what you want, although the store has since gone into administration.
Nothing wrong with second hand and could do 60+ miles sunnygym said:
Might be worth looking for and e-bike as well.
For £1k, bearing in mind he's happy doing 30+ miles on the clonker pictured??Shermanator said:
This is a lot more like I was thinking, with the rack on the back which could be handy when using the bike rather than the car (I don't like driving the car into the nearest town, about 3 miles, as obviously it isn't good for the engine).
It is probably my lack of knowledge but it doesn't look especially sturdy for a hilly, gravel park incline?
It’s a sturdy thing. It is probably my lack of knowledge but it doesn't look especially sturdy for a hilly, gravel park incline?
Grab a couple of panniers too, they’re really handy for shopping and commuting.
That one has a front wheel Dynamo too, it powers the led lights.
Shermanator said:
Bonefish Blues said:
This is a lot more like I was thinking, with the rack on the back which could be handy when using the bike rather than the car (I don't like driving the car into the nearest town, about 3 miles, as obviously it isn't good for the engine). It is probably my lack of knowledge but it doesn't look especially sturdy for a hilly, gravel park incline?
Bonefish Blues said:
Touring is my thing. That is a nice bike and gets the sweet spot between low end stuff with big compromises and spending a good bit more for minor improvements.Even if you eventually add to the stable with a more performance orientated bike for tours, local rides, and shopping that hits the mark.
Bill said:
Worth looking here for gravel bike chat. The bike I got seems perfect for what you want, although the store has since gone into administration.
I'd not spend less than £2,500 on an e-bike, as likely a poor solution.sunnygym said:
Might be worth looking for and e-bike as well.
For £1k, bearing in mind he's happy doing 30+ miles on the clonker pictured??OP, do you have access to a Cycle2Work scheme out of interest?
In response to the Decathalon, I also have a Riverside, but a https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/hybrid-bike-riversid...
Great reviews when I bought with decent componentry.
For a Helmet, I was advised, and use, ones with 'MIPS' internal harnesses. Costs are circa £75 for the Helmets I have had in the past. Ii find cheap stuff for something that should sit and protect your noggin for all the miles to be false and hated economy.
Bonefish Blues said:
Loving thenumber of bottle/cage attachment points as well. For OP/s benefit - many carrying systems use 3 bolt attachments as seen on the fork and the frame there.For example
https://www.bikemonger.co.uk/blackburn-outpost-cag...
Bonefish Blues said:
I've not bought anything yet, don't really have any intention of cycling masses in driving rain and wind of a Scottish winter! However, as I need to purchase a roof rack, bike and helmet I need to get organised very soon. I've also discovered a new app called "Outdoor Active" which I've used a couple of times for walking, and hope to use when cycling as well. It shows every path in the country, including forestry roads/tracks.
Will the attached bike be fine with forestry roads? I need something that will be at home in the town and country. And not make me look like a complete idiot in either scenario with something overly city or overly country (if that makes sense). I'm certainly not buying multiple bikes to use depending on what I'm using it for!
In England, 'Outdoor Active' can show you lots of tracks which are not public rights of way.
May be less of an issue in Scotland.
The attached bike looks heavy.
Personally, I like to have some suspension.
My ancient hardtail MTB is lighter than that.
For going where you don't need suspension, I'd choose something lighter, maybe more of a gravel bike.
May be less of an issue in Scotland.
The attached bike looks heavy.
Personally, I like to have some suspension.
My ancient hardtail MTB is lighter than that.
For going where you don't need suspension, I'd choose something lighter, maybe more of a gravel bike.
Shermanator said:
Bonefish Blues said:
I've not bought anything yet, don't really have any intention of cycling masses in driving rain and wind of a Scottish winter! However, as I need to purchase a roof rack, bike and helmet I need to get organised very soon. I've also discovered a new app called "Outdoor Active" which I've used a couple of times for walking, and hope to use when cycling as well. It shows every path in the country, including forestry roads/tracks.
Will the attached bike be fine with forestry roads? I need something that will be at home in the town and country. And not make me look like a complete idiot in either scenario with something overly city or overly country (if that makes sense). I'm certainly not buying multiple bikes to use depending on what I'm using it for!
Edited by Bonefish Blues on Sunday 28th January 12:49
https://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/bikes/hybrid-bik...
something like this is ideal.
Try to get one locally if you can. They may price match.
Is Edinburgh Bicycle Cooperative near you?
Re a helmet. Try loads on. For on and off road cycling consider something with no peak. I find it can obscure vision a bit.
Here's my 2001 Scott Atacama Hybrid (orange panniers) doing the John Muir Trail 2021. Not far from you.
something like this is ideal.
Try to get one locally if you can. They may price match.
Is Edinburgh Bicycle Cooperative near you?
Re a helmet. Try loads on. For on and off road cycling consider something with no peak. I find it can obscure vision a bit.
Here's my 2001 Scott Atacama Hybrid (orange panniers) doing the John Muir Trail 2021. Not far from you.
Edited by loskie on Sunday 28th January 12:55
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