Pies v pedals. Bike advice....
Discussion
Apart from when I was a kid (Raleigh Grifter anyone?!) I have never owned a bike before. I stopped smoking a couple of years ago and have gotten a bit fitter. I am ok with weights etc but need some motivation to do more exercise. Running and the treadmill do nothing for me unfortunately. I reckon a bike would at least get me out and about with my 8 year old daughter on those lovely Spring evenings...in addition I may even do some riding on my own as I live in a lovely part of the country.
Budget is upto £400, I am no where fit enough to do proper 'mountain biking' so I wonder if a hybrid is better?
I will be riding with my daughter on the local tracks, with the odd venture into fields etc. I would cycle to town a couple of miles away along cycle paths and dirt tracks. What do people suggest. I would like suspension and disc brakes (only because they look better - so am happy to do without if the experienced ones suggest so!) and I would obviously like it to be dead light!
What size do I need? I'm 6'4 with a 32" leg (yeah, I know, I'm a bit of a freak). Would 21" be suitable?
Went to Halfords - GT Aggressor XC2 looked good for £399. They also had some nice looking Hybrids. In addition I like the look of Specialized. That is about the extent of my knowledge........over to you lot!
Budget is upto £400, I am no where fit enough to do proper 'mountain biking' so I wonder if a hybrid is better?
I will be riding with my daughter on the local tracks, with the odd venture into fields etc. I would cycle to town a couple of miles away along cycle paths and dirt tracks. What do people suggest. I would like suspension and disc brakes (only because they look better - so am happy to do without if the experienced ones suggest so!) and I would obviously like it to be dead light!
What size do I need? I'm 6'4 with a 32" leg (yeah, I know, I'm a bit of a freak). Would 21" be suitable?
Went to Halfords - GT Aggressor XC2 looked good for £399. They also had some nice looking Hybrids. In addition I like the look of Specialized. That is about the extent of my knowledge........over to you lot!
I'd normally suggest a good light & 700c fast road hybrid but fitted with 'cross' tyres for bridleways & general trekking but if you are based near Cockermouth you have loads of great off road riding on your doorstep so I'd be tempted to go for a decent hartail mtb and make full use of them.
Whinlatter, Setmurthy and plenty of local forest trails/fire roads would be great fun and safer than roads for riding with an 8 year old - much easier for her to keep up with you on an mtb too. On a fast hybrid you'd probably spend a lot of time freewheeling waiting for her.
Good fast 700c hybrids would be Specialized Sirrus, Kona Dew, Boardman comp etc.
The GT you suggest is fine as as are Carrera or Boardman (if on offer) at this price range.
The guy at 4play cycles in Market Place is really good - I'm sure he'd have something suitable for you.
A 21" sounds the right size for an mtb.
Good alternatives in 58cm that are a mix of fast hybrid & hardtail mtb:
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?Mod...
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?Mod...
Whinlatter, Setmurthy and plenty of local forest trails/fire roads would be great fun and safer than roads for riding with an 8 year old - much easier for her to keep up with you on an mtb too. On a fast hybrid you'd probably spend a lot of time freewheeling waiting for her.
Good fast 700c hybrids would be Specialized Sirrus, Kona Dew, Boardman comp etc.
The GT you suggest is fine as as are Carrera or Boardman (if on offer) at this price range.
The guy at 4play cycles in Market Place is really good - I'm sure he'd have something suitable for you.
A 21" sounds the right size for an mtb.
Good alternatives in 58cm that are a mix of fast hybrid & hardtail mtb:
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?Mod...
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?Mod...
Edited by Roman on Sunday 20th March 14:42
Thanks for the reply - I will be off to Market Place in the week to have a look.
What are your thoughts on this:
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/ha...
Is a hybrid totally unsuitable for off road (some appear to have suspension?!) Sorry for the questions, I really have no idea about bikes!They just appear much lighter (<8kgs v 13kgs):
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/mongoose/cross...
Or what about this?:
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/...
What are your thoughts on this:
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/ha...
Is a hybrid totally unsuitable for off road (some appear to have suspension?!) Sorry for the questions, I really have no idea about bikes!They just appear much lighter (<8kgs v 13kgs):
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/mongoose/cross...
Or what about this?:
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/...
There's no way on earth that Crossway weighs under 7.5kg - that's about the same as my £1,200 carbon roadbike!
It probably weighs between 12 & 14kg. 400 quid and light don't really go together unless you build something yourself from good secondhand bits from ebay.
These types of bikes - like the ones I sent you the links for are suitable for 'light off road' i.e. bridleways, fire roads etc rather than full on mtbing or haring downhill at trail centres. Some cheaper ones can actually be heavier than a full on mtb
The bikes you linked to are OK but it would be well worth the extra for an XC2, Carrera Kraken or Boardman Comp for example.
It probably weighs between 12 & 14kg. 400 quid and light don't really go together unless you build something yourself from good secondhand bits from ebay.
These types of bikes - like the ones I sent you the links for are suitable for 'light off road' i.e. bridleways, fire roads etc rather than full on mtbing or haring downhill at trail centres. Some cheaper ones can actually be heavier than a full on mtb
The bikes you linked to are OK but it would be well worth the extra for an XC2, Carrera Kraken or Boardman Comp for example.
hybrids are totally useless off road. the suspension the feature is to iron out pot holes littering our roads, not to absorb shock from drops and bumps off road. dont be fooled into thinking you can take one off road (to mean anything more than loose surface fire roads in forests). you will be gutted when you get to such places and realise that you cant extend your ride beyond the fire roads. hybrids are fine for commuters and leisure cycling (canal tow paths etc) as the flat bars make them comfortable but I really think you are better just getting a regular mountain bike like the GT
I'm looking more to a 'proper' mtb now as I do want to (possibly) go more off road at somepoint (given I live in a very good area for biking). Unfortunately the GT is only 18".....
How about this:
http://www.primera-sports.com/products/trek-481/tr...
How about this:
http://www.primera-sports.com/products/trek-481/tr...
Edited by paulcockermouth on Sunday 20th March 18:54
paulcockermouth said:
I'm looking more to a 'proper' mtb now as I do want to (possibly) go more off road at somepoint (given I live in a very good area for biking). Unfortunately the GT is only 18".....
How about this:
http://www.primera-sports.com/products/trek-481/tr...
the trek looks fine, bang on the money spec wise. there are loads of alternatives out there but if that one fits the bill go for it.How about this:
http://www.primera-sports.com/products/trek-481/tr...
Edited by paulcockermouth on Sunday 20th March 18:54
paulcockermouth said:
What size do I need? I'm 6'4 with a 32" leg (yeah, I know, I'm a bit of a freak). Would 21" be suitable?
I don't think so to be honest. Mainly due to short legs. The standard "fit" for a MTB is to stand over it and if you have 3" or so between your plums and the top tube go for that. For reference, I'm 6,1 Inside leg of 36" (actual, not trousers) and my GT MTB is a "Large" which IIRC is equivilent roughly to a 18/19" frame. You have a tricky problem with your size.
Your legs need an 18" or 19" frame, your torso needs a 21" or 22" frame.
That Trek is unlikely to fit you. What you could look for, is a frame with a sloping, or bent top-tube. Specialized Stumpjumper as an example. This type of top-tube design would allow you to focus on getting a bike with the appropriate tob-tube length, while still giving you enough clearance for your balls.
If the top tube is still a little too short for you, you can get a longer stem (the bit the handlebars are bolted to) to fine tune the bike to suit you.
In your case, it's essential that you try before you buy.
Your legs need an 18" or 19" frame, your torso needs a 21" or 22" frame.
That Trek is unlikely to fit you. What you could look for, is a frame with a sloping, or bent top-tube. Specialized Stumpjumper as an example. This type of top-tube design would allow you to focus on getting a bike with the appropriate tob-tube length, while still giving you enough clearance for your balls.
If the top tube is still a little too short for you, you can get a longer stem (the bit the handlebars are bolted to) to fine tune the bike to suit you.
In your case, it's essential that you try before you buy.
Dont forget the saddle can slide backwards and forwards and you can always get a different length handlebar stem, this will allow you to fit into the bike a bit better.
My friend has a GT aggressor and while being a good bike it weighs a flaming ton!
The Carreras are a lot nicer in my opinion. This one weighs in at 13.6 kg which is not too shabby for the money really, it is a pretty good spec with 27 gears, 120mm forks and hydraulic brakes.
For me, this would be the best bet other than going secondhand.
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/...
My friend has a GT aggressor and while being a good bike it weighs a flaming ton!
The Carreras are a lot nicer in my opinion. This one weighs in at 13.6 kg which is not too shabby for the money really, it is a pretty good spec with 27 gears, 120mm forks and hydraulic brakes.
For me, this would be the best bet other than going secondhand.
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/...
As above, you need to try for size.
The only hardtails with bent top tubes these days are womens bikes which are shorter than mens so no good.
Ghost bikes (as sold by 4play cycles) have a comparatively low stand over height and are fairly long for their size though and are very nice looking bikes:
http://www.hotlines-uk.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=448...
http://www.ghost-bikes.de/2011/en/bikes/mtb-hardta...
Alternatively, 29ers are generally longer bikes so a 19.5" Fisher Marlin may feel comfortable:
http://www.trekbikes.com/uk/en/bikes/mountain_hard...
The only hardtails with bent top tubes these days are womens bikes which are shorter than mens so no good.
Ghost bikes (as sold by 4play cycles) have a comparatively low stand over height and are fairly long for their size though and are very nice looking bikes:
http://www.hotlines-uk.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=448...
http://www.ghost-bikes.de/2011/en/bikes/mtb-hardta...
Alternatively, 29ers are generally longer bikes so a 19.5" Fisher Marlin may feel comfortable:
http://www.trekbikes.com/uk/en/bikes/mountain_hard...
Edited by Roman on Monday 21st March 09:52
Don't bother with a hybrid (it's a short term fix), you & your daughter will undoubtedly want to go places where it's unsuitable in the summer and then your stuffed, if you really want to stay on the road/tow-paths for beginning just get a pair of road/tow-path orientated tires for the mtb.
Given your body length I'd say you'll have to get a big frame size and get a new stem to fit your shape. I have a feeling that a smaller frames will require such long stem replacement that it will make it feel like your steering a boat.
If you try a 21" frame, the longer top tube should give the option to even reduce stem length to say 80mm and get a good compromise between handling & stability.
I am 6'2" with 34 leg and got a heavily discounted trek hard tail but they only had a 21" in stock, it fits very nicely with a 60mm stem (an overly long 120mm originally), it's very stable on the descents but a little too rear weight bias on very steep ascents, and a little too long a wheelbase for sharp twisty sections. You'll probably suffer the same compromise with a lower than average saddle position for the frame size on the ascents. You won't notice this at all in the first year or until you try smaller bikes and more technical terrain, and in the end you just adjust your body position to suit anyway.
As for models just get the best you can afford, I've never set a budget for a bike below what I could reasonable afford/justify to the other half. Just get the best deal you can at the time for your needs. Because your new to it you don't need a £1500+ carbon/ti hard tail. But you do need something that will see you good for at least a few years if you want to take it further, so a good aluminium frame, 9 speed triple groupset, hydraulic brakes. and a basic front fork with a lockout.
Something like a Giant Revel 0 fits the bill at about £550, if you can find something similar for less great, or get a good deal on a 2010 bike, or an interest free deal if you want too. Don't forget you'll need a helmet, padded shorts a few basic tools and some good LED battery lights for cycling at dusk or night with street lights on the road, budget another £100-£200 depending quality.
Given your body length I'd say you'll have to get a big frame size and get a new stem to fit your shape. I have a feeling that a smaller frames will require such long stem replacement that it will make it feel like your steering a boat.
If you try a 21" frame, the longer top tube should give the option to even reduce stem length to say 80mm and get a good compromise between handling & stability.
I am 6'2" with 34 leg and got a heavily discounted trek hard tail but they only had a 21" in stock, it fits very nicely with a 60mm stem (an overly long 120mm originally), it's very stable on the descents but a little too rear weight bias on very steep ascents, and a little too long a wheelbase for sharp twisty sections. You'll probably suffer the same compromise with a lower than average saddle position for the frame size on the ascents. You won't notice this at all in the first year or until you try smaller bikes and more technical terrain, and in the end you just adjust your body position to suit anyway.
As for models just get the best you can afford, I've never set a budget for a bike below what I could reasonable afford/justify to the other half. Just get the best deal you can at the time for your needs. Because your new to it you don't need a £1500+ carbon/ti hard tail. But you do need something that will see you good for at least a few years if you want to take it further, so a good aluminium frame, 9 speed triple groupset, hydraulic brakes. and a basic front fork with a lockout.
Something like a Giant Revel 0 fits the bill at about £550, if you can find something similar for less great, or get a good deal on a 2010 bike, or an interest free deal if you want too. Don't forget you'll need a helmet, padded shorts a few basic tools and some good LED battery lights for cycling at dusk or night with street lights on the road, budget another £100-£200 depending quality.
I've been riding a hybrid now, off and on, for a good many years. I have turned to more paved-oriented rides of late, so my latest hybrid has a non-suspended fork. My choice, a Whyte Portobello, is quite a bit lighter than front-sus hybrids as a result.
Recently my wife has expressed interest in coming with me and the kids - and we agreed a number of unpaved "roads" and trails we could try. These are far from "off road" but we have identified a few hybrids with front sus which would suit her.
Generally, the advantage of a hybrid over an HT MTB is a slightly more upright geometry (although this is dependent upon frame sizes) and (most importantly) the 700c wheels. Generally a decent hybrid will weight less than an equivalently-spec'd HT MTB but at the cost of overall strength.
It's all shades of grey though. There's a lot of opposition to hybrids on this forum because (I think) people don't appreciate that particular compromise. I'm not saying "people can't compromise" but sometimes if you can't see how other people will use their machines, it's hard to appreciate their choice. I hate FWD hatchbacks for example, and yet they are undeniably popular.
Recently my wife has expressed interest in coming with me and the kids - and we agreed a number of unpaved "roads" and trails we could try. These are far from "off road" but we have identified a few hybrids with front sus which would suit her.
Generally, the advantage of a hybrid over an HT MTB is a slightly more upright geometry (although this is dependent upon frame sizes) and (most importantly) the 700c wheels. Generally a decent hybrid will weight less than an equivalently-spec'd HT MTB but at the cost of overall strength.
It's all shades of grey though. There's a lot of opposition to hybrids on this forum because (I think) people don't appreciate that particular compromise. I'm not saying "people can't compromise" but sometimes if you can't see how other people will use their machines, it's hard to appreciate their choice. I hate FWD hatchbacks for example, and yet they are undeniably popular.
I recently had to choose between hybrid or mtb. Ended up choosing a mtb as its easier to adjust a mtb for road use then it is to make a hybrid a mtb. (to illustrate, my mtb is now running semi slicks for the work commute)
Echo other posts in making sure it has lock out forks. At this price the forks won't be that great (probably Suntour budget fork) If you can stretch to it, and you definately want a mtb, go for a Carrera Fury from Halfords. That would have been my choice had I not used cyclescheme (ended up with a Giant Talon 2.5)
Echo other posts in making sure it has lock out forks. At this price the forks won't be that great (probably Suntour budget fork) If you can stretch to it, and you definately want a mtb, go for a Carrera Fury from Halfords. That would have been my choice had I not used cyclescheme (ended up with a Giant Talon 2.5)
Thanks for all the replies, it looks like my stumpy legs could cause difficulty. I will be off to the local bike shop to try some different sizes (hopefully tomorrow evening). Although the ghost looks good -
http://www.life-cycles.co.uk/bikes%20mountain/ghos...
seems to be £100 cheaper than all the other se1800?I presume this is the 2010 version?
http://www.life-cycles.co.uk/bikes%20mountain/ghos...
seems to be £100 cheaper than all the other se1800?I presume this is the 2010 version?
Ok, been to the local Halfords to try a Carrera Kraken @20" and a GT Aggressor XC2 @18"
The 20" was too big for my stumpy legs. I was just about sitting on the bar....the 18" was much better, also didnt feel too small length wise. TBH I couldnt really tell much difference in weight and spec.
The 20" was too big for my stumpy legs. I was just about sitting on the bar....the 18" was much better, also didnt feel too small length wise. TBH I couldnt really tell much difference in weight and spec.
paulcockermouth said:
Thanks for all the replies, it looks like my stumpy legs could cause difficulty. I will be off to the local bike shop to try some different sizes (hopefully tomorrow evening). Although the ghost looks good -
http://www.life-cycles.co.uk/bikes%20mountain/ghos...
seems to be £100 cheaper than all the other se1800?I presume this is the 2010 version?
Yes and also because the 2011 version has discs I imagine.http://www.life-cycles.co.uk/bikes%20mountain/ghos...
seems to be £100 cheaper than all the other se1800?I presume this is the 2010 version?
Hope there is something for you to try in 4play - I think the low top tube on the Ghosts should help the fit for you.
Good luck!
Edited by Roman on Monday 21st March 20:40
paulcockermouth said:
Ok, been to the local Halfords to try a Carrera Kraken @20" and a GT Aggressor XC2 @18"
The 20" was too big for my stumpy legs. I was just about sitting on the bar....the 18" was much better, also didnt feel too small length wise. TBH I couldnt really tell much difference in weight and spec.
I think you've made your mind up already The 20" was too big for my stumpy legs. I was just about sitting on the bar....the 18" was much better, also didnt feel too small length wise. TBH I couldnt really tell much difference in weight and spec.
Weight is overplayed IMO. Better to have a bike that fits you rather than one 1 or even 2Kg lighter. paulcockermouth said:
Thanks for all the replies, it looks like my stumpy legs could cause difficulty. I will be off to the local bike shop to try some different sizes (hopefully tomorrow evening). Although the ghost looks good -
http://www.life-cycles.co.uk/bikes%20mountain/ghos...
seems to be £100 cheaper than all the other se1800?I presume this is the 2010 version?
Just thought i would add that the ghost hasnt got disc brake mounts on the frame so there is no chance of upgrading in the future. I looked at them last year while choosing and this out me off which was a real shame as they are stunning and very light.http://www.life-cycles.co.uk/bikes%20mountain/ghos...
seems to be £100 cheaper than all the other se1800?I presume this is the 2010 version?
Went to 4play in Cockermouth, nice bloke who knew his stuff. He has lots of Ghosts and sells lots. I had a look at an se2000:
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/ghost/se-2000-...
Lovely bike!!
I also mentioned the se1800:
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/ghost/se-1800-...
The main difference is the 1800 isn't hydraulic discs, but cable. Question, does that matter?
Also I'm not sure I want to spen £600 on a starter bike! I really liked the angled down frame of the Ghosts though. It led me into searching around a bit for other slightly differently framed bikes. I found this:
http://www.damianharriscycles.co.uk/prod/mou_0004_...
Thoughts?
Thanks again for all the help!
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/ghost/se-2000-...
Lovely bike!!
I also mentioned the se1800:
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/ghost/se-1800-...
The main difference is the 1800 isn't hydraulic discs, but cable. Question, does that matter?
Also I'm not sure I want to spen £600 on a starter bike! I really liked the angled down frame of the Ghosts though. It led me into searching around a bit for other slightly differently framed bikes. I found this:
http://www.damianharriscycles.co.uk/prod/mou_0004_...
Thoughts?
Thanks again for all the help!
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