First bike in a long time! Bit of advice needed

[Ki3r]

Good evening PH.

I'm trying to shift a bit of weight, and looking at getting a bike to help. I enjoyed the bike at the gym, but hated that it was boring just staying still.

I have no idea what is worth looking at and what isn't and hoping someone from here could help.

I popped into Halfords (no idea if they are any good for bikes), just to have a look and there are so many different types I just looked lost.

I'm 6ft 4 and 18 and a half stone, so need something that can cope with this!

Budget wise, around £500/£600, maybe a little more if its worth it.

I have no idea what type I want. I like the idea of one that I can use off road (IE gravel tracks, not massive mountains!).

Any advice would be great . Going to have a look around at some of the other threads and see what I can find myself.

Thanks.

[deadtom]

Halfords tend to be a bit hit and miss... often more miss than hit

Do you have a reputable independent bike shop nearby?

Any good shop will be happy to spend a bit of time talking you through the basics.

[Ki3r]

deadtom said:

Halfords tend to be a bit hit and miss... often more miss than hit

Do you have a reputable independent bike shop nearby?

Any good shop will be happy to spend a bit of time talking you through the basics.

I thought that was the case with them!

No idea, can anyone recommend somewhere in Dorset? Ideally Poole/Bournemouth/Christchurch area?

[Hoonigan]

I was in the same position as you though about 15st and 5'11" and got one of these from Halfrauds....



http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/mountain-bik...

http://www.mbr.co.uk/reviews/hardtail/voodoo-bizan...

Must say its bloody good put about 160 trouble free miles on it so far and I would highly recommend it to anyone.
Bought it with a RRP of £599.99 but only paid £421.30, here's how....

Joined british cycling for £16.00 to get 10% off all purchases in Halfords

Found an online discount code for 10% off MTBs (unfortunately now expired)

Calculated the cost of the bike -10% -10% =£485.99

Bought vouchers from here http://select.halfordsbusinessservices.co.uk for the value of the bike using this 10% discount code ELGHAL13 = £436.50, they arrive next day normally.

Reserved online (click and collect) through Quidco to get £16.20 back

Turn up in store, hand over cycling membership email or card, pay the vouchers send top up with around coin, job done...

A bit if leg work required but a good result I'm sure you will agree

Must be said the lock out on the shocks is a must in my eyes, makes climbing soooo much easier....

Edited by Hoonigan on Thursday 18th September 22:30

[BoRED S2upid]

eBay? You could pick up a giant mountain bike or equivalent for half your budget especially if your new to it and get twice the bike halfords could offer then upgrade in a few years.

[richardxjr]

Road riding is better for weight loss/fitness. But Evans' Pinnacle Ramin 1 29er. Steal @ £400.

[Usget]

Can I be the first to say MX5 335d Cyclocross bike!

[Ki3r]

BoRED S2upid said:

eBay? You could pick up a giant mountain bike or equivalent for half your budget especially if your new to it and get twice the bike halfords could offer then upgrade in a few years.

I've had a look on there, but looking for a shop I can ideally go to and try sitting on them.

Do shops do test rides? Or is that unlikely?

[Benmac]

Ki3r said:

I've had a look on there, but looking for a shop I can ideally go to and try sitting on them.

Do shops do test rides? Or is that unlikely?

Yep, a decent bike shop will let you have a test ride.

[Daveyraveygravey]

I would be very tempted to go second hand. Most shops only let you have a proper ride if you're spending thousands - and in my experience 2nd hand sellers will let you ride round the block to check everything works.
If you buy new, even a good value brand from Halfords and it isn't for you you've got an expensive ornament in the garage. If you get into it you'll want something better pretty quick but you'll have a much better idea of what is right for you and what you like.

[BoRED S2upid]

Benmac said:

Yep, a decent bike shop will let you have a test ride.

And then find someone who's bought one full price 12 months ago been out on it three times and selling it for £300 less

[cailean]

Evans for one of these:
http://www.trekbikes.com/uk/en/bikes/mountain/dual...

[Ki3r]

Thank you for the replies.

I have looked at second hand, but I as I don't know what I'm looking for, ideally would like a shop. Plus it is most likely going to go on the credit card.

[Hoonigan]

As per my post above, do have a look at the voodoo Bizango, you'll struggle to find a better reviewed bike for the money (MBR hard tail of the year last two years) and from my experience it really is very good, also it can be yours for less than £450 if you can be bothered...

Edited by Hoonigan on Tuesday 23 September 08:31

[Ki3r]

Hoonigan said:

As per my post above, do have a look at the voodoo Bizango, you'll struggle to find a better reviewed bike for the money (MBR hard tail of the year last two years) and from my experience it really is very good, also it can be yours for less than £450 if you can be bothered...

Edited by Hoonigan on Tuesday 23 September 08:31

I thought I had replied to this, clearly not lol. I'm going to pop down to Halfords either tonight or tomorrow and have a look at it.

Rather than starting a new thread, what else will I need to get myself riding?

Helmet wise, what do I need to look for? Is it like motorbike helmets, get the best fitting? Light wise, any brands better than others?

And what about security? I've got a shed, however its got a stty lock on it (that most the time everyone forgets to use!). I have a motorbike on the drive with just a disc lock and haven't had any problems in the year and a bit I've had that, and we live in a fairly safe area. Are D locks still the best type of lock?

[Ki3r]

Popped down to a local bike shop today, very friendly and helpful member of staff. Had a look at a few, sat on a couple. I'm 95% sure I'm going to go back and buy a Scott Sportster 30 on Sunday.

Can anyone think of a reason why I shouldn't?

[AC43]

Ki3r said:

Popped down to a local bike shop today, very friendly and helpful member of staff. Had a look at a few, sat on a couple. I'm 95% sure I'm going to go back and buy a Scott Sportster 30 on Sunday.

Can anyone think of a reason why I shouldn't?

Looks fine to me. The OH just got a Jamis at that sort of price/spec and is very happy with it. If it feels good to you, go for it.

[Ki3r]

Cool. Will have a think about it (so not to rush into spending £600!). Friend has kindly offered to help me as well which is good.

Do I need anything else? Going to have a look at helmets and lights, and want one of those computers to see my speed/distance. Which ones are worth looking at?

[j00pY]

Just to chime in and say give it 10 mins on the bike and you'll wonder why you ever wasted time working out in the gym.

[WinstonWolf]

Ki3r said:

Cool. Will have a think about it (so not to rush into spending £600!). Friend has kindly offered to help me as well which is good.

Do I need anything else? Going to have a look at helmets and lights, and want one of those computers to see my speed/distance. Which ones are worth looking at?

I'd use the free Strava app for now and spend the money on kit. Decent shorts are a must after lid and lights.