Cycling to get fit etc - old Dawes Ascent
Discussion
So, its time to get my act together and improve my fitness level, lose some of the tyre that is starting to get comfortable around my waist etc.
Just moved home, and the area around me has lots of great routes to cycle etc. Figured it would a good way to kick start a new routine to go cycling at weekends.
Now, not wanted to be an "all the gear, no idea" type of person, I am reluctant to go splurge my hard earned on a new bike if I am not really sure how much I will get out of this. A friend has offered me his old bike that he no longer uses (and has no used for a long time). Its a Dawes Ascent. I know nothing about it apart from it being a MTB and that it has not been used for a good few years.
Some advice then:
1) Anyone know anything about this bike? Is it going to be better than a £150 halford jobby?
2) Is the bike pretty much irrelevant, since I am only using it for fitness/leisure - so it does not make much difference which bike I have?
3) To get this bike back in shape for use, what would need to be done to it (what needs to be checked, replaced etc etc - and can I do this myself?)
4) What advice would you give on the best way to go about this all and really getting the most out of cycling?
Anything else - please feel free to share!
Just moved home, and the area around me has lots of great routes to cycle etc. Figured it would a good way to kick start a new routine to go cycling at weekends.
Now, not wanted to be an "all the gear, no idea" type of person, I am reluctant to go splurge my hard earned on a new bike if I am not really sure how much I will get out of this. A friend has offered me his old bike that he no longer uses (and has no used for a long time). Its a Dawes Ascent. I know nothing about it apart from it being a MTB and that it has not been used for a good few years.
Some advice then:
1) Anyone know anything about this bike? Is it going to be better than a £150 halford jobby?
2) Is the bike pretty much irrelevant, since I am only using it for fitness/leisure - so it does not make much difference which bike I have?
3) To get this bike back in shape for use, what would need to be done to it (what needs to be checked, replaced etc etc - and can I do this myself?)
4) What advice would you give on the best way to go about this all and really getting the most out of cycling?
Anything else - please feel free to share!
Cheers guys, thats what I was thinking that might need doing (service etc).
As for using it for transport - will try to do that also!
Anyone know anything about this specific make/model? All I can find on google is few references to "retro bikes" lol, and I figure this dates from around '88-'90.
Cant believe you can spend upto £7,000 on a push bike!
As for using it for transport - will try to do that also!
Anyone know anything about this specific make/model? All I can find on google is few references to "retro bikes" lol, and I figure this dates from around '88-'90.
Cant believe you can spend upto £7,000 on a push bike!
I guess the £150 specials are a waste of time then! I will get the Dawes one off my mate and get it sorted out etc.
However, my other half also wants to come cycling, and has no bike. I was looking at a Trek MTB from Halford (since I have around £130 in halford vouchers to spend), and was thinking as a starter that would be good for her. Is Trek another one to be avoided the the plague?
However, my other half also wants to come cycling, and has no bike. I was looking at a Trek MTB from Halford (since I have around £130 in halford vouchers to spend), and was thinking as a starter that would be good for her. Is Trek another one to be avoided the the plague?
This Lance fella, I think I might have just possibly heard of him 
In respect to quality at a certain price, I guess the ultimate question here is that would the Trek at £130 be any better than an Apollo (which as far as I can tell is a Halford only/own brand).
If not, then I might as well just buy a better bike used off ebay etc, and put the vouchers towards my "carrot" bike - the one I will aim to buy later down the line (assuming the vouchers are not going to expire within the next 6 - 12 months).
In respect to quality at a certain price, I guess the ultimate question here is that would the Trek at £130 be any better than an Apollo (which as far as I can tell is a Halford only/own brand).
If not, then I might as well just buy a better bike used off ebay etc, and put the vouchers towards my "carrot" bike - the one I will aim to buy later down the line (assuming the vouchers are not going to expire within the next 6 - 12 months).
Cheers for all the input guys. Will get the bike this weekend and see what needs doing etc to get up ready for some miles. Will try to keep you posted on progress.
Will also see how I get on with getting the OH a new bike too.
Hardest bit will be keeping this (any) cycling routine up during the weekday evenings as winter draws in. I live a bit out in the sticks, and dark country lanes dont exactly fill me with confidence - just have to get some lights, reflective gear and make the most of it though. Weekends will be great however, cycling is a great way to explore also I figure - so get to see the new areas as well as working on some fitness.
Will also see how I get on with getting the OH a new bike too.
Hardest bit will be keeping this (any) cycling routine up during the weekday evenings as winter draws in. I live a bit out in the sticks, and dark country lanes dont exactly fill me with confidence - just have to get some lights, reflective gear and make the most of it though. Weekends will be great however, cycling is a great way to explore also I figure - so get to see the new areas as well as working on some fitness.
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