What bike do I want for a cycle path commute?
Discussion
Hi all, first time posting in here I think.
Thinking of going back to cycling for my commute, mainly. It's been 15+ years since I've ridden a bike! My old bike was a 'downhill slalom' bike from when I was a teenager, so definitely in need of an upgrade.
Taking a slight detour, I consider myself quite lucky that I could basically make 90% of my journey be on a cycle path. I'm not really keen on a road bike as such, plus on the odd occasion I may wish to go off-road with it (I did used to love cycling in the woods) and it'd be ideal to take on Center Parc holidays etc. so I was thinking perhaps a hybrid? Don't think they even existed when I bought my last bike!
I'm so far out the game I don't really know what to look for any more. How do I go about sizing other than actually going in store and trying some for size?
It'd be nice to get something under £500 but would spend up to £1,000 if it gets me something a lot better.
Happy to hear suggestions so I've at least got a starting point
My brother thinks I'm mad and cycling in the winter will be horrible (he used to cycle a lot) I don't know, I've done it before, but not permanently.
Oh the commute is 5/6 miles 30/40 minutes depending on slight route detours etc.
Thanks!
Thinking of going back to cycling for my commute, mainly. It's been 15+ years since I've ridden a bike! My old bike was a 'downhill slalom' bike from when I was a teenager, so definitely in need of an upgrade.
Taking a slight detour, I consider myself quite lucky that I could basically make 90% of my journey be on a cycle path. I'm not really keen on a road bike as such, plus on the odd occasion I may wish to go off-road with it (I did used to love cycling in the woods) and it'd be ideal to take on Center Parc holidays etc. so I was thinking perhaps a hybrid? Don't think they even existed when I bought my last bike!
I'm so far out the game I don't really know what to look for any more. How do I go about sizing other than actually going in store and trying some for size?
It'd be nice to get something under £500 but would spend up to £1,000 if it gets me something a lot better.
Happy to hear suggestions so I've at least got a starting point
My brother thinks I'm mad and cycling in the winter will be horrible (he used to cycle a lot) I don't know, I've done it before, but not permanently.
Oh the commute is 5/6 miles 30/40 minutes depending on slight route detours etc.
Thanks!
Wow thanks guys that's really great information there!
I don't have to carry a laptop as most of my work is on a desktop or actual heavy machinery. I'm lucky enough to have an office all to myself, which is big enough for three... so storing the bike won't be an issue. My only concern with a backpack (for my lunch) is getting a sweaty back which I always do even if I'm only walking with a backpack on! I think there are showers somewhere lol, but I don't think they're intended for our department to use.
I'm guessing waterproof trousers/jacket is definitely going to help in s
te weather.
As for size I'm 5ft 10" but, although this sounds weird... short arms! Sleeves on tops always run too long for me, and my father-in-law who's 5ft 8" has a longer reach! I guess this'll effect my handlebar setup.
I like the look of the Specialized above, I used to have a Rockhopper back in the days. It seems loooads of bikes are constantly sold out anything above a small though
I don't have to carry a laptop as most of my work is on a desktop or actual heavy machinery. I'm lucky enough to have an office all to myself, which is big enough for three... so storing the bike won't be an issue. My only concern with a backpack (for my lunch) is getting a sweaty back which I always do even if I'm only walking with a backpack on! I think there are showers somewhere lol, but I don't think they're intended for our department to use.
I'm guessing waterproof trousers/jacket is definitely going to help in s
te weather.As for size I'm 5ft 10" but, although this sounds weird... short arms! Sleeves on tops always run too long for me, and my father-in-law who's 5ft 8" has a longer reach! I guess this'll effect my handlebar setup.
I like the look of the Specialized above, I used to have a Rockhopper back in the days. It seems loooads of bikes are constantly sold out anything above a small though
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