After a new Bike, bewindlering choices.

[NextSlidePlease]

Ok let me set the scene. At the ripe old age of 41 I have got the bug for biking, mainly doing 20/30 mile runs up and down the canal at the minute to shift timber.

My first bike which has served me well is an easyjet orange carrera vengeance which I got from marketplace for 50 quid. Bit tatty in places but does the job admirably.

I am now getting the itch for something new now that I am enjoying riding, and trail biking is on the horizon too.

Where would your money be going for an upgrade? I like the trek marlin bikes but I was expecting them to be lighter but it's a tad heavier?

And also at a fairly lofty 6ft5 height, is a large frame/27.5 wheels sufficient or do I need to look at 29s? Bigger frame?

Finally difference between mountain bike and hard tail in usability? And are hydraulic brakes a worthwhile upgrade?

I am completely clueless about all this.

Thanks in advance

Edited by NextSlidePlease on Saturday 29th August 15:06

Edited by NextSlidePlease on Saturday 29th August 15:10

[Rough101]

Those Carreras are fine for what you are doing.

New saddle, faster tyres, new cables and brake friction will improve it.

Some of these £350 bikes are as good as the £1000 branded bikes which have a £500 brand tax.

By the time you go above £1000 list they start improving.

[dave123456]

Worth looking at gravel bikes. Nice selection and more of a do it all bike

[mattvanders]

NextSlidePlease said:

Ok let me set the scene. At the ripe old age of 41 I have got the bug for biking, mainly doing 20/30 mile runs up and down the canal at the minute to shift timber.

My first bike which has served me well is an easyjet orange carrera vengeance which I got from marketplace for 50 quid. Bit tatty in places but does the job admirably.

I am now getting the itch for something new now that I am enjoying riding, and trail biking is on the horizon too.

Where would your money be going for an upgrade? I like the trek marlin bikes but I was expecting them to be lighter but it's a tad heavier?

And also at a fairly lofty 6ft5 height, is a large frame/27.5 wheels sufficient or do I need to look at 29s? Bigger frame?

Finally difference between mountain bike and hard tail in usability? And are hydraulic brakes a worthwhile upgrade?

I am completely clueless about all this.

Thanks in advance

Edited by NextSlidePlease on Saturday 29th August 15:06

Edited by NextSlidePlease on Saturday 29th August 15:10

At 6.5ft I would be looking at XL or even XXL depending on the bike to be honest, I know fit is very personal but getting a bike to fit your size just makes it all more comfortable as well as confident.

If you are looking at the lower end (all relative to how much you can spend on the top end of things) I would say it’s still better to buy a better bike than try to upgrade one bit at a time. As for is it better to buy new or second hand it would depend on what type of bike you are after - mountain bike, adventure bike/gravel or road.

How much you looking to spend?

[Frimley111R]

dave123456 said:

Worth looking at gravel bikes. Nice selection and more of a do it all bike

Aren't they just big tyres and slightly beefier racing bike frame?

[Master Bean]

Voodoo Braag and Horde are on sale. You get a 29er and hydraulic brakes. 9 or 10 speed.

https://www.halfords.com/bikes/mountain-bikes/vood...

[oddball1313]

Buy a decent gravel bike would my advice, ignore sizes as they are meaningless unless you know your fit. Go to a decent reputable dealer and get a fit first before buying the bike. Don t skimp, buy a bike that looks cool as you ll ride it more

Edited by oddball1313 on Sunday 30th August 15:40

[NextSlidePlease]

Thanks for your thoughts so far.

One thing I'm struggling with, frame size appears to be the height from the pedal centres to the top of frame?

By increasing the height of the seat does that not achieve the same thing? Or does the wheelbase also increase with frame size too?

I might go down to my nearby Halfords and just test sit a few to get a feel.

I will probably buy a good used one rather than brand new.

[HenryV1415]

Don’t go to Halfords, they haven’t a clue. Go to a proper bikes shop. They will give you far better advice and you’ll get to see some proper bikes.

If you’re 6’5 then you are going to need the largest of frame sizes, but…they are all different and some will fit better than others. This is where a good shop is invaluable because they will show you that a bike which fits you is the MOST important ctiteria. You won’t know what fits you at this stage of your cycling career so take advice and try a few out.

I am 30 years in the cycle trade

[Phooey]

Look for the nearest Specialized Concept Store and go try some out. My nearest (Nottingham) was extremely helpful, relaxed and patient. Something like a Sirrus starts from £575 and on 12 months 0% interest free if you wanted to spread the cost.

eta - if it's not too far from you it looks like there is a large Concept store in Harrogate

Edited by Phooey on Sunday 30th August 07:28

[stargazer30]

NextSlidePlease said:

Thanks for your thoughts so far.

One thing I'm struggling with, frame size appears to be the height from the pedal centres to the top of frame?

By increasing the height of the seat does that not achieve the same thing? Or does the wheelbase also increase with frame size too?

I might go down to my nearby Halfords and just test sit a few to get a feel.

I will probably buy a good used one rather than brand new.

At your size, assuming you're near 50/50 torso to leg proportions you are looking at a 58cm frame (or XL), maybe slightly bigger. The numbers vary by brand but you will be in that ball park. Don't buy a frame that's too small and raise the saddle, the fit will be poor. You will likely find the bars are too low or close and you may get toe overlap (where your feet strike the wheel when turning).

I'd suggest a gravel bike as they are more efficient (aka you will get less knackered) on paved surfaces than a Mountain bike. Roads bikes can be uncomfortable for riders that are 40+ and are not used to them, and you will be limited to where you can go on it. As for makes, Boardman are at the budget end of the market but still make excellent bikes. The ADV 8.9 being one of them. Anything by Trek, Specialized or the other big brands you are paying for as much for the name as what's on the bike.

I only started riding during covid during my mid 40s and I really got the bug for it. Me and my trusty gravel bike have done multiple multi day tours now. From my own experience after buying several bikes and eventually building my own, bike fit and comfort comes first. Forget about the bike weight. You are 90% of the weight you are moving anyway. You will go further and faster on a bike you are comfy on vs one that is breaking your back, wrists and neck to save 1kg of weight.