Didn't realise this forum existed!! Newbie questions
Discussion
Gents. I am considering taking up cycling again for the first time in about 5 years. This is mainly down to wanting to commute to work (side benefit of saving some fuel costs), get fitter and for something to do over the summer (I get 6 weeks off...).
Until now, it hasn't been possible to do this as there were no facilities at work to shower, change or even store clothes. However, this has changed and I have a nice office and shower to use.
My commute would be 6.5 miles each way 5 days a week and 12 miles each way 1 day a week - but 1 mile is the fearsome Ditchling Beacon which is a 1:10 hill that those who have done the London to Brighton will know well.
I've had a look at bikes for sale, but to a newbie the choice is overwhelming. So..
What bike would you recommend I get, based on the above? I'm happy to spend a few hundred pounds but am wary of the fact that I have in the past spent lots of money on a hobby that has only lasted a few weeks - so something used or easy to sell on would probably be best to be on the safe side.
It'll never go off road but will have to be stored outside (covered) when at home.
Until now, it hasn't been possible to do this as there were no facilities at work to shower, change or even store clothes. However, this has changed and I have a nice office and shower to use.
My commute would be 6.5 miles each way 5 days a week and 12 miles each way 1 day a week - but 1 mile is the fearsome Ditchling Beacon which is a 1:10 hill that those who have done the London to Brighton will know well.
I've had a look at bikes for sale, but to a newbie the choice is overwhelming. So..
What bike would you recommend I get, based on the above? I'm happy to spend a few hundred pounds but am wary of the fact that I have in the past spent lots of money on a hobby that has only lasted a few weeks - so something used or easy to sell on would probably be best to be on the safe side.
It'll never go off road but will have to be stored outside (covered) when at home.
hoyin said:
Also buy on the cycle to work scheme. You'll save at least 40%.
Good call, my employer keeps sending me emails about the C2W scheme.Out of interest folks - why do you recommend a Hybrid rather than a road racing bike (probably not the term, but you get the idea).
Genuine question.
Merlot said:
hoyin said:
Also buy on the cycle to work scheme. You'll save at least 40%.
Good call, my employer keeps sending me emails about the C2W scheme.Out of interest folks - why do you recommend a Hybrid rather than a road racing bike (probably not the term, but you get the idea).
Genuine question.
im currently doing about the same millage per week on the CTWC and i have the scott sub10 2010 model,had it since oct and im very impressed with it.
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/scott/sub-10-2...
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/scott/sub-10-2...
Hybrid (or a non-racing road bike if you want drops), that can take full mudguards and a rack.
That's a nice commute, far enough to feel worthwhile and you'll really feel the benefit after a few weeks of it. Wakes you up in the morning, and lots of options to extend on the way home if you feel like it.
How to make it stick: just go and do it. Set a time to leave that gives you plenty of time to go at an easy pace and sort yourself out when you arrive. Get your stuff ready the night before so you can just chuck it on, jump on the bike and go. Buy some rain gear that you can shove in a bag in case you need it. This is a great time of year to start, loads of daylight and good weather. Do it every day for 30 days and you'll have an excellent chance of sticking to it.
That's a nice commute, far enough to feel worthwhile and you'll really feel the benefit after a few weeks of it. Wakes you up in the morning, and lots of options to extend on the way home if you feel like it.
How to make it stick: just go and do it. Set a time to leave that gives you plenty of time to go at an easy pace and sort yourself out when you arrive. Get your stuff ready the night before so you can just chuck it on, jump on the bike and go. Buy some rain gear that you can shove in a bag in case you need it. This is a great time of year to start, loads of daylight and good weather. Do it every day for 30 days and you'll have an excellent chance of sticking to it.
BliarOut said:
29'er MTB with slicks. Quick as a roadie with the right gearing and a more commuter friendly riding position.
Might be a better plan in a few years when 29er parts are easier to find, I have a 29er MTB and it's a pain in the arse to get parts for it, the prices are also higher because of that. Best sticking to cross bikes for the time being for the same reasons.Just ordered a boardman MTB comp on c2w for occasional offroad but mostly a mix of trail and road. Apparently a MTB with lockable front forks will allow you to put narrow tyres on and behave like a hybrid bike, but the reverse is not true..
I'm getting back in the saddle after 18 years .. what have a let myself in for - oh and who has shrunk the saddles they are like knife edges - padded shorts here I come ;-(.
Simes
I'm getting back in the saddle after 18 years .. what have a let myself in for - oh and who has shrunk the saddles they are like knife edges - padded shorts here I come ;-(.
Simes
I'd be tempted to go for a drop barred roadbike to be honest - unless your commute is mostly urban in which case a flat barred roadbike such as a Sirrus would be my choice. If you're not going off road then an MTB or 29er is going to be pointless and slower on road than a road bike or road biased hybrid.
A drop barred roadbike is more aerodynamically efficient at 20mph+ and offers more position options for climbing and cruising. I find mine more efficient and comfortable than my Sirrus outside an urban or offroad environment.
I don't think you necessarily need a cross bike either (unless travelling on very rough tracks or roads or carry a lot) if you find a roadbike with a decent gear range, option to mount a rack and clearance for wider 25mm tyres (if you want to fit them for improved comfort/pothole protection).
I'd try and find a Specialized dealer and try a Sirrus, a Tricross and an Allez and see which you prefer. Obviously there are plenty of alternatives from other brands but the three I mention are all amongst the best in their respective classes.
A drop barred roadbike is more aerodynamically efficient at 20mph+ and offers more position options for climbing and cruising. I find mine more efficient and comfortable than my Sirrus outside an urban or offroad environment.
I don't think you necessarily need a cross bike either (unless travelling on very rough tracks or roads or carry a lot) if you find a roadbike with a decent gear range, option to mount a rack and clearance for wider 25mm tyres (if you want to fit them for improved comfort/pothole protection).
I'd try and find a Specialized dealer and try a Sirrus, a Tricross and an Allez and see which you prefer. Obviously there are plenty of alternatives from other brands but the three I mention are all amongst the best in their respective classes.
BliarOut said:
sjg said:
BliarOut said:
29'er MTB with slicks. Quick as a roadie with the right gearing and a more commuter friendly riding position.
Isn't a 29"/700c bike with slicks and "the right gearing" generally referred to as a hybrid?BliarOut said:
sjg said:
BliarOut said:
29'er MTB with slicks. Quick as a roadie with the right gearing and a more commuter friendly riding position.
Isn't a 29"/700c bike with slicks and "the right gearing" generally referred to as a hybrid?Nick_F said:
BliarOut said:
sjg said:
BliarOut said:
29'er MTB with slicks. Quick as a roadie with the right gearing and a more commuter friendly riding position.
Isn't a 29"/700c bike with slicks and "the right gearing" generally referred to as a hybrid?
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