Want to start cycling need advice

[eightseventhree]

I'm looking to get a bike most possibly a road bike although also looking at hybrid bikes.

I don't want to spend the earth somthing like £150 - £200 what sort of thing am i going to get for this range. Not sure on Makes and models etc. Will consider new and second hand

I'm 6ft 1" and weigh 12 stone so kinda average height weight

Cheers

Andy

[Parrot of Doom]

You'll get something that is heavy and made from components which, when they fail, will likely require you to buy a new bike rather than upgrade (although you can nearly always replace with cheapo components).

In short, a bike that'll help you decide if you enjoy cycling or not. At that price range the key is really to go for simplicity.


If you stick at it, you'll love it. The first fortnight will be hardest, your legs will be on fire and your arse will be in serious pain, but once you get past that you'll end up wanting to ride it every day - and its brilliant.

[Zletsgo]

I would try and up your budget a little try here for ideas of price http://www.evanscycles.com/dept.jsp?dept_id=3803 Raleigh Airlite looks ok value for £250

Also do pdf buying guides http://www.evanscycles.com/guides.jsp?item_id=494

Hope that helps

[eightseventhree]

there is a chance my company do the cycle to work thing. although i have no intention of cycling to work as i live 40 miles away what are the chances of getting busted?

[Parrot of Doom]

Nothing to stop you driving 35 miles, then cycling. That way, its 10 miles a day (a good starting distance).

After 2-3 months you'll easily be managing 20 miles a day.

In the summer, once you're stronger, you'll find yourself wanting to do 30 miles or more.

[eightseventhree]

I have just looked at the small print for this cycle to work thing. It states that part of your journey can be by bike. So when i'm supposed to be car sharing i can cycle to work mates house and jump in his car.

What would a budget of 300 - 400 get me in regards to a road bike? Although i would have to order through halfords

[Chris71]

Parrot of Doom said:

Nothing to stop you driving 35 miles, then cycling. That way, its 10 miles a day (a good starting distance).

After 2-3 months you'll easily be managing 20 miles a day.

In the summer, once you're stronger, you'll find yourself wanting to do 30 miles or more.

That's a really good idea. Why the hell haven't I thought of doing that at all!

[prand]

I'd take a serious look at the boardman bikes at Halfords. The hybrid bikes woudl be great for commuting. I've just got the Boardman Pro mountain bike and I'm very happy with it so far.

And no, I've no intention of riding it to work - I have another bike for that. And nobody will vbe checking either.

[sjg]

eightseventhree said:

I have just looked at the small print for this cycle to work thing. It states that part of your journey can be by bike. So when i'm supposed to be car sharing i can cycle to work mates house and jump in his car.

What would a budget of 300 - 400 get me in regards to a road bike? Although i would have to order through halfords

There is no obligation on your employer (or anyone else for that matter) to check that you're using the bike for commuting on.

Halfords can get pretty much anything - if it's not something they stock then they can order it in from elsewhere. Remember the total can include accessories so if you need clothing, helmet, tools, lock, etc then add those on to the amount you apply for.

[eightseventhree]

Ok then i will be spending about 400 on a bike. Any suggestions? Any less than that will be better! I will need to get to halfords within next day for prices. The boardman is just out of what I want to spend at 600 are three carerra range any good?