What to look for in a new bike?
Discussion
Hi all,
MY company have just introduced a bike2work scheme allowing me some pretty healthy savings on a new bike, so I'm thinking of taking the plunge. The thing is, I haven't really got a clue about what I should be looking for in a bike these days (not had one since my cheap MTB about 15-20 years ago).
Bike will mostly be used on the road (country lanes primarily) but with some light off-road (bridleways and the like, nothing too extreme).
All I know is that I don't want a drop-handled road bike, but other than that I haven't a clue what I should be looking for.
Budget up to £500 ish.
Any thoughts (either in response to my post, or pointing me in the direction of a suitable "idiots' guide")?
Thanks in advance.
MY company have just introduced a bike2work scheme allowing me some pretty healthy savings on a new bike, so I'm thinking of taking the plunge. The thing is, I haven't really got a clue about what I should be looking for in a bike these days (not had one since my cheap MTB about 15-20 years ago).
Bike will mostly be used on the road (country lanes primarily) but with some light off-road (bridleways and the like, nothing too extreme).
All I know is that I don't want a drop-handled road bike, but other than that I haven't a clue what I should be looking for.
Budget up to £500 ish.
Any thoughts (either in response to my post, or pointing me in the direction of a suitable "idiots' guide")?
Thanks in advance.
Are you limited to any retailer?
My old scheme was limited to Halfords for example?
Anyway, there aren't many really bad bike out there anymore, just unsuitable ones. You'll be well served with ether a Hybrid (road bike wheels tyres, gearing on a lighter more comfortable MTB style frame) or perhaps a tourer, or the other way a lightweight hardtail MTB.
My old scheme was limited to Halfords for example?
Anyway, there aren't many really bad bike out there anymore, just unsuitable ones. You'll be well served with ether a Hybrid (road bike wheels tyres, gearing on a lighter more comfortable MTB style frame) or perhaps a tourer, or the other way a lightweight hardtail MTB.
Good stuff, thanks for the early feedback. Will do some research over the weekend.
Really would prefer to avoid dropped handlebars.
Regarding retailer, there are a of independents in my area that are part of the scheme, so (presumably) anything is attainable.
Regarding off-roading, it will be limited to towpaths and the like, so nothing too heavy duty.
So once I have a type of bike in mind, will there be much variation on the components at that price (brakes, gearing, frame, wheels etc) or is it all much of a muchness?
For info, the scheme we are using is http://www.bike2workscheme.co.uk/index.php and I am in North West Kent, so any recommended suppliers would be appreciated.
Thanks again for the pointers so far.
eta: So after 2 minutes on Google I see this: http://www.evanscycles.com/products/cannondale/qui...
Good VFM or wide of what I should be looking at?
Really would prefer to avoid dropped handlebars.
Regarding retailer, there are a of independents in my area that are part of the scheme, so (presumably) anything is attainable.
Regarding off-roading, it will be limited to towpaths and the like, so nothing too heavy duty.
So once I have a type of bike in mind, will there be much variation on the components at that price (brakes, gearing, frame, wheels etc) or is it all much of a muchness?
For info, the scheme we are using is http://www.bike2workscheme.co.uk/index.php and I am in North West Kent, so any recommended suppliers would be appreciated.
Thanks again for the pointers so far.
eta: So after 2 minutes on Google I see this: http://www.evanscycles.com/products/cannondale/qui...
Good VFM or wide of what I should be looking at?
Edited by wiggy001 on Friday 13th July 19:27
the Cannondale looks nice but i would be after something with a bit more of a conventional spoke pattern (eg 32 spokes per wheel, crossed over) given your use. those wheels may look very nice but i wouldnt trust them. Whilst there are expensive wheelsets which share a similar spoke pattern, they are far more resistant to becoming loose or buckling. The Giant Rapid range is quite good and worth a look though to be honest, the Boardman is pretty much the best for the money.
Spec will be largely the same throughout all the manufacturers at each price point whether its £500, £1000, etc.
Look for the bikes without suspension, on cheaper bikes its heavy and rarely performs as well as you would hope, you wont really notice a lack of it if yuo keep your body relaxed (especially your elbows and knees) and it will keep the weight down which also helps on cheaper bikes as they can be a bit weighty.
Spec will be largely the same throughout all the manufacturers at each price point whether its £500, £1000, etc.
Look for the bikes without suspension, on cheaper bikes its heavy and rarely performs as well as you would hope, you wont really notice a lack of it if yuo keep your body relaxed (especially your elbows and knees) and it will keep the weight down which also helps on cheaper bikes as they can be a bit weighty.
I've started looking at various bikes around my price-point online and have 2 questions:
The half a dozen or so that I looked up last night all had different components (eg brakes, shifters, gear mechs etc) - is there anywhere that I can compare the individual components to find out what the differences are?
Why do manufacturers not seem to specify the weight of the bike? I know this will vary with size and options, but surely they could give a figure for comparison?
Thanks again
The half a dozen or so that I looked up last night all had different components (eg brakes, shifters, gear mechs etc) - is there anywhere that I can compare the individual components to find out what the differences are?
Why do manufacturers not seem to specify the weight of the bike? I know this will vary with size and options, but surely they could give a figure for comparison?
Thanks again
great bike great spec 5 year warranty on it So after a few visits to various bike shops in the area, I narrowed my choices down to:
Specialised Sirrus Elite
Cannondale Quick 4
My gut feel, all things considered, if to go for the Sirrus (£500 compared to £600 for the Cannondale too).
Does anyone have any thoughts on this?
I also tried the Trek 7.3 and the Marin Belvedere - didn't like the Trek and not 100% on the Marin.
Hopefully sealing the deal later this week
Specialised Sirrus Elite
Cannondale Quick 4
My gut feel, all things considered, if to go for the Sirrus (£500 compared to £600 for the Cannondale too).
Does anyone have any thoughts on this?
I also tried the Trek 7.3 and the Marin Belvedere - didn't like the Trek and not 100% on the Marin.
Hopefully sealing the deal later this week
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