Cycling UK Forum

Hi,

Completely new to cycling and getting into it mainly to help with general fitness and weight loss. As a motivator have agreed to take part in 50 mile charity cycle later this year and now looking to get a bike that will be suitable for both leisure cycling (paths/roads mostly) and slightly longer distances. I’ve had a look myself and wondered if hybrid would be best of both worlds but any advice would be greatly appreciated! I’m quite short (5ft) and don’t know if that makes any significant distance.

Thanks

How much are you willing to pay? If less than ~£400 it would probably be best to look for a used bike, may be from a local community bike recycling/refurbishment place or if you have a bike-savvy friend, get them to help you to check out some bikes advertised on Gumtree etc. Also see if LBSs stock any SH bikes, I occasionally see good looking SH bikes for up to £120 outside my cheapo LBS.

If you are willing to pay a bit more, head to Decathlon to check out their hybrids because they are good value. Also check Halfords especially for special offers and use your CUK discount.

A hybrid would probably be a sensible choice for a do-it-all first bike. You can always buy more specialised bikes if/when you catch the bug!

Whatever you go for, make sure it fits and that you can get your hands around the brake levers. Take a test ride if possible.

Have a search on here apropos of the particular requirements of a shorter female - there are a couple of good threads I can remember, from contributing to them.

A hybrid sounds sensible. They come in various flavours. Some are more like mountain bikes with big tyres and front suspension. It's best to avoid these as the suspension weighs it down and makes little difference on the road.

Some are the more road end, with moderately sized tyres, without being too skinny and no suspension. This is the type I'd look at. Don't get too hung up on disc brakes.

Mudguards are a real bonus.

Thanks for all your suggestions. I am looking to keep it under £400 so sounds like SH might be a good option also.
Much appreciated!

Emmalp421 wrote:Thanks for all your suggestions. I am looking to keep it under £400 so sounds like SH might be a good option also.
Much appreciated!

The reason to it keep cheap, because what ever you buy, is probably not what you will want in a year.
You get more fit and used to riding, the setup on the bike will be different that what you started with.
Also what you are interested in will change, maybe to a completely different type of bike.
The hybrid, assuming the fit isn't way off, will make a good hack bike, commuter, shopping trolley.

I think you could get away with £200 and still have a suitable bike.

scottg wrote:The reason to it keep cheap, because what ever you buy, is probably not what you will want in a year.
You get more fit and used to riding, the setup on the bike will be different that what you started with.
Also what you are interested in will change, maybe to a completely different type of bike.
The hybrid, assuming the fit isn't way off, will make a good hack bike, commuter, shopping trolley.

There is an excellent secondhand section here. Put up a wanted ad. Or visit a bike recycling charity. Most cities have one, and the bikes can be really excellent.

A 26 inch wheel bike is also an option for you, given your height.

There are a couple of really good quality ones at below your new budget, which were made by a company called Genesis before they dropped the line in 2018, but they are still available from several suppliers (search Genesis Beta 26)

Ladies road bike.

Plenty of good ones on eBay at really reasonable prices.

Being smaller the frame will be more than stiff enough and put some 28mm tyres will be ok for canal paths and cycle paths.

Cheers James

What Is A Hybrid Bike | Beginners Guide | on you tube

Go on you tube and see what the link above has to say. I found it helpful.

A few years ago now but I managed to get this for my partner for less than half your budget, very lightweight, very high spec, very fast and all the gears you'd ever need for getting up fairly steep hils.


This Specialized Vita is fairly similar if not as high in component specification, the frameset is also part alu/part carbon so strong and lightweight.
IF it was me buying a bike for my partner as a first time bike for a 50 mile ride that could do everything well and be used for longer rides in the future then I would buy this and travel a long way to get it. You won't find much better for the money, certainly not in terms of correct size, lightweight and can take wider tyres if need be.