What type of bike? Another newbie request for help!
What type of bike? Another newbie request for help!
Hi,
Need some advice on what type of bike I should be looking at - I know the best thing is to go try them, but if I can go in to an bike shop with a bit of knowledge I think I'll make a better decision.
I've signed up to to the London NightRider (100km/64miles) in June so the first aim of the bike is to get me around that intact I know its not much for regular riders but for me its a long way at the moment! The guy I'm doing it with lives in London and said the pot holes are getting ridiculous at the moment so I think I'll need reasonably tough wheels. I intend to keep up the cycling once I've done it. I live in Birmingham not far from the centre so I would be cycling into the city too. So far that says roadie. However, I'd like to be able to use the canal paths (which Brum has lots of and I'm not far from), plus do a little light trails (think Rutland Water). I'd like 700c wheels, I quite fancy drops. I'd also want to fit mudguards and probably a pannier. My budget for the bike is around £450 ideally as I need to get a few extras with it (mudguards, lid & lock). I suspect you will tell me I need to spend more to get what I want.
I think with the above needs I've ruled out a true roadie as I can't fit guards and a pannier. Proper tourers are well out of budget (though it hasn't stopped me drooling over the Croix De Fer), and cyclocross bikes are out of budget as well. Which leaves me with 'hybrids', but then I lose the drops. Help - I'm going round in circles! Anyone been through the same thing? What did you do? Or if you were in the same position, what would you do?
If you spotted my other posts I have a mountain bike atm. I've stuck slicks and mud guards on it so I can start training, but riding that has convinced me that I'd be better off getting a bike more suited to the terrain I'll use it most on (and its dog heavy!)
Thanks for any pointers you can give me!
Need some advice on what type of bike I should be looking at - I know the best thing is to go try them, but if I can go in to an bike shop with a bit of knowledge I think I'll make a better decision.
I've signed up to to the London NightRider (100km/64miles) in June so the first aim of the bike is to get me around that intact I know its not much for regular riders but for me its a long way at the moment! The guy I'm doing it with lives in London and said the pot holes are getting ridiculous at the moment so I think I'll need reasonably tough wheels. I intend to keep up the cycling once I've done it. I live in Birmingham not far from the centre so I would be cycling into the city too. So far that says roadie. However, I'd like to be able to use the canal paths (which Brum has lots of and I'm not far from), plus do a little light trails (think Rutland Water). I'd like 700c wheels, I quite fancy drops. I'd also want to fit mudguards and probably a pannier. My budget for the bike is around £450 ideally as I need to get a few extras with it (mudguards, lid & lock). I suspect you will tell me I need to spend more to get what I want.
I think with the above needs I've ruled out a true roadie as I can't fit guards and a pannier. Proper tourers are well out of budget (though it hasn't stopped me drooling over the Croix De Fer), and cyclocross bikes are out of budget as well. Which leaves me with 'hybrids', but then I lose the drops. Help - I'm going round in circles! Anyone been through the same thing? What did you do? Or if you were in the same position, what would you do?
If you spotted my other posts I have a mountain bike atm. I've stuck slicks and mud guards on it so I can start training, but riding that has convinced me that I'd be better off getting a bike more suited to the terrain I'll use it most on (and its dog heavy!)
Thanks for any pointers you can give me!
Re: What type of bike? Another newbie request for help!
I commute in Birmingham and agree ref potholes!
I would rule out any bike with suspension as it slows you down on road, but you could go for a bike with a suspension seatpost for luxury
For tyres, something like a 700 x 35C is a good compromise, but go for something fairly slick not MTB tyres, I use Schwalbe Marathons
I ride a Trek T30 and find it a great commuter bike, would recommend
I would rule out any bike with suspension as it slows you down on road, but you could go for a bike with a suspension seatpost for luxury
For tyres, something like a 700 x 35C is a good compromise, but go for something fairly slick not MTB tyres, I use Schwalbe Marathons
I ride a Trek T30 and find it a great commuter bike, would recommend
Re: What type of bike? Another newbie request for help!
Thanks for the feedback
Should have probably added that I won't be using this to commute on as I work miles away from where I live
Should have probably added that I won't be using this to commute on as I work miles away from where I live
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Re: What type of bike? Another newbie request for help!
Get a cross bike, perfect for what you want, but get one 2nd hand. £450 doesn't buy you much new, and a £450 new bike will have taken some shortcuts with quality. If you plan on using it more, much better to get a low use 2nd hand bike. It won't wear out so fast and will also hold its value much better. You will, however, have to find someone who knows what they're doing to help you!
Re: What type of bike? Another newbie request for help!
I'd keep an eye on the for sale forum on here, if you're prepared to do a bit of research and wait for the right bike to appear there are some great bargains to be had. Also, given that it's mostly bikes which have been owned by venerable CTC members, it's likely that they've been better looked after than those for sale in your local classifieds. As an example I picked up a mint Thorn tourer for about half its retail price, I'm fairly sure your £450 will get you something special and well suited to the type of riding you'll be doing. Good luck
Re: What type of bike? Another newbie request for help!
...e.g. see the Raleigh Royal currently offered for £200. Full tourer in Reynolds 531, complete with mudguards, racks etc. Just a for instance, I'm not on commission!
Re: What type of bike? Another newbie request for help!
This would be a very good buy if it's the right size. viewtopic.php?f=40&t=47292
Vernon Barker is the B of MB and built their frames. He is highly regarded as a frame builder. Components are top class for a touring bik as well.
I have no connection with the bike advertised other than owning an MB tourer myself. I guess you'd be looking at over £1500 for a new tourer to this spec with frame from a craftsman.
Vernon Barker is the B of MB and built their frames. He is highly regarded as a frame builder. Components are top class for a touring bik as well.
I have no connection with the bike advertised other than owning an MB tourer myself. I guess you'd be looking at over £1500 for a new tourer to this spec with frame from a craftsman.
'Give me my bike, a bit of sunshine - and a stop-off for a lunchtime pint - and I'm a happy man.' - Reg Baker
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Re: What type of bike? Another newbie request for help!
I would definitely agree with the used bike route.
I picked up a very good Kona Jake from my local bike shop for £300 which would meet most of your needs
I picked up a very good Kona Jake from my local bike shop for £300 which would meet most of your needs
Re: What type of bike? Another newbie request for help!
Wow - thanks for all the feedback everyone. You are a helpful bunch aren't you
I to thought a crossbike of some sort would be ideal, but I've not seen any in budget up to now - but it seems there are a couple of Specialized Tricross in the for sale section. They are both from people that have only signed up to sell them though (which means nothing, but you don't get the warm glow of buying from someone you know looked after it). I kind of would like something a bit modern - I realised I have a late 80's Gazelle Formula frame in the garage I had planned to build up as a gentle intro back in to cycling and get my hands dirty to get my head around how to fix my own bike - but that kind of went out the window when I signed on for the charity ride as I need to start training now! (and I would like to fit wider tyres for the ride than it could take & mudguards which it can't).
@dewi1 Where do you ride in from? I'm only in Edgbaston so have no excuse not to ride in to the city!
@bikeandboat - where did you find Kona Jake at that price! Thats a bargain!
If I'm to look at a cross are there any models I should look out for? The ones I can think of are:
Specialized Tricross
Kona Jake (and variants)
Kona Dew Drop
And thats all I can think of.
Other than the drops is there any difference between the flat bar Kona Dews and the Dew Drop? I've seen a few Kona Drops (at various specs) at what look like bargain prices - could I get one of those and stick drops on it later? - just change the bars and breaks/shifters
I'm a little concerned about buying 2nd hand as I don't really know what size I need - I'd rather not trek across the country to pick up a bike thats to big/small. I guess I need to go try some out at a local shop or two to get a feel of what I need.
I ideally want to buy toward the end of next month so I have a few months on it to get used to it - so I have plenty of time to keep my eyes peeled
I to thought a crossbike of some sort would be ideal, but I've not seen any in budget up to now - but it seems there are a couple of Specialized Tricross in the for sale section. They are both from people that have only signed up to sell them though (which means nothing, but you don't get the warm glow of buying from someone you know looked after it). I kind of would like something a bit modern - I realised I have a late 80's Gazelle Formula frame in the garage I had planned to build up as a gentle intro back in to cycling and get my hands dirty to get my head around how to fix my own bike - but that kind of went out the window when I signed on for the charity ride as I need to start training now! (and I would like to fit wider tyres for the ride than it could take & mudguards which it can't).
@dewi1 Where do you ride in from? I'm only in Edgbaston so have no excuse not to ride in to the city!
@bikeandboat - where did you find Kona Jake at that price! Thats a bargain!
If I'm to look at a cross are there any models I should look out for? The ones I can think of are:
Specialized Tricross
Kona Jake (and variants)
Kona Dew Drop
And thats all I can think of.
Other than the drops is there any difference between the flat bar Kona Dews and the Dew Drop? I've seen a few Kona Drops (at various specs) at what look like bargain prices - could I get one of those and stick drops on it later? - just change the bars and breaks/shifters
I'm a little concerned about buying 2nd hand as I don't really know what size I need - I'd rather not trek across the country to pick up a bike thats to big/small. I guess I need to go try some out at a local shop or two to get a feel of what I need.
I ideally want to buy toward the end of next month so I have a few months on it to get used to it - so I have plenty of time to keep my eyes peeled
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Re: What type of bike? Another newbie request for help!
If you are thinking of a cross type bike remember it is end of the cross season there might some 2nd hand bikes coming on the market.
Places to look might be on ebay or try some of the other cycle forums; http://www.timetriallingforum.co.uk/
http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/cyclocross
http://www.veloriders.co.uk/phpBB2/portal.php
and another alternative might to go to Ride Holbrooks road Coventry, the owner is a club mate and a cross rider and might be able to point in the right direction.
Alternatively look out for a good secondhand tourer.
Is your employer a member of the bike to work scheme? It might be worth investigating as you might be able to extend your budget and not have to shell out the full amount up front but it off over 12 months.
Places to look might be on ebay or try some of the other cycle forums; http://www.timetriallingforum.co.uk/
http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/cyclocross
http://www.veloriders.co.uk/phpBB2/portal.php
and another alternative might to go to Ride Holbrooks road Coventry, the owner is a club mate and a cross rider and might be able to point in the right direction.
Alternatively look out for a good secondhand tourer.
Is your employer a member of the bike to work scheme? It might be worth investigating as you might be able to extend your budget and not have to shell out the full amount up front but it off over 12 months.
I stand and rejoice everytime I see a woman ride by on a wheel the picture of free, untrammeled womanhood. HG Wells
Re: What type of bike? Another newbie request for help!
MrBen wrote:I realised I have a late 80's Gazelle Formula frame in the garage
Is it a "Champion du monde"? That's a very nice frame.
Re: What type of bike? Another newbie request for help!
MrBen wrote:W
I'm a little concerned about buying 2nd hand as I don't really know what size I need - I'd rather not trek across the country to pick up a bike thats to big/small. I guess I need to go try some out at a local shop or two to get a feel of what I need.
A relatively foolproof way to get the right size buying secondhand is to ask what height/inside leg the seller is. If they're within a couple of inches of yourself the bike should be a good fit unless they bough completely the wrong size!
'Give me my bike, a bit of sunshine - and a stop-off for a lunchtime pint - and I'm a happy man.' - Reg Baker
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Re: What type of bike? Another newbie request for help!
The unethical way to find out what size you are is to get sized up by a LBS.
The ethical way to do this is to either find a cycling friend who can advise, or pay cash to a LBS to get a fit done (might cost you ~£50, maybe), and use that information to get the right sized bike.
I wouldn't advise using any form of guesswork for this, as getting the fit right is the absolutely critical part of you being comfortable for a ride of that distance.
The ethical way to do this is to either find a cycling friend who can advise, or pay cash to a LBS to get a fit done (might cost you ~£50, maybe), and use that information to get the right sized bike.
I wouldn't advise using any form of guesswork for this, as getting the fit right is the absolutely critical part of you being comfortable for a ride of that distance.
Re: What type of bike? Another newbie request for help!
Once again thank you for all the advice.
The training is on going - I'm still at the 'oh my god I'm so unfit' stage
I've had to cut the budget for the bike though :/ Can't really go over £300 now which is disappointing as it rules out a cyclecross bike (a 2 year old Tricross I was watching on eBay which was local to me went for over £500).
So... I think that leaves me looking at classic tourers, I suspect from the 80's and 90's. Are there any names I should be looking out for? I've been looking for: Dawes Galaxy, Raleigh Clubman and Raleigh Randonneur - are there any others I should keep an eye out for? I really fancied sti gears (mainly because this is what I lusted after as a kid!) but I'd rather get a nice frame that fits than fancy shifters.
I'm also stuck not quite knowing what size frame to go for as from what I've read the older frames size differently to modern ones. And as they are all older frames I can't pop in to a shop to try one for size. They don't make this easy do they?! I'm 5'11 - I think i'm some where between a 54cm and a 57cm. @pete75 - good call on the sizing tip!
@ANTONISH 'fraid not - just a 501 Formula in a really nice colour. I meant to buy a frame with mounts for mudguards etc but got carried away and bought a frame with a decent name in a pretty colour
Cheers!
The training is on going - I'm still at the 'oh my god I'm so unfit' stage
I've had to cut the budget for the bike though :/ Can't really go over £300 now which is disappointing as it rules out a cyclecross bike (a 2 year old Tricross I was watching on eBay which was local to me went for over £500).
So... I think that leaves me looking at classic tourers, I suspect from the 80's and 90's. Are there any names I should be looking out for? I've been looking for: Dawes Galaxy, Raleigh Clubman and Raleigh Randonneur - are there any others I should keep an eye out for? I really fancied sti gears (mainly because this is what I lusted after as a kid!) but I'd rather get a nice frame that fits than fancy shifters.
I'm also stuck not quite knowing what size frame to go for as from what I've read the older frames size differently to modern ones. And as they are all older frames I can't pop in to a shop to try one for size. They don't make this easy do they?! I'm 5'11 - I think i'm some where between a 54cm and a 57cm. @pete75 - good call on the sizing tip!
@ANTONISH 'fraid not - just a 501 Formula in a really nice colour. I meant to buy a frame with mounts for mudguards etc but got carried away and bought a frame with a decent name in a pretty colour
Cheers!
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Re: What type of bike? Another newbie request for help!
For classic frames, I've always found this pretty accurate, e.g. helping size friends/family:
http://www.prodigalchild.net/Bicycle6.htm
£300 should buy you something 90s with indexed gears.
http://www.prodigalchild.net/Bicycle6.htm
£300 should buy you something 90s with indexed gears.