Bike for complete beginner

[AlexMiller]

I'm looking for a bike for an adult complete beginner, who's not yet too steady on a bike. Tips on what to consider?

To be clear, this is not a post about someone who knows casual biking and is a beginner in road biking, mtb or the like.

Many thanks

[simonhill]

You could try seeing if there is a local bike recycle centre near to him. They are charities that take old bikes and do them up for sale. You can usually get pretty good advice as well.

Otherwise and without knowing your budget, I would think a trip to somewhere like Decathalon or even Halfords for a browse and a chat.

Also, remember that a rank beginner will quickly become experienced so don't aim too low.

[thelawnet]

Most people would probably head for a flat-barred hybrid.

https://www.evanscycles.com/pinnacle-ne ... e-EV339931 - road-oriented

https://www.evanscycles.com/pinnacle-li ... e-EV339938 - slightly more for offroad, though the above is still fine on towpaths in reality

try to avoid knobbly tyres, and suspension forks

[PJ520]

+1
try to avoid knobbly tyres, and suspension forks

Knobbly tires can make it feel like you're riding through sand and suspension forks add weight/maintenance for no benefit unless you are doing off road stuff. The late Sheldon Brown, to some the guru's guru on cycling matters, maintained that tread on a road tyre is no use.

[David9694]

How much do you want to pay, where / when do you want to ride? London, Peak District or Fens?
Light, strong, cheap - pick any two.

These are some of the standard bike buyer questions.

The Pinnacle Neon 2 2020 Hybrid looks a decent choice - flat bars if you only want to road ride for up to 60-90 minutes - most people want to be able to change positions a bit after that. The bar ends will help. Changing over to drop bars is prohibitive.

The Alu frame manages to be light, strong and cheap, and you’ve got a decent spread of gears. There are hub gear systems if you are feeling more conservative.

You’ve got the potential for mudguards. Do you want a rear carrier?

The handlebar stem can be swapped out for shorter or longer if necessary. Give yourself time to get used to the saddle. Looks like a nice long seat post - you may find you want to raise the saddle as you improve.

With any new bike, things “bed in”, in the first couple of weeks: things come loose, gear cables stretch a tiny bit which can throw your gears out, so an adjustment may be needed there.

You probably want to budget for a lock, a pump and maybe a few tools/ a multi tool.

To carry the above I like my SKS saddlebag because it’s easy to put on / remove: e.g. https://www.tredz.co.uk/.SKS-Tour-Bag-L ... _69778.htm

[Bonefishblues]

OP was last active 6 minutes after initial post, as often happens.

[TrevA]

OP was last active 6 minutes after initial post, as often happens.

Perhaps people think they will get an instant answer, get bored when they don’t and then never return?

[Bonefishblues]

OP was last active 6 minutes after initial post, as often happens.

Perhaps people think they will get an instant answer, get bored when they don’t and then never return?

I guess almost by definition, we'll never know!

[simonhill]

It's what I call the Google effect. As said, they post and expect an instant answer. It's one reason I like to go back with questions or seeking clarification. Many of these posts just end up as regularly repetive internal discussions.

Can anyone AI Brucey?

[freiston]

OP was last active 6 minutes after initial post, as often happens.

Don't forget that they could be reading replies without logging in.

[skyhawk]

I'm looking for a bike for an adult complete beginner, who's not yet too steady on a bike. Tips on what to consider?

To be clear, this is not a post about someone who knows casual biking and is a beginner in road biking, mtb or the like.

Many thanks

Again a question with no budget mentioned, £100 or £5000 ?

[skyhawk]

OP was last active 6 minutes after initial post, as often happens.

Don't forget that they could be reading replies without logging in.

At least they could say, as is courteous when you receive an answer I ALWAYS say thank you

[gaz]

I'm looking for a bike for an adult complete beginner, who's not yet too steady on a bike. Tips on what to consider?

1. Adult cycle training. Your local authority may offer this either free or at a small cost, bike hire may be available.
2. Look for somewhere you can hire/try out a number of different bikes in a safe environment.
3. If you find you enjoy cycling and wish to do more you might change your mind about the right bike. Don’t worry, N+1 always applies.

[David9694]

Hi Alex (OP)

Any thoughts? What did you decide to go for?