What to buy?

engrish?

Hey,

I was looking at the idea of buying a moped / motorbike but after looking at the figures, they go way too high! Plus a push bike seems to be the more practical for the moment!

I need a bike for getting around the city in a suit. Also, this may be a brain fart but I am considering cycleing into work from time to time which would be about 10 miles. I would need a bike that I can do this in.

I am a complete novice, I havent looked at a Bike in around 10 years so I could really do with advice on what I need, how much I can expect to spend and where to get it.

I was also told that there is a grant available for buying a bike, I will be taking this offer up.

Thanks!

engrish?

Anyone? Prease?

Alanstrainor

I would not recommend cycling into work in a suit, for the simple fact that you'll get sweaty and it rains a lot! Get some cycling gear, and bring a bag with your clothes/suit. That's what i do! It seems a hybrid would suit your needs, what budget did you have in mind?

xz

I think he intends on getting one on the cycle to work scheme, so €1,000, will more than get what he needs

Bunnyhopper

By the sound of it some sort of hybrid (which combines features of a drop-handle racing bike with those of a more robust and upright mountain bike) would be the thing.

Do you have a rough budget in mind? You need to allow for decent lights, mudguards, a good lock (or a couple of very very good locks, depending on where you'll be leaving it - a rule of thumb is to spend at least 10% of the value of the bike on the lock(s)), and then maybe a helmet, pannier bags, wet-weather gear etc.

You'll find a range of hybrids here (an Irish shop) or here (a UK shop).

As you'll see there's a great variation in price and in standard equipment. Some, for example, include luggage racks, mudguards and even lights as standard.

engrish?

Alanstrainor wrote: »

I would not recommend cycling into work in a suit, for the simple fact that you'll get sweaty and it rains a lot! Get some cycling gear, and bring a bag with your clothes/suit. That's what i do! It seems a hybrid would suit your needs, what budget did you have in mind?

Cheers, yeah I was thinking of leaving a suit in work as there is a shower in there. If I cycle in I will change in there and have a shower. Just going through town during the day shouldnt make me sweat any more than walking at a fast pace!

engrish?

xz wrote: »

I think he intends on getting one on the cycle to work scheme, so €1,000, will more than get what he needs

Yeah thats the idea, I didnt realise the budget was so high though!

Bunnyhopper wrote: »

By the sound of it some sort of hybrid (which combines features of a drop-handle racing bike with those of a more robust and upright mountain bike) would be the thing.

Do you have a rough budget in mind? You need to allow for decent lights, mudguards, a good lock (or a couple of very very good locks, depending on where you'll be leaving it - a rule of thumb is to spend at least 10% of the value of the bike on the lock(s)), and then maybe a helmet, pannier bags, wet-weather gear etc.

I guess between €400 - €500 I suppose, if I could get a decent bike second hand cheaper I would take it! I'd be hoping to get a bike with everything that you mentioned bar the raingear included.

Bunnyhopper wrote: »

You'll find a range of hybrids here (an Irish shop) or here (a UK shop).

As you'll see there's a great variation in price and in standard equipment. Some, for example, include luggage racks, mudguards and even lights as standard.

Yeah I had a look around a few websites early and thats why I came looking for advice. With lets say a budget of €400, what would you recommend getting? Is it better to buy new or could I land a good deal second hand?

If i am looking at a new bike worth €400, could I expect to get one similar for €250 second hand?

Cheers!

blorg

engrish? wrote: »

If i am looking at a new bike worth €400, could I expect to get one similar for €250 second hand?

Generally yes, but note that you can only use the cycle to work scheme with a new bike. In an Irish shop €400 will get you a basic entry level hybrid (new) from a reliable brand.

Topmail

Anyone considering an electric bike or have any experience of same

engrish?

blorg wrote: »

Generally yes, but note that you can only use the cycle to work scheme with a new bike. In an Irish shop €400 will get you a basic entry level hybrid (new) from a reliable brand.

Ah, ok. What brand would you reccommend and am I better buying in a shop or online?

Mr Questions.

Lumen

Topmail wrote: »

Anyone considering an electric bike or have any experience of same

No experience, but here's an ill-considered and slightly off-topic rant for you anyway... :pac:

Every product I've ever owned that runs on rechargable batteries has become a useless brick within a couple of years, and I don't see why a bike should be any different. Unless you have some disability which prevents normal cycling, don't bother, and if you do, get something with an internal combustion engine (so don't bother).

The only advantage to electric is that it's not taxed to hell, because for reasons best known to the muppets in power they would prefer that we burn fossil fuels in power stations and waste the resulting electricity in inefficient, expensive, complicated, heavy, toxic battery tech than carry around and burn the stuff in efficient, cheap, simple, light, clean combustion engines where and when it's needed.

Additionally, due to more stupid regulations you can't get an electric bike which "assists" faster than a slow cyclist can pedal because then it gets taxed as a vehicle.

blorg

If it is a first bike and you are buying at the entry level anyway, I would get something from a local bike shop where you can make sure it fits, it will be set up properly and they will service it after. As for brand, Dawes do good value entry level hybrids- something in the Discovery series perhaps would suit, or maybe a town bike that come with racks and mudguards as standard. Best try out a few and decide which you prefer.

kincsem

Make sure it has mudguards.

flickerx

Dont listen to them. Get yourself a nice high end fixed gear bike for around €1,000. You'd get a really nice silver Bianchi Pista for that (and perhaps even put a brake on it too).

engrish?

flickerx wrote: »

Dont listen to them. Get yourself a nice high end fixed gear bike for around €1,000. You'd get a really nice silver Bianchi Pista for that (and perhaps even put a brake on it too).

I assume you're taking the piss but that just went woosh over my head.

lisaloo

might be worth looking at this site www.bikescheme.ie