Can anyone recommend me a bike?

geuro

Hi all

I am looking to buy a bicycle this weekend or in the coming week or so. My main motivation is that i want to improve my fitness, lose a few pounds and stop being so reliant on the car. I will start cycling to work (11k or so), or at least down to the Luas to start (4k or so).

So, since I'm a total newbie to cycling (since i was a kid anyway), I would like to ask some advice.

When consideering the following questions please bear the following in mind. I am over 6'5, male. I would spend €300 no problem, anything above that I would be open to but would need to justify what the extra cash was for. I will not be racing, I want a bike that doesn't need a lot of attention, i don't want anything too heavy because i dont want to be too knackered by the time i get to work. I am not a racer or a mountain biker, somewhere in the middle would be sweet.

1) Can anyone suggest a model for me?

2) Can anyone offer advice on where is a good place to buy?

3) What size do i need? Is it a good rule of thumb if the crossbar around the same height as my inseam?

Any replies very much appreciated..

Cheers

G

Caroline_ie

There are Loads of threads like this on the forum, I redcommend you look back a bit.

Sirrus or similar is what you're looking for.

Fink Goddie

Ive attached a pic of the best bike EVER

Lumen

Fink Goddie wrote: »

Ive attached a pic of the best bike EVER

Interesting.

Whilst the implementation of direct drive allows the bike to legally run without brakes according to Statutory Instrument No. 190/1963: ROAD TRAFFIC (CONSTRUCTION, EQUIPMENT AND USE OF VEHICLES) REGULATIONS, and thus score huge hipster points, I feel that the lack of main triangle prevents effective use of a decent U-lock and thus eliminates this choice on grounds of security.

Also, it looks a tad on the small side for a 6'5" rider.

scottreynolds

http://www.wheelworxbikes.com/product_info.php?cPath=1_16&products_id=1426

Something like that -- If you don't want a racer a hybrid is it really.


http://www.wheelworxbikes.com/product_info.php?cPath=1_5&products_id=1379

These are pretty cool as well. I'd love one if I didn't already have an alright bike.

geuro

That second bike (Giant FCR4 2009 Model) looks nice.... would it present an irresistable target to thieves if i parked it in town and went for a few pints?

kenmc

Lumen wrote: »

Also, it looks a tad on the small side for a 6'5" rider.

How can you tell that from a picture with no scale? I believe those wheels are 700s..

conbob

seeing as we're in ireland maybe get a fold up so you can hop on the luas halfway instead of cyclin the rest and bein soaked

kenmc

conbob wrote: »

seeing as we're in ireland maybe get a fold up so you can hop on the luas halfway instead of cyclin the rest and bein soaked

Else just HTFU

Caroline_ie

kenmc wrote: »

Else just HTFU

+1
We're in ireland, it rains, we're all used to it, deal with it.

DePurpereWolf

Let me try to be helpful.
If you are a newby to cycling, there are a couple of things you need to remember.
Comfort, your behind isn't made of steel yet, and unless you are willing to wear fagpants you will have one sore behind at work. This also goes for the type of bike you want to buy. A racer isn't the most ergonomic, neither is a mountainbike. A dutch bike would be the best, very relaxed, but not really practical when there is hills around. A hybrid would be the best choice for you.

Reliability Bicycles aren't as reliable as cars. they need upkeep and all that. Maybe you want an internal gear system, internal brakes, chain covers, etc. etc.Definitely for going to work, you don't want to be late for work because you'r bike is ****e. E300 doesn't get you a very reliable bike. (but neither is a E3000 race monster).

Pleasure if you have never driven a bike, try them all out, racers to mountainbikes to hybrids to Dutchies to tricycles. No use having a cycle in the garage you hate driving, even if it is quick.

Please buy a second hand bike if you are going to leave it at the pub. My mother in law can kick a dent in those race cycles shown above.

I'm thinking of buying a new bike to commute.
Thinking about the Specialized Comp IG8
Giant Expression N7
Giant Escape M8

Vélo

geuro wrote: »

Hi all

I am looking to buy a bicycle this weekend or in the coming week or so. My main motivation is that i want to improve my fitness, lose a few pounds and stop being so reliant on the car. I will start cycling to work (11k or so), or at least down to the Luas to start (4k or so).

So, since I'm a total newbie to cycling (since i was a kid anyway), I would like to ask some advice.

When consideering the following questions please bear the following in mind. I am over 6'5, male. I would spend €300 no problem, anything above that I would be open to but would need to justify what the extra cash was for. I will not be racing, I want a bike that doesn't need a lot of attention, i don't want anything too heavy because i dont want to be too knackered by the time i get to work. I am not a racer or a mountain biker, somewhere in the middle would be sweet.

1) Can anyone suggest a model for me?

2) Can anyone offer advice on where is a good place to buy?

3) What size do i need? Is it a good rule of thumb if the crossbar around the same height as my inseam?

Any replies very much appreciated..

Cheers

G

Would you consider a single speed/fixed gear. Very low maintenance, light and good fun.

Here's some to consider

http://www.specialized.com/gb/en/bc/SBCExperience.jsp?eid=109

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-GB/bikes/lifestyle/2469/32691/

http://www.pearsoncycles.co.uk/index.html?action=97

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/mountain/product/pista-17056

http://www.chargebikes.com/products/bikes/detail.php?id=13

http://www.cycles-for-heroes.com/bikes/singlespeed-fixed-gear/black-jack

I have a Langster and love it. I actually cycle it more than any of my other ones. Also when you get the cycling bug you'll only want one so it will save you more money in the long run.

Caroline_ie

DePurpereWolf wrote: »

Reliability Bicycles aren't as reliable as cars. they need upkeep and all that. Maybe you want an internal gear system, internal brakes, chain covers, etc. etc.Definitely for going to work, you don't want to be late for work because you'r bike is ****e. E300 doesn't get you a very reliable bike. (but neither is a E3000 race monster).

*FAIL*

How much do you spend on a car v a bike per year ?

DePurpereWolf

Caroline_ie wrote: »

*FAIL*

How much do you spend on a car v a bike per year ?

I'm not talking about money, I'm talking about time.

I don't spend much time fixing holes in my car's tyres, or adjusting the brake pads, or greasing the chains. Leave your bike out in the rain for a month and you can buy yourself a new chain and gear set.

I leave my car out in the rain all the time.

Vélo

DePurpereWolf wrote: »

Let me try to be helpful.
If you are a newby to cycling, there are a couple of things you need to remember.
Comfort, your behind isn't made of steel yet, and unless you are willing to wear fagpants you will have one sore behind at work. This also goes for the type of bike you want to buy. A racer isn't the most ergonomic, neither is a mountainbike. A dutch bike would be the best, very relaxed, but not really practical when there is hills around. A hybrid would be the best choice for you.

Reliability Bicycles aren't as reliable as cars. they need upkeep and all that. Maybe you want an internal gear system, internal brakes, chain covers, etc. etc.Definitely for going to work, you don't want to be late for work because you'r bike is ****e. E300 doesn't get you a very reliable bike. (but neither is a E3000 race monster).

Pleasure if you have never driven a bike, try them all out, racers to mountainbikes to hybrids to Dutchies to tricycles. No use having a cycle in the garage you hate driving, even if it is quick.

Please buy a second hand bike if you are going to leave it at the pub. My mother in law can kick a dent in those race cycles shown above.

I'm thinking of buying a new bike to commute.
Thinking about the Specialized Comp IG8
Giant Expression N7
Giant Escape M8

There's one born every minute!

Vélo

DePurpereWolf wrote: »

I'm not talking about money, I'm talking about time.

I don't spend much time fixing holes in my car's tyres, or adjusting the brake pads, or greasing the chains. Leave your bike out in the rain for a month and you can buy yourself a new chain and gear set.

I leave my car out in the rain all the time.

Now you're just being silly. Everyone knows you shouldn't leave your bike outside in the rain.

Vélo

DePurpereWolf wrote: »

I'm not talking about money, I'm talking about time.

I don't spend much time fixing holes in my car's tyres, or adjusting the brake pads, or greasing the chains. Leave your bike out in the rain for a month and you can buy yourself a new chain and gear set.

I leave my car out in the rain all the time.

Probably just as well with all the time you waste stuck in traffic. If you ride a fixie you'd only have to replace the chain which is probably only about €20-€30. How much does it cost to fill your car with petrol every month?

DePurpereWolf

Aquinas73 wrote: »

Now you're just being silly. Everyone knows you shouldn't leave your bike outside in the rain.

So you don't bike when it rains?

I've had more issues with bikes in my lifetime than I've had with cars.

If you haven't, lucky you. But I know a decent amount of people who do not want to deal with maintenance of bikes and are turned off by having to bring it to the bikeshop for an overhaul every 3 months.

Check out this thread otherwise: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055569973

DePurpereWolf

Aquinas73 wrote: »

Probably just as well with all the time you waste stuck in traffic. If you ride a fixie you'd only have to replace the chain which is probably only about €20-€30. How much does it cost to fill your car with petrol every month?

Oh god girls, why is this turning into a pro car pro bicycle debate?

I am pro bikes, I did not have a car for the last 3 years (just bought one because of possible expansion of the family) and drive to work every day, rain or shine.

I'm not saying get a car, I'm saying for someone who is a new to cycles, consider reliability, consider hub gears, fixies, puncture resistant tyres, etc. etc.

(I would never get a fixie though, I just don't understand why I should, this is the 21st century, why not use gears, didn't aristotles say give me a lever and I can move the world? Maybe I'm missing something)

Lumen

If you want low maintenance just get something with an enclosed chain and hub gears.

kenmc

When a car decides it's sick, it will cost a lot more to get right than a bike will. You're supposed to check your tyre/oil/water on a car every week anyway, so it's the same as oiling your chain and pumping your tyres once a week on a bike. Bikes are WAY simpler to maintain than a car, especially a new car, they're extremely simple machines with very few moving parts.

Fink Goddie

Lumen wrote: »

Interesting.

Whilst the implementation of direct drive allows the bike to legally run without brakes according to Statutory Instrument No. 190/1963: ROAD TRAFFIC (CONSTRUCTION, EQUIPMENT AND USE OF VEHICLES) REGULATIONS, and thus score huge hipster points, I feel that the lack of main triangle prevents effective use of a decent U-lock and thus eliminates this choice on grounds of security.

Also, it looks a tad on the small side for a 6'5" rider.

But u can look past all those other issues as the iggle piggle face makes up for anything this bike lacks! your other half could ride and oopsie daisy bike, how romantic!

Vélo

DePurpereWolf wrote: »

So you don't bike when it rains?

I've had more issues with bikes in my lifetime than I've had with cars.

If you haven't, lucky you. But I know a decent amount of people who do not want to deal with maintenance of bikes and are turned off by having to bring it to the bikeshop for an overhaul every 3 months.

Check out this thread otherwise: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055569973

I do cycle when it rains. I cycled this morning. I'm only cycling a year and I've had practically no trouble with maintenance and just one puncture (the last time I typed that I got one on the way home). there's a hell of a lot more that can go wrong with a car and it'll cost you much more than replacing a chain and gears on a bike. Once you maintain your bike it'll be fine and I don't maintain mine as much as some people on this site. I don't know loads of cyclists but I've never heard of people having to bring them back for a complete overhaul after 3 months, they must have left them out in the rain or something:eek:

DirkVoodoo

kenmc wrote: »

Bikes are WAY simpler to maintain than a car, especially a new car, they're extremely simple machines with very few moving parts.

Exactly, bikes are extremely simple mechanically. It can be intimidating at first, and obviously you will need to invest in a few tools, lubricants, greases, etc. to carry out the work, but there is such a wealth of online resources (sheldon, park tools, here!) that once you learn the basics you will find you can keep your bike running smoothly with minimum fuss.

niceonetom

DePurpereWolf wrote: »

Let me try to be helpful....
If you are a newby to cycling, there are a couple of things you need to remember.
Comfort, your behind isn't made of steel yet, and unless you are willing to wear fagpants you will have one sore behind at work...

I think I've pinpointed the exact moment you began to loose this forum.

DePurpereWolf wrote: »

...didn't aristotles say give me a lever and I can move the world?

No. That would be Archimedes you're misquoting. Precision is important when being a smartarse.

Lumen wrote: »

If you want low maintenance just get something with an enclosed chain and hub gears.

Yep. Or single-speed / fixie. If you do not intend to tackle the hills gears are just not necessary, and internal gearing is unlikely on a €300 budget.

Bike maintenance is no big deal - if you own a bike and intend to use it you have to get your hands a bit oily every now and again. That is not a bad thing. You feed your dog. You wash your clothes. You lube your bike chain. Such is life.

OP - if you're 6'5" you're unlikely to be a featherweight so pay particular attention to wheel strength. You should avoid wheels with less than 32 spokes I reckon and are probably looking at getting a ~60cm frame. Crossbar height is a very unreliable way of measuring a frame as different manufacturers slope the cross bar at differing angles.

The are bargains to be had on the internet but you do have to be able to bolt a few bits on once it arrives. It's not hard.

Chips Lovell

Fagpants? Oh dear. Another man so insecure about his sexuality that he's afraid a pair of shorts will make him gay.

Caroline_ie

el tonto wrote: »

Fagpants? Oh dear. Another man so insecure about his sexuality that he's afraid a pair of shorts will make him gay.

Why ... it doesn't?

DePurpereWolf

Caroline_ie wrote: »

Why ... it doesn't?

I just don't like to have a tena lady in between my legs while cycling.
And I didn't start calling them fagpants, that's just their name.

niceonetom

Wait. Am I a gay man or an incontinent lady now?

Chips Lovell

DePurpereWolf wrote: »

I just don't like to have a tena lady in between my legs while cycling.
And I didn't start calling them fagpants, that's just their name.

Raam

niceonetom wrote: »

Wait. Am I a gay man or an incontinent lady now?

Difficult to tell, Tom, it's difficult to tell.

DePurpereWolf

niceonetom wrote: »

Wait. Am I a gay man or an incontinent lady now?

You are whatever you want to be.

I just won't be wearing your pants.

niceonetom

DePurpereWolf wrote: »

You are whatever you want to be.

I just won't be wearing your pants.

Aw. Will you at least shave your legs? C'mon.

petethedrummer

Buy the racier type of Hybrid like the Sirrus or the FCR. Any loss in comfort is more than made up for with the speed you will gain. There are plenty of big lads on racer type bikes. Magnus for example.

Buy some 3/4 length shorts like these. They have underpants with a pad on the inside and will hide your modesty. I got fed up turning up to work in lycra so I bought a similar pair myself.

By some heap of crap for 50 quid to go to the pub.

2) Can anyone offer advice on where is a good place to buy?

Cyclesuperstore in Tallaght have a very big range.
Wheelworx I also like.

3) What size do i need? Is it a good rule of thumb if the crossbar around the same height as my inseam?

Both shops above will know what size to give you.

geuro

Thanks a lot for all the replies folks. I'll have to spend some time going around the different shops looking for the right bike. I reckon the Giant FCR or a sirrus might be the one

white apples

Are there any bike shops in Dublin that stock Specialized and have good websites?

Caroline_ie

white apples wrote: »

Are there any bike shops in Dublin that stock Specialized and have good websites?

cycleways in town .. cycleways.ie

petethedrummer

The Cycle Inn

DePurpereWolf

Caroline_ie wrote: »

cycleways in town .. cycleways.ie

It's cycleways.com

white apples

Cycle Inn seem to only do Specialized MTB's. Thinking of getting a Specialized Sirrus and only shops I can find on the net that stock them are Cycleways & Hollingsworth. I'm wondering if they let you take them for a spin before buying?

Caroline_ie

white apples wrote: »

Cycle Inn seem to only do Specialized MTB's. Thinking of getting a Specialized Sirrus and only shops I can find on the net that stock them are Cycleways & Hollingsworth. I'm wondering if they let you take them for a spin before buying?

53degrees north @ blanchardtown shopping centre have them on th top floor.

DirkVoodoo

Caroline_ie wrote: »

53degrees north @ blanchardtown shopping centre have them on th top floor.

Do 53 degrees north in carrickmines also do bikes? Worldwidecycles.com, good website, great shop and top sale people. Based in Clonmel, but they deliver anywhere. Personally I would deal with them, worth the small bit of hassle involved in either getting down there or sizing yourself up in cycleways and then laughing to yourself about the business you are depriving them of...suckers.

white apples

DirkVoodoo wrote: »

Worldwidecycles.com, good website, great shop and top sale people. Based in Clonmel, but they deliver anywhere.

Wow, great site. Never knew it existed, and their price is nearly €50 cheaper than Cycleways. Sweet. Thanks.

Raam

white apples wrote: »

Cycle Inn seem to only do Specialized MTB's. Thinking of getting a Specialized Sirrus and only shops I can find on the net that stock them are Cycleways & Hollingsworth. I'm wondering if they let you take them for a spin before buying?

I know Cycleways do.