Advice on bike shopping

LeeroyJones

As my patience with Dublin traffic is growing ever thinner, my petrol budget is eating the rest of my budget, the only thing that seems to be growing is my belly... so I'm getting a bike.

Now, I don't know much about bikes (other than how to ride one) and where to start buying one so any help is welcomed and appreciated. My price range would be in the 300-400 region and my needs are getting around Dublin with a backpack. I'm 6ft and 85kgs if that has any bearing!!

Are there any good 2nd hand shops/websites or is buying 2nd hand risky?

Thanks in advance

Beasty

Do you know if your employer participates in the Bike to Work scheme? This allows for the purchase of a new bike for up to €1,000 with tax relief on the purchase price. This would probably allow you to get a new bike for the cost of an similar 2nd hand one

I recommend a pannier rack and panniers rather than a backpack. You can carry more, it puts less strain on your shoulders/back and you dont get a sweaty back.

For around town cycling, on the road, the hierarchy is thus: mountain bike<hybrid<road bike. Unfortunately the pricing follows a similar pattern. If your employer does the Bike To Work scheme see if you can pick up a road/touring bike with eyelets on the frame for a rack and mudguards.

I use one of these for getting around: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4a/Trek_7200_(2008).JPG (not mine, but you get the idea) a bit slow and heavy but rugged and can carry heavy loads.

short circuit

You've left out too much information there.
Is this only for commute?
How long is the commute?
Do you plan on cycling in your work clothes?

Something like this with all the accessories included .. though you might want to get a better lock.

Something like this or this would be very suitable for commuting and internal gears are usually fit and forget as long as they are annually serviced. They are easier maintenance and less to go wrong ... though difficult to fix at home if they do.

All the above are slightly above your budget new .. but would be good, solid bikes ... and you wouldn't have to throw a lot getting separate racks etc etc.

daymobrew

Deleted User wrote: »

I recommend a pannier rack and panniers rather than a backpack. You can carry more, it puts less strain on your shoulders/back and you dont get a sweaty back.

I only discovered panniers last year - I could have used them for the last 20 years cycling to school/college/work. They are brilliant.

Boardnashea

I started last year on the 5 speed gents Falcon that has sat in the shed for the past 15 years. I got tracksuit pants and a couple of running tops. Pennys provided a high vis lightweight coat for €20 and a good helmet (with rear light) from On Your Bike. Bike was stollen after a few months and I considered a new bike via the scheme but went back to OYBike and Derek sorted me out with a second hand mountain bike for €140 or so. And a lock! Relective ankles from L/Aldiland. I'm using a backpack at the mo but looking forward to getting sorted with panniers v shortly. I reckon €250 could get you well on the way and if it proved worthwhile then consider a better investment via the scheme. You'll also know a bit more about what you want then. I bet if you knocked on three doors of neighbours you would find something to get you started. Or try one of the free trade sites.

tomasrojo

If you're new to cycling in traffic in rush hour, Cyclecraft is a very good read. You can borrow older editions from the public library. It's nicer to find out some things from a book than from experience.