getting into cycling - haven't a clue!

tomcollins97

I have finally decided to take the plunge and get a bike. Haven’t cycled since I was a kid, which is a long time ago now , and hoping to get fit and have something to do on evenings/weekends besides the pub. Plus, I'm a driver who hates cyclists so hopefully that will change once I'm on the road

Female, about 5’4” and 10 stone.

Don’t have a clue about bikes or what type to get. I cannot see myself using it on a regular commute to work, or on trails! I think that I will be mainly doing roads cycles, taking in the odd hill (on the way to the local). No way interested in racing at the moment. Using the Bike to Work scheme so budget is about €400ish.

Any advice on what type to get, or on a specific make/model.

damoz

tomcollins97 wrote: »

I have finally decided to take the plunge and get a bike. Haven’t cycled since I was a kid, which is a long time ago now , and hoping to get fit and have something to do on evenings/weekends besides the pub. Plus, I'm a driver who hates cyclists so hopefully that will change once I'm on the road

Female, about 5’4” and 10 stone.

Don’t have a clue about bikes or what type to get. I cannot see myself using it on a regular commute to work, or on trails! I think that I will be mainly doing roads cycles, taking in the odd hill (on the way to the local). No way interested in racing at the moment. Using the Bike to Work scheme so budget is about €400ish.

Any advice on what type to get, or on a specific make/model.

Is buget pre or post the discount - ie. 400 (costing you 200) or 800 (costing you 400) ? You can also include some accessories with the purchace on the BTW scheme - lock, helmet etc.

tomcollins97

damoz wrote: »

Is buget pre or post the discount - ie. 400 (costing you 200) or 800 (costing you 400) ? You can also include some accessories with the purchace on the BTW scheme - lock, helmet etc.

Budget is preferable before the tax deduction, at a max I want it to cost me 300 all in, so 600 in the shop!

Hungrycol

Have you looked in any bike shops as to the type you like? Have you had a look in Halfords? It's probably better to ask on here: I've seem x and y, which would be best for my money or I really like z and wonder if anyone else here has/had one?

Captain Havoc

I immediately think of Specialized Allez which are around that price.

Lumen

For €600 the basic choices are between a reasonable flat bar hybrid or (very) entry level drop bar road bike.

Have a look around a few shops (not Halfords, although you may end up buying from them) and talk through your needs with the sales staff.

DirkVoodoo

Don't forget accessories, you are talking at least another 100 euro to get helmet, lights, clothing, etc.

pjordan

Probably not fair (or allowed) to mention any specifc retailers but there's plenty of good independent ones accessable to you in Dublin (Tallaght springs to mind!) that will give you good honest genuine advice and offer you a range of bikes sized and suited to your needs (and will order it especially for you if necessary) which is much more important than the bike shop that just wants to know your buget and will sell you whatever they have in stock for around that price regardless of whether it is suitable for you or not.

Personally I would be looking at a entry level Specialised or LaPierre commuter or hybrid (A cross between a commuter bike and a MTB) complete or fitted out with mudguards, pannier and lights. Even though you may only be thinking of using it on the road I'd still lean towards the hybrid in consideration of potholes, broken bottles, deeply regressed road drainage grates and the awful lack of dropped kerbs in the places where they are most needed. And you never know you might end up finding your wildside and hitting the odd basic untamed trail for which the hybrid will be well capable.

A total budget of €600 should kit you out nicely with a multi geared (20+ for those occasional hills!) bike under 15kg weight, complete with lights, mudguards, panniers, helmet, some cycling gear, a lock, bottle cage and bottle, a spare tube and a basic repair tool kit (Pump, multi tool, puncture repair kit) and possibly even a bike rack if you want to bring it further afield!

I think for the projected use you anticipate the acoutrements are a must if it compells you to say go for a picnic with you picnic panniered away or take a run to the shops for the basics rather than drive. Oh and with the lights and lock ya can always take it to the pub and wobble home with no fear of DUI (CUI might be another thing though!)

G'luck in yer crusade and yer St Paul type conversion from the persecutor of cyclists!

tomcollins97

OK so, took the advice and went to a few shops! Of all the bikes I sat on i liked The Giant Sedona DX. The size of the medium frame felt the best, compared to other mediums that felt huge. Weight is OK and it balanced well. Not the most expensice bike in the shop, but hey, it felt right. it's being kitted out with mud-guards, rear rack (don't know what thats called!) and a chain cover. Any thoughts?

Giant Sedona DX Price: €375
Frame - Giant AluxX aluminium, Fluid formed
Fork - Suntour M2025 63mm travel suspension fork
Shock - N/A
Handlebar - Aluminium riser
Stem - Adjustable quill
Seatpost - Suspension
Saddle - Giant for Women Sport Road - D2, Memory Foam
Pedals - Giant platform
Shifters - Shimano EZ Fire 24 speed
Front Derailleur - Shimano C051
Rear Derailleur - Shimano Acera
Brakes - Tektro linear pull
Brake Levers - Shimano
Cassette - Shimano HG40 11-32
Chain - KMC Z72
Crankset - Shimano M191 28/38/48
Bottom Bracket - RPM cartridge
Rims - Double wall aluminium
Hubs - Formula
Spokes - Stainless steel
Tyres - Kenda K-Shield 700x40mm

petethedrummer

Ignore, was writing my post as you posted.

Lumen

Suspension forks are unnecessary on the road, adding weight and complexity, and the step-through ladies' frame will make it heavier than one with a crossbar.

You might want to try riding this up a hill before you buy it.

km991148

no links with the shop other than bought off them many years ago (and theyare up north.. so a bit out the way.) but there are more options and there are specialized dealer in dub (cycleways and maybe others)

http://www.mcconveycycles.com/store/category/2/7/HYBRID-LADIES/

http://www.mcconveycycles.com/store/category/2/6/HYBRID-GENTS/

got a globe once (mens tho) and they seem good bikes