Buying a new bike

Bebs · 23-09-2010 9:36am #1

Hello all,

I've had a look at the boards.ie bicycle wiki and there's a wealth of information there. I'll be honest though, I don't know my arse from my elbow when it comes to specifications and even the type of bike that would be best suited to my needs. I hope to get my bike through the bike to work scheme. I was thinking some class of a road bike since it's the roads I'll be sticking to. My previous cycling was done on an old mountain bike but I don't feel like that was the bike most suited to the cycling I was doing. The bike will be my main transport to work but I'd also like to use it for cycling at the weekends.

Could you guys give me any tips for what I should be looking for in a new bike?

Any help is much appreciated.

Bebs

ILA · 23-09-2010 9:42am

Avoid mountain bikes if you're going to be using it for commuting regularly. I used to use a Giant Rock MTB but it was a challenge, quiet a heavy bike despite an aluminum frame.

Lumen · 23-09-2010 9:44am

Decide up front whether you want to use muguards and/or a rack, as it is more hassle to fit these if these frame does not have the appropriate mounting points and tyre clearance.

Caroline_ie · 23-09-2010 9:48am

Hi Bebs - What is your budget?
I think you do need a Road bike however if you are using it to commute, bear in mind you will need to store it somewhere safe with a good lock or two.
Trek, Giant, Specialized etc do great level entry road bikes around 700 euro.
If you are in Dublin, I recommend having a look at Wheelworx Bike Shop at Liffey Valley or even a more local shop like Joe Daly in Dundrum.

Bebs · 23-09-2010 10:13am

Cheers for the speedy replies guys. I'm looking to invest around €700 but my utmost limit would be €1000.

I suppose that having the flexibility to mount mudguards and a rack would be desirable. I'd imagine that I will be using mudguards given the weather.

Raam · 23-09-2010 10:26am

Remember pedals and shoes. Most higher end bikes don't come with pedals. Then you have shorts, jacket, pink bar tape...

Bebs · 23-09-2010 10:31am

Raam wrote: »

Remember pedals and shoes. Most higher end bikes don't come with pedals. Then you have shorts, jacket, pink bar tape...

:eek:

I presume I'd get shoes to match the pedals? Should I expect the accessories to run into serious money?

Raam · 23-09-2010 10:36am

Bebs wrote: »

:eek:

I presume I'd get shoes to match the pedals? Should I expect the accessories to run into serious money?

First decide the style of pedal you want. Then pick a pair of shoes which are compatible, comfortable and which you like the look of.

Road cyclists usually go for a road type pedal, Shimano SL, Look Keo are two of the most popular.

PROS: very comfortable over longer distances due to the bigger pedal, more solid feeling, IMHO.

CONS: you cannot walk around easily in the shoes. Not a problem for me cos I go for CYCLES not WALKS+CYCLES.

You can also get SPD style pedals which are primarily for MTB, but are popular with some folk who wanna go for walks while cycling. Weirdos.

Some pedals are more for touring so they incorporate a large platform with the SPD style system.

Bebs · 23-09-2010 1:59pm

I'll be doing very little walking in my cycling shoes. Is it definitely a road bike I should be looking for? I'm afraid I broke the pedals on my last bike. They were plastic but I must've have been using them incorrectly as they were only a few weeks old. I'm 6'2, so would there be an optimum size range for me in terms of frames?

funkyjebus · 23-09-2010 2:49pm

Bebs wrote: »

I'll be doing very little walking in my cycling shoes. Is it definitely a road bike I should be looking for? I'm afraid I broke the pedals on my last bike. They were plastic but I must've have been using them incorrectly as they were only a few weeks old. I'm 6'2, so would there be an optimum size range for me in terms of frames?

most hear like myself prefer road bikes, but it does depend on you. the only other option would be a hybrid. dont go for a mtb. frame size depends on your inside leg really, but at a rough you'd need at least a 58/60. drop into your lbs and see what is most comfortable. between 700 and 1k i recommend the boardman comp.

Cranky Mc Funhouse · 23-09-2010 3:19pm

It depends on the type of commute you have, if its a 90 minute round trip on a motorway or a dedicated cyclelane then a roadbike would be more suitable. If its a shorter journey with potholes, footpaths etc to contend with then a hybrid fitted with slick tyres would be more suitable as expensive road bikes while faster are more susceptible to damage. Also try to get the best quality locks you can afford theres nothing more appealing to a bike thief than a shiny new bike!

Raam · 23-09-2010 3:34pm

Cranky Mc Funhouse wrote: »

It depends on the type of commute you have, if its a 90 minute round trip on a motorway or a dedicated cyclelane then a roadbike would be more suitable. If its a shorter journey with potholes, footpaths etc to contend with then a hybrid fitted with slick tyres would be more suitable as expensive road bikes while faster are more susceptible to damage.

Nah, road bike all the way. No one cycles on footpads or motor ways, right?

rp · 23-09-2010 3:52pm

Bebs wrote: »

Hello all,
Could you guys give me any tips for what I should be looking for in a new bike?

An very useful commuter is the On-One Pompetamine. This model is the 8-speed hubgear (low maintainance), takes mudguards and racks no problem, nice steel frame - none of that aluminum bone-jarring, tyres up to 32, and won't offend your Italian work colleagues like the Pompino does. Perfect.

Cranky Mc Funhouse · 23-09-2010 5:34pm

Raam wrote: »

Nah, road bike all the way. No one cycles on footpads or motor ways, right?

I meant the occasional yet inevitable mounting/dismounting of footpaths for safety which were all forced to do at times i assume and the use of buslanes on some motorways which is perfectly legal for cyclist to use eg. parts of the n2. While i do appreciate the 'road bikes only' mentality that seems to pervade this forum this person is looking for impartial advice on bike choice.

Raam · 23-09-2010 6:41pm

Cranky Mc Funhouse wrote: »

I meant the occasional yet inevitable mounting/dismounting of footpaths for safety which were all forced to do at times i assume

I cannot think of a single instance when I have had to that. Even so, a road bike is well capable. They are robust machines. Unless you buy a dog of a bike.

Cranky Mc Funhouse wrote: »

While i do appreciate the 'road bikes only' mentality that seems to pervade this forum this person is looking for impartial advice on bike choice.

I'm very impartial. I've used both an MTB and a road bike for years for commuting. I defo recommend a road bike.

Bebs · 28-09-2010 2:29pm

Cheers for the input guys. Could you recommend any good bike shops that would cater to my needs? I'm living out in Ashbourne, Co. Meath along the N2 but I'm more than happy to travel within the Dublin area.

Raam · 28-09-2010 2:35pm

Bebs wrote: »

Cheers for the input guys. Could you recommend any good bike shops that would cater to my needs? I'm living out in Ashbourne, Co. Meath along the N2 but I'm more than happy to travel within the Dublin area.

Try Humphries Cycles, just down the road from you near Finglas. It's on McKee Road just off Glasnevin Avenue.

Buying a new bike

Comments