Beginner...

Ardennes1944

right lads, after playing soccer all my life to date i have decided at 19 to let it go and start cycling. i have cycled alot before around killarney national park mostly but nothing serious.
i have decided i want to do mostly road/concrete cycling but i have no idea really where to start. whats a fair budget road bike for beginners and is there any spots around cork that people here especially like?
reading some of you who cycle around daybreak through quiet country roads and such really does seem like a chance of freedom. also, are there any beginner friendly cycling clubs around cork? i would be looking to cycle outside of ireland at some stage.
thanks guys

Ardennes1944

anyone?

xz

http://www.localclubsireland.com/cycling/cork.html.

As regards budget, I would personally say between €700 and €1000, but others may steer you towards good bargains on bikes online or bike shops locally. If you are working you could avail of the cycletowork scheme, which would be a great start

Ardennes1944

xz wrote: »

http://www.localclubsireland.com/cycling/cork.html.

As regards budget, I would personally say between €700 and €1000, but others may steer you towards good bargains on bikes online or bike shops locally. If you are working you could avail of the cycletowork scheme, which would be a great start

what about second hand bikes? how tough are road tyres in general. would i have to stick to smooth tarmac for the most part while using them?
i have seen a few nice bikes on donedeal.
im still not 100% sure whether i want to go the road or mountain bike route, there are advantages to both. i like the versatility of a mountain bike and the fact i can take it to more out of the way places but i realise i would get more use out of a road bike

xz

Road tyres in general are fine, the trick is to inflate them to the correct pressure as indicated on the sidewall of the tyre, most beginners tend to think that rock solid tyres would lead to punctures more easily, whereas in fact the opposite is true, you run more of a risk getting punctures with under inflated tyres, especially "pinch flats"
As regards buying second hand, that could be the route to go, but I would advise that you get an insight from someone who knows a bit about bikes before you commit to buy, as, as there are many really good second hand bikes out there, there are also a lot of c**p out there, or stolen bikes

Ardennes1944

something like this? would this be suitable for spins/ some racing eventually?
http://www.donedeal.ie/for-sale/gentsbicycles/1982534

xz

Looks good,but thats all. I wouldn't go near it!!!!! The components on that are very cheap, and wouldnt last too long

Something like this would be better for you http://www.donedeal.ie/for-sale/gentsbicycles/1979161. a little bit dearer, but a good beginners bike or this http://www.donedeal.ie/for-sale/gentsbicycles/1968218

GTDolanator

Deutschlandfürimmer7 wrote: »

something like this? would this be suitable for spins/ some racing eventually?
http://www.donedeal.ie/for-sale/gentsbicycles/1982534

NO,that my friend is a cheap piece of ****e

http://www.donedeal.ie/for-sale/gentsbicycles/1895652

something like the above would be a good STARTER bike

Ardennes1944

GTDolanator wrote: »

NO,that my friend is a cheap piece of ****e

http://www.donedeal.ie/for-sale/gentsbicycles/1895652

something like the above would be a good STARTER bike

why is it a piece of ****e? not to be smart or anything. is it the make?
im 6'3 so that wouldnt be ok for me at all would it?

xz

Deutschlandfürimmer7 wrote: »

why is it a piece of ****e? not to be smart or anything. is it the make?

because it has cheap, nasty parts on it, that rear deraillieur, looks like the same kind you would get on a bike from Smyths

GTDolanator

Deutschlandfürimmer7 wrote: »

why is it a piece of ****e? not to be smart or anything. is it the make?
im 6'3 so that wouldnt be ok for me at all would it?

because the quality of the parts is well not best to say the least,you might get a while out of it but given time it will fall apart.


http://www.donedeal.ie/for-sale/gentsbicycles/1981246

this might suit your height and requirments

xz

We here understand that you are probably on a tight budget, as are most people these days, but we would not have you throwing your money away on something that is rubbish. Any advice that you will get here, should be taken on board, most people that use this forum have a lot of experience when it comes to bikes.

You need to get away from trying to get the cheapest bike you can find, and into getting the cheapest "GOOD" bike that may be suggested to you here.

That bike that GTDolanator just posted a link to would be perfect for you, and maybe worth a little haggle

petethedrummer

Deutschlandfürimmer7 wrote: »

why is it a piece of ****e? not to be smart or anything. is it the make?
im 6'3 so that wouldnt be ok for me at all would it?

The grey and black Giant is too small for you and the DaVinci is not worth 400 new.

Roughly speaking you'd want a 58, 59 or 60cm frame. Or a L or XL.

Ardennes1944

petethedrummer wrote: »

The giant is too small for you and the DaVinci is not worth 400 brand new.

any other recommendations?
is there anyone here who has cycled cork to killarney? i have driven it many times but feel it is way to dangerous to cycle on

i have the money but i dont want to take such a plunge into buying a hugely expensive bike in the off chance im not going to use it. i am, how you say, an addict. if i get into something enough i wont be able to let it go and i wish to do this with cycling. i am not naive and realise it is pointless getting a crap bike and then knowing soon after that i shouldve got a better bike for a little more.
i will take advice here whole heartedly as i really as green as you can be regarding bikes. that bike for 380 looks good alright. what are the maintenance periods for bikes such as these? and how much is it for the basic gear and equipment?

DonalK1981

http://www.gumtree.ie/dublin/51/74377251.html

I have photos of it but cannot upload them here. Would be good fit for your height too.

Ardennes1944

DonalK1981 wrote: »

http://www.gumtree.ie/dublin/51/74377251.html

I have photos of it but cannot upload them here. Would be good fit for your height too.

is it same as in pic? how much are pedals to buy?

DonalK1981

Deutschlandfürimmer7 wrote: »

is it same as in pic? how much are pedals to buy?

Same as in pic, but if you PM me your email I will send the real photos. Pedals can range from €10 for basic ones to clip in ones with cleats for attachment to cycling shoe for about €20 for basic ones. The shoes are extra!

There really are mountains to choose from.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/SearchResults.aspx?Search=pedals&CategoryIDs=655,64

DonalK1981

Something like these for use without special shoes

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=63174

Or with

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=5369

Ardennes1944

thanks a million guys, will certainly keep my eye on things. any info regarding the cork-kerry cycle in my previous post?

Ardennes1944

that is a very clean bike Donal. will leave it perculate

redzone

I only got into road cycling last year and was in a similar situation but had some friends to guide me.
You will get good solid advice here from alot of experienced lads but also its no harm to do your own research aswell.
Ask questions on google and start reading,you will find alot of useful info online and if you have further questions you could then post here for more tips.
My tip would be to do lots of shopping around and buy the best bike you can afford and as you progress and learn more then you can change parts etc if needs be or upgrade.
Most importantly enjoy it, have fun and join a club, there you meet others with years of experience to help you on your way and get the benefits of the social side to the sport.

Ps, your in a great part of the country for it aswell,;)

Ardennes1944

redzone wrote: »

I only got into road cycling last year and was in a similar situation but had some friends to guide me.
You will get good solid advice here from alot of experienced lads but also its no harm to do your own research aswell.
Ask questions on google and start reading,you will find alot of useful info online and if you have further questions you could then post here for more tips.
My tip would be to do lots of shopping around and buy the best bike you can afford and as you progress and learn more then you can change parts etc if needs be or upgrade.
Most importantly enjoy it, have fun and join a club, there you meet others with years of experience to help you on your way and get the benefits of the social side to the sport.

Ps, your in a great part of the country for it aswell,;)

i am!? wheres good in cork do you find?:D

thanks for the post. i dont think i know anyone that is into cycling but there is the odd cork boards spin so might try and organise one with the lads on it.
first things first....bike searching

Icyseanfitz

you said you have done biking in killarney? im with the mtb club in killarney and there is a lot of good stuff there (as well as being like an hour away from ballyhoura which is the best place in the country for mtb's in my opinion) just throwing it out there man as it seems from your previous posts you might be interested in the places you can go on a mtb as opposed to a road bike.
As for what bike you would be looking at, well the boardman range in halfords is in the middle of a good sale this is nice for a beginner, but id also suggest sticking a wanted ad on epicmtb.com and madmtb.com
Just my two cents

Ardennes1944

Icyseanfitz wrote: »

you said you have done biking in killarney? im with the mtb club in killarney and there is a lot of good stuff there (as well as being like an hour away from ballyhoura which is the best place in the country for mtb's in my opinion) just throwing it out there man as it seems from your previous posts you might be interested in the places you can go on a mtb as opposed to a road bike.
As for what bike you would be looking at, well the boardman range in halfords is in the middle of a good sale this is nice for a beginner, but id also suggest sticking a wanted ad on epicmtb.com and madmtb.com
Just my two cents

thanks man, i am interested in both. how rough tracks do ye go up? cos im all for that too:D

Ardennes1944

what about this? http://www.donedeal.ie/for-sale/gentsbicycles/1984594
and is this a total load of crap? http://www.donedeal.ie/for-sale/gentsbicycles/1983626

petethedrummer

A 58cm might be a touch small for you and is probably ideally for someone 6'0 - to 6'2 but it could be fine. It all depends on body shape. You would have to take it for a spin to see.

Falcons are fairly rubbish, I think I had a Falcon 'MTB' as a teenager and it wasn't much use.

What a BSO is.... http://www.whycycle.co.uk/buying_your_bike/beware_the_bicycle_shaped_object/

Also when you buy the bike don't expect it to last forever because the bike you had as a kid lasted forever. They need regular maintenance.

Ardennes1944

petethedrummer wrote: »

A 58cm might be a touch small for you and is probably ideally for someone 6'0 - to 6'2 but it could be fine. It all depends on body shape. You would have to take it for a spin to see.

Falcons are fairly rubbish, I think I had a Falcon 'MTB' as a teenager and it wasn't much use.

What a BSO is.... http://www.whycycle.co.uk/buying_your_bike/beware_the_bicycle_shaped_object/

Also when you buy the bike don't expect it to last forever because the bike you had as a kid lasted forever. They need regular maintenance.

i am 6'3 and about 76kgs so slim build. i maintain my cars engine to a very high standard and would treat my bike the same. is it the chain and gearing that tend to go first? would i have to maintain it every 10hours of use, or after every use in the rain or....?

http://www.donedeal.ie/for-sale/gentsbicycles/1909663

petethedrummer

Deutschlandfürimmer7 wrote: »

i am 6'3 and about 76kgs so slim build.

Being slim helps you get a low position. The length of your arms, legs and trunk will affect what frame you need.

Deutschlandfürimmer7 wrote: »

i maintain my cars engine to a very high standard and would treat my bike the same. is it the chain and gearing that tend to go first? would i have to maintain it every 10hours of use, or after every use in the rain or....?

http://www.donedeal.ie/for-sale/gentsbicycles/1909663

The minimum is to just clean the drive train when you see dirt and grit accumulating.

Things that need most changing are usually brake pads, rear gear cables, both brake cables, chains, rear cassettes. Your rear derailler may need occasional adjustment. Also punctures.

Deutschlandfürimmer7 wrote: »

http://www.donedeal.ie/for-sale/gentsbicycles/1909663

Fuji and Trek are good reputable brands. People may be slow to positively recommend a particular second hand bike as noone wants to be even vaguely responsible if the bike turns out to be rubbish. Its up to yourself in the end. A genuine piece of crap will get called out though.

Bikes from Giant, Trek, Specialized, Fuji, Cube, Beone etc.. would usually warrant a 'buy upon positive inspection'.

Ardennes1944

petethedrummer wrote: »

Being slim helps you get a low position. The length of your arms, legs and trunk will affect what frame you need.



The minimum is to just clean the drive train when you see dirt and grit accumulating.

Things that need most changing are usually brake pads, rear gear cables, both brake cables, chains, rear cassettes. Your rear derailler may need occasional adjustment. Also punctures.


Fuji and Trek are good reputable brands. People may be slow to positively recommend a particular second hand bike as noone wants to be even vaguely responsible if the bike turns out to be rubbish. Its up to yourself in the end. A genuine piece of crap will get called out though.

Bikes from Giant, Trek, Specialized, Fuji, Cube, Beone etc.. would usually warrant a 'buy upon positive inspection'.

i read on a guide online that id defo want a 60cm but there doesnt seem to be too many about on donedeal

as regards those parts, how much are we talking for punctures, and the other parts?

petethedrummer

Deutschlandfürimmer7 wrote: »

i read on a guide online that id defo want a 60cm

Sounds right but there can be a bit of leeway. I think my 6'3 housemate rides a 59cm.

Deutschlandfürimmer7 wrote: »

but there doesnt seem to be too many about on donedeal

Not all bikes are sized by cms, some people list them in ads in inches. Giants are done S, M, ML, L & XL. And an awful lot of people don't list the size at all. And to confuse matter further, not all bike 60 cms are the same. A 60 cm Cube is much different from a 60cm trek. What you're looking for is the equivalent of a 60cm traditional geometry bike. Confused yet?

Deutschlandfürimmer7 wrote: »

as regards those parts, how much are we talking for punctures,

€10-15 to get a bike shop to do it. About 20-50p if you patch the tube yourself. €2-6 quid for a new tube if it is unpatchable.

Deutschlandfürimmer7 wrote: »

and the other parts?

www.chainreactioncycles.com will have all the parts you need. There are so many gear combos I'd need to start charging you to give you any more price estimates.

Icyseanfitz

Deutschlandfürimmer7 wrote: »

thanks man, i am interested in both. how rough tracks do ye go up? cos im all for that too:D

all sorts around killarney really from really easy xc stuff to technical xc downhill to full on Downhill, great craic to be had around the place, i really like heading to places that you rarely see other people around and what not, last time i went for a cycle up torc two deer nearly ran into me :eek: you can imagine how that set the blood pumping haha, theres a ton of mtb'ing to be had around killarney

DonalK1981

Deutschlandfürimmer7 wrote: »

that is a very clean bike Donal. will leave it perculate

Cool, that's a 60cm frame too. You're in good hands here, lots of knowledgeable people!

Ardennes1944

wow lads ye really are a helpful bunch!
your bike is 60cm Donal?

SomeFool

Deutschlandfürimmer7 wrote: »

any other recommendations?
is there anyone here who has cycled cork to killarney? i have driven it many times but feel it is way to dangerous to cycle on

I've done it a few times. Both the direct route over the county bounds and through north cork. Never had any issues but would be very unwilling to cycle the Macroom-Ballyvourney stretch if I thought it was going to be busy. County bounds is tough but managable, distance ranges from about 80-120km depending on my route. Hoping to build my milage even more this year and make a run home through west cork!! Good luck with it, well worth it!

Ardennes1944

SomeFool wrote: »

I've done it a few times. Both the direct route over the county bounds and through north cork. Never had any issues but would be very unwilling to cycle the Macroom-Ballyvourney stretch if I thought it was going to be busy. County bounds is tough but managable, distance ranges from about 80-120km depending on my route. Hoping to build my milage even more this year and make a run home through west cork!! Good luck with it, well worth it!

well if you ever doing it in the summer pm me:D

Ardennes1944

opinions? http://www.halfords.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_11101_catalogId_15551_productId_786805_langId_-1_categoryId_212536#dtab

im with axa too so can get 15% off...

SomeFool

I'd go with this, perfect to get started and mind the budget for another few months and upgrade in summertime when you have more money and more mileage in your legs.

xz

Deutschlandfürimmer7 wrote: »

opinions? http://www.halfords.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_11101_catalogId_15551_productId_786805_langId_-1_categoryId_212536#dtab

im with axa too so can get 15% off...

If you are going to buy from Halfords, then ONLY buy Boardman
http://www.halfords.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_11101_catalogId_15551_productId_789261_langId_-1_categoryId_212536
you should be able to get it for around €690.Unfortunately, they dont seem to have any of the cheaper "COMP" bikes in your size which you could have got for about €620

xz

SomeFool wrote: »

I'd go with this, perfect to get started and mind the budget for another few months and upgrade in summertime when you have more money and more mileage in your legs.

In short, NO, I would not advise him to go for that, the only positive of that bike for him, is that he would probably fit on it, and thats all

jerryqu

The Chain Gang in Tralee are probably outside your catchment area but we are running a mentoring program on Sundays. Beginner are welcome to try taster rides, see our site http://thechaingang.cc/ for more info. Its for free, only proviso a roadworthy bike and helmet
You will generally find cyclist more than willing to help you on your cycling journey.
Also look up the Valley Wheelers who are closer to your neck of the woods.

cython

Deutschlandfürimmer7 wrote: »

opinions? http://www.halfords.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_11101_catalogId_15551_productId_786805_langId_-1_categoryId_212536#dtab

im with axa too so can get 15% off...

Run, run a mile (or should I say 1.6km to be more Euro? :P).

That is a very heavy bike, with very low end components. I've seen one assembled by the staff in Halfords too, and even that was botched. For the same price you should be able to get something much better second hand, it just may take a bit longer to happen across one.

I was in a similar position a couple of years ago, looking for a 60cm, and picked up a 2006/2007 Trek 1000 for €390, and while the components on that are a bit older, they are still better than what is on that Carrera, and my 60cm is much, much lighter than that Carrera in a 54-56cm frame. In addition to general riding comfort, if you get the inevitable case of upgraditis, the frame/bike weight makes a difference, as there is little point putting any money into upgrading a painfully heavy frame, whereas a light entry level frame is (slightly) more justifiable, e.g. in time I would like to upgrade my shifters to get rid of the thumbsticks that Sora have, and replace them with the Tiagra or higher style ones.

Ardennes1944

yeah i didnt think buying something budget from halfords would get a god reception
i think i will more than likely be buying donals bike at this stage tbh. sorry to do this donal but can anyone confirm that it is a good bike for 400-450? its the gumtree link a page or so back.

xz

Deutschlandfürimmer7 wrote: »

yeah i didnt think buying something budget from halfords would get a god reception
i think i will more than likely be buying donals bike at this stage tbh. sorry to do this donal but can anyone confirm that it is a good bike for 400-450? its the gumtree link a page or so back.

The Trek itself is a good brand, but not actually having seen Donals bike, no one here can give you a fair assessment, but seeing as Donal has kept to the rules about advertising,and not forced anything upon you, I would be pretty sure that his bike is reputable and well kept.

Deutschlandfürimmer7

Deutschlandfürimmer7 wrote: »

any other recommendations?
is there anyone here who has cycled cork to killarney? i have driven it many times but feel it is way to dangerous to cycle on

I used to cycle Cork to Macroom and back (46 ish miles) on a sh1tty Raleigh Aveo that I bought 8 or 9 years ago. Unless you are really serious about keeping at the cycling I wouldn't be spending mad money on a bike to start with.

SomeFool wrote: »

I'd go with this, perfect to get started and mind the budget for another few months and upgrade in summertime when you have more money and more mileage in your legs.

Looks a good idea to me

Ardennes1944

RoverJames wrote: »

I used to cycle Cork to Macroom and back (46 ish miles) on a sh1tty Raleigh Aveo that I bought 8 or 9 years ago. Unless you are really serious about keeping at the cycling I wouldn't be spending mad money on a bike to start with.




Looks a good idea to me

how much is mad money to you? i dont want to buy a poor buy and then have to upgrade then soon after. hassle and could lose money

xz

Deutschlandfürimmer7 wrote: »

how much is mad money to you? i dont want to buy a poor buy and then have to upgrade then soon after. hassle and could lose money

But when the bug hits, you'll be wanting to constantly upgrade;)

Ardennes1944

xz wrote: »

But when the bug hits, you'll be wanting to constantly upgrade;)

no no ill keep the upgrading to my cars

DonalK1981

Deutschlandfürimmer7 wrote: »

no no ill keep the upgrading to my cars

You say that now!

Lemag

DonalK1981 wrote: »

http://www.gumtree.ie/dublin/51/74377251.html

I have photos of it but cannot upload them here. Would be good fit for your height too.

What's the full spec Donal1981? To me it looks like the shifters in that pic are Compag or SRAM and the wheels look a bit like Khamsins.

Deutschlandfürimmer7

Deutschlandfürimmer7 wrote: »

how much is mad money to you? i dont want to buy a poor buy and then have to upgrade then soon after. hassle and could lose money

Well I'd sooner not spend a grand on a bike and then realise after a few months that cycling is not for me. That €140 yoke looks worth a look, you won't lose much on that if you decide to upgrade after a few months.

DonalK1981

Lemag wrote: »

What's the full spec Donal1981? To me it looks like the shifters in that pic are Compag or SRAM and the wheels look a bit like Khamsins.

It's full Ultegra, with Bontrager Race wheels. That is just a photo from a google search. Not an actual of the bike.