A bike for a newbie

tuxy

Hey guys, with the weather improving I want to use a bike for getting around. As I get into better shape I would like to be covering distances of 50 miles or more. I have no interest in taking part in races but all my cycling would be on tarmac. I'm guessing there is much better value to be had second hand.
I'm a bit lost so any advice welcome

Budget max: €400

petethedrummer

New there are Carreras from halfords. Not awe inspiring but they'll do a job.

Second hand the most popular are:
Specialized Allez,
Giant Defy,
Giant SCR,
Trek 1.x.

Alot of these have been bought since the bike to work scheme was introduced and crop up on donedeal/adverts fairly frequently.

tuxy

Cool will check donedeal and advert for those makes. I'm 6 feet tall so what should I be looking for in size? Or will most bikes be ok for my height?

petethedrummer

Probably a 58cm in Specialized and Trek. And a L or M/L in Giant.

There are other good manufacturers to consider too. Cube, Beone, Fuji, Lapierre and more.

Carrera aren't great, Raleigh aren't what they used to be (but slowly improving). Falcon not good.

mcmoustache

I'd recommend a hybrid if it's just for general usage. They're basically a bountain bike with thinner tyres. I have a trek 7210 myself which I got second-hand for €180 and I think it's great for day-to-day usage.

Also, don't forget to get a good lock. I spent €50 on a Kryptonite Evolution but you need a good lock if you're ever leaving your bike in a public place. Think of it as insurance.

pmcd22

Giant Defy 4 is a good option and should get it for just under the 400e second hand.

smacl

I ride a hybrid myself and love it, but the consensus here seems to be for longer distances (e.g. the 50 miles mentioned) you're better off with a road bike. If you've got friends with bikes try borrowing them and see what you find most comfortable, remembering that what's comfortable when you first get on may not be so two hours later.

studiorat

petethedrummer wrote: »

Carrera aren't great, Raleigh aren't what they used to be (but slowly improving). Falcon not good.

Have to disagree. For a €400 bike Carrera are better value than many of the "names". The frames are sturdy and the componentery is usually better value than a similarly priced bike. They are "factory-direct" therefore have one less chain of supply to add expense to. What lets them down IMO is the fact that they are built by generally under-trained staff.

At that price point all bikes are mass produced in China or Taiwan often by the same companies.

http://allanti.com/articles/where-was-my-bike-made-pg328.htm

petethedrummer

studiorat wrote: »

Have to disagree.

Thats fair enough. I've never ridden one so I have no direct experience. Just relaying what I've generally read on here. I have seen people happily knocking around Dublin on them.

tuxy

Great guys, that gives me plenty of bikes to look up. I still think a road bike will work out better for me than a hybrid just because of the distances I intend on cycling. I measured my inseam and think a 56cm - 58cm should be perfect for me. Loads of second hand bike available just kind of difficult to find one that's my size.

brownh66

If you are interested I have a Kellys Axis Hybrid bike for sale at half price on Adverts.ie. It was bought new in 2010 and is as good as new.
http://www.adverts.ie/bikes/kellys-axis-red-hybrid-bicycle/491196

smacl

tuxy wrote: »

I still think a road bike will work out better for me than a hybrid just because of the distances I intend on cycling. I measured my inseam and think a 56cm - 58cm should be perfect for me. Loads of second hand bike available just kind of difficult to find one that's my size.

If you are interested I have a Kellys Axis Hybrid bike for sale at half price on Adverts.ie. It was bought new in 2010 and is as good as new.
http://www.adverts.ie/bikes/kellys-a...bicycle/491196

Heh, did 130k in the hills on a very similar Kellys bike last Sunday. If you don't find a road bike for your budget, the above is not a bad option for the money asked, and may be worth checking out. You're probably right to go the the roadie first, but its good to have a plan B when you're on a budget.

tuxy

Just to put closure on this thread.
I went a bit over budget but got this. http://www.adverts.ie/bikes/specialized-allez-compact-double-09-56cm/485722

It's in immaculate condition. Delighted with it. Thanks for all the advice guys.