Bike for newbie living in hilly area

gnu

Could anyone help me choose a bike or tell me what features I need?

I haven't cycled for about 15 years, and my fitness is not good! I live near Ballinteer (lots of uphill when coming home from most places but easy on the outward journey).

It's for getting me to and from shops, town etc, maybe the occasional jaunt on a nice sunny day - a few times a week max.

I love the look of Pashleys - not just the aesthetic, also the enclosed gears, brakes etc seem to need less maintenance which is a big plus to someone like me who knows diddly squat about bikes and wants as little hassle as possible. The mudguards, chainguards, racks and basket are all practical too for shopping and don't want oil all over my clothes.

But they seem heavy and only have 3 or 5 gears .... am thinking that combined with my lack of fitness and hills is not a great combo! :rolleyes:

Second hand bikes would be fine - not sure where the best place to look is, would prefer to buy from a shop as I don't have the expertise to recognise a dud if buying from a private seller.

So, could anyone offer any pointers before I make an expensive mistake!

smacl

Well, if its for shopping, and uphill is the way back, you may just want those extra gears. I'd guess most mid-range hybrid bikes would fit the bill, and have mount points for all the accessories. Best thing is to try a few out and see how you like them, many of the bike shops also have good deals on second hand bikes, which IMO can make a good first bike. Try ThinkBike in Rathmines and McDonalds in Rathgar, not sure if there is anything in Dundrum.

Very cheap new bikes are a liability, and should be avoided, see this thread for an example.

gnu

Thanks for the advice Smacl.

I have been looking around and tried a few bikes and I think the gears are a must. I remembered that the last bike I cycled was a 3 speed and it was really hard to cycle - and I was fit back then!

So I am leaning towards a hybrid. The only hybrids I saw were Giant (Escape I think). I see there is an Giant Escape City - the only difference I can see is that it has all the carriers, mudguards etc already fitted - anyone know if it is worth the extra money? I also saw Dawes bikes, Jojave and Dutchess which are more traditional looking but seemed to have a decent number of speeds. There were other makes I'd never heard of for a lot less money - I think there was a Jupiter and Viking. Not sure if these are any good?

Could anyone recommend specific ladies bikes that can take carriers/baskets/chain guards etc with a decent range of gears, ideally €400 or less? The cheaper the better!

And also, what accessories do I need to get? So far I have thought of:

• lock(s)
• helmet
• lights
• hi vis jacket
• pump
• basket/panniers/rack - not sure what setup is best to carry shopping

Edit: I had seen that thread while searching this forum! :eek: I wouldn't really want to buy somewhere like that anyway, would rather go to a "proper" bike shop.

petethedrummer

Cyclesuperstore options - none under €400.

Wheelworx have a few under €400.

Have a read through this to keep your bike safe - http://wiki.boards.ie/wiki/Locks_%26_Security.

gnu

Thanks for the reply and for the links Pete.

I've had a good look around now and I've seen a few bikes in my price range. I'm leaning towards a Giant Escape 4 (possibly the City version that comes equipped with racks, mudguards) or else a Dawes Mojave. They're similarly priced and have a similar number of gears.

These are the 2 bikes - is one better than the other? They seem quite similar to me. I have tried this model of Giant yet but man in bike shop said they were good.
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-GB/bikes/model/escape.city.w/7887/48659/
http://www.dawescycles.com/p-422-mojave-ladies.aspx

studiorat

smacl wrote: »

not sure if there is anything in Dundrum.

ah here!!! do you live on mars or something?

Joe Daly's has been in Dundrum for about 60 years...