Which bike to buy

LeoB

Howya folks,
Thinking of getting a bike so I can get out a bit more with kids during the summer and bring them to Mayo on Holidays.

Just a peek at Halfords and see 2 bikes that look ok to me.

1) Appollo Phaze €225
2) Appollo Firecracker €249.00
I have approx €300 and this includes lights & helmet

I would appreciate some advice on which would be best. I would hope to use it a bit when we are home on back lanes and roads.
Whats the difference with full suspension and hardtail
What tyres would be best or least likely to puncture!! any hints or tips would be much appreciated.

Thank you

kenmc

- if you want to use it on roads, don't get a mountainbike.
- I wouldn't waste any money on an apollo bicycle shaped object - save your money and get a decent second hand hybrid from a real manufacturer.
search the forum for more info - this topic has been done to death.

MungoMan

google "bike shaped object"

There is much written about them, these entry level bikes have quality issues, to put it mildly

In Halfords,the Carerra range are fine for people who want a new bike on a budget, they are regarded as having an acceptable level of quality.

Tonyandthewhale

If you do a search you'll see there was a thread on here recently about a guy with an apollo bike (think it was the slant) where the handlebars and seat both came loose on his first ride not because they weren't tightened properly but just because the tolerance on the componentry is so low that it works itself loose. These cases of neglect are well known on cheapo mountain bikes.

I'd say consider the carrera subway for about 300e from subway or look on adverts and start a wanted thread on the adverts section of this forum for a second-hand hybrid. Stay away from any sort of suspension unless you want to add a couple of hundred euro to your budget for a hardtail or about a thousand euro more for a good full sus frame which will still only be any good off-road.

LeoB

Thanks for replies folks. Looks like I need to keep saving.

Where would you recommend I look shop wise? Im in North Dublin so anywhere between Drogheda and Dublin city and county.

Will look through threads.

Thanks again
LeoB

Tonyandthewhale

Shopwise halfords have some good cheapish stuff in their carrera range just stay away from apollo and trax (also be aware that a lot of their 'mechanics' don't know the first thing about bikes so be sure it's put together properly if you buy there). Cyclesuperstore in tallaght are probably the biggest bike shop in the country and have a good selection as far as I remember.
If I were you I'd try and look online (gumtree, adverts, done deal etc) for something second hand as a new bike for under 300e generally isn't worth having and even at 300e you're not getting any thing top class.

Where-ever you do go looking for a bike look for the simplest one you can find because it's better if your money goes towards decent essengtials such as decent frame, wheels and gears rather than flashy extras such as suspension and disk brakes. Also, mountain bike tyres aren't necessarily more puncture resistant than decent road tyres and are only more grippy in mud or loose gravel conditions so avoid these too.

Beasty

Leo

Your nearest shop is TMG Cycles in Skerries. There is also Richies Bike Store in Swords and the Cycle and Angling Store in Balbriggan

All have excellent reputations, and have staff that could help you choose the right bike and accessories.

Squidgy Black

Little Sport in Fairview are great, I got my road bike and mtb from them.

LeoB

Beasty wrote: »

Leo

Your nearest shop is TMG Cycles in Skerries. There is also Richies Bike Store in Swords and the Cycle and Angling Store in Balbriggan

All have excellent reputations, and have staff that could help you choose the right bike and accessories.

Should have known to P.M your good self. Hope your keeping fit!!!
Will pop into these during the week. Didnt know there was a shop in Skerries. Thanks for that

Leo