Looking for new Bike to mostly commute, no Tris or anything really.

djburchgrove

I was thinking of getting a hybrid bike, I am looking to spend about 300 cash, but with a bit of bargaining and the back to work scheme (I would get 21% rate) I reckon I can probably get a bike with a price range of about 500 or so (Do you think?)

Can anyone recommend a good hybrid around this price. My friend recommended his Jupiter Hybrid which he got at a good deal apparently brand new at €280 in the Ferris wheel in Booterstown Dublin.

Thanks in advance.

Tonyandthewhale

First of all, why do you want a hybrid? As regards the jupiter hybrid, can't say without knowing which jupiter hybrid it is but 280e seems a bit on the cheap side to be getting anything decent.

Coronal

Your bargaining power is probably a little reduced with the btw scheme if anything, as the shops add a bit more on. You could probably go with on the Specialized Sirrius bikes. One of my friends got on recently and loves it. I can't remember the prices offhand, but 500-600 seems about right. I presume this excludes lights/lock etc?

What kind of cycling are you planning on doing? A hybrid might not be best suited depending on the length of your commute.

djburchgrove

Tonyandthewhale wrote: »

First of all, why do you want a hybrid? As regards the jupiter hybrid, can't say without knowing which jupiter hybrid it is but 280e seems a bit on the cheap side to be getting anything decent.

Well he told me it costs like 450 everywhere else but the guy in Ferris Wheel sorts people out. I was gonna get a hybrid coz of the more upright sitting position. Also because I will also be using the bik to cycle to friends houses etc, taking some bad roads, and wheels arent as fragile as far as I know?

Im a real newbie, i aint got a clue.

My commute is 8 to 10km. Dunlaoghaire to Ballsbridge. I appreciate any advice, I am not willing to go much more expensive as I am not a keen cyclist (although that may develop) I love cycling but not enough to spend serious cash. like near a 1000 or anything just doesnt make sense to me.

Any help is much appreciated guys. Thanks

Coronal

8 to 10 km is well doable on a hybrid, it's just that it'd be a lot nicer on a road bike. Most wheels aren't fragile: I toured in France and Switzerland on a cheap pair of 20/24 spoke wheels with no issues.

I was in the same position as you a few years ago, and grew to hate my hybrid. It's just not as nice cycle if you ever want to go a little faster, or if there's a headwind and you're tired. But since I got a road bike I've softened back up on it again

Taking a 200 euro hit on a bike sounds a bit odd to me. I'd check the specs first. 500 is probably the minimum you would want to spend on a half decent bike.

djburchgrove

well I will get a 33pc reduction with the scheme, so will get as good a bike as possible up to 350 or so. I wont get enough use to justify spending anything more, i dont think anyway

Tonyandthewhale

How much do you weigh? Because the wheels on a road bike aren't liable to buckle on you unless you're seriously heavy and even so I can't imagine the wheels on a cheap hybrid are considerably stronger.

A very cheap hybrid can be an alright option if you need something you can lock in town regularly and not need to worry about and they're better on the road than mountain bikes but I still don't see the point generally speaking.

You can probably get a decent hybrid cheaper than you can get a decent road bike but you'll still be getting less bike for you money if you buy a hybrid IMO.

Having said that, carrera subway or flatbar kona dew are good options for cheap commuters.

coolbeans

djburchgrove wrote: »

Well he told me it costs like 450 everywhere else but the guy in Ferris Wheel sorts people out. I was gonna get a hybrid coz of the more upright sitting position. Also because I will also be using the bik to cycle to friends houses etc, taking some bad roads, and wheels arent as fragile as far as I know?

Im a real newbie, i aint got a clue.

My commute is 8 to 10km. Dunlaoghaire to Ballsbridge. I appreciate any advice, I am not willing to go much more expensive as I am not a keen cyclist (although that may develop) I love cycling but not enough to spend serious cash. like near a 1000 or anything just doesnt make sense to me.

Any help is much appreciated guys. Thanks

Is this the bike you're talking about? E480 seems a lot for a Chinese cheapie like that. I'd say yer man is making the deal look a little better than it is in reality. If I had something approaching your budget it'd be into Halfords with me for a gawk at the Carrera brand. They're a cheapish but decent budget brand. Have a close look, take note of the differences in quality between that and the Jupiter or any other BSO junk and take it from there. I'm not saying to buy there necessarily but it's a start. The golden rule when buying a new bike at your price range and with your admitted ignorance is to make an informed decision slowly.
To paraphrase what I've just said, don't buy the Jupiter, it's a POS.

djburchgrove

coolbeans wrote: »

Is this the bike you're talking about? E480 seems a lot for a Chinese cheapie like that. I'd say yer man is making the deal look a little better than it is in reality. If I had something approaching your budget it'd be into Halfords with me for a gawk at the Carrera brand. They're a cheapish but decent budget brand. Have a close look, take note of the differences in quality between that and the Jupiter or any other BSO junk and take it from there. I'm not saying to buy there necessarily but it's a start. The golden rule when buying a new bike at your price range and with your admitted ignorance is to make an informed decision slowly.
To paraphrase what I've just said, don't buy the Jupiter, it's a POS.

No, i dont think its that one. His has shimano gears i know that. Okay well I will have a look, after further consideration I will spend 400 i think, that will be a 600 euro actual cost budget without the scheme with no reduction so hopefully I can get a bike in the 6 to 700 range. Any recommendations for that kind of budget? I am not 100pc set on a hybrid.

I will go to the tallaght bike superstore on Friday. I am well over 6 foot so will need a 60" frame

Tonyandthewhale

600-700e is the range for an entry level road bike from one of the bike companies such as giant or trek. Don't expect to get too much off when it comes to bargaining. You might get 10% and some stuff gear thrown in for free or discounted, I wouldn't expect much beyond that.

By the way, the jupiter linked has shimano gears, most bikes have shimano gears, it's not a good or a bad thing as shimano make good stuff and they make utter ****e. I actually think the really cheap sram stufff is better than the really cheap shimano and the shimano knock-offs such as TX, DNP etc aren't really that different.

djburchgrove

10% and some free gear is all I would expect... at the most. As i said i am no cycling connoisseur. I just want a bike that is going to get me in and out of work, and something i can go on a half hour to an hour cycle on maybe twice a week as exercise. If possible id like to get in and out of work as fast as possible without spending an arm and a leg. Ill have a look at the trek 7000 series, I dont know what the entry level giant series are.

Thanks for all help guys, I know my ignorance must annoy you guys but I just want a bike without spending my whole months wage

Undercover Elephant

djburchgrove wrote: »

I know my ignorance must annoy you guys

No it doesn't. We've all been there.

djburchgrove wrote: »

I just want a bike without spending my whole months wage

I understand where you are coming from, but you will probably find the Jupiter expensive in the end. I know a couple of people with one - they're not terrible, but they're not very good either. Bikes built that cheaply tend to break much more easily, and the distance you are commuting is long enough that you're not likely to be able to ignore problems. A couple of repairs and you'll be cursing it. I've seen people become so frustrated with cheap bikes that they abandon them altogether. Even €200 is expensive for a bike you don't ride.

If you really feel you can't get into decent road bike territory, even with the BTW scheme, then I'd agree with coolbeans - get down to Halfords and have a look at the Carrera range. Not for the purist but you'll get a lot more bike for not a lot more money.

djburchgrove

Undercover Elephant wrote: »

No it doesn't. We've all been there.

I understand where you are coming from, but you will probably find the Jupiter expensive in the end. I know a couple of people with one - they're not terrible, but they're not very good either. Bikes built that cheaply tend to break much more easily, and the distance you are commuting is long enough that you're not likely to be able to ignore problems. A couple of repairs and you'll be cursing it. I've seen people become so frustrated with cheap bikes that they abandon them altogether. Even €200 is expensive for a bike you don't ride.

If you really feel you can't get into decent road bike territory, even with the BTW scheme, then I'd agree with coolbeans - get down to Halfords and have a look at the Carrera range. Not for the purist but you'll get a lot more bike for not a lot more money.

Thanks for all the help, Yep well Ive had a look, decided to go racer bike. Was thinking either Giant Defy 4 or Raleigh Airlite R100 Racing Bike. Anyone recommend any others in that <€650 price range??

Im between 6'2" and 6'3" so would a 59cm frame suffice usually? I am in proportion arms and legs lengthwise

Undercover Elephant

djburchgrove wrote: »

Thanks for all the help, Yep well Ive had a look, decided to go racer bike. Was thinking either Giant Defy 4 or Raleigh Airlite R100 Racing Bike. Anyone recommend any others in that <€650 price range??

Im between 6'2" and 6'3" so would a 59cm frame suffice usually? I am in proportion arms and legs lengthwise

That sounds like a reasonable place to start from, but you really have to try out the bikes to get the fit right. If you're in doubt between two sizes, it's usually better to go for the smaller one.

smacl

You may also want to look at what's included for the money. For commuting things like mudguards make sense, as does the option for fitting a pannier. You certainly want puncture resistant tyres for commuting, and the means to fix them in the advent of a flat (spare tubes, levers, pump, repair kit). For winter you'll also need lights of some kind, and a pair of padded shorts also helps. If the bike is being left outside you'll also need a lock. Much of this is the type of stuff you're trying to get thrown in, so make a list before hitting the shop.

While I'm using a hybrid myself and like it, I'd prefer the road bike myself at this point, but it is worth taking both for spin.

petethedrummer

Carrera Subway or Carrera TDF from halfords.

spikeprint

I cycle a Jupiter Kepler, €300 euros and it works like a treat.

rollingscone

Dont blow your BTW scheme on a sensible bike thinking that you'll never want anything else!

Get a 2nd hand hybrid for commuting for now and wait six months before you decide what kind of bike you want. Trust me, I made the "ah sure I'll only ever be a commuter " mistake

Donnelly117

petethedrummer wrote: »

Carrera Subway or Carrera TDF from halfords.

I picked up a Carrera TDF last year, and while I am far from an expert I think its a very solid bike for the money. Havent had a single problem with it...not that its covered huge distances!!!

Link:http://www.halfords.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_11101_catalogId_15551_productId_810707_langId_-1_categoryId_212536

rich.d.berry

I bought a commuting bike last April and my journey is 10.2km each way. My spec was pretty much like yours where I did not want an out and out racer but I wanted something lighter and faster than the cheapo mountain bike I was using at the time and with better brakes, as I'd had a coming together with a car. I went for a bike that cost €600, slightly out of your budget range, and it still needed mud guards, and a rack, and I swapped the pedals for SPDs as well. Total spend was €849.

Be careful not to spend too much for a commuter (I think I may have spent too much, but the €1000 BTW limit had me mesmerised). I use mine all the time for nipping down to the shops as well. In the event of it being stolen do you really want to risk that much of an investment? It's also going to take a bit of a beating with constantly:

• Locking and unlocking, especially in shared bike racks.
• Attaching and removing panniers - better in my opinion than a backpack.
• Also there will be a lot of crud you'll pick up from the road.
• There may be the occasional fall to contend with too.

Let's face it, who wants to fit ugly, but practical, mudguards and racks and lights and bells to a light, pared down, road bike? Believe me you'll want a good bell (I prefer this type over this type because it is louder and easier to operate) with all the sheeplike pedestrians around who will step out in front of you.

If you love cycling enough and want something sportier then save up for a road bike for weekends and summer evenings. I've found that one bike is never enough anyway. You may even decide to hang onto the cycle to work option in case you do decide to get a road bike later. €800-900 Can buy you a reasonable first road bike.

There are a few good bicycles nearer your original price range. You may want to start off by looking at the ones listed below, but would suggest you try them out first. They are from two shops with good ranges, Eurocycle and Cycle Superstore, so there are bound to be some other suitable bikes as well as those I've listed. Raleigh and Giant are both good bike makes. Take your time and don't be bullied into making a quick decision, or into parting with more cash. The salesman will always try to convince you to spend more, so be sure that you are getting real value if you do decide to spend more.

have a look at some lights and other accessories you may want on-line before going to the shop. This will give you an idea of what is available and the price ranges so that when the salesman tries to sell you something then you have an idea of value for money.

Be aware that the same bike may be available in different frame sizes so do not hesitate to try out a smaller or larger frame size for better comfort. They'll need to adjust the saddle height at the very minimum for you. Once you're close to a decision you should ask to take the bikes for a test spin (do at least 1 km and try and use it up and down a hill). You'll know which you feel more comfortable on and will suit you best:

€370 - RALEIGH ROYAL 2008 - A tourer. Not as light as some but should be very tough. It has about everything you'll need, except for lights, already installed.
€400 - RALEIGH AIRLITE SF1.0 - Light bicycle with flat bars. Needs mudguards, rack etc. in addition.
€399 - Giant Escape 3 City Bike 2012 - More upright than the previous two. It has about everything you'll need, except for lights, already installed.
€449 - Giant Cypress City Bike 2012 Slightly higher spec than the previous bike with suspension front forks. There will be a bit of a weight penalty over the Escape.

IF you get it on the bike to work scheme then your employer has to pay the invoice. He can then be re-imbursed via salary sacrifice, up to 7% of your gross per pay period.