Need help picking a bike from halfords

simoncaseys

Hi All,

I got a bike on the bike to work scheme last year and had a lot of problems. To cut a long story short halfords have agreed to replace it. I had an apollo slant (I know I know I was just getting a cheap bike to see if I would use it and it turns out that I like cycling to work). My question is can you recommend a bike from halfords for around 400 mark that would be good for cycling from finglas to town.

Thanks in advance

happytramp

The two below are your best bets. Both are decent enough bikes. The first is faster and better for long distance but takes a little getting used to while the second is slower but possibly more comfortable initially and would make a decent commuter.

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

http://www.halfords.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_11101_catalogId_15551_productId_810737_langId_-1_categoryId_212377

lennymc

+1 on the tdf. I had one for a while and it was perfectly fine.

studiorat

For €440 you could go for this Voodoo bike better all round for commuting I reckon.

lennymc

studiorat wrote: »

For €440 you could go for this Voodoo bike better all round for commuting I reckon.

but then he would have to sell it in 6 months when he realises he should have bought a drop bar bike :P

simoncaseys

Hi thanks for your replys I think so far it between the tdf and the VooDoo.

clonmahon

simoncaseys wrote: »

Hi thanks for your replys I think so far it between the tdf and the VooDoo.

I've had the TDF for about 8 months, no complaints.

simoncaseys

Thanks the TDF is looking better and better the more i look at it

C3PO

studiorat wrote: »

For €440 you could go for this Voodoo bike better all round for commuting I reckon.

..... and at 14kgs would save you on gym fees too! I'd go for the TDF between the two!

a148pro

Also have the TDF and like it. Not quite sure how far Finglas is to town but I'd be tempted to go with something with fatter tyres for that journey, you really feel every bump and and pothole on a roadbike, less so on a hybrid and almost not at all on a good mountain bike. But you really hurt cycling a good mountain bike a long way, less so but still some on a hybrid and much less on a road bike.

If that makes any sense.

If you do get a TDF do yourself a favour and consider replacing the pedals and the tyres. I got multiple punctures on the tyres (thread elsewhere on it).

Incidentally, did any of the other TDF users have a problem with punctures?

clonmahon

a148pro wrote: »

If you do get a TDF do yourself a favour and consider replacing the pedals and the tyres. I got multiple punctures on the tyres (thread elsewhere on it).

Incidentally, did any of the other TDF users have a problem with punctures?

No problems with punctures but then I cycle on rural roads. But your right the tyres and pedals supplied with the TDF are both poor quality and will need to be changed. I should have mentioned that in my first post on TDF.

simoncaseys

Hi thanks that is the kind of info i was looking for had so much trouble with the last bike just want to get some thing that is going to last the miles.

studiorat

RPL1 wrote: »

..... and at 14kgs would save you on gym fees too! I'd go for the TDF between the two!

HA-ha.. Never spotted that.
I think Carrera bikes are great, decent quality and cheap. I have two!! My concern would be how the TDF wheels would stand up to commuting every day, especially if you decide to carry a bag on it. Finglas into the city is hardly up the mountains so I don't see weight as a major factor.

simoncaseys

Im starting to come more around to the Carrera Subway Hybrid Bike now but not going into halfords till monday so will keep comparing the two till then

studiorat

simoncaseys wrote: »

Im starting to come more around to the Carrera Subway Hybrid Bike now but not going into halfords till monday so will keep comparing the two till then

They do one called the Subway 8 with a hub gear which I think is nice, low maintenance. Wouldn't be to gone on the mechanical disc brakes though.

Jagera

I have the subway, love it. No issues and nice ride.

simoncaseys

:DThanks for that thats the kind of reply i was looking for.

oldbie

Any bike particularly recommended for the taller gent?

I find that while most bikes can just about accomodate the long legs through the seat adjustment the equivalent handlebar adjustment is piss poor leading to an incredibly uncomfortable seating position. This is why I'm tending towards a Hybrid rather than a racer as they are the lesser of overly bent back evils.

Comfortable seating positions are hard to find on light fast bikes. Why is it assumed that everyone who wants a comfortable seating position want's to doff their cap to peg sayers and spent 20 minutes at the crossroads on their slow tank weighted high-nellie styled bike.

Okey doke moan over!

Grateful for any suggestions for a fast bike for the taller gent that doesn't involve a requirement for take up accompanying yoga classes

C3PO

oldbie wrote: »

Any bike particularly recommended for the taller gent?

I find that while most bikes can just about accomodate the long legs through the seat adjustment the equivalent handlebar adjustment is piss poor leading to an incredibly uncomfortable seating position. This is why I'm tending towards a Hybrid rather than a racer as they are the lesser of overly bent back evils.

Comfortable seating positions are hard to find on light fast bikes. Why is it assumed that everyone who wants a comfortable seating position want's to doff their cap to peg sayers and spent 20 minutes at the crossroads on their slow tank weighted high-nellie styled bike.

Okey doke moan over!

Grateful for any suggestions for a fast bike for the taller gent that doesn't involve a requirement for take up accompanying yoga classes

The riding position on drop bar road bikes didn't get that way by accident! It is the most efficient and comfortable position for covering distance at speed. If you buy a bike that fits properly you will get used to it quite quickly and anything else will soon feel a bit alien!

26royston

I use the TDF for commuting around town and find it very good and very fast. I would agree that the peddles are poor and could do with being replaced. I also got a few punctures on the tires so replaced them with gator skins. No issues since.

check_six

Hey OP,

It's a pity you spent your bike to work tax break on the Apollo bike, but you're already well aware of this. I think if you are now used to commuting from Finglas to town on a flat bar bike (mtb/hybrid) you'll have no problem with the Subway. However, the distance you are travelling is enough to get a good benefit from the drop bar TDF bike. Cycling to work will be quicker and easier. It's the shape of the bike and the wheels which make you go about 5-10kph quicker with the same effort.

Any of the stuff people have doubts about like the pedals or tyres can be replaced at your leisure once you have the bike, it's not like they are going to explode the minute you take them out of the shop! To avoid punctures you just need to make sure you keep the wheels pumped up to the right pressure.

Save up a bit of cash to get yourself a good U-lock also, if you can.

Happy cycling!