WHat bicycle to buy

optimistic11

HI all, I am looking at buying a bike for general cycling to get fit and enjoy the outdoors, BUT there is way to much choice out there. This is a pretty long post, so my apologies for this.
I am looking for a bike that will be pretty rugged (but no off road cycling, all road, but some of the roads around us aren't great surface wise.Had been thinking of one with an rear internal gear hub with hydrolic brake discs.
I want a bike that is relatively easy to maintain and pretty robust. I am not a reckless kind of guy and tend to mind/care for things pretty well.I think that basic repairs would be within my capabilities.
I had been looking at buying new (my employer will not co-operate with the buy to work scheme) and am now thinking of buying second hand and possibly becoming more open to the gear sprokets rather than internal hub gears.
Is it mad to consider buying second hand seeing I am not experienced in bike repair? Probably a daft question, but how risky is it in buying second hand?
I would have been willing to spend up to 800/900 euros, but if I could spend less on a second hand one I would be much happier :-)
For genreal cycling, is a hybrid better than a road bike or is it personal preference? Are drop handlebars better than cross handle bars?
My apologies for the long post and any comments will be gratefully received.

disco1

optimistic11 wrote: »

HI all, I am looking at buying a bike for general cycling to get fit and enjoy the outdoors, BUT there is way to much choice out there. This is a pretty long post, so my apologies for this.
I am looking for a bike that will be pretty rugged (but no off road cycling, all road, but some of the roads around us aren't great surface wise.Had been thinking of one with an rear internal gear hub with hydrolic brake discs.
I want a bike that is relatively easy to maintain and pretty robust. I am not a reckless kind of guy and tend to mind/care for things pretty well.I think that basic repairs would be within my capabilities.
I had been looking at buying new (my employer will not co-operate with the buy to work scheme) and am now thinking of buying second hand and possibly becoming more open to the gear sprokets rather than internal hub gears.
Is it mad to consider buying second hand seeing I am not experienced in bike repair? Probably a daft question, but how risky is it in buying second hand?
I would have been willing to spend up to 800/900 euros, but if I could spend less on a second hand one I would be much happier :-)
For genreal cycling, is a hybrid better than a road bike or is it personal preference? Are drop handlebars better than cross handle bars?
My apologies for the long post and any comments will be gratefully received.

Most modern bikes are fairly bomb proof id get a road bike as it would meet all criteria it could be fitted with 25c tires rather than standard 23c if roads are really bad.the drop bars offer loads or positions and the bike would suit if you find your self getting more into cycling look at specialized allez or giant defy these are industry bench marks at price you stated and yes second hand is great as long bike is looked after.

extremphonixx

Bicycle theft has increased hugely, just to be aware. 2 of my mates had their 1000 euro bikes taken in the last month

Just to be awareJ

optimistic11

Thanks guys for the advice so far. Will look at the bikes you suggested and take them as a bench mark.
Yes, I expect that stealing high quality bikes will become more of an issue.I am thankfully living in a quiet area, but that is changing :-( Thanks again

Dermot Illogical

In your position I'd be looking for a good quality 2nd hand steel racer. Comfortable, and very long lasting.
Either that or change jobs.

slimboyfatty

hey, I have a Brand new Specialized Crosstrail for sale at the moment. I just got it on Monday on the Cycle to Work program. Its costs 600 euro new and I think it my be right up your alley. I got it at Cycleways and and the receipt as proof of purchase and am looking for just 400 euro for it. The reason i'm selling is because I changed my mind after ordering the crosstrail and have since bought a Cannondale Badboy Fatty R9. Here is the link if your interested. http://www.adverts.ie/bikes/specialized-crosstrail-hybrid-disc/1573301