New to cycling, need advice on size/style

Owen

Starting to work for someone else after a few years of being self employed, and I'd really like to cycle to the new workplace. There's an absolute monster of an uphill climb to the place I'll be working, and it's mostly Cork City roads, so I'm guessing a Hybrid bike of some description is worth persuing?

I'm a lover of gadgety things, and I know that I could be talking out my arse, but I'd love push button gears - not the twist grip ones, disc brakes, and front suspension too if possible.

Sizewise, I have no idea what to go for either. I'm 5'8, but I've tiny legs, my inside leg is only about 29 inches.

So, would appreciate any advice on what to look out for. The lighter the possible. I know I haven't mentioned a budget, but if I can narrow down a style/model/size, I can look at either the bike to work scheme, or something used.

Many thanks in advance guys!

Mycroft H

First question. Why front suspension? Unusually rough route? Remember soft front suspension will sap pedal energy. I don't like wasting energy.


You would need a small frame size. Something like a 19-21inch frame would probably suit. A lot of medern frames have sloping top tubes, so frame sizing is a lot more flexible than it used to be.

I'm going to suggest something against the grain here. Something with an internal gear hub. Should satisify the gadget head in you. Planetary gears are contained in a hub shell. In real fancy versions can have up to 14 seperate speeds. I love the idea of them. Clean lines and low maintenance - something to value in a commuter bike.

Drop bar or flat bar? Up to yourself. I spent ages on flat bar MTBs and hybrids until I moved to a "racer" style drop handlebar. They excel over long distances where multiple hand positions are nice but the flat bar (with bar ends) is an excellent compromise.

Disc brakes are awesome. Enough said.

Disc brakes, internal gear hub and something a bit different. I'd love one of these.

Owen

Suspension just cause I like it I guess, my wrists aren't particularly strong and I'm a Muso, last time I rode a bike without my hands were a lot sorer on stage for the night than normal. That's probably the most wishy washy excuse ever given on here!!

I visited Halfords today and had a look at the Carrera Crossfire 3, but was suprised how heavy it was. The attitude of the staff in this particular branch (Not all Halfords mind) stank, so I won't be buying there. Got chatting to the first bike shop I bought a bike in, Cyclescene in Cork, and they're still great guys. Looking at one of the Kross bikes in there - I've spent a lot of time in Poland, so the Polak in me wouldn't mind buying the Kross for that reason.

Turns out my new workplace does Bike 2 Work, so I may be able to shoot above my budget and get something nicer.

Tonyandthewhale

Get some decent mountain biking gloves and good quality handlebar grips/tape and get a handlebar set up that allows you to change handle-bar position regularly (ie drop bars or butterfly bars although flat bars with risers would work too) if your hands are sore.

Any suspension fork worth having is going to be a few hundred euro on its own. If you've got a budget around the carrera crossfire range then you're wasting your money with suspension. Even a decent quality suspension fork is going to be designed for off-road use though so it'll be overkill on the road unless you switch it to lock-out in which case it's just dead weight really.

Lumen

The most comfortable, ergonomic and fun thing to go up and down hills on is a conventional drop bar road bike, but they tend to be a bit more expensive than hybrids of similar component quality and start at about €700 for something decent.

There's not much point in advising on specific models if you're going to be using the BTW scheme. Read the (extensive) thread on it, visit a couple of shops and come back if you have specific questions about components. You usually get better value buying off the internet but it can be a hassle with the BTW scheme (difficult but not impossible).

I also don't think there's much point pandering to any real or perceived physical weakness when buying a bike. Decide what sort of cycling you'll be doing, buy a bike that suits that, then fix your problems with physio or whatever.

OEMBS

Pity about the halfords, go in and ask for Joe in the bike dept, explain what happen previously he wont be happy as he is the man! He will look after you if you are interested.

As above front sus not needed for the road, adds weight if nothing and cheap forks dont help ya! As for your sore wrists, get the bike setup for yourself i.e bar height and rotation. I moved my mtb bars back a few degrees and done wonders for my right wrist. Plenty of gears, you may not need them but the handy just incase! Internal hubs are great until they decide not to go, then its an expensive replacement.
My advise, get something cheap for starters see if you take to it, then get cycle2work form your employer and get something dearer for cheap!

Owen

I go out and do one gig, and I come back and this thread is full of information I knew nothing about. Lads, thanks a million, I've more of an idea of what I'm looking for now in a bike. Really appreciate it!