Is this bike any good?

the goon

Hi just wondering if anyone could tell me if this bike is any good:

http://www.halfords.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_11101_catalogId_15551_productId_786807_langId_-1_categoryId_212377


I am a complete (but enthusiastic) novice.
I need to buy a bike which will take a child seat on the back but which I can take for regular cycles on my tod.

Unfortunately, money is a constraint, bike to work is not an option and so max budget would be about 400.(T.T)

Any advice much appreciated.

ford2600

Donedeal, adverts on this site, for 400 you'd het a lovely 2nd hand bike. Lots of people bought with btw scheme and never used them.

the goon wrote: »

Hi just wondering if anyone could tell me if this bike is any good:

http://www.halfords.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_11101_catalogId_15551_productId_786807_langId_-1_categoryId_212377


I am a complete (but enthusiastic) novice.
I need to buy a bike which will take a child seat on the back but which I can take for regular cycles on my tod.

Unfortunately, money is a constraint, bike to work is not an option and so max budget would be about 400.(T.T)

Any advice much appreciated.

Boardnashea

+1 Go second hand from the web or from your local bike shop. €150 - €200 should have you well sorted. And if from your LBS then they will hopefully look after you for maintanence down the road.

Lumen

Yes, those Voodoos are supposed to be decent.

studiorat

They are a pretty decent bike ideal for what you'll be doing with it.

There's also the Carrera subway, do they still make them?

Have you budgeted for a child seat and helmet for the kid?

the goon

Thanks for all the feedback. Unfortunately, I would be useless buying second hand as I don't know much about bikes, whats good, whats not. Also having looked at donedeal & adverts, there wouldnt be much in my area and I am unable to travel much at the mo.

Yes I have allowed for helmets, childseat, lights & lock in my budget, which would leave me at a stretch, € 400 for the actual bike.

My local bike shop is a Raleigh dealer but I don'tseem to be able to find anything which would seem to suit.

langdang

That does look good actually. The tyres are quite big for road use if you want long distance or speed, but if tis commuting/dropping the kid off places and an hour on a fine evening then it looks good.
Those tyres would allow you to take it off road in dry weather no problem.

(I have a similar style of bike - Giant Seek - but that Voodoo seems give better value for money)

studiorat

the goon wrote: »

My local bike shop is a Raleigh dealer but I don'tseem to be able to find anything which would seem to suit.

You could try Penny Farthing in Camden St. or the place in Rathmines. But I don't think you'd find a better price than out in Halfords.

doopa

http://www.rothar.ie/ would get you a decent bike for less money.

the goon

Hi, thanks again for the response. I should have mentioned I am down in Cork

studiorat

the goon wrote: »

Hi, thanks again for the response. I should have mentioned I am down in Cork

Ha ha, So am I, I mis-read Raleigh as Ranelagh!

langdang

the goon wrote: »

Hi, thanks again for the response. I should have mentioned I am down in Cork

Where's your nearest bike shop? How far are you from Halfords.?
I doubt you'll get a "sexier" or better value for money bike than the Voodoo, but if Halfords is miles away it might be better to be in with your local bike shop unless you're handy with the tools.

the goon

Halfords an hour away, so not too bad really. I could send a bike to the moon for repair and get it back quicker than my local!

langdang

the goon wrote: »

Halfords an hour away, so not too bad really. I could send a bike to the moon for repair and get it back quicker than my local!

I started off years ago (pretty much before the internet :eek:) with an early version of this and my dads tools. The advantage of the book over the internet is it's there in front of you in the yard and you're not geting oily hands all over your computer

Some stuff you're always gonna have to take to a shop, but a few basic tools and a bit of practice will get ya through most of what you need.

mkdon05

I have a voodoo marasa, very good solid bike. Very sturdy so would be well able for a child seat. Disc brakes seem to be quite good too (im used to road bikes so never had disc brakes before) All in all I find it to be a great value bike for that price point..

the goon

Thanks for all the advice. Just wondering if someone could tell me what size I should be looking at? I am 5f 11 oor roughly 180 cm. 18" or 20"?

langdang

the goon wrote: »

Thanks for all the advice. Just wondering if someone could tell me what size I should be looking at? I am 5f 11 oor roughly 180 cm. 18" or 20"?

Sizes in those types of bikes can vary quite a lot. Try em out!
Edit, size guide on website suggest either 18" or 20", down to personal preference I'd say! I've no experience of child seats but I guess it's best to have ball-room to stop up with both feet on the ground and without having to lean the bike?

mkdon05

I'm 5' 11 and I have the 20" which suits me perfectly.

the goon

Thanks everyone. Think I will skip in there tomorrow and have a looksee. Only 20" in stock but will see if it fits!