Bike Recommendation for €500 - BTW Scheme

Lemlin

Hi folks,

Basically, I'm going to be getting a bicycle in September from the bike to work scheme so I'm doing a bit of research now.
My plan is to cycle mainly on the secondary back roads around my home, some of which would be pot holey.
I'm looking to spend about 400 - 500 on the bicycle itself and was then going to get some wet gear, a helmet and mitts. Is there any other equipment I should be thinking of?
I was down in halfords on lunch and the rep there recommended a hybrid style bike. He showed me a Carrera that would have all the benefits of a racer like being lightweight but would have a bit more suspension and better tyres for rough roads. Are Carrera a good brand though and would I be better going somewhere other than Halfords?
Would anyone recommend a good bicycle at my pricepoint?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

kenmc

you don't need suspension on the road.

murphyebass

I own one of these.. albeit last years model.

http://www.halfords.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_11101_catalogId_15551_productId_810671_langId_-1_categoryId_212589

I use it occasionally for downhill and have used it on the road quite a bit.
Once its at the right PSI for road use its quite nippy considering its a mountain bike.

Carerras for me are decent bikes. The Kraken hasnt given me any problems and I just bought a racer by them also which so far so good.

Lets face it they're entry level bikes but thats what your gonna get for that sort of cash unless you go second hand which you cant obviously with the bike to work scheme.

Personally if I was to do the bike to work scheme again I'd spend the full 1000euro as you

You could buy one of these and put road tyres on it but still have the option to use it on trails etc if you ever want to and then have the mountain bike tyre handy if you did decide to take up a new hobbie.

Just a thought.

Lemlin

kenmc wrote: »

you don't need suspension on the road.

Some of the 'roads' I'd be on would struggle to be called same!

murphyebass

Lemlin wrote: »

kenmc wrote: »

you don't need suspension on the road.

Some of the 'roads' I'd be on would struggle to be called same!

That's why the kraken I mentioned would suit. It has adjustable front suspension. Ie it can be on or off with a flick of a switch.

Lemlin

I'm having second thoughts about a Carrera. Turns out they are Halfords own brand which I don't like the sound of.

Anyone with any more suggestions?

route66

Lemlin wrote: »

I'm having second thoughts about a Carrera. Turns out they are Halfords own brand which I don't like the sound of.

Anyone with any more suggestions?

Nothing wrong with Carreras. Just don't buy anything from their Apollo or Trax ranges.

smacl

Lemlin wrote: »

Some of the 'roads' I'd be on would struggle to be called same!

My old hybrid has lockable suspension, and outside of coilte tracks and light off-road use it serves no function, but does add weight and an array of squeaks, clunks, etc... For the €500 mark, I'd avoid suspension unless you're on long stretches of unpaved roads. Most hybrids have wider tyres (28mm to 37mm) which can soak up a fair amount of crappy road surface. Better to put the extra few bob into good puncture resistant tyres, such as marathon supremes.

Lemlin

Visited my local cycling shop this evening. I've decided to go with a racer and spend the full €1000. The fella there told me accessories would be about €250 so I've €750 to spend on the bike. Anyone with any suggestions? He had a lot of Specialized and Giant stuff.

kincsem

Specialized are good. I have two (of my five bikes.) Racer (drops) is best imo (called road bike not racer usually.)
You should be looking for one that can take mudguards. Most road bike frames do not have the attachment points for mudguards.
Buy a track pump (about €30) to allow you pump the tires to 90 psi or over (see tire sidewall for max pressure.) The bike will roll way better and faster for the same effort.
Carbon front forks on a road bike soak up some of the vibration.

Lemlin

I'm just wondering about accessories. The shop said to allow about €250 for accessories. However, the prices he gave me were:

1. Aluminium mud guards - €40 (he did also say that plastic ones would be €15 but I thought the aluminium would be better)
2. Front & back lights - €44 for cats eyes.
3. Waterproof and windproof jacket - €80
4. Padded cycle shorts - €60

That's €224 so only leaves €26 of the €250 budget.

I'd also need to get:

1. Helmet
2. Cycling glasses
3. Cycling gloves/mitts
4. Waterproof bottoms
5. Pump - user above has said about €30 for a track pump
6. Puncture repair kit

What sort of prices am I looking at for the six items above? I'd imagine a decent helmet would be expensive.