Bicycle Advice

g00217810

Folks,

Looking for some advice.

I am looking to pick up a bike to get some exercise over the winter period in particular. Hoping to do 25 - 30k spins in the evenings.

Have been considering the bike to work scheme but not sure if i will go ahead with it.

Basically, looking for a cheap - but good quality/solid bike. For the type of use i dont want to be spending huge money and worrying about security.

Have been looking at these which seem interesting....
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/original-3-id_8165503.html


Any good suggestions?

Seaneh

The bike you linked is more of a "bso" or bicycle shaped object.

It wouldn't be useful for more than a few km and even then would be heavy, uncomfortable and basically cheaply made.

Those cheap sram grip shift gear shifters are prone to failing easily too (or at least were).

I don't think you'd be ale to buy from decathalon on the bike to work scheme in the republic either, but I could be wrong.

If you are looking to do 20-30km its worth considering a bike with dropped bars as it will be a lot more comfortable.

If you can buy from Decathalon then it's worth considering this bike http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-3-id_8167038.html it's impossible to get as much bike for as little money anywhere else, lots of lads who'd be big cyclists buy them for commuting/training as they are really well built, have decent spec and aren't very heavy and for a bike worth less than €600 you cannot beat it. It's probably the best value bike around all in all.

If you can get it on bike to work you wouldn't be down too much money your costs (of you are on the lower tax band) would be as follows:

EMPLOYEE SAVINGS:
Reduction in income tax: €79
Reduction in PRSI: €23
Your Savings: €102
Final cost of bike: €273

So you'd only be paying €273 over the following 52 weeks (or €5.25 a week).


If you are on the higher tax band your savings would be even higher.

You can work it out on the little calculator on the bottom left of this link.

http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/bike2work.asp


My actual advice would be this though.


Spend as much as you can afford.
You can only use your bike to work once, after than you have to wait 5 years.
If you use it now on a bike that isn't going to much use to you and you decide you like cycling and want to get into it more you will regret not buying something better when you have to pay full whack in a lump sum for it further down the line.

The btwin tirbin 3 is a lovely little bike, if funds are seriously tight, go for that if you can stretch it.

reallyunique

I'd recommend a second hand bike as its your first try at cycling. If it turns out not to be your thing you can just sell it on. It's cheaper too so less of a security worry.
For 30k rides either a drop bar or hybrid should be fine. Drop bars can be quite uncomfortable for some people and the "lots of different hand positions" argument is overblown so go with what you feel most comfortable with.

As it's nearly winter already make sure to get a bike that has or can take mudguards. Lights are important too, if only to keep the gardaí happy.

Personally, I'd stay away from the cheap Halfords/Decathlon stuff. Either buy second hand or pay a bit more to get out of the bottom end of the market. A better bike will be more reliable and nicer to cycle.

Have fun riding

g00217810

Thanks for that.

Where would you recommend for decent value in Dublin? city centre or suburbs

Not sure that i want to go for a road bike, prefer the mtb/hybrid.

Seaneh

g00217810 wrote: »

Thanks for that.

Where would you recommend for decent value in Dublin? city centre or suburbs

Not sure that i want to go for a road bike, prefer the mtb/hybrid.

If you don't want a road bike then I;d recommend a hybrid and if money is tight then I'd recommend one of the Jupiter range. I had a Jupiter Vermont last winter for commuting and little runs abouts and it was perfect. I paid €280 for it with lights and a lock and never had any bother with it at all. Comes with puncture resistant tyres. I'm a big lad and rode to town on a section of road that had glass all over it because of a bottle bank every day and never got a puncture in the 6 months I had it. They have a chromealoy version called the Tuscan which is almost identical just a little heavier. The Belfield bike shop in UCD stocks them both.

reallyunique

My favourites are all on the South side so probably of no use to you. Cycle bike on Capel St have a fairly duff website but say they stock a decent range of bikes so they might be worth a try. Their Vanmoof stuff is fun/trendy/ugly but very pricey IMO.
There's always Cycleways. No favourite of mine but I'm not a racer so they tend to have no interest in me. No idea about value for money.

Some bike shops can be a bit prissy about doing repairs on stuff they didn't sell so just ask in advance.

Go Team Hybrid

g00217810

The vermont looks good. Will look into it.

Shops on the southside arent a problem - where had you in mind?

Pride Fighter

Seaneh wrote: »

If you don't want a road bike then I;d recommend a hybrid and if money is tight then I'd recommend one of the Jupiter range. I had a Jupiter Vermont last winter for commuting and little runs abouts and it was perfect. I paid €280 for it with lights and a lock and never had any bother with it at all. Comes with puncture resistant tyres. I'm a big lad and rode to town on a section of road that had glass all over it because of a bottle bank every day and never got a puncture in the 6 months I had it. They have a chromealoy version called the Tuscan which is almost identical just a little heavier. The Belfield bike shop in UCD stocks them both.

There is a new Giant shop across from Des Kelly Carpets on the Long Mile Road. I was in there today and they had a great selection of hybrids for really great prices. It's only recently opened. Could be worth checking out.