New bike

TheMilkyPirate

Hi lads,

I'm getting a new bike on the cycle to work scheme and i'm looking for some opinions. I haven't a clue when it comes to bikes just what I've learned today and yesterday looking at a few models and reading some threads on here. So complete newbie.

It's mainly for going to and from work, About a 2 mile round trip. Also for going about town etc..

I had decided on a Kellys Neos firstly so i went down to my local and was told it wouldn't be in stock for about 4 weeks. Had a look around and settled on a Kellys Cliff.

http://www.thebikeshop.ie/details.aspx?pid=P3080&cid=&sid=

That's the bike and also the shop I'm buying it from.

Anyone experience with these bikes? Am i getting good bang for my buck?

Thanks

Dermot Illogical

baraca wrote: »

Am i getting good bang for my buck?

Not if you're paying the asking price. You should expect to be getting at least 10% off any posted price.

Best bang for the buck under the BTW is to aim to spend the full €1,000 picking up something listed for €1,200 or so. Spend it all on the bike, and don't be fooled by the addition of accessories.

TheMilkyPirate

Dermot Illogical wrote: »

Not if you're paying the asking price. You should expect to be getting at least 10% off any posted price.

Best bang for the buck under the BTW is to aim to spend the full €1,000 picking up something listed for €1,200 or so. Spend it all on the bike, and don't be fooled by the addition of accessories.

I added a mudguard, lock and lights. Not being fooled there, the're necessities in my view. We settled on €800 for the bike.

Tar.Aldarion

Dermot Illogical wrote: »

Not if you're paying the asking price. You should expect to be getting at least 10% off any posted price.

Best bang for the buck under the BTW is to aim to spend the full €1,000 picking up something listed for €1,200 or so. Spend it all on the bike, and don't be fooled by the addition of accessories.

Huh, would you not want locks, lights, gloves, helmet etc? You need accessories, you dont have to break the bank on them.

TheMilkyPirate

I thought so too Tar.

Has anybody any opinions on the bike? I'm also torn on whether to get a racer a hybrid or even a hardtail.. It's only going to be for short trips around town max 3 miles. But who knows maybe I'll like to go further when I get the bike.

Andy-Pandy

baraca wrote: »

I thought so too Tar.

Has anybody any opinions on the bike? I'm also torn on whether to get a racer a hybrid or even a hardtail.. It's only going to be for short trips around town max 3 miles. But who knows maybe I'll like to go further when I get the bike.

I wouldnt bother with a hardtail if your just going to be on the road, suspension is a pointless addition to weight. As for the choice of hybrid or drop bars I can only tell you from my experience, i got my first dropbar touring bike at the start of the year and it is easily more comfortable than any flat bar bike i have ever ridden. I'd only get a flat bar bike again if i was to get a new mountain bike

TheMilkyPirate

Andy-Pandy wrote: »

I wouldnt bother with a hardtail if your just going to be on the road, suspension is a pointless addition to weight. As for the choice of hybrid or drop bars I can only tell you from my experience, i got my first dropbar touring bike at the start of the year and it is easily more comfortable than any flat bar bike i have ever ridden. I'd only get a flat bar bike again if i was to get a new mountain bike

What's it like for cycling around town, Short journeys etc.. I've grown up on flat bar bikes like many people, I'm just worried I'll find it hard to control.

Andy-Pandy

baraca wrote: »

What's it like for cycling around town, Short journeys etc.. I've grown up on flat bar bikes like many people, I'm just worried I'll find it hard to control.

I've not found any problem with it at all, i dont make very many short journeys on it though. I honestly cant think of one advantage that flat bars gave me over drop bars.

TheMilkyPirate

Andy-Pandy wrote: »

I've not found any problem with it at all, i dont make very many short journeys on it though. I honestly cant think of one advantage that flat bars gave me over drop bars.

Thanks for your input, I was swaying to a road bike in my head so you've helped make my mind up!

Is there any other Irish cycle stores apart from cycle superstore? They haven't many road bikes in my price range.

kincsem

I would go for a "road bike" (drop bars). Front suspension is a waste around town. For that money the suspension will probably be low quality and just something extra to go wrong. A road bike with front carbon forks is more suitable imo. Get one that has attachment points for mudguards and a rack (back carrier.)

Why not look at websites like chainreactioncycles.com and wiggle.co.uk to get an idea of what is available? I have bought two bikes in local bike shops, two from internet websites, and one second hand. I still have them all.

Bikes are just a collection of parts bolted together. If you know about wheels, gears, forks you can get bargains if you are patient. You might be able to get 2012 models (or even 2011 models) at this time of the year for less as they clear out to make room for 2013 models.

Andy-Pandy

baraca wrote: »

Thanks for your input, I was swaying to a road bike in my head so you've helped make my mind up!

Is there any other Irish cycle stores apart from cycle superstore? They haven't many road bikes in my price range.

fitzcycles.ie in stillorgan are excellent. Really good group of lads and very very helpfull. Their prices are competitive as well. It's where i purchased my bike and their afterservice has been great.

Dermot Illogical

Tar.Aldarion wrote: »

Huh, would you not want locks, lights, gloves, helmet etc? You need accessories, you dont have to break the bank on them.

Of course you need them. What you don't need is a sales assistant obscuring the true price of the bike by creating the cycling equivalent of an Eircom Bundle.
Buy the bike where you get the best deal for it. The accessories can be picked up much cheaper by shopping around. Buy them all in the one place and what's given with one hand has a tendency to be taken with the other.

Tar.Aldarion

Yeah you need them so he shouldn't be spending the full 1000 on the bike, he should spend about 800, probably less, but that how much I set aside. and pick up gear online in the BTW for half the price of the shop..

Ninap

I got a Felt Z85 on the Btw scheme for 1k from Wheelworx in Lucan. Was initially thinking of a hybrid, as that was what I was used to, but very pleased i went for the road bike. It's great for commuting, and good for weekend spins. Only problem was cheapo pedals, which I've now replaced. Got v good lock etc elsewhere. The Wheelworx guys are good - free servicing for life, if you need it, and they take the time to set up the bike and explain stuff to you.

TheMilkyPirate

Had a think and repayments on a 1k bike are a bit much for me atm.

I bit the bullet and went for a Carrera virtuoso, It's a good price and after a good bit of reading seems to be thought of generally as a good entry level roadbike.

I'm happy with it, Can't wait to give it a proper go.