New Bike or Second Hand

ulinbac

Hey,

So I'm looking to take up cycling and purchase a bike, but in a bit of a situation.

Long story short, i have a spinal injury and can't play physical sports anymore so my consultant and physio have recommended cycling. The problem is picking a bike as the injury can be set off easy enough and can be quite painful so cycling position is going to be important.

Would I be better buying a new bike and get a fitting or going with a second hand bike and see what it's like? I am talking to my local cycling club at the moment and they seem to be somewhat split down the middle about which way to follow. They are mentioning aggression position?

Also, with work I spend 6 months at home and 6 months in London. Is it difficult to bring a bike on a plane?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

ulinbac

velomelo

I recently bought the 2nd hand bike. Can't complain really. It kept me some money in my pocket for future upgrades. So if you don't have big budget it might be a good idea to look for a second hand. In the end you might end up spending same amount of money but you can get better value for your money by picking the exact parts rather than ending up with pre-built package.

Seaneh

With regards to cycling position, I think a touring or Sportf/audux style bike with a raised stem would be best for you. A tall head tube and shorter top tube than standard would mean a more upright and relaxed position, when paired with a raised (or even adjustable) stem, your back will be very happy, this option lets you keep a good upright position to keep your back happy but still allows you to use dropped bars and gives you more hand positions to keep your hands, arms and shoulders comfortable over a longer cycle!

I ride a specialized tricross sport, it's a touring/cyclocross mix, has a very relaxed riding position and comes with a Specialized "compset" stem which has 4 different options for stem angle, something like that or say a trek 1 series or Cannondale CAAD8 (tall top tube road bikes) if paired with a raised/adjustable stem would be perfect for you by the sounds of it.

I'd also recommend using gel-lined bar tape or a dampening system like the Specialized Body Geometry Phat Bar Tape System to further protect your back and shoulders from road buzz.

BostonB

ulinbac wrote: »

...Would I be better buying a new bike and get a fitting or going with a second hand bike and see what it's like? ...

I'd say you'd need a fitting regardless, and even a repeat visit to adjust your position over time.

velomelo

BostonB wrote: »

I'd say you'd need a fitting regardless, and even a repeat visit to adjust your position over time.

Which will most likely cost you some money but if you have something put aside just for the fitting it's worth it. As an alternative you can just google - there's plenty of material on how to get the right size for your height etc. i.e. here

All you need to do after that is go for a few rides and see if you feel comfortable on the bike and make necessary adjustments yourself. I used to have pretty strong pain in my neck and all I had to do is play with the position of the saddle. It will take some time but it will save you money too... which you can spend on some extremely expensive but crucial upgrades

ulinbac

To give ye an idea, my budget is around £1100. Based in the north atm and no cycle to work scheme.

The shop here said that they will do the fitting and adjustments, if needed, for free as I will be joining their cycle club.

Thanks for the replies so far

wuzziwig

Hi there. I too am hoping to take up cycling and I also have pretty bad back problems. Luckily I can get a bike on the cycle to work scheme. I was in a TopBike store on Saturday and they have a computer to measure all the important things that are needed to make the bike right for you. I think you normally have to pay but because I'm getting the bike and gear there I'll be getting the fitting done for free.

I can't go for drop handlebars as the position of my back would be too low and bent over. I'm going for straight handlebars so I can be in a more upright position to hold my spine at a better angle (my problems are all in the lower back).

If the shop are going to do the fitting and adjustments for you then I'd say buying a second hand bike would be fine. They might give you advice on what type of bike to look out for too.