Help me with choice of bike for a newbie!!

PGE1970

Hello all,

I know very little about bikes other than I have an old one in the shed that I used to do 10-15 miles a night on over the summer to keep fit.

That has lapsed over the last few years so need a new bike.

I'm 44 yrs old, male, 5' 11", looking to cycle for exercise and fitness purposes. All cycling would be on local roads.

Budget would be about €800 (as I get 50% back under government scheme?). In County Louth area but will travel for bike if required.

Also, maintenance would have to be pretty basic as I'm not a machine person!!

Can anyone recommend for a novice like me?

Many thanks!

paulgs

You should get one of the mainstream brands for around that money with tiagra or sora or a mix of the 2. Giant defy 2 or 3 would be a good place to start but there is a never ending choice, buy something you like the look of but aim for a Tiagra group set if it fits your budget. Just make sure your frame is the right size there is usually a frame size guide on the manafacturers website.

evancunny95

A few things. The bike to work scheme is entirely dependent on your tax bracket its not necessarily 50 %

In terms of bikes in and around the 800 euro mark,heres a few with some of there clear benefits.Theres a lot of bikes out there in that price mark.

Caanondale - CAAD8 sora 899 - Sora groupset with bb30 bottom bracket which also used on its tiagra and 105 models,basically bikes that are a good bit more expensive.

Lapierre - Audacio 300 899- Sora groupset,High quality 7005 aluminium frame

Cube- Peloton 899- Sora groupset ,internal cable routing



Any questions on any of these bikes dont be afraid to ask

PGE1970

Thanks a million for the replies; it's very much appreciated.

All of the bikes look good to me as I haven't a clue what I'm looking for!

Is there a shop or shops that you would recommend that a beginner should go to for advice? In other words, someone who will recommend the most suitable bike within budget rather than selling what they want to get rid of or get the most profit from.

I've tried to research online but there are thousands of options out there!! I also prefer to attend a shop in person rather than buy online if possible. Anywhere between Dublin and Louth area recommended?

Thanks again!

ZiabR

Are you around the Dundalk area? I could point you in the right direction to a few LBS that are involved in the BTWS and have some good stock.

Nekarsulm

I know there is a bike shop along the river there in Drogheda, but never bought anything there. Likewise one in Navan. Can only speak from experience about the one in Virginia, where i found the guys helpful and patient to a complete beginner. Measured me up and got a couple of bikes up on rollers do they could watch me pedal and make adjustments.

PGE1970

logik wrote: »

Are you around the Dundalk area? I could point you in the right direction to a few LBS that are involved in the BTWS and have some good stock.

Collon direction so can easily go to Dundalk or Drogheda.

ZiabR

You have PM.

PGE1970

Thanks!!