Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie
Hi there,
There is an issue with role permissions that is being worked on at the moment.
If you are having trouble with access or permissions on regional forums please post here to get access: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365403/you-do-not-have-permission-for-that#latest

Bike buying advice

  • 23-05-2015 10:07pm
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 40


    I'm looking to buy a bike for a 20 mile commute one way, 4 times per week (drive in Monday, cycle home and back in Tuesday morning, repeat Thursday and Friday). I won't be using the bike for recreation. I used to commute an 18 mile round trip daily on a $150 Diamondback hybrid in Boston for the last couple of years and never had a problem. Now I am trying to research what kind of bike to get here and it seems the attitude of a lot of people is that anything under 500 Euro (if not even higher) is a waste of time. I know practically nothing about bikes but based on the great experience I had with my last bike that seems a little high. I was recommended a 750 Euro Boardman hybrid in Halfords but was also told that a 375 Euro Carrera was very good. I qualify for the 50% saving on the cycle to work scheme and I can afford the Boardman at 375 net but am looking for some advice as to what kind of bike people would advise in my situation. Thanks in advance.


Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,779 ✭✭✭Carawaystick


    20 miles is a decent spin into work, so you'll get reasonably fit. Are you sure you won't be tempted to cycle more (in the next 5 years? of the bike 2 work scheme) I wouldn't "waste" the bike2work on a bike for

    Think about if you need a rack or panniers or mudguards for the winter. Or will you have a change of clothes in the car at work and just need tube/pump for punctures?


    I used to commute on a mtb with good narrow slick tyres, I went on few spins with a cycling club and was well able to keep up for 70 km on that, but got a road bike and its a good bit easier to travel on the open road, its a bit of a pain in the city on a road bike, for balance and getting going/jamming on the brakes.

    Road bikes are brittle though, stuff keeps wearing out, and they need minding/cleaning; whereas a mtb just needs the chain oiled.

    I'd get a cheap (2nd hand?) mtb without suspension and slick tyres and see how it goes. If you were to spend 250 on this ( 2nd hand) you should be able to flip it for 200 and the 50 quid is split in fuel savings and you now know what you want.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 260 ✭✭Kevincavan83


    Choose what u like pal, u know your budget! If your looking for advice on "the best bike" get the best deal for euro, as was said above, chance is as you cycle more and more u will want to push yourself further and further. And you will probably kick yourself not spending more money on your bike. I got mine for €850 reduced from €1150 but i was looking for a while.
    But for an extra few quid u can get a lot better specs


Advertisement