Starting off - what to get.

rizzee

Hi,

I'm thinking of getting a bike soon with the bike to work scheme. I'm near Ashbourne in Meath, is there any decent bike shops around the area?


Ideally it will be for fitness but I'd like to try cycle to work and my fitness classes too (both are 13/14km from my house)

I just want to know is there a specific type of bike I should look out for? I don't have a clue about them, haven't had one in years.

Also, I use Runtastic fitness app for my runs but is there something similar for cycling, or some sort of GPS to attach to the bike? I'd like to record and keep count of distance travelled per day/week and stuff like that.

Thanks in advance.

Lyaiera

Get a road bike. Don't get a hybrid. I got a hybrid and it's grand for the odd trip to a café but when I was doing proper fitness exercise last year I regretted not getting a road bike.

There's loads of bike computers. I have a Garmin 500, which works great. There's a few new generations of it but you can't go wrong with one of the 500 type ones. You can add all the bits to it, but it doesn't have maps.

omri

Lyaiera wrote: »

Get a road bike. Don't get a hybrid. I got a hybrid and it's grand for the odd trip to a café but when I was doing proper fitness exercise last year I regretted not getting a road bike.

There's loads of bike computers. I have a Garmin 500, which works great. There's a few new generations of it but you can't go wrong with one of the 500 type ones. You can add all the bits to it, but it doesn't have maps.

Get a bike, don't get computer, get bib shorts instead, rain jacket, saddlebag, some tools to fix punctures, lights, helmet. Start cycling. After a year come back here to discuss further upgrades

rizzee

Thanks!

I think one sort of GPS or computer is a must as I want to track distance covered. Even a cheap one with good durability.

omri

rizzee wrote: »

Thanks!

I think one sort of GPS or computer is a must as I want to track distance covered. Even a cheap one with good durability.

You don't need gps tbh, if you have a smartphone Im sure theres plenty of simple apps that will track your distance etc. Better spend the cash on clothes first and then once you get into cycling bit more see what else you need.

frogstar

rizzee wrote: »

Thanks!

I think one sort of GPS or computer is a must as I want to track distance covered. Even a cheap one with good durability.

I got the aldi one for 7 euro. Not a great model but does what I want it to do. I also use my phone to log the full ride as I like reviewing after but I like knowING the speed I'm going at as I cycle and the aldi one is perfect.

I will probably upgrade in future for one with cadence and some other features

5ub

You'll have to get the full lycra kit too.

Its customary for beginners

diomed

Lyaiera wrote: »

Get a road bike. Don't get a hybrid.

This.
(road bike=bike with drop handlebars)

magicbastarder

omri wrote: »

You don't need gps tbh, if you have a smartphone Im sure theres plenty of simple apps that will track your distance etc.

i use strava on my phone for tracking activity. does the job perfectly fine; may not be as waterproof as a cycle computer though.