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New bike advice please!

  • 19-11-2015 8:38pm
    #1
    MIMP
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2 ✭


    Hi,
    So I've decided to take up cycling for numerous reasons, but overall physical and mental health have been the biggest push for me to try something new.
    I'm female, early 30's, reasonably fit. I have cycled in the past as part of groups using rental bikes but have never owned my own grown up bike.
    I have decided to avail of the Bike to Work scheme and have done a bit of research. I'm just nervous that I may actually choose something that was totally wrong for me.

    So, what I am hoping to get is a good road bike. I can't ever imagine myself cycling on anything other than roads in and around the suburbs of the town I live in. I may join a cycling group i the future when I'm more confident so I imagine I would want to shy away from considering a bike with a heavy frame in terms of keeping up with others.
    It was suggested to me to consider an Orbea MX10, sorry, I can't post a link cause it's my first post.
    If anyone could point me in a direction I would be eternally grateful!


Comments

  • #2
    Delboy007
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 454 ✭✭Delboy007


    mu starter bike was d scott speedster; it was great starter bike for me u will pick it up for around €875 which will leave u money to get all d other bits.

    http://www.wheelworx.ie/blog/scott-speedster-40-2015-gallery-highlights/

    or a cube; bit better components

    http://shop.pennyfarthingcycles.com/product-p/c-a-p.htm

    good luck


  • #3
    onthefringe
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 712 ✭✭✭onthefringe


    MIMP wrote: »
    Hi,
    So I've decided to take up cycling for numerous reasons, but overall physical and mental health have been the biggest push for me to try something new.
    I'm female, early 30's, reasonably fit. I have cycled in the past as part of groups using rental bikes but have never owned my own grown up bike.
    I have decided to avail of the Bike to Work scheme and have done a bit of research. I'm just nervous that I may actually choose something that was totally wrong for me.

    So, what I am hoping to get is a good road bike. I can't ever imagine myself cycling on anything other than roads in and around the suburbs of the town I live in. I may join a cycling group i the future when I'm more confident so I imagine I would want to shy away from considering a bike with a heavy frame in terms of keeping up with others.
    It was suggested to me to consider an Orbea MX10, sorry, I can't post a link cause it's my first post.
    If anyone could point me in a direction I would be eternally grateful!


    an mx 10 orbea is a mountain bike...
    you dont want that..
    best thing you an do is find a good loacl bike shop in your town/area...a good one now...not a convenient one!!
    good means a decent selection of bike, equipment and clothing..
    a full service facility..and a knowledgeable staff...

    look at the brands they carry and then start your research from there..

    ideally you want a comfortable road bike- sportive geometry
    with the best components that your budget can stretch for..
    weight is not a major factor..BUT...get the lightest one you can afford paired with the decent component setup..

    buy well and your cycling experience will start well..
    buy badly and itll sour the whole thing..


  • #4
    eeeee
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 6,856 Mod ✭✭✭✭eeeee


    I'd advise buying a cheap enough second hand road bike and seeing how you get on before taking the plunge. At least then you know what you like and don't like, and what kind of cycling you're into, and what size is comfortable. Women specific designs aren't necessary either unless you're short of stature!


  • #5
    Carawaystick
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,779 ✭✭✭Carawaystick


    gadetra wrote: »
    Women specific designs aren't necessary either unless you're short of stature!

    Womens saddles are probably a good idea though.


  • #6
    eeeee
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 6,856 Mod ✭✭✭✭eeeee


    Carawaystick wrote: »
    Womens saddles are probably a good idea though.

    Depends on the person. Cut outs are an essential for me but I have friends that ride emus saddles with no cut outs AND not chamois cream. I know one who rides no cut out mens saddles with No Chamois :eek: However several of us are big cut out fans. The only saddle I have ever been comfortable on is an ISM Adamo. It's not a lady specific saddle. The ladies mentioned above found it hideously uncomfortable. I have a lady sell italia with a cut out on the road bike that is an instrument of torture. As soon as I get the funds I will be replacing it.

    I would have thought the same until I actually thought about my saddles!


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  • #7
    MIMP
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2 ✭MIMP


    Unfortunately I'm short enough, 5'4. Thanks for the advice. This weekend will be spent touring a number of bike shops. The one nearest to me, which is also the one I visited and he suggested the Orbea, has a great name here, have been recommended by everyone to go to them first. Trying to work out why he would have suggested that bike now considering what I told him I wanted.

    Anyway, I'll look around. Thanks for the tip about the second hand bike. Had been considering that for a long time too. Have decided on the bike to work scheme due to the fact that the timing is right now, end of November. Really get myself into a hobby and get out of the rut.


  • #8
    eeeee
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 6,856 Mod ✭✭✭✭eeeee


    MIMP wrote: »
    Unfortunately I'm short enough, 5'4. Thanks for the advice. This weekend will be spent touring a number of bike shops. The one nearest to me, which is also the one I visited and he suggested the Orbea, has a great name here, have been recommended by everyone to go to them first. Trying to work out why he would have suggested that bike now considering what I told him I wanted.

    Anyway, I'll look around. Thanks for the tip about the second hand bike. Had been considering that for a long time too. Have decided on the bike to work scheme due to the fact that the timing is right now, end of November. Really get myself into a hobby and get out of the rut.

    5'4" isn't tiny, you might fit on a 'regular' bike depending on where your shortness is (torso or limbs!). The best thing you can do is sit on a few and see how you feel. Don't listen to or be fobbed off by things about relaxed or aggressive geometries, just try them out and see how you feel. Women Specific Designs (WSD) tend to be more expensive then the equivalent regular bike, or the same price with less good equipment on them.

    In my experience as a woman in bike shops, 100% of them I have been to tell me I need a big, relaxed geometry bike, when in actual fact I am far more comfortable in a very aggressive, stretched out position, even before I ever started racing. So go with what feels right for you. Maybe a 50 or a 52cm frame or so? I have no idea how to size people on bikes so I can't advise on that I'm afraid!


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