Opinions on Chain Reaction Cycles

oceanclub · 23-11-2009 02:40PM #1

Having spent way too long procrastinating about getting a bike, I thought of just getting a GT Timberline 2008 from Chain Reaction Cycles:

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=32089

Does anyone have any opinions on both the site and that model? I'm just looking for something for a daily 2 mile city commute.

P.

DirkVoodoo · 23-11-2009 02:48PM

Commenting just on CRC and not the bike:

Excellent site, very good prices, good range of stock (could do with more groupsets, but hey) and very fast delivery (based in Belfast).

I haven't bought a bike from them, but pretty much everything else I own comes form wiggle or CRC. I even had to return a faulty helmet that I bought at a sale price and received a newer model in the same colour scheme as my original. It's the little things that make you stick to one shop or another.

On the subject of the bike, make sure you order the right size! If you are unsure, buy somewhere local, try out a friend's, etc. Don't just buy a bike because the price is right.

oceanclub · 23-11-2009 02:49PM

DirkVoodoo wrote: »

On the subject of the bike, make sure you order the right size! If you are unsure, buy somewhere local, try out a friend's, etc. Don't just buy a bike because the price is right.

I'm 5'2, any idea what size I should go for, if I can't find the same bike to try?

P.

DirkVoodoo · 23-11-2009 02:55PM

Not sure exactly what size for your height, but I can guarantee it won't be large or extra large, which are the only 2 sizes they have in stock.

Lumen · 23-11-2009 02:55PM

As a rule, based on gross generalisations, if I was going to spend €220 on a bike, I'd probably give my money to CRC rather than a typical local bike shop, because CRC generally operate on lower margins and will therefore offer generally better components for the price, and at that price you need all the quality you can get.

However, I'd probably go for something without suspension, like this. Some day soon I will buy a Subway, just to find out what it's like.

DirkVoodoo · 23-11-2009 02:57PM

The subway Lumen links to is a very good bike, certainly more at home commuting than a mountain bike.

Pop up to your local Halfords and try one out.

poochiem · 23-11-2009 03:21PM

Lumen wrote: »

However, I'd probably go for something without suspension, like this. Some day soon I will buy a Subway, just to find out what it's like.

speaking as a cycling novice(?), (what is the term for a cycling returnee, a "re-virgin"?") I recently had the opportunity to cycle a mountain bike to work between bouts of specialized and lapierre hybrids. Get the hybrid/commuter bike you won't know yourself. Riding a mountain bike to wrok is the equivalent of buying a 4x4 for the trip to Blackrock market. Incongruous. That said, it certainly helped my fitness as I had to work me hole off getting it up the N11 against the wind.

cdaly_ · 23-11-2009 03:34PM

I believe "born-again virgin" is the correct term...

penexpers · 23-11-2009 03:48PM

CRC are fine until something goes wrong that a straight swap won't fix. It you buy a bike off them and have a warranty issue after 30 days, you'll have to pay to get it sent back up to them. For a bike this could be a lot.

I think they are great for components, but I wouldn't buy a bike off them.

peterako · 23-11-2009 04:37PM

Bought lots from Chain Lube, Shorts, Tops, Rain Gear....to Frames and Forks and wheels from CRC.

Great prices, service and support.

I DID have to return a Frame though, at my cost. I ordered a 61 Frame (Principia) which I had to change for a 59 (which actually measures like a 62

).

No hassle.

Cost of return was €20 but even with that it was a bargain.

Buying a bike....you'd want to be pretty sure of fit etc!

oceanclub · 23-11-2009 05:32PM

DirkVoodoo wrote: »

The subway Lumen links to is a very good bike, certainly more at home commuting than a mountain bike.

Pop up to your local Halfords and try one out.

Ah, didn't realise the GT Timberline 2008 was a mountain bike - it's actually listed under Hybrid & City bikes.

P.

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