Starting out - bicycle recommendations megathread (see summary in OP)

magicbastarder · 10-06-2020 2:11pm

medium, if the same sizing chart applies to this model (scroll just over halfway down)

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/escape-3

Effects · 10-06-2020 2:45pm

shanec1928 wrote: »

got a good deal so im happy. also didnt have the 2020 model i wanted in stock.

I got lucky a few years ago when my bike to work payment got delayed by a couple of weeks.
When it came through, the bike they had put aside for me had 200 euro knocked off it.

Effects · 10-06-2020 2:58pm

geordi wrote: »

Hey folks - I'm looking at a Giant Escape 2 City Disc 2020, but I am unsure what the correct size might be for myself (5ft 8" male). On the website, it says S, M, L or XL.

https://buckleycycles.ie/products/giant-escape-2-city-disc-2020

I'm bang on 6 foot and I'm ML on a Giant.
They should let you try it out for size though. But maybe that's changed given current restrictions.

ironictoaster · 10-06-2020 3:54pm

Thanks to everyone for their help!

I too was looking at getting the Giant Escape 2 Disc in Medium.

However, I can't believe how clueless I was thinking it would be easy enough to get a bike. Anything on two wheels is sold out

ironictoaster · 13-06-2020 11:30pm

Just to follow up on this, I ended up getting a bike in the end and the sense of freedom is amazing!

Ended up riding around for 2 hours with no real route

dulpit · 14-06-2020 9:19am

I'm planning on heading to local bike shop in next few days to price things up - just curious if there are specific brands I should be looking at or actively avoiding? Am looking for a decent hybrid, would like it to be fairly lightweight but don't need to be winning races/etc.

byrnem31 · 14-06-2020 4:13pm

dulpit wrote: »

I'm planning on heading to local bike shop in next few days to price things up - just curious if there are specific brands I should be looking at or actively avoiding? Am looking for a decent hybrid, would like it to be fairly lightweight but don't need to be winning races/etc.

Depends how much you have to spend. Giant, Trek, and cube have decent hybrids.
The trek ds2 is around 550 and comes with hydraulic disk breaks. Very comfortable bike. Hydraulic disk breaks for me are a must in city and urban cycling or any cycling for that matter.

olestoepoke · 15-06-2020 10:39am

Hi all, I'm thinking of getting into cycling for fitness reasons. I was a runner for years but the knees have had enough. I'm a complete novice so please excuse my ignorance;
Im around 200lbs and 6ft 1" tall. Any reccomendations on brand and model of bike that would suit me? Also what size should a person of my size be looking for?
Sorry for all the questions and thanks in advance for any advice that you can give.
What is the intended use of the bike - Exercise mostly, possibly join a cycling club down the line if I enjoy it.
What is your budget - Would prefer to keep under 700 that all in for helmet etc
Are you using the bike to work scheme - no
Are you willing to consider going secondhand - Maybe but haven't a clue what I'm looking at
Will you be using the bike in wet weather - yes
How tall you are - 6'1
Are you looking for a woman's bike or man's bike - Mens

magicbastarder · 15-06-2020 10:49am

check out the list of questions asked in the first post in this thread; whether you can avail of the bike to work scheme will have a big impact on the 'new or secondhand' decision.

if you're getting into it purely for fitness, and will be doing leisure spins, a road bike is usually the sensible choice.

olestoepoke · 20-06-2020 8:33pm

Hi guys. As I said previously I'm a complete beginner to cycling. Getting into it for fitness with a view to maybe joining a club down the road. I have been looking at bikes and to be honest I haven't a clue. I picked this one: https://www.halfords.ie/bikes/road-bikes/boardman-slr-8.6-road-bike-528775.html
Purely based on how it looked in the shop and it was within my budget. Is this bike ok for a beginner? I haven bought it yet by the way. thanks

magicbastarder · 20-06-2020 9:07pm

that bike is absolutely fine - the biggest factor in whether it's the right bike for you will be buying the correct size, so it's comfortable.

20-06-2020 9:33pm

Another option in that price range would be a Giant Contend 2 https://www.giant-bicycles.com/ie/contend-2-2019

Tony04 · 20-06-2020 9:44pm

This article pretty much sums up all your options but the one you posted was grand.

Stheno · 03-07-2020 6:12pm

So finally got my voucher from work and went to the bike shop to see what to do next.

I was going for a Trek G3 but they are discontinued so now looking at a G2 or a Bianci

Dunnow what model Bianci but from looking on the web they seem to be expensive so I suspect it's one of their base models

If you were choosing between Trek and Bianci would you have a clear preference?

Sysmod · 16-07-2020 11:18am

- intended use : leisure. a couple of trips a week. C. 10Km round trip. Hilly country roads but not off-road.

- budget: under 1000?

- using the bike to work scheme : not unless it's available to people who work from home

- willing to consider going secondhand: only if there's a 1 year guarantee

- using the bike in wet weather: Not when going out; may be unlucky coming back.

- carrying: packed lunch at most, not shopping/kids/goods.

- how tall : 5'10, 75-80Kg.

- woman's bike or man's bike: both.

- health issues: one of us is a senior with low-level asthma. I would have assumed electric bikes would be too expensive but I've seen them priced under 1000; don't know if those ones are any good.

- local bike shop: almost certainly, not a tinkerer so will need maintenance services. So I assume we can't take advantage of online discount sales.

- experience: last cycled 30 years ago.

Tony04 · 16-07-2020 2:34pm

Definitely go to your local bike shop, from your post I would even say only buy second hand if it's in your lbs.

Anyone who is taxed is eligible for the bike work scheme so it's a good way of adding a few € to your budget.

Any new bike from around 1000 in fact from probably around 400, is capable of holding 20kph on flat at walking effort, 10kph uphill as long as it is not to steep.

With the greens in government it is possible that a scheme to make ebikes more accessories launched. At 1000 I think the battery or the other parts on an ebike mighnt be the best.

Also consider do you want a flat bar (hybrid) vs drop bars(gravel/road bike).
Flat bars are generally less rewarding for your efforts in other wards slower but are easier to handle and are a little bit more comfortable
Drop bar bikes are usally faster (usally it's not acctually the drop bars but other difference that add up) but are harder to handle.

Also dont get anything that hasn't got mounts for pannier racks and mud guards

16-07-2020 3:40pm

I'd definitely pop into a local shop and outline your needs. You don't need to break the bank to potter around on your local roads. Something like a hybrid style bike from Giant or Liv start from around €400 Like a Giant Escape or Liv Alight for women. Other well regarded brands that many shops sell would be Trek, Merida and Cube.

I'd avoid lesser known brands at that end of the market though and unless your roads are particularly bad avoid front suspension as it just adds unnecessary weight to the bike.

ronsoap · 25-07-2020 10:02pm

Hi! First time bike buyer here, buying through B2W. Looking for insight on two bikes I looked at this afternoon. Have been cycling for years, but using dublinbikes/bleeperbike. Excited to finally get a bike of my own!

Intended use: Commute of 7-8km. Alongside short city trips on w/e, and occasional longer trips (canals, coast roads etc.)
Budget: €1000ish all-in, including helmet, locks etc.
Using the bike in wet weather: Yes. Intention is to cycle year round
How tall you are: Male, 190cm

I looked at two Trek bikes today, both hybrids but different specs:

The first was the Trek FX 3 Equipped. €929 with lights, guards, rack. Felt like a quick, responsive bike. Enjoyable to cycle, but let's just say I felt the bumps in the road more than I'm used to on the likes of a dublinbike.

The second I looked at was the Trek Dual Sport 2. It's €619, but is not equipped like the FX 3. With add ons it would likely come to €770ish. The bike was really comfy to ride. Much smoother/comfier than the FX 3, but didn't feel as speedy or agile. It has suspension at the front, but you can supposedly lock it.

I've seen a lot of people saying to avoid suspension at the front, as it's unnecessary and heavy. Interestingly both bikes weigh about the same, but the DS 2 would be heavier once the accessories are on it. Is Trek a decent brand? Are there any other brands within a similar price range that would be 'better'? They've looked like the only ones available, and am wondering why this is...

I'm at a loss as to which one to choose, if I ultimately decide on a Trek bike. The lads in the shops I went to seemed to prefer the FX 3, but I'm wondering if that's to do with the cost? I liked both bikes, for different reasons. I guess I just need to decide what's most important for me, but I'd appreciate any insights on the two models!

Thanks!

magicbastarder · 25-07-2020 10:22pm

trek are a 'ford' brand. as in one of the big players, so compete with anyone else on value and it'd be hard to fault their bikes. giant would be the most easily comparable brand in ways, worth checking them out too, if there's a retailer near you who stocks them.

the only things the dual sport 2 has over the FX3 is that it's cheaper, and it has the suspension fork. the frames seem to be made from the same stuff, however, and they're not light years apart in spec other than that.
the dual sport 2 just seems to be the FX2 disc with the suspension forks, however.

it's possible the tyres were pumped beyond the pressure you might need, so the extra road buzz you mentioned is not necessarily something which might be an issue. i certainly wouldn't base conclusions compared to a dublin bike, i can't imagine they're lively or give much feedback.
best bet is try a couple of other shops and try some other bikes.

How Soon Is Now · 26-07-2020 12:17pm

Hows it goings lads! Haven't cycled very much in years but miss the freedom and personal experience of being able to jump on a bike over the Luas or bus.

- what is the intended use of the bike - I live in Citywest and work in the city centre so I am not sure about commute just yet because of the type of roads and the distance. I will likely consider it when I get my self more comfortable on the road again. Id like it for leisure/fitness and general use.

- what is your budget - Hopefully 700 and under including any needed accessory's.

- are you using the bike to work scheme - Its an option as my boss mentioned it but its not essential.

- are you willing to consider going secondhand - Yes if everything is in great condition and won't cost me more down the line.

- will you be using the bike in wet weather - Considering its Ireland more than likely

- how tall you are - 6ft4

- are you looking for a woman's bike ora man's bike - Men's

byrnem31 · 26-07-2020 12:47pm

ronsoap wrote: »

Hi! First time bike buyer here, buying through B2W. Looking for insight on two bikes I looked at this afternoon. Have been cycling for years, but using dublinbikes/bleeperbike. Excited to finally get a bike of my own!

Intended use: Commute of 7-8km. Alongside short city trips on w/e, and occasional longer trips (canals, coast roads etc.)
Budget: €1000ish all-in, including helmet, locks etc.
Using the bike in wet weather: Yes. Intention is to cycle year round
How tall you are: Male, 190cm

I looked at two Trek bikes today, both hybrids but different specs:

The first was the Trek FX 3 Equipped. €929 with lights, guards, rack. Felt like a quick, responsive bike. Enjoyable to cycle, but let's just say I felt the bumps in the road more than I'm used to on the likes of a dublinbike.

The second I looked at was the Trek Dual Sport 2. It's €619, but is not equipped like the FX 3. With add ons it would likely come to €770ish. The bike was really comfy to ride. Much smoother/comfier than the FX 3, but didn't feel as speedy or agile. It has suspension at the front, but you can supposedly lock it.

I've seen a lot of people saying to avoid suspension at the front, as it's unnecessary and heavy. Interestingly both bikes weigh about the same, but the DS 2 would be heavier once the accessories are on it. Is Trek a decent brand? Are there any other brands within a similar price range that would be 'better'? They've looked like the only ones available, and am wondering why this is...

I'm at a loss as to which one to choose, if I ultimately decide on a Trek bike. The lads in the shops I went to seemed to prefer the FX 3, but I'm wondering if that's to do with the cost? I liked both bikes, for different reasons. I guess I just need to decide what's most important for me, but I'd appreciate any insights on the two models!

Thanks!

I had both bikes and the FX is a much better bike. It's faster, more agile and better built. I'd say stick a pair of commuter Schwalbe Marathon Plus Road Tyres on it and that will increase the comfort a good bit. See if the shop will do a deal throwing a set of those tyres on it for you.

The ds is a good bike too for the money but I never used the suspension that much. When I did, it bottomed out very quickly. It was a heavy bike also. I had a 2019 model. The paint work on it was crap too. The slightest touch off it and it would chip.

Cube would be another range to look at. They are competing with trek and giant and tend to be good value for money.

Penny farthing in the city centre have a few bikes around your price range in the store with the three brands mentioned so it might be worth popping into them if you are close.

Tony04 · 26-07-2020 4:58pm

How Soon Is Now wrote: »

Hows it goings lads! Haven't cycled very much in years but miss the freedom and personal experience of being able to jump on a bike over the Luas or bus.

- what is the intended use of the bike - I live in Citywest and work in the city centre so I am not sure about commute just yet because of the type of roads and the distance. I will likely consider it when I get my self more comfortable on the road again. Id like it for leisure/fitness and general use.

- what is your budget - Hopefully 700 and under including any needed accessory's.

- are you using the bike to work scheme - Its an option as my boss mentioned it but its not essential.

- are you willing to consider going secondhand - Yes if everything is in great condition and won't cost me more down the line.

- will you be using the bike in wet weather - Considering its Ireland more than likely

- how tall you are - 6ft4

- are you looking for a woman's bike ora man's bike - Men's

Question 1 do you want a road bike or flat bar commuter?

How Soon Is Now · 26-07-2020 5:00pm

Tony04 wrote: »

Question 1 do you want a road bike or flat bar commuter?

Well I've mainly been looking at Hybrid bikes per recommendations.

Tony04 · 26-07-2020 6:44pm

If you're just commuting and not really going cycling as a sport a hybrid is probably best. Dont go for something with a suspension fork though it just adds unnecessary weight.
At 700 I'd go for something with hydraulic disc brakes definitely a decent drivetrain (not tourney/ atlus) and carbon forks would be nice as they get the weight down

Tony04 · 26-07-2020 6:44pm

And get the b2w scheme to pay for accessories.

How Soon Is Now · 26-07-2020 6:46pm

Tony04 wrote: »

If you're just commuting and not really going cycling as a sport a hybrid is probably best. Dont go for something with a suspension fork though it just adds unnecessary weight.
At 700 I'd go for something with hydraulic disc brakes definitely a decent drivetrain (not tourney/ atlus) and carbon forks would be nice as they get the weight down

Any recommendations on what bike? Noticed bascially everything half decent is either out of stock or not in right size.

Tony04 · 26-07-2020 7:17pm

I was in eurocycles swords there and they seemed to have some hybrids in stock but I wasnt really looking at them. Like with most shops they're just waiting for whichever brands they sell to launch their 2021 range.

Problem is Chinese/Asian lockdown in February stopped production of bikes and then the surge in demand from western lockdown cleared the stock out

If you're out in city west try giant long mile eurocycles long mile and specialized browns barn, you might find something.

How urgent do you need it?

What's your size if you're comfable setting a bike up from out of the box you could buy online?

Second hand market isnt that great atm but if you find something go for it

How Soon Is Now · 26-07-2020 7:25pm

Tony04 wrote: »

I was in eurocycles swords there and they seemed to have some hybrids in stock but I wasnt really looking at them. Like with most shops they're just waiting for whichever brands they sell to launch their 2021 range.

Problem is Chinese/Asian lockdown in February stopped production of bikes and then the surge in demand from western lockdown cleared the stock out

If you're out in city west try giant long mile eurocycles long mile and specialized browns barn, you might find something.

How urgent do you need it?

What's your size if you're comfable setting a bike up from out of the box you could buy online?

Second hand market isnt that great atm but if you find something go for it

I'm not in a massive rush atm but still would like to start getting an idea of what out there I should be looking at as I've only recently started looking properly again.

According to the chart on the Giant website, I would be going for large as I'm 6ft4. I've never set up a bike before maybe be best to leave it to the pros!?

I have been hearing a lot about Giant Trek and Cube but again the models I've been looking at are all out of stock.

Tony04 · 26-07-2020 7:57pm

Stock is very random atm.

If your 6ft 4 your most likely xl definitely on the high end of the spectrum

Building something online isnt hard it's a bit like a flat pack and if it's been built well before shipping and not bashed around while although if you're not in a rush your probably best waiting.

Lads in eurocycles seemed to indicate that 2021 stuff would be launched mid August so then you can place an order and you'll have your bike in a few weeks so youd be talking mid September and I'd presume itd be the same in most shops.

In terms of bikes theres a lot of the same at that price if your talking hybrids like the giant escape trek fx and merida speeder. Then you've got better specced bikes like cubes, boardman in halfords vitus if you go online etc.

What I'd reccomend is go as light as possible hydraulic discs and the best groupset you can afford, if your only commuting go for a hybrid if your planning on going on cycles go for a road bike.

If your going online this canyon is a really good bike for the price 800 for the bike though
https://www.canyon.com/en-ie/hybrid-city/citybikes/roadlite/roadlite-al-6.0/1967.html?dwvar_1967_pv_rahmenfarbe=BU&dwvar_1967_pv_rahmengroesse=XL&quantity=1

How Soon Is Now · 26-07-2020 7:59pm

Tony04 wrote: »

Stock is very random atm.

If your 6ft 4 your most likely xl definitely on the high end of the spectrum

Building something online isnt hard it's a bit like a flat pack and if it's been built well before shipping and not bashed around while although if you're not in a rush your probably best waiting.

Lads in eurocycles seemed to indicate that 2021 stuff would be launched mid August so then you can place an order and you'll have your bike in a few weeks so youd be talking mid September and I'd presume itd be the same in most shops.

In terms of bikes theres a lot of the same at that price if your talking hybrids like the giant escape trek fx and merida speeder. Then you've got better specced bikes like cubes, boardman in halfords vitus if you go online etc.

What I'd reccomend is go as light as possible hydraulic discs and the best groupset you can afford, if your only commuting go for a hybrid if your planning on going on cycles go for a road bike.

If your going online this canyon is a really good bike for the price 800 for the bike though
https://www.canyon.com/en-ie/hybrid-city/citybikes/roadlite/roadlite-al-6.0/1967.html?dwvar_1967_pv_rahmenfarbe=BU&dwvar_1967_pv_rahmengroesse=XL&quantity=1

Well thanks for all the help ill keep looking around!!

Tony04 · 26-07-2020 8:19pm

Good luck with purchase

caviardreams · 26-07-2020 8:47pm

How Soon Is Now wrote: »

Well I've mainly been looking at Hybrid bikes per recommendations.

Don't rule out a road bike tbh. Definitely try one out - may give you more flexibility down the road (pub intended!) for longer spins

How Soon Is Now · 26-07-2020 8:51pm

caviardreams wrote: »

Don't rule out a road bike tbh. Definitely try one out - may give you more flexibility down the road (pub intended!) for longer spins

What would be the more comfortable bike to ride?

caviardreams · 28-07-2020 8:27pm

How Soon Is Now wrote: »

What would be the more comfortable bike to ride?

I've never tried a hybrid but started out after years without cycling on a road and adapted quickly enough. I REALLY like the hand position on the hoods - I think some road bikes and more relaxed / comfortable that others so that could be an option?

How Soon Is Now · 28-07-2020 8:31pm

caviardreams wrote: »

I've never tried a hybrid but started out after years without cycling on a road and adapted quickly enough. I REALLY like the hand position on the hoods - I think some road bikes and more relaxed / comfortable that others so that could be an option?

I'll consider every option sure. Passed couple bike shops in last day or two but they where fairly busy so haven't actually gotten into looking at them in person yet!

veetwin · 28-07-2020 8:52pm

How Soon Is Now wrote: »

Hows it goings lads! Haven't cycled very much in years but miss the freedom and personal experience of being able to jump on a bike over the Luas or bus.

- what is the intended use of the bike - I live in Citywest and work in the city centre so I am not sure about commute just yet because of the type of roads and the distance. I will likely consider it when I get my self more comfortable on the road again. Id like it for leisure/fitness and general use.

- what is your budget - Hopefully 700 and under including any needed accessory's.

- are you using the bike to work scheme - Its an option as my boss mentioned it but its not essential.

- are you willing to consider going secondhand - Yes if everything is in great condition and won't cost me more down the line.

- will you be using the bike in wet weather - Considering its Ireland more than likely

- how tall you are - 6ft4

- are you looking for a woman's bike ora man's bike - Men's

Good deal to be had on it for a Boardsie. Should tick all your boxes if going second hand and it will fit you.

https://www.donedeal.ie/bicycles-for-sale/giant-defy-1/25270819

Tony04 · 28-07-2020 9:15pm

^ that's a really nice starter bike
If you got a bikefit on it it would be super comfortable aswell

How Soon Is Now · 28-07-2020 9:27pm

I'll have a proper look at it in a bit thanks!!

FastFullBack · 03-09-2020 11:34am

- what is the intended use of the bike
Dropping my son to pre-school (3KM) using bike seat, some commuting & cycling with kids when they are older. I already have a road bike, so this new bike wont be doing any real long spins
- what is your budget
€1K
- are you using the bike to work scheme
Yes
- aer you willing to consider going secondhand
No
- will you be using the bike in wet weather
yes, need mudguards, pannier racks and bike kickstand
- how tall you are
6 foot 1
- are you looking for a woman's bike or man's bike
Man's Bike

I really like the look of this Trek; https://www.theedge-sports.com/cycling-c18/bikes-c19/hybrid-bikes-c200/trek-fx-3-disc-eq-2020-p26959 but it's out of stock and not known when it will be in. There seems to be no Large hybrid bikes anywhere in Cork.

I found Halfords have a couple of Boardman bikes alright ;https://www.halfords.ie/bikes/hybrid-bikes/boardman-hyb-8.6-mens-hybrid-bike-2021---silver---s%2C-m%2C-l-frames-366198.html

This one is also in stock in another LBS, but it has shocks which I heard are a pain to maintain; https://kross.eu/en/bikes/tour/trekking/trans-9-0-graphite-silver-matte

I'd be willing to buy online if the company could process Bike2Work.

Any other idea's to get a bike in the next couple of weeks?

markodaly · 03-09-2020 4:50pm

- what is the intended use of the bike (commuting/leisure/just going for a spin with the kids, etc.)

: Commuting and leisure, as in using the bike with a child carrier to go for cycles around parks/greenways, that type of thing. I would ideally be looking to take two small kids, the youngest on the front, the oldest that the back.
As mentioned, would also be my day to day commuter, when not out with the kids.

- what is your budget

: Open on this, not an issue, if the bike is right.

- are you using the bike to work scheme (this rules out secondhand bikes, and depending on your employer, potentially what bike shops you can use)

: yes

- aer you willing to consider going secondhand

: maybe

- will you be using the bike in wet weather

: Probably, yes

- how tall you are

: 5' 10" or so

- are you looking for a woman's bike or man's bike

Mans bike.

One shot on kill · 05-09-2020 10:18pm

Hey guys.

I'm looking at buying a half decent bike of donedeal maybe.
Due to being a big guy I'm finding it hard to run as much as needed to stay on track. So I wanna get a bike to keep my cardio time up.

Hybrid
Or
Road bike

I wanna try cycle for at least an hour to start 3/4 times a week.

I'm a big guy in general but carrying some excess fuel at the moment. Flexible and no stranger to hard training. Just not cycling.

Any advice on a type of bike yee might suggest.

Only thing is I dont wanna spend hugh money but I also dont wanna buy dirt. I'm looking for the sweet spot I suppose.

Thanks in advance

magicbastarder · 05-09-2020 10:22pm

if you're just planning on using it for fitness, and not having other utilitarian uses, a road bike would probably be your best best.
you can often find decent bikes for reasonable prices on adverts, what height are you?

magicbastarder · 05-09-2020 10:24pm

markodaly wrote: »

- what is the intended use of the bike (commuting/leisure/just going for a spin with the kids, etc.)

: Commuting and leisure, as in using the bike with a child carrier to go for cycles around parks/greenways, that type of thing. I would ideally be looking to take two small kids, the youngest on the front, the oldest that the back.
As mentioned, would also be my day to day commuter, when not out with the kids.

i suspect a hybrid would be best for you. carrying two kids around on it would help keep you fit!
others here might know better about child seats which can easily detach; if you're going to use it to commute it'd make life easier on you to be able to detach them for that purpose.

One shot on kill · 05-09-2020 10:45pm

magicbastarder wrote: »

if you're just planning on using it for fitness, and not having other utilitarian uses, a road bike would probably be your best best.
you can often find decent bikes for reasonable prices on adverts, what height are you?

Thanks for your reply.

About 6ft or 6,1
No purely fitness no commuting at all.

younggalway · 13-10-2020 12:56pm

Hey folks, I posted in here back in June when I was buying my bike. Had intended to use it for commuting/short trips around Dublin but now Im back west and will be WFH for the foreseeable. Anyway I bought a Merida Crossway Urban 300 2020 (Green)(XL) at the time and have only used it a handful of times so have decided to sell it on to someone who will get some use out of it.

1. Where would be the best place to advertise?
2. How much can I realistically look for for the bike, helmet and kryptonite lock in a package? It cost me over a grand for the lot in June but I appreciate there is probably a newer model out now so realistic price recommendations appreciated. If its not worth too much I might just hold onto it.

magicbastarder · 13-10-2020 1:06pm

you can sell it on the cycling adverts subforum here, or on adverts/done deal (but you can't list it here *and* also list it elsewhere).

bear in mind that the cycle to work scheme has knocked quite a bit of value off your bike - i.e. if someone has the option of buying off you, or buying brand new from a bike shop, and has the full value BTW scheme available, you'd have to knock at a minimum, 52% of the new value of the bike to even match the price the shop will charge.

Tombo2001 · 13-10-2020 1:13pm

markodaly wrote: »

- what is the intended use of the bike (commuting/leisure/just going for a spin with the kids, etc.)

: Commuting and leisure, as in using the bike with a child carrier to go for cycles around parks/greenways, that type of thing. I would ideally be looking to take two small kids, the youngest on the front, the oldest that the back.
As mentioned, would also be my day to day commuter, when not out with the kids.

- are you looking for a woman's bike or man's bike

Mans bike.

Be aware that if you are carrying two kids on the bike, then there will be a lot of kit on the bike, which may make it less comfortable to use when the kids are not on the bike - e.g. if you just want to go out for a spin yourself. For example if you have a seat on the cross bar then your knees may have to move out while you cycle.

Also, the rear bicycle seat for kids in my view destabilises the bike a little.

I would consider getting a bike and a trailer, depending on the age and size of the kids.

A counter point here is that some greenways and parks have those swing gates that are difficult to get through if you have a bike with a trailer.

Tombo2001 · 13-10-2020 1:20pm

magicbastarder wrote: »

you can sell it on the cycling adverts subforum here, or on adverts/done deal (but you can't list it here *and* also list it elsewhere).

bear in mind that the cycle to work scheme has knocked quite a bit of value off your bike - i.e. if someone has the option of buying off you, or buying brand new from a bike shop, and has the full value BTW scheme available, you'd have to knock at a minimum, 52% of the new value of the bike to even match the price the shop will charge.

Ironically - I dont know if this works in practice - because so many bikes are being stolen. If you get a bike on BTW this year, and the bike is stolen next year, then you are looking at paying full price. And for a lot of people who cycle regularly for commuting, if their bike is stolen they need to get a new one straight away.

Personally I would list it at 70% of retail price and hope for the best.

Your other choice is to keep it - thats what I would do anyway - and try to use it for exercise once or twice a week.

younggalway · 13-10-2020 3:11pm

Tombo2001 wrote: »

Ironically - I dont know if this works in practice - because so many bikes are being stolen. If you get a bike on BTW this year, and the bike is stolen next year, then you are looking at paying full price. And for a lot of people who cycle regularly for commuting, if their bike is stolen they need to get a new one straight away.

Personally I would list it at 70% of retail price and hope for the best.

Your other choice is to keep it - thats what I would do anyway - and try to use it for exercise once or twice a week.

Yeah there is that aspect and also a lot of people wont necessarily have access to the BTW scheme/ don't know about it at all.

I run/do classes a few times a week and I would love to cycle more but I know if I haven't done it more than a few times over the Summer, I am very unlikely to start doing it coming into winter.

Thanks for the info folks, I will post it in the sub forum here and on Donedeal at the weekend (Just rereading the comment above, I can't post here and Donedeal etc no?) Or am I misreading that?

magicbastarder · 13-10-2020 3:42pm

correct, if it's listed here it can't be posted on donedeal. you could stick it up here and if there's no interest within a few days, withdraw it and put it on donedeal - however, you may have more luck on donedeal as it's going to get more views.
a lot of the stuff that sells on the adverts subforum here would be less 'general interest' than your bike, so my gut feeling would be adverts.ie/donedeal might be worth a try first.

one of the advantages for many posters here is that selling here, you'd be usually dealing with someone who you have some sort of passing knowledge of, even if that's swapping opinions using silly usernames.

Starting out - bicycle recommendations megathread (see summary in OP)

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