Brands to avoid?

Qrt · 30-09-2018 8:25pm #1

This question has probably asked (and answered) to death on boards but I thought I'd ask anyway. Are there any brands of bikes to avoid at all costs? I'm basically a complete newcomer, but absolutely fed up with the buses for short journeys and want to get one. I've heard mixed things about Raleigh; classic well known favourites, but some might just be a licensed model? i.e. not authentic. I saw a Jupiter one too and it looked fairly sturdy. I'd love a Gazelle, used one in Germany and it was phenomenal but I don't exactly want to break the bank. I've seen a few brands from looking at the college bike racks when passing but I've told myself I better stop before I get accused of something...

Answers would be much appreciated.:)

Wishbone Ash · 30-09-2018 8:40pm

It's a difficult question to answer as it depends on what you need the bike for and the quality often depends on the components rather than the frame itself (e.g. a similar frame could be used on a €1,000 bike or a €3,000 bike but the wheels/groupset etc. make the difference).

The problem with very cheap bikes is that when you go to replace a component, the price including labour will often cost more than what you paid for the bike.

CramCycle · 30-09-2018 8:49pm

Depends what you want. By the sounds of it your looking for a short run around, in which case, hard to buy something that would not do the job.

I wouldn't buy specialized but now that I have said it out loud, I am worried they will sue me :pac:

Qrt · 30-09-2018 9:00pm

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

It's a difficult question to answer as it depends on what you need the bike for and the quality often depends on the components rather than the frame itself (e.g. a similar frame could be used on a €1,000 bike or a €3,000 bike but the wheels/groupset etc. make the difference).

The problem with very cheap bikes is that when you go to replace a component, the price including labour will often cost more than what you paid for the bike.

I guess that's the same for many things! I'm the type of person who barely knows the components of a bike. I know you multiply the front number by the back number to get the amount of gears, I know a derailleur is the hangy-thing at the back, and that cross-chaining is bad. I only really need one that will get me from A-B and grapple the mild slopes of South Dublin.

CramCycle wrote: »

Depends what you want. By the sounds of it your looking for a short run around, in which case, hard to buy something that would not do the job.

I wouldn't buy specialized but now that I have said it out loud, I am worried they will sue me :pac:

I've noticed they've opened a shop nearby, looks fairly advanced though.

Qrt · 30-09-2018 9:09pm

Just seen a Jupiter Vermont there, decent price too. Anybody have experience with them?

py · 30-09-2018 9:26pm

CramCycle wrote: »

I wouldn't buy specialized but now that I have said it out loud, I am worried they will sue me :pac:

Have seen this sort of thing mentioned a few times around these parts. What gives?

Cee-Jay-Cee · 30-09-2018 9:26pm

Without knowing your budget I’d recommend avoiding Castello, Viking and Jupiter.

If you stick to the known brands then you won’t go far wrong.

Trek
Giant
Specialized
Scott
Focus
Felt
Boardman
Cube

CramCycle · 30-09-2018 9:31pm

Qrt wrote: »

I guess that's the same for many things! I'm the type of person who barely knows the components of a bike. I know you multiply the front number by the back number to get the amount of gears, I know a derailleur is the hangy-thing at the back, and that cross-chaining is bad. I only really need one that will get me from A-B and grapple the mild slopes of South Dublin.

How long is A to B, how often will you do it and when you say slopes, do you mean the Wicklow mountains or the climb out of Nutgrove to Barton Road

Qrt wrote: »

Just seen a Jupiter Vermont there, decent price too. Anybody have experience with them?

Cheap and overpriced, if you get my doublespeak. If you are not leaving it outside, doing very short distances, not very often it will be fine. If your doing 20km every day, it will be quite short lived in regards parts and require more money than the bike is worth to keep it going.

The more specific info you provide the better, whats your budget, what distance, how often etc.

CramCycle · 30-09-2018 9:36pm

py wrote: »

Have seen this sort of thing mentioned a few times around these parts. What gives?

The brand price seems to be to support a team of lawyers who sue all and sundry over the most tenuous links to their brand, even when no such link exists. My favourite is the small Canadian bike shop they tried to put out of business for calling itself Roubaix, which they claimed was copyright infringement. The city of Roubaix and the judge in the proceedings both disagreed with the lawyers :pac:

Qrt · 30-09-2018 9:58pm

Cee-Jay-Cee wrote: »

Without knowing your budget I’d recommend avoiding Castello, Viking and Jupiter.

If you stick to the known brands then you won’t go far wrong.

Trek
Giant
Specialized
Scott
Focus
Felt
Boardman
Cube

Cheers! I've seen a few boardmans, abbeit used, but I'll look at them.

CramCycle wrote: »

How long is A to B, how often will you do it and when you say slopes, do you mean the Wicklow mountains or the climb out of Nutgrove to Barton Road

Cheap and overpriced, if you get my doublespeak. If you are not leaving it outside, doing very short distances, not very often it will be fine. If your doing 20km every day, it will be quite short lived in regards parts and require more money than the bike is worth to keep it going.

The more specific info you provide the better, whats your budget, what distance, how often etc.

It would definitely be in the Nutgrove to Barton Road territory. Cheap and overpriced is a scathing review so I do think I'll avoid it. Budget is around €350, and honestly it'd be around 5-10k at the weekends, the walk to the Luas is a mere 10 mins so I don't see much point using it for that with the added risk of leaving it at the Luas stop.

CramCycle · 30-09-2018 10:23pm

Qrt wrote: »

It would definitely be in the Nutgrove to Barton Road territory. Cheap and overpriced is a scathing review so I do think I'll avoid it. Budget is around €350, and honestly it'd be around 5-10k at the weekends, the walk to the Luas is a mere 10 mins so I don't see much point using it for that with the added risk of leaving it at the Luas stop.

The good news is that with the small mileage (in comparison to others here) you don't need anything overly fancy. The only thing I will warn you about is that locking at a LUAS, you'd want to be spending something decent o locks (although Aldi seem to have OK ones this week for dirt cheap (the giant U locks)

At 350, second hand may not be a bad choice.

Qrt · 30-09-2018 10:57pm

CramCycle wrote: »

The good news is that with the small mileage (in comparison to others here) you don't need anything overly fancy. The only thing I will warn you about is that locking at a LUAS, you'd want to be spending something decent o locks (although Aldi seem to have OK ones this week for dirt cheap (the giant U locks)

At 350, second hand may not be a bad choice.

Yeah, I feel a tad silly with the mileage :pac:. Essentially, I just want something that won't fall apart while using it!

Qrt · 30-09-2018 11:38pm

Has anybody had any experience with Lapierre bikes? Local store is selling a city bike for around €425.

Canis Lupus · 01-10-2018 3:38am

Qrt wrote: »

Has anybody had any experience with Lapierre bikes? Local store is selling a city bike for around €425.

Brand is fine I believe, unsure about value for money. Like people said the devil is in the componentry really ie shifters, chainset and all that jazz.

If you've a Halfords nearby their Carrera range is perfectly fine if you're just looking for a cheapie for small stuff, I had a Carerra in London for commuting and it was great. As above you could also get a bit better potentially from a second hand purchase. Have a look on adverts or see if there are facebook cycling groups and put a request up.

Unless the bike is stored in your house I'd still firmly believe in a decent lock. Kryptonite Orange u lock (don't buy cable locks) is worth the money vs finding your bike missing from where you last put it.

fryup · 01-10-2018 9:28am

Canis Lupus wrote: »

If you've a Halfords nearby their Carrera range is perfectly fine if you're just looking for a cheapie for small stuff, I had a Carerra in London for commuting and it was great.

yep, have a carrera TDF and its a fab bike

terrydel · 01-10-2018 9:40am

Qrt wrote: »

I guess that's the same for many things! I'm the type of person who barely knows the components of a bike. I know you multiply the front number by the back number to get the amount of gears, I know a derailleur is the hangy-thing at the back, and that cross-chaining is bad. I only really need one that will get me from A-B and grapple the mild slopes of South Dublin.

I've noticed they've opened a shop nearby, looks fairly advanced though.

I think the issue many have with Specialized is one of principle.
Not a very pleasant bunch by all accounts, especially in how they treat small retailers.

Macy0161 · 01-10-2018 9:48am

My first bike on the journey to where I am now was a viking from amazon. The definition of a Bike Shaped Object. The Carrera Zelos I upgraded to was a massive step up! The only slight pain was the freewheel versus cassette, but it took me years to realise you could actually source 7 speed cassettes!

That Zelos is still going strong, after serving as my commuter for a number of years, it's now set up permanently on my direct drive turbo trainer! I use TrainerRoad with erg mode, so seven speed cassette with spacers is working fine so far.

Qrt · 01-10-2018 10:05am

Macy0161 wrote: »

My first bike on the journey to where I am now was a viking from amazon. The definition of a Bike Shaped Object. The Carrera Zelos I upgraded to was a massive step up! The only slight pain was the freewheel versus cassette, but it took me years to realise you could actually source 7 speed cassettes!

That Zelos is still going strong, after serving as my commuter for a number of years, it's now set up permanently on my direct drive turbo trainer! I use TrainerRoad with erg mode, so seven speed cassette with spacers is working fine so far.

I'm going to be honest and say that I see these words but I have no idea what they mean, even after a google... I do like the "Bike Shaped Object" description though!

Hungrycol · 01-10-2018 10:28am

Get yourself a hybrid bike, like a "racer" but with flat handlebars and tyres wider than a racer but not as thick as a mountain bike. Stay away from suspension at a cheap price point if you can. You get what you pay for. If you can go for an aluminium framed bike all the better as this will be lighter to handle.

I think the most important thing with a bike that you don't want to fall apart is to get it serviced regularly (or learn to do this yourself) and get a decent pump to be able to pump the tyres up to the suggested pressure as denoted on the tyre wall. If you look after your bike it will look after you. Build up a rapport with your local bike shop.

Macy0161 · 01-10-2018 10:46am

Qrt wrote: »

I'm going to be honest and say that I see these words but I have no idea what they mean, even after a google... I do like the "Bike Shaped Object" description though!

Basically, a Bike Shaped Object (or BSO), looks like a bike, but that's about it. They're no fun to ride and you'll lose interest.

The only caveat I'd say is, you say you're going to be using it instead of buses. What's security like either end of your proposed journey. A BSO might be just the thing if it's being left on the street to be honest.

Pigeon Reaper · 01-10-2018 11:05am

Qrt wrote: »

Has anybody had any experience with Lapierre bikes? Local store is selling a city bike for around €425.

Good reputable French brand. Most of the bike is made in Taiwan like other brands but they're generally well made.

Cee-Jay-Cee · 01-10-2018 11:07am

OP you haven't said what your budget is because if for example its €1000 then you wont be looking at any of the cheaper brands such as Viking Castello etc and most likely anything priced in around that range will be of reasonably good quality with decent spec. if you are on a lower budget then my advice would be to find out what size you need and buy second hand. This time of year is a great time for buying, people are looking to upgrade to 2019 models and looking to offload older bikes to free up cash for Christmas etc.

_Brian · 01-10-2018 11:11am

I bought a Trek2 Hybrid over the summer and it’s a lovely bike, I had to add an adjustable stem but other than that it’s was perfect.

€600 or there abouts

Wishbone Ash · 01-10-2018 11:38am

Cee-Jay-Cee wrote: »

OP you haven't said what your budget is ....

He/she did in post 10 (€350).

CramCycle · 01-10-2018 11:42am

Qrt wrote: »

Budget is around €350, a

Cee-Jay-Cee wrote: »

OP you haven't said what your budget is
........
if you are on a lower budget then my advice would be to find out what size you need and buy second hand. This time of year is a great time for buying, people are looking to upgrade to 2019 models and looking to offload older bikes to free up cash for Christmas etc.

I'd agree with the second hand if your comfy with that, or if you have a friend who knows what to look out for to come with you if your not comfy with that, you will get better bang for your buck. On the same note, by the distances described, I think there is nothing wrong with the budget.

If it were me. get a Vitus Dee from CRC for about 380, If your around South Dublin, happy to meet up and make sure it is put together right (I work in South Dublin). Pick up a set of lights from Aldi and two decent locks. All done. It has 29er wheels so a bit of comfort, decent range of gears for the area. All Shimano so replacements will not be impossible and not quite bling enough to be a number one target for thieves.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/vitus-dee-29-city-bike-2018/rp-prod159717?gs=1&sku=sku586938&pgrid=55940684541&ptaid=pla-425507084399&utm_source=google&utm_term=&utm_campaign=PLA+All+Products&utm_medium=base&utm_content=mkwid|sjJoH9Czt_dc|pcrid|294740729972|pkw||pmt||prd|586938IE

comanche_cor · 01-10-2018 12:03pm

CramCycle wrote: »

If it were me. get a Vitus Dee from CRC for about 380 ..

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/vitus-dee-29-city-bike-2018/rp-prod159717?gs=1&sku=sku586938&pgrid=55940684541&ptaid=pla-425507084399&utm_source=google&utm_term=&utm_campaign=PLA+All+Products&utm_medium=base&utm_content=mkwid|sjJoH9Czt_dc|pcrid|294740729972|pkw||pmt||prd|586938IE

I was just about to post up a link to this... can close the thread now

Qrt · 01-10-2018 12:12pm

Thanks a lot for all the responses. I think I'll either have a look at the used section of CycleSuperstore or get a Carerra Hybrid from Halfords. Storage wise, I'd be the likes of The Square, Lidl (yes, that Lidl) and a run along the Dodder Greenway when it's actually, know, built properly.

Canis Lupus · 01-10-2018 12:28pm

Qrt wrote: »

Storage wise, I'd be the likes of The Square, Lidl (yes, that Lidl) .

If you're leaving it outside, anywhere, at any time then a good U lock is required in Dublin. As I mentioned before I like Kryptonite orange, yellow would be complete overkill for a bike your price. I'm sure the lads here can give you advice on other quality locks at good prices.

I can't stress enough to not cheap out and use a cable as a main lock if you think about going that way.

CramCycle · 01-10-2018 12:30pm

Two locks, minimum two locks.

Qrt · 01-10-2018 12:35pm

Canis Lupus wrote: »

If you're leaving it outside, anywhere, at any time then a good U lock is required in Dublin. As I mentioned before I like Kryptonite orange, yellow would be complete overkill for a bike your price. I'm sure the lads here can give you advice on other quality locks at good prices.

I can't stress enough to not cheap out and use a cable as a main lock if you think about going that way.

CramCycle wrote: »

Two locks, minimum two locks.

I saw a bike theft segment on Crimecall last week, definitely getting two locks (and avoiding cable locks like the plague).

Wishbone Ash · 01-10-2018 1:15pm

CramCycle wrote: »

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/vitus-dee-29-city-bike-2018/rp-prod159717?gs=1&sku=sku586938&pgrid=55940684541&ptaid=pla-425507084399&utm_source=google&utm_term=&utm_campaign=PLA+All+Products&utm_medium=base&utm_content=mkwid|sjJoH9Czt_dc|pcrid|294740729972|pkw||pmt||prd|586938IE

Looks like only 2 tiny sizes remaining - hence the price probably.

italodisco · 01-10-2018 1:17pm

I've got a new trek FX 7, can only say good things so far.

There's a disc version on adverts for sale, good price and the guy has receipts etc

https://touch.adverts.ie/mountain-bikes/trek/15929282

CramCycle · 01-10-2018 1:19pm

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

Looks like only 2 tiny sizes remaining - hence the price probably.

They always only have the two sizes, and it is always quite cheap, just the end of year getting it reduced more. I had the 19 single speed version and it fits quite a range of heights.

kal7 · 01-10-2018 1:27pm

Have had a lapierre for nine years no issues. I am sure there are better bikes around. Cost me 1000 euro

I have not put up serious miles on it, but have done say ring of kerry an Ironman and several halves.

07Lapierre · 01-10-2018 1:44pm

Qrt wrote: »

Has anybody had any experience with Lapierre bikes? Local store is selling a city bike for around €425.

I’ve had mine since 2007..

Type 17 · 01-10-2018 1:45pm

italodisco wrote: »

I've got a new trek FX 7, can only say good things so far.

There's a disc version on adverts for sale, good price and the guy has receipts etc

https://touch.adverts.ie/mountain-bikes/trek/15929282

I presume that you meant FX 2

italodisco · 01-10-2018 3:55pm

Type 17 wrote: »

I presume that you meant FX 2

LOL sorry, I've the FX 7, I see the other is a fiff model but certainly a decent bike for the price as long as the bike is in top condition.

Type 17 · 01-10-2018 4:04pm

italodisco wrote: »

LOL sorry, I've the FX 7, I see the other is a diff model but certainly a decent bike for the price as long as the bike is in top condition.

Yep, it's a 2018 FX 2 Disc (model years start in August, so it was available in November '17). Decent bike, and the brakes are hydraulic (not always the case at these price points).

saccades · 01-10-2018 7:47pm

Crank brothers, always avoid crank brothers.

Qrt · 01-10-2018 8:50pm

I've done more scouring and I've come across the Trek FX, basic enough for what I'd use it for like. I assume pannier racks and lights and so are standardised so I could just get any set?

Qrt · 04-10-2018 11:16pm

Does anybody have experience with Ridgeback bikes? I've not heard of them before.

CramCycle · 05-10-2018 6:05am

Qrt wrote: »

Does anybody have experience with Ridgeback bikes? I've not heard of them before.

My office mate and partner both have one. Nothing fancy but seem decent and solid. They both have been putting 15km a day commuting onto them for over a year and they both appear in nearly as new condition.So long as the components and wheels are OK, they are probably a reasonable commuter.

Weepsie · 05-10-2018 6:53am

Last year's Ridgeback Panorama was a beautiful of a frame. Nearly bought one myself

8valve · 05-10-2018 8:26pm

Go to a reputable bike shop, tell them what you need the bike for, and they will advise you accordingly. Trek, Giant, Ridgeback, Raleigh etc, all make decent machinery in this price bracket.

For your budget, there is a nice range of basic but reliable hybrids which will suit your cycling needs exactly. They're all much of a muchness but look for an aluminium frame for lightness with Shimano drivetrain/gears etc.

Mudguards make a bike usable and keep you clean, even on wet days, or even on a fine day when the roads are still wet/mucky; carriers are handy for fitting bags if you have stuff to bring with you on your travels.

Spend at least 50 on a lock to discourage thieves; remember no lock is unbeatable, but some take more time than others to beat; it's a bit Macchiavellian but a good lock will make the bike next to yours more nickable than your bike if its got a cheaper lock!

Try to negotiate puncture-resistant tyres into your purchase price and keep them inflated near to (but not over) the max pressure marked on the side of the tyre; as a bike mechanic for three decades, I've fixed more flats caused by underinflation than by foreign objects sticking in the tyres!

Service it twice a year....don't be that guy who cycles a bike for four years solid without washing it or lubing it and then gets angry and effs me out of it over the phone when someone like me rings to tell him his bike needs 250 quids worth of work to replace all the worn out parts!

Type 17 · 05-10-2018 8:39pm

Qrt wrote: »

Does anybody have experience with Ridgeback bikes? I've not heard of them before.

A UK brand, made in the far east, like most stuff these days, but surprisingly good value in many small ways - they always use a Shimano rear hub with a cassette, even on their kids' bikes (most cheaper brands use a cheap hub with a screw-on freewheel, which can lead to a snapped axle), and the brake pads' threads are greased (which means you can tighten them without them swivelling in their slots).
Downsides are brake cables that seize up at the first hint of damp (strip them out, wipe down the wire with steel wool and lube the housing, and it's fixed) and slightly some orange-peel paint finishes, but these are minor. They are our shop's economy brand, behind our main brand, Trek.

Qrt · 04-11-2018 10:55pm

Riiiiiight so I'm awful at putting things off but have revisited this, and I have narrowed it down to these two:

https://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=125364

https://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=124945

any opinions would be great

AndrewJRenko · 04-11-2018 11:09pm

You'll need lights and mudguards anyway, so add in that cost on the Giant, and they're both about the same price.

bingobars · 04-11-2018 11:24pm

Bought a Cannondale synapse Alu2017 with Maddox wheelset. Frame is nice, 105-FSA mixed group, TRP spyre disc brakes all going good and nice but man are those wheels brutal. Popped 5 spokes in sucession, bearing are rotting and the hoops are no longer round. Absolute trash. That’s the trend now I believe. I hear Giant also skimp in the wheel department

Type 17 · 04-11-2018 11:32pm

Broken spokes on Giants are like brexit stories in the press…

c.p.w.g.w · 04-11-2018 11:41pm

Type 17 wrote: »

Broken spokes on Giants are like brexit stories in the press…

Don't Giant use Shimano wheels?

Type 17 · 05-11-2018 12:47pm

c.p.w.g.w wrote: »

Type 17 wrote: »

Broken spokes on Giants are like brexit stories in the press…

Don't Giant use Shimano wheels?

Probably on their higher-end stuff, but where they use their own spokes (and tension them themselves), it’s very noticeable…

Brands to avoid?

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