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

magicbastarder · 20-05-2020 2:59pm

byrnem31 wrote: »

I have had 4 bikes in the past year

If i had of bought cheaper, i would want to trade up by now.

sounds like you did though! maybe your upgrade journey is not over yet...

Brandon F · 20-05-2020 3:11pm

magicbastarder wrote: »

Bianchi bikes are a little cooler than cube, but if they're the same price, and the cube is similarly specced except for the hydraulic brakes, i'd say that gives it the edge.

From the limited knowledge I have this is exactly what I was thinking. Bianchi a better looking bike with the cube having the edge in specs.

Tony04 · 20-05-2020 3:14pm

fits wrote: »

- what is the intended use of the bike ~ tipping around with the kids
- what is your budget ~ 500
- are you using the bike to work scheme - no
- aer you willing to consider going secondhand - yes
- will you be using the bike in wet weather - yes
- how tall you are - 164cm female

Had both a hybrid and road bike in the past. A giant avail and a trek hybrid. I sold them both when I developed neck and shoulder problems ( not from cycling but problem was aggravated). Now want to be able to tip around with kids on something comfortable. Electric bike would be ideal but prob not willing to fork out so much yet.

Another hybrid definitely sounds like the right choice for you. I'm not going to recommend a specific one as there is so much of the same thing for the same price, but dont bother with a suspension fork.

Tony04 · 20-05-2020 3:29pm

Brandon F wrote: »

From the limited knowledge I have this is exactly what I was thinking. Bianchi a better looking bike with the cube having the edge in specs.

Bianchi is never really going to offer good value for specs, it is a designer bike brand if you like. For what your looking at there might be other options to consider like giant contend merida scultura specialized allez canyon endurace and rose pro to name a few.

Brandon F · 20-05-2020 4:04pm

Tony04 wrote: »

Bianchi is never really going to offer good value for specs, it is a designer bike brand if you like. For what your looking at there might be other options to consider like giant contend merida scultura specialized allez canyon endurace and rose pro to name a few.

Unfortunately these 2 models are the only ones available in my size in the stores that my company uses for the bike to work scheme. The availability is pushing me into purchasing soon so I have a bike for the summer months.

grayzer75 · 20-05-2020 4:15pm

.red. wrote: »

Another lad here looking for advice.

What is your budget?
€350-€400 max
Will you use B2W?
If I keep it up and want to upgrade I have that option when I get back to work but realistically that will be another 2 months, maybe a little more so for now, second hand is my only option.
What will you use the bike for?
Mainly for exercise/fitness/weight loss. Currently doing a 16km loop on a mountain bike. Another few spins and I'll up that to about 20km and go up gradually from there to maybe 30/35km. Not sure if it's relevant but the roads are a mix of rural and main road, the rural road has a lot of hills, I'm finding them tough but getting up them slowly. The main road is fairly flat bar a few low gradient longer stretches.
Any preferences?
Here's where my confusion comes in so sorry if it's long winded.
I'd rather a road bike, but for no reason in particular. I've borrowed a neighbors Carrera Zelos and liked the different feel to it over the mountain bike but think it's a little too big. I find holding the downbars uncomfortable when pedalling, but grand going downhill to grab the breaks. Along the flat longer main roads I find myself holding on at the gear/brake lever as it feels more natural. I've a few slightly bulging discs in my lower back and bending seems to make them flare up so I definitely don't want to be over stretching for long periods. His bike comes in 51/54cm and I'm guessing it's a 54 as he's over 6ft. It's not marked anywhere that I can find
Height/Inseam if asking for size?
I'm 5'9, inseam 32cm.

I'm currently scouring done deal and adverts but still unsure what I want or what size. Charts put me at 54 or 56cm. I'm thinking a 54cm road bike might have me slightly more upright that a bigger bike, but also read that some bikes will have a slightly higher riding position anyway. Another option is a flat bar road bike but very few of them for sale, especially in my budget.
Any ideas on what to look out for?
Thanks for reading and apologies if my post is a bit long.

These guys are great to deal with:
http://thebikestation.ie/
https://www.facebook.com/thebikestation/

They have some end of line stock on Donedeal:
https://www.donedeal.ie/all?userId=1139225

byrnem31 · 20-05-2020 4:26pm

magicbastarder wrote: »

sounds like you did though! maybe your upgrade journey is not over yet...

It will never be over lol.

Ivan1983 · 20-05-2020 9:58pm

Hello respectful cyclist colleagues, I have a dilemma which hybrid to buy... up to €1000 (and should I choose between a rigid fork or front suspension after all?

I'm from Galway and I want a branded bike, and Kearney Cycles seems as best option, and I narrowed my long search to:

1. Trek Dual Sport 3 (€700)
2. Cube SL road pro (€850)
3. Giant Roam 1 (€950)
4. or maybe to strech for this Cube SL road race (€1050) because last one here have the best specs/parts and it's the lightest... (I can't add links 'cause I'm new user here...)

Thanks in advance! Cheers!

magicbastarder · 20-05-2020 10:19pm

Ivan1983 wrote: »

should I choose between a rigid fork or front suspension after all?

if the bike is just to be used on the road, don't bother with suspension. there's no need for it.

Ivan1983 · 20-05-2020 11:41pm

magicbastarder wrote: »

if the bike is just to be used on the road, don't bother with suspension. there's no need for it.

A friend (cyclist) told me that he wouldn't buy bike with rigid fork beacuse of vibrations to the wrists, but that must be on long term (like more than 10 years) so I actually shouldn't worry... or?

EDIT: yes, I'm planing to fitness cycling only on the asphalt road.

20-05-2020 11:52pm

He was likely riding a mtb with his wrists in the 9 and 3 position exclusively, on a road bike you have multiple positions and the "road buzz" we have here compared to roads in Europe is not an excuse for suspension, a good bike will absorb most of that through the forks. Not to say you won't notice the difference between a french road and an irish one though on the same bike.

byrnem31 · 21-05-2020 1:39pm

Ivan1983 wrote: »

A friend (cyclist) told me that he wouldn't buy bike with rigid fork beacuse of vibrations to the wrists, but that must be on long term (like more than 10 years) so I actually shouldn't worry... or?

EDIT: yes, I'm planing to fitness cycling only on the asphalt road.

I had a 2019 trek ds 2 with suspension that locked in or out. I never used the suspension. It just slowed the bike down and made it more heavy.
Decent fat tyres and thick comfy bar grips will take away a lot of the roads imperfections.

Ivan1983 · 21-05-2020 2:06pm

Deleted User wrote: »

He was likely riding a mtb with his wrists in the 9 and 3 position exclusively, on a road bike you have multiple positions and the "road buzz" we have here compared to roads in Europe is not an excuse for suspension, a good bike will absorb most of that through the forks. Not to say you won't notice the difference between a french road and an irish one though on the same bike.

I'm buying hybrid (with flat handlebar)... I have 100 kg and those road bikes with tiny tyres don't look sturdy enough for me :-)

byrnem31 wrote: »

I had a 2019 trek ds 2 with suspension that locked in or out. I never used the suspension. It just slowed the bike down and made it more heavy.
Decent fat tyres and thick comfy bar grips will take away a lot of the roads imperfections.

3 years ago I had Boardman MX sport and I had locked suspension most of the time...

I had some questions on other forum and it seems now to me that rigid fork won.

Thanks!

.red. · 21-05-2020 8:47pm

What's the etiquette when buying second hand from somebody? Can I expect to be allowed take it on a 10 min spin down the road? I'd happily leave a license and car keys behind or better again have them come with me if they have another bike? I know it will all depend on the seller but what's the norm?
When someone is as clueless as me something could look perfect but not work after I've bought it and it could be a costly mistake.

Tony04 · 21-05-2020 9:22pm

When I've bought second hand I dont test ride. That's only to tell about bike fit, which should be advertised along with the bike.
A bike check i would dowould be any dents on the frame? Do the wheels spin freely? Tyres worn, flat? Rim brake service worn? Brake pads worn? Any play in the headset, to do this stand over the bike holding both brakes and move the bike up down, there shouldn't be any play? Does it shift to all the gears? Is the seat post stuck or loose? Is the chain worn, you can get a cheap tool for this, a bike with a worn chain will tell you the owner is may not have bothered keeping on top of maintenance? Are the brakes firm?
Check feedback on adverts etc.
If you know someone who knows there bike you might bring them along.

younggalway · 22-05-2020 12:35am

younggalway wrote: »

Good evening folks, hoping to take up cycling along with the rest of the country it seems. I am looking for any recommendations people might have based on the following:

What is the intended use of the bike - Bike will be mostly used for exercise/weekend trips to Howth/Malahide etc from D9. However if we get back to work over the coming months I would like the option of using the bike instead of driving. This is a trip of about 7/8km through the city.
What is your budget - Would prefer to keep under 700 including all accessories, less if possible.
Are you using the bike to work scheme - Yes
Are you willing to consider going secondhand - No
Will you be using the bike in wet weather - Possibly for commuting during Winter months
How tall you are - 6'3
Are you looking for a woman's bike or man's bike - Mans

I called into 360 cycles in Clontarf this evening however they said they have limited enough stock in my size in city bikes.
Is a city bike the same as a hybrid?
Also any other places worth looking around North Dublin?

Thanks

Just an update on the above. I have submitted my quote for the BTW scheme so will probably be waiting about 3 weeks for the voucher.

I have decided to go with this Merida:

https://www.360cycles.ie/merida-speeder-100-2020-black.html

Any opinions on the make/model? Keeping in mind I'm a complete beginner.
Thanks

magicbastarder · 22-05-2020 3:15am

Most wrong with that at all. Merida are a well known brand who make frames for even bigger brands.

ccarr · 22-05-2020 9:36am

Just to add I'm also planning on doing Quest event which involves running and cycling. Would good hybrid be suitable are should be looking getting road bike

Tony04 · 22-05-2020 10:40am

ccarr wrote: »

Just to add I'm also planning on doing Quest event which involves running and cycling. Would good hybrid be suitable are should be looking getting road bike

If you care about time a road bike would be faster

keane2097 · 22-05-2020 10:49am

Brandon F wrote: »

Unfortunately these 2 models are the only ones available in my size in the stores that my company uses for the bike to work scheme. The availability is pushing me into purchasing soon so I have a bike for the summer months.

If it makes your decision any easier I have a Cube Attain with hydraulic disk breaks and think it's an excellent bike. The disk brakes give you enough clearance to put nice wide tyres on it if you wish to take it off road, which is something I've done since I got a Madone as my primary road bike. I've got 32mm tyres on mine now and there looks to be plenty of clearance for even bigger.

The Bianchi is probably more flash for the cash but I think the disk brakes are a huge advantage.

Brandon F · 22-05-2020 11:19am

keane2097 wrote: »

If it makes your decision any easier I have a Cube Attain with hydraulic disk breaks and think it's an excellent bike. The disk brakes give you enough clearance to put nice wide tyres on it if you wish to take it off road, which is something I've done since I got a Madone as my primary road bike. I've got 32mm tyres on mine now and there looks to be plenty of clearance for even bigger.

The Bianchi is probably more flash for the cash but I think the disk brakes are a huge advantage.

I decided to go for the Cube and I'm delighted now with the decision reading this. I was originally going to go for a gravel bike so nice to see the option of being able to go off road If I wish. Counting down the days now until it's in store.

Stheno · 22-05-2020 11:39am

Hey guys,

So I went to my local bike shop and am considering a Trek bike

https://www.trekbikes.com/ie/en_IE/bikes/hybrid-bikes/fitness-bikes/fx/fx-3-disc/p/28474/

Any thoughts on it?

magicbastarder · 22-05-2020 11:43am

that's a perfectly fine bike. hydraulic discs too, which is good.

Macer123 · 22-05-2020 11:46am

younggalway wrote: »

Just an update on the above. I have submitted my quote for the BTW scheme so will probably be waiting about 3 weeks for the voucher.

I have decided to go with this Merida:

https://www.360cycles.ie/merida-speeder-100-2020-black.html

Any opinions on the make/model? Keeping in mind I'm a complete beginner.
Thanks

Best of luck with the new bike, just a word of my experience.
I purchased a similar bike last September (Cube SL Road Pro) with flat bars etc.
for similar reasons as yourself.
It didn't take me long to realise that it was the wrong option for me and I should have bought a road bike, I wanted to cover more distance & the Cube was not the real deal (flat bars, heavy, wide tyres)
I picked up a used Carbon road bike on Done Deal before Xmas and am very happy. Covered over 1,300KM during the lockdown (within the required distance from my home), couldn't see my self doing that on the flat bar.
I have picked up some good gear and clipless pedals & shoes etc.

The flat bar is sitting in the shed with very little use other than some trips to the shops or ride with the kids while using regular runners/shoes. Might convert to drop bars to use as a winter bike (it does have disc brakes which would be ideal).

Have a good think what uses you will make of the bike before committing.

22-05-2020 11:50am

And looks good in the red too. My partner uses a 4 year old model daily and can't fault it. If you plan to use it all year round invest in the mud guards too.

dinneenp · 22-05-2020 12:14pm

ccarr wrote: »

Just to add I'm also planning on doing Quest event which involves running and cycling. Would good hybrid be suitable are should be looking getting road bike

To add to Tony04's comment-

I have a courier bike (flat bars, 9 gears). Borrowed a road bike from a friend and there's no going back, have since ordered a Canyon Endurance AL 7.

Observations on road bike vs hybrid/courier:

drops on handlebars are great for any downhill, gets you into a much more aero position
- default position for hands (sticky up section at end of the bars) makes climbing any incline much easier- can get out of the saddle immediately & change gears if needed. I feel like you can really 'attack' a hill quickly
- lighter, therefore quicker
- much wider selection of gears (granted I had only 8)

keane2097 · 22-05-2020 12:56pm

Brandon F wrote: »

I decided to go for the Cube and I'm delighted now with the decision reading this. I was originally going to go for a gravel bike so nice to see the option of being able to go off road If I wish. Counting down the days now until it's in store.

I put 30mm tyres on it more or less from the start and it was perfect for day long events like Ring of Kerry. It's a very comfortable bike. Best of luck with it.

keane2097 · 22-05-2020 12:59pm

What are the actual advantages of a hybrid over a relaxed geometry road bike? I've never really been able to discern much.

I know it's a fairly subjective thing but I've always found the ability to change hand position on a road bike much more conducive to my level of comfort than the fairly limited positions you can adopt on a hybrid.

Tony04 · 22-05-2020 1:33pm

keane2097 wrote: »

What are the actual advantages of a hybrid over a relaxed geometry road bike? I've never really been able to discern much.

I know it's a fairly subjective thing but I've always found the ability to change hand position on a road bike much more conducive to my level of comfort than the fairly limited positions you can adopt on a hybrid.

Easier to handle through traffic than a road bike.

byrnem31 · 22-05-2020 2:17pm

Stheno wrote: »

Hey guys,

So I went to my local bike shop and am considering a Trek bike

https://www.trekbikes.com/ie/en_IE/bikes/hybrid-bikes/fitness-bikes/fx/fx-3-disc/p/28474/

Any thoughts on it?

I had the 2019 trek ds 2 model. They are a nice bike but the suspension is useless unless you are going off road on it.
The paintwork I found to be very poor also. The slightest touch against the paint would either chip it or mark it.
It was very comfortable though and a lovely, fast bike to cycle. I had a rack on mine and it was good for commuting.
I bought a cheap racer though for €80 and fixed it up while I still had the trek. Couldn't believe how much I liked it so I gave my mate the trek for his son for free. Now I have a carbon bike.

keane2097 · 22-05-2020 3:03pm

Tony04 wrote: »

Easier to handle through traffic than a road bike.

Is that really the case? Wider handlebars seem more likely to be wobbly (and wider) in slow moving tight spots.

DelBoy Trotter · 22-05-2020 3:44pm

How much of a difference is there between a Sore and Tiagra groupset for a beginner?

cletus · 22-05-2020 3:53pm

I have Sora on my bike, and I can maintain 14mph over a 35 mile cycle (that's 22.5kph over 56.3km, for any Velominati about there. Or 51040 cubits per hour over 123200 cubits for any fans of the Old Testament)

Any lack of speed is a result of my fitness and ability, than any downfall of the Sora system

Deano12345 · 22-05-2020 3:56pm

DelBoy Trotter wrote: »

How much of a difference is there between a Sore and Tiagra groupset for a beginner?

Not much, Sora parts is slightly heavier, and has one less speed at the back. 9 speed vs 10 speed. Generally the less speeds, the more of a jump between each gear.

Tiagra is probably very slightly smoother shifting too.

Personally If there isn’t a big price difference, I’d go with Tiagra

magicbastarder · 22-05-2020 3:56pm

DelBoy Trotter wrote: »

How much of a difference is there between a Sore and Tiagra groupset for a beginner?

very little, really. tiagra will be made with lighter components, and has an extra gear, but for a beginner, there's not enough in it to really be an issue.

DelBoy Trotter · 22-05-2020 4:18pm

Deano12345 wrote: »

Not much, Sora parts is slightly heavier, and has one less speed at the back. 9 speed vs 10 speed. Generally the less speeds, the more of a jump between each gear.

Tiagra is probably very slightly smoother shifting too.

Personally If there isn’t a big price difference, I’d go with Tiagra

For the bikes I've been looking at, there's probably €140-200 difference

Tony04 · 22-05-2020 4:27pm

DelBoy Trotter wrote: »

For the bikes I've been looking at, there's probably €140-200 difference

What are they there might be other differences? Imo if there was no difference between tiagra and sora tiagra wouldn't exist.

cletus · 22-05-2020 4:30pm

Tony04 wrote: »

What are they there might be other differences? Imo if there was no difference between tiagra and sora tiagra wouldn't exist.

True. There's a difference between a steel handlebar and a carbon one. The question is, are we (any given cyclist) in a position to make use of or take advantage of the difference.

Tony04 · 22-05-2020 4:31pm

keane2097 wrote: »

Is that really the case? Wider handlebars seem more likely to be wobbly (and wider) in slow moving tight spots.

If flat bars weren't easier to manoeuvre they wouldn't be on mountain bikes. Same thing if your weaving through traffic. That being said a road noke is better for commuting of you want to get from a to b. But if your transporting bags and weaving through traffic I'd prefer a hybrid or a cheap mtb

magicbastarder · 22-05-2020 4:34pm

the wider the bar, the more stable the steering will be, especially to any knocks which might otherwise turn the wheel on you; you can get away with narrower bars on a road bike because there's less likely to be a tree root which will try to kick the wheel sideways.

.red. · 22-05-2020 5:24pm

I took a spin on a second hand Giant Defy today, size M. Really nice bike and seemed in very good condition.
I correctly measured myself at 5'8, inseam of 32cm which should have made the M perfect from the charts.
If felt much too small. The saddle height felt fine but my knees were an inch from my arms when pedalling. If I stood up I felt like I'd go over the handlebars. The seller tried to raise the bars but couldn't figure it out and I didn't want to go fiddling with it as I didn't know either.
Could the small feel be me being used to a mountain bike, or would raising the handlebars make much difference?
Thanks.

Tony04 · 22-05-2020 5:37pm

cletus wrote: »

True. There's a difference between a steel handlebar and a carbon one. The question is, are we (any given cyclist) in a position to make use of or take advantage of the difference.

I guess it depends on how marginal the speed difference is and how exponentially it grows depending on your level of fitness. So a carbon bar might gain you second or two over the whole Tour de France, but it is not going to be the deciding factor in whether you or Johnny gets the KOM up the local hill. But in reality its fitness which is going to make the biggest difference.

Then imo theres also the difference of durability. I'd pay the extra for 1 x 11/12 mtb drivetrain than a 3x8 because it's much easier to maintain. In regards to the op if you save 150 or so from a budget on buying sora and you spent that money on buying a good quality tool kit to maintain your drivetrain youd be much better off. At the same time tiagra would be better for, than Sora, and perfectly fine for racing, as it is the exact same, bar weight which is again a marginal difference, to what was being used 10 years ago.

magicbastarder · 22-05-2020 5:40pm

.red. wrote: »

Could the small feel be me being used to a mountain bike, or would raising the handlebars make much difference?
Thanks.

too hard to tell without seeing you on it. one question i'd ask would be in relation so saddle position, forward or back; it may be that the saddle was pushed too far forward?

Tony04 · 22-05-2020 5:42pm

.red. wrote: »

I took a spin on a second hand Giant Defy today, size M. Really nice bike and seemed in very good condition.
I correctly measured myself at 5'8, inseam of 32cm which should have made the M perfect from the charts.
If felt much too small. The saddle height felt fine but my knees were an inch from my arms when pedalling. If I stood up I felt like I'd go over the handlebars. The seller tried to raise the bars but couldn't figure it out and I didn't want to go fiddling with it as I didn't know either.
Could the small feel be me being used to a mountain bike, or would raising the handlebars make much difference?
Thanks.

Are you sure the seatpost is set high enough. Yeh road bikes would lean you a little more over the front than mountain bikes. Do you have photos?

.red. · 22-05-2020 6:32pm

magicbastarder wrote: »

too hard to tell without seeing you on it. one question i'd ask would be in relation so saddle position, forward or back; it may be that the saddle was pushed too far forward?

Tony04 wrote: »

Are you sure the seatpost is set high enough. Yeh road bikes would lean you a little more over the front than mountain bikes. Do you have photos?

The ad has since been removed but I was able to screenshot the cover picture from saved ads on done deal, tiny pic zoomed in so quality is poor.
The saddle does seem forward so could have come back a little.
When I was sitting on it and holding the top bars, the bike felt lovely. When I held the down bars my knees felt very close to my arms, maybe this is normal but felt alien to me.
When I stood up from the saddle everything felt wrong, again this could have just been me not knowing what a road bike should feel like.
Thanks.

magicbastarder · 22-05-2020 6:43pm

i only ever use the drops at most maybe 1% or 2% of the time. i usually cycle with my hands on the hoods, i.e. hooked over the brakes/shifters.

ccarr · 22-05-2020 8:52pm

I was in 360 cycle today. The two bikes I was recommended where Merida Speeder 100D and Ridgeback THREE6FIVE. Any thoughts on these bikes

magicbastarder · 22-05-2020 9:38pm

not a huge amount between them really; the brakes are identical, and from a practical point of view the biggest difference is probably that the ridgeback is a 1x10 and the merida is 3x8 (i.e. the ridgeback has a single chainring on the front, but the merida has a triple ring).
the merida thus would have a slightly easier granny gear for steep hills, but if you don't plan on tackling those, the single ring ridgeback might be less faff.
the frame on the merida is likely to be a little better, all other things being equal - it's made from a slightly higher grade of aluminium.
but the gears on the ridgeback - deore - would be better quality.

i suspect it's one of those things that if you can get a test ride on each, go with whichever one feels more comfortable.

.red. · 23-05-2020 9:35am

This might be a stupid question but here goes....
How accurate is the size chart? As I said in a previous post I cycled a Giant yesterday that according to the charts, was perfectly sized (M) for me in every way but felt much too small.
The next size up (ML) should be too big, according to the size chart. Coming from a mountain bike I don't know if the complete change of everything about the road bike is making me feel it's sized wrong.
Not knowing what size I want/need, I'm finding it very difficult to narrow down bikes to go look at. Keeping it relatively local due to restrictions is making it even harder.
I don't have an LBS near me open either to go have a look and don't really know anybody who cycles to get advice or opinions from.

Tony04 · 23-05-2020 10:52am

Most geometry charts should be reasonably accurate as if they weren't brands would not sell as many bikes. Theres a lot of videos on YouTube channels like GCN that can offer you plenty of advice.

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

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