Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie
Hi all! We have been experiencing an issue on site where threads have been missing the latest postings. The platform host Vanilla are working on this issue. A workaround that has been used by some is to navigate back from 1 to 10+ pages to re-sync the thread and this will then show the latest posts. Thanks, Mike.
Hi there,
There is an issue with role permissions that is being worked on at the moment.
If you are having trouble with access or permissions on regional forums please post here to get access: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365403/you-do-not-have-permission-for-that#latest

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

1356

Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 996 ✭✭✭bbari


    If you look at my other thread ...
    I'm 5.10, i had ML and it was one size too big for me. It felt too big as well as i was always over stretched. However being a newbie, it took me few yrs to ask and thanks to Tony and MagicB for suggesting to sell and buy a smaller one. I always thought other ppl bikes were too small when in fact my own bike was too big :) You are 5.8 so M must be the right size for you. Perhaps go to shop and try a M if you have doubts.


  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    Hi all,

    My Mrs is unable to ride a bike because of medical conditions. We're moving out to the country, about a ten minute cycle to the nearest shop/school.

    We thought we'd get her an e-trike, and we'd fit a child's seat on to it. The child is 2, and about 12kg)

    However, the e-trike we found in the nearest bike shop doesn't appear to take a child's seat anywhere. Link here


    Our budget is 2 grand, can't go higher than that.

    Would you guys know if such an e-trike exists, that fits our measly budget? What I am leaning to now is to buy a manual trike (with child seat) second hand and convert it to an e-trike.

    Thoughts much appreciated, thanks

    Edit: fixed link


  • Moderators, Category Moderators, Arts Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 50,175 CMod ✭✭✭✭magicbastarder


    .red. wrote: »
    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.
    i'm between 5'7" and 5'8" and all three of my main bikes are size S (two different manufacturers).
    as mentioned, you will only rarely go into the drops, so don't sweat that too much, and if you google image search 'cycling in the drops' you'll find plenty of photos showing a position similar to the one in this link:

    https://www.wenzelcoaching.com/blog/learn-to-ride-in-the-drops/


  • Moderators, Category Moderators, Arts Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 50,175 CMod ✭✭✭✭magicbastarder


    However, the e-trike we found in the nearest bike shop doesn't appear to take a child's seat anywhere. ( https://www.marreybike...icycle-e-trike.html)
    link is borked, i think this is the one?
    https://www.marreybikes.com/hybrid-bikes/10502-e-mission-electric-tricycle-e-trike.html

    might be worth giving the bike shop a shout and explaining your situation; they'd probably be happy to assist?


  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    link is borked, i think this is the one?
    https://www.marreybikes.com/hybrid-bikes/10502-e-mission-electric-tricycle-e-trike.html

    might be worth giving the bike shop a shout and explaining your situation; they'd probably be happy to assist?


    Yep, that's the one. I emailed the shop, and the owner got back to me saying they can't see how a child's seat could fit on it.

    What I'm now thinking is getting a local fabricator to make a box, with a lid at the rear, hinged below, for storage and bolt holes for a child seat on the top.

    This could get bolted in in place of the rear basket, and as the child gets older, we can swap out her baby seat for a child's seat.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,160 ✭✭✭nilhg


    Yep, that's the one. I emailed the shop, and the owner got back to me saying they can't see how a child's seat could fit on it.

    What I'm now thinking is getting a local fabricator to make a box, with a lid at the rear, hinged below, for storage and bolt holes for a child seat on the top.

    This could get bolted in in place of the rear basket, and as the child gets older, we can swap out her baby seat for a child's seat.

    Would it be easier and less expensive to fit a child trailer?

    https://www.marreybikes.com/childrens-bike-accessories/6452-ammaco-lightweight-alloy-kids-trailer.html


    Edit: Found this

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pspr4td3zo4


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,364 ✭✭✭.red.


    Thanks for the replies lads, I rang back the seller and the bike was gone 45mins after I left yesterday. Pity I left it slip as it was a better bike than I expected to be able to afford. I'll live and learn.
    I very nearly drove to Halfords this morning to sit on a few bikes and have a feel for sizes but decided against it as I figured it would be packed.
    I'll keep looking anyway, something will turn up.
    Thanks again for all the advice, it's very much appreciated.


  • Moderators, Category Moderators, Arts Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 50,175 CMod ✭✭✭✭magicbastarder


    just back from a spin, when i'm in the drops i can easily knee myself in the elbows.

    one thing people not used to road bikes can find alarming at first is toe overlap - i.e. with your foot rotated fully forward, it can hit the front wheel if the wheel is turned enough. only really an issue at very slow speeds, if you're not used to it.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,364 ✭✭✭.red.



    one thing people not used to road bikes can find alarming at first is toe overlap - i.e. with your foot rotated fully forward, it can hit the front wheel if the wheel is turned enough. only really an issue at very slow speeds,

    I'm just back from viewing another bike and I actually had my foot hit the wheel as I went to turn back, luckily I wasn't moving.

    The bike was a Cube Peleton Race advertised as in good condition and sized Medium
    Got there and took it for a little spin. Size felt right, very happy with it.
    When I got back I went looking for the actual size and it was a 58, which is probably 2 sizes too big for me. I wasn't buying the bike anyway due to a few issues with it but thankfully I saw the size.
    I'm driving myself demented. One was perfect for me but felt tiny, and another 2 sizes too big felt right.
    Thankfully I know the lads here are putting me right, otherwise I might have bought the 58 earlier if I'd been happier with the condition.
    Thanks lads and apologies if I'm starting to get to anyone.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 646 ✭✭✭Tony04


    .red. wrote: »
    I'm just back from viewing another bike and I actually had my foot hit the wheel as I went to turn back, luckily I wasn't moving.

    The bike was a Cube Peleton Race advertised as in good condition and sized Medium
    Got there and took it for a little spin. Size felt right, very happy with it.
    When I got back I went looking for the actual size and it was a 58, which is probably 2 sizes too big for me. I wasn't buying the bike anyway due to a few issues with it but thankfully I saw the size.
    I'm driving myself demented. One was perfect for me but felt tiny, and another 2 sizes too big felt right.
    Thankfully I know the lads here are putting me right, otherwise I might have bought the 58 earlier if I'd been happier with the condition.
    Thanks lads and apologies if I'm starting to get to anyone.

    I'm just under 6ft and my road bike has a 58cm top tube. To be honest for my height a 56cm bike would probably be more comfortable, if I wasnt racing. You do really need to go on a 1hr+ spin to tell if the fit is right or not in my experience.


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,050 ✭✭✭cletus


    Out for a spin this morning, and when I was in the drops, a thought occured to me.

    I can hit my elbows with my knees when in the drops, but with my feet clipped in, my knees come up inside my elbows.

    I've noticed a lot of leisure cyclists (for want of a better phrase) who are not clipped, in pedal with the middle of the sole of their foot on the pedal, and their knees flared out. Is this, at least part, of the reason why people are uncomfortable on road bikes?


  • Moderators, Category Moderators, Arts Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 50,175 CMod ✭✭✭✭magicbastarder


    the optimum position (as far as i understand it) is with the ball of the foot over the pedal axle. obviously, with clips, it's easier to dial in this position and hold it.
    so in that superficial sense, it's 'easier' to get the wrong foot position without clipping in - whether that is more likely to lead to the knees flare out style of cycling, i don't know.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,364 ✭✭✭.red.


    cletus wrote: »

    I can hit my elbows with my knees when in the drops, but with my feet clipped in, my knees come up inside my elbows.

    I've a dodgy lower back, a few bulging discs. I've tried running and that fecks me up so I can't do it. I've started walking a lot during lockdown and got a loan of a mountain bike and I've been using that a good bit. It's not ideal but I'm getting in plenty of cycles on it. From what is explained here about foot position, I think Ive been doing it correctly without knowing it but will keep an eye on it tomorrow.
    The medium sized Giant I cycled felt small to me, it was very uncomfortable in the drops with my back and that was about 1km up a small hill and back. The larger 58cm Cube felt much better but maybe a little too big.
    The roads I've been walking are busy with cyclists and I've been watching them go by and most are in a similar position on the bike and it looks like something that wouldn't suit me for any length of time.
    Any bike shops near me are still closed so I can't go in and sit on a few to try out.
    I've been thinking that maybe an ML Giant or a 56cm Cube, although, a little big on paper might be better for me with my back. Either that or just look out for a flat bar road bike.
    For now I'll keep going on the mountain bike till I can try a few more bikes and see what is best.
    I'd love a good bike now, but I'd rather wait and get something right than rush in and but something wrong.
    Thanks again for all the replies. Very much appreciated.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,160 ✭✭✭nilhg


    .red. wrote: »
    I've a dodgy lower back, a few bulging discs. I've tried running and that fecks me up so I can't do it. I've started walking a lot during lockdown and got a loan of a mountain bike and I've been using that a good bit. It's not ideal but I'm getting in plenty of cycles on it. From what is explained here about foot position, I think Ive been doing it correctly without knowing it but will keep an eye on it tomorrow.
    The medium sized Giant I cycled felt small to me, it was very uncomfortable in the drops with my back and that was about 1km up a small hill and back. The larger 58cm Cube felt much better but maybe a little too big.
    The roads I've been walking are busy with cyclists and I've been watching them go by and most are in a similar position on the bike and it looks like something that wouldn't suit me for any length of time.
    Any bike shops near me are still closed so I can't go in and sit on a few to try out.
    I've been thinking that maybe an ML Giant or a 56cm Cube, although, a little big on paper might be better for me with my back. Either that or just look out for a flat bar road bike.
    For now I'll keep going on the mountain bike till I can try a few more bikes and see what is best.
    I'd love a good bike now, but I'd rather wait and get something right than rush in and but something wrong.
    Thanks again for all the replies. Very much appreciated.

    Two very rough and ready rules of thumb for seeing if a bike will fit you, the first is to set your saddle height, in flat soled shoes when you sit on the saddle with your heel on the pedal your leg should be almost straight, when you are pedaling normally with your sole on the pedal your leg shouldn't get close to straightening.

    Secondly when you have your saddle height close to correct, when sitting on the saddle and pedaling the handlebars close to the stem should block your view of the wheel hub.

    If you can get the saddle height right without excessive seatpost showing and then use the handlebars/hub test then generally the bike is roundabout the correct size and while you may need to make small changes a good fitter should be able to get you comfortable. Of course as with all rules of thumb these don't work for everyone so YMMV.

    As an aside Cubes used to tend to size small, in other words a 58 Cube Agree was closer to a 56 of other brands, whether this still applies with newer models I'm not sure.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,729 ✭✭✭ec18


    Quick question, does anyone know a place in Dublin that does E bike hire, considering getting one for the commuting and want to try the route on one first before taking the plunge.


  • Registered Users Posts: 39 cinnamonsticks


    Hi All.

    I found one of the links from within here (boards)

    is there any other reputable online stores that support cycle to work scheme

    I am looking to send 800-1350

    So far i from lots of googling etc i have come to these bikes.

    I was going for a road bike but i think probably gravel would suit my needs better i am never going to be racing others or competing , want the bike to use "Daily" for exercise purposes only- i will compete with myself to continue to get faster etc and tackle harder routes (hills)


    im about 5'8-9 overwight by about 2-3stone and inside legs 32 inch

    I would prefer if possible - a Grey/Charcoal coloured bike - not something too flashy (neon yellow etc) altough i do like them as well so if the bike recommended is just heaps better than the ones im choosing i will go for whatever is suggested by you more expereinced riders.


    https://www.cyclebike.ie/cube-sl-road-race-iridium-green-2020.html

    https://www.cyclebike.ie/falco-sport.html

    https://www.halfords.ie/cycling/bikes/mens-bikes/651407.html




    Is there more online shops to choose from ? if anyone has links i would appreciate it, also any recommendations appreciated also.
    I would probably prefer something with a bit of comfort alsoi wouldnt be too flexible to have my rear at 4ft while my head is down at 3foot etc :D

    Also in regards to the bike i like the look of the disc brakes and hidden cabling in the tubes but not a deal breaker.


    Thanks for any help.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,839 ✭✭✭✭callaway92


    First thing I'd make sure of is that your employer isn't associated with certain shops - We only associate with Halfords and The Hub.

    Secondly - Are you a beginnner? Is there really a need to spend so much? You could get a great set up (Bike, Helmet, Lights, Pump for less than €700 easily.


  • Registered Users Posts: 570 ✭✭✭Peter T




  • Registered Users Posts: 39 cinnamonsticks


    Thanks Guys i have sent HR at work if they have a approved list of vendors.


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,839 ✭✭✭✭callaway92


    Suggestions appreciated. I suppose Halfords would be my best bet

    - what is the intended use of the bike (commuting/leisure/just going for a spin with the kids, etc.) - Leisure (5km per day) bar the odd longer cycle at the weekend (60km+ the odd Saturday)

    - what is your budget - Up to €1000 for B2W but hoping to spend €750 all in

    - 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, budget of €1000 with Halfords or The Hub (Limerick)

    - are you willing to consider going secondhand - N/A

    - will you be using the bike in wet weather - More than likely once in a blue moon

    - how tall you are - 5'10''

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


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 646 ✭✭✭Tony04


    It's up to you but my advice would be to get either a road bike with sora groupset for weekend spins, or if you live down in Limerick, ballyhoura is a nice trail centre so maybe a hardtail mountain bike might be worth considering. Any bike can be used for commuting. Thing with hybrids is they only really useable for commuting and utility so if I had only 1 bike I acctually wouldnt bother with them. If you're going to halfords steer clear of Carreras, but boardmans are usally nice for the price.


  • Moderators, Category Moderators, Arts Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 50,175 CMod ✭✭✭✭magicbastarder


    i think phil gaimon's 'phillumanti' rules on cycling are a good place to start before delving into the more arcane 'rules' of cycling:

    https://philthethrill.net/the-new-rules-of-cycling-aka-philuminati/


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,050 ✭✭✭cletus


    i think phil gaimon's 'phillumanti' rules on cycling are a good place to start before delving into the more arcane 'rules' of cycling:

    https://philthethrill.net/the-new-rules-of-cycling-aka-philuminati/

    Yes, now there's a set of rules I can see myself following


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,364 ✭✭✭.red.


    I've been here asking about bikes and eventually got one. A 2015 Trek 1.5.
    Now I'm looking for a few accessories.
    A saddle bag, pump for on the bike, spare tube, water bottle, trip computer, pants/bib, and top. I'd prefer a MTB top over a road cycling top as my gut isn't as noticeable.
    My LBS didn't have a lot in stock today when I stopped in and got a track pump and he's pretty expensive so I'd rather go online.
    I was looking at a cat eye velo wireless for no reason other than the price. I don't need anything fancy.
    Is there anything else I'm forgetting?
    Didn't want to start a new thread on this as it might be handy for others starting out too.
    Thanks.


  • Moderators, Category Moderators, Arts Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 50,175 CMod ✭✭✭✭magicbastarder


    if you have a smartphone, download strava or something similar and it'll give you a lot of the functionality a cycle computer will.
    hickeys/sports direct do cheap cycling gear; i've not tried their shorts but the tops are cheap and cheerful, i have used them on my commutes.

    it's worth getting a track pump whenever lidl/aldi stock them again, they're only seven or eight quid and i cannot fathom how they make them so cheap. you'd be hard pressed to get a mini pump for that.

    for the saddlebag (or if you have two bottle cages on the bike, you can buy a 'bottle' for spares), you want a spare tube, tyre levers, a multitool, and probably a chain quick link.


  • Advertisement
  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    Did that Trek come with the original breaks can you tell? They'd be the first thing I'd spend money on. I used to have a 2015 1.5 and the stock breaks were sh1te but it was a great bike otherwise very comfortable and lent itself to a very nice position for me on the the bike, more upright and less racy.

    +1 on what MB suggested I normally use a bottle for spares and tools with a a cage that lets you attach a mini pump to it you can get one on wiggle or crc, although this time of year I'm back to using a bag as I need the extra water on hot days, or will do once the restrictions are lifted.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 646 ✭✭✭Tony04


    This is a basic accessory kit that has everything you need for 32€ it isnt bad although youlk need to spend a little more to get free shipping.

    https://www.merlincycles.com/topeak-deluxe-cycling-accessory-kit-179360.html


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 996 ✭✭✭bbari



    for the saddlebag (or if you have two bottle cages on the bike, you can buy a 'bottle' for spares), you want a spare tube, tyre levers, a multitool, and probably a chain quick link.

    Thanks for the tip. I'll ask canyon to add another bottle cage in my order now.
    Edit: i doubt you can fit a pump in a bottle though?


  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    bbari wrote: »
    Thanks for the tip. I'll ask canyon to add another bottle cage in my order now.
    Edit: i doubt you can fit a pump in a bottle though?

    See my post!!!! I'll see if I can find a link to the cage I have.

    You can even just velcro one to the side of a standard cage as well.


  • Moderators, Category Moderators, Arts Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 50,175 CMod ✭✭✭✭magicbastarder


    bbari wrote: »
    Thanks for the tip. I'll ask canyon to add another bottle cage in my order now.
    Edit: i doubt you can fit a pump in a bottle though?
    no - the pump will attach to the same mounts as the bottle cage, but would sit to the side of the seat tube typically.


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 646 ✭✭✭Tony04


    bbari wrote: »
    Thanks for the tip. I'll ask canyon to add another bottle cage in my order now.
    Edit: i doubt you can fit a pump in a bottle though?
    Yeh most mini pumps come with a kind of attachment that bolts like a shim under the bottle cage.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 996 ✭✭✭bbari


    i think the pump holder i have isn't slim enough to fit under the bottle cage but i ll give it a go when i get my bike.


  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    bbari wrote: »
    i think the pump holder i have isn't slim enough to fit under the bottle cage but i ll give it a go when i get my bike.

    Does it have it's own bolts? They might be longer than the ones that come in the bike frame to account for that.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 996 ✭✭✭bbari


    Does it have it's own bolts? They might be longer than the ones that come in the bike frame to account for that.
    They were same size as the bike ones. I can always get longer bolts.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 854 ✭✭✭raxy


    I'm looking to start cycling for fitness. Theres a cycle track beside me that I plan on using. I'll be using the bike to work & looking to spend in or around 700 on the bike. I haven't cycled a road bike since I was a kid & didn't like it then but I'm assuming it just takes a bit of getting used to?

    Was wondering if there is any diffference between
    https://www.mycycle.ie/Trek-Domane-AL-2-WSD-2020-p/trekdomaneal2wsd.htm
    https://www.mycycle.ie/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=376100&CartID=2
    https://www.mycycle.ie/Giant-Contend-2-2020-p/giantcontend2.htm

    I'm also looking at these for the flat handle bars. not sure if these might be a better option as its what I'm used to.
    https://www.cyclebike.ie/cube-sl-road-red-grey-2020.html?id=199673040&quantity=1
    https://www.mycycle.ie/Giant-Fastroad-SL-3-2019-p/giantfastsl3.htm

    these are all around the same price so I was wondering if there is any of them that would be better or if its a case of trying & whatever feels better on the day?
    If there are any other bikes I should look at other than these? I could push the budget up a bit if it would be worth it but as I'm only starting not sure I should go too high. maybe max 850 list price.


  • Moderators, Category Moderators, Arts Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 50,175 CMod ✭✭✭✭magicbastarder


    i suspect there's not much to choose between those bikes - your choice may be decided by availability, as many bike shops have run out of stock, though i've seen a few have managed to restock.
    an extra 100 or 150 quid would get you a better bike, but the difference would be marginal; you might be better off spending the money on accessories.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 646 ✭✭✭Tony04


    raxy wrote: »
    I'm looking to start cycling for fitness. Theres a cycle track beside me that I plan on using. I'll be using the bike to work & looking to spend in or around 700 on the bike. I haven't cycled a road bike since I was a kid & didn't like it then but I'm assuming it just takes a bit of getting used to?

    Was wondering if there is any diffference between
    https://www.mycycle.ie/Trek-Domane-AL-2-WSD-2020-p/trekdomaneal2wsd.htm
    https://www.mycycle.ie/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=376100&CartID=2
    https://www.mycycle.ie/Giant-Contend-2-2020-p/giantcontend2.htm

    I'm also looking at these for the flat handle bars. not sure if these might be a better option as its what I'm used to.
    https://www.cyclebike.ie/cube-sl-road-red-grey-2020.html?id=199673040&quantity=1
    https://www.mycycle.ie/Giant-Fastroad-SL-3-2019-p/giantfastsl3.htm

    these are all around the same price so I was wondering if there is any of them that would be better or if its a case of trying & whatever feels better on the day?
    If there are any other bikes I should look at other than these? I could push the budget up a bit if it would be worth it but as I'm only starting not sure I should go too high. maybe max 850 list price.

    Yeh as mb said all very similar.

    It depends what kind of riding you want to try do you want to race, explore your local area, do some sportifs or just commute? And also how much you might spend in the future.

    Anything with better components is probably going to have some compromise, but will give you the best performance.

    Conversely you get a bike with a nice frameset for upgrading with slightly worse parts, which might be nice for upgrading as you get into cycling.

    If you found something with a tiagra groupset for 850 that would be nice.

    But as mb said that 150 would probably be better spent on accessories.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 996 ✭✭✭bbari


    I came across this site who has some sizes in stock and deliver to Ireland - AllTricks


    Triban with 105 for €850


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 36,169 ✭✭✭✭ED E


    ^ Mechanical hybrid discs, not sure if theyre as poor as pure mechanical discs but if they are I'd go for decent rims instead. Dics are only worth it if hydraulic IMO.


  • Moderators, Category Moderators, Arts Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 50,175 CMod ✭✭✭✭magicbastarder


    When I click on the link, only size M is available. Plus, triban is a decathlon brand, and decathlon have more sizes in stock at the same price.


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 854 ✭✭✭raxy


    Tony04 wrote: »
    Yeh as mb said all very similar.

    It depends what kind of riding you want to try do you want to race, explore your local area, do some sportifs or just commute? And also how much you might spend in the future.

    All I'm planning on is cycling to improve fitness but you never know how these kinds of things will turn out. For now all I'll be doing is cycling on a cycle track in the park but if that gets boring I guess I would look cycling to other places. THe wife isn't into it so can't see too much exploring, kids are too small too.
    I'm looking to get something reasonably decent that would give a bit of scope without going overboard, if I do get into it than I'd be happy to sell on to upgrade.
    I'll try get into a few shops to see whats there. If there's no choice I'd rather wait rathar than buy what I can get just because its there.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 78 ✭✭Stichy


    Hi, I am a complete newbie I wouldn't have a clue about bikes to be honest. Looking to get into it for fitness as I am getting a bit sick of going for a run all the time so I wouldn't mind mixing it up a bit and I have the bike to work available to me. I called into a bike shop the other day and they had a Trek Domane AL 3 2020 56cm @ €869 and said it was the only bike they had that would suit me and for under a €1000. Would this be a good entry level bike? Would I gain much from going slightly over the €1000 mark? or if I got more into it could I just upgrade parts of on the Trek Domane? with the shortage of bikes at the min I'm worried if I don't snap up that one I wont be able to get anything decent if at all and the bike to work scheme is only open to me for the month of June. Thanks

    what is the intended use of the bike - Fitness and I will be using it mainly on the Athlone green-way.
    - what is your budget - €1000 maybe 1200/1300 if its worth it.
    - are you using the bike to work scheme - Yes
    - are you willing to consider going secondhand - Possibly but will probably go with the btw.
    - will you be using the bike in wet weather - I would be looking to use it all year round.
    - how tall you are - About 5 foot 10
    - are you looking for a woman's bike or man's bike - Man's


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 646 ✭✭✭Tony04


    raxy wrote: »
    All I'm planning on is cycling to improve fitness but you never know how these kinds of things will turn out. For now all I'll be doing is cycling on a cycle track in the park but if that gets boring I guess I would look cycling to other places. THe wife isn't into it so can't see too much exploring, kids are too small too.
    I'm looking to get something reasonably decent that would give a bit of scope without going overboard, if I do get into it than I'd be happy to sell on to upgrade.
    I'll try get into a few shops to see whats there. If there's no choice I'd rather wait rathar than buy what I can get just because its there.

    You can use any bike for fitness in fact the worse the bike the better for fitness as you push yourself harder. Just if your using the bike to work scheme you want to use it on something you'll keep as it only renews once every 5 years, unless your happy to pay more for something in the future if you get into it.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 646 ✭✭✭Tony04


    Stichy wrote: »
    Hi, I am a complete newbie I wouldn't have a clue about bikes to be honest. Looking to get into it for fitness as I am getting a bit sick of going for a run all the time so I wouldn't mind mixing it up a bit and I have the bike to work available to me. I called into a bike shop the other day and they had a Trek Domane AL 3 2020 56cm @ €869 and said it was the only bike they had that would suit me and for under a €1000. Would this be a good entry level bike? Would I gain much from going slightly over the €1000 mark? or if I got more into it could I just upgrade parts of on the Trek Domane? with the shortage of bikes at the min I'm worried if I don't snap up that one I wont be able to get anything decent if at all and the bike to work scheme is only open to me for the month of June. Thanks

    what is the intended use of the bike - Fitness and I will be using it mainly on the Athlone green-way.
    - what is your budget - €1000 maybe 1200/1300 if its worth it.
    - are you using the bike to work scheme - Yes
    - are you willing to consider going secondhand - Possibly but will probably go with the btw.
    - will you be using the bike in wet weather - I would be looking to use it all year round.
    - how tall you are - About 5 foot 10
    - are you looking for a woman's bike or man's bike - Man's

    Trek domane isnt really the best value for money. If your using the green way you might consider getting a gravel bike rather than a road bike. If your buying a road bike though I'd stretch to 1300 to get something with a 105 groupset(has 11 speeds). Does your company go through a middle man for the btw? If they go directly you might be able to find something decent online.


  • Moderators, Category Moderators, Arts Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 50,175 CMod ✭✭✭✭magicbastarder


    Tony04 wrote: »
    You can use any bike for fitness in fact the worse the bike the better for fitness as you push yourself harder.
    i think this only goes so far. you want a bike that's enjoyable to ride, that doesn't feel like a lump of coal. the best bike is the one you find enjoyable to ride.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,160 ✭✭✭nilhg


    Tony04 wrote: »
    Trek domane isnt really the best value for money. If your using the green way you might consider getting a gravel bike rather than a road bike. If your buying a road bike though I'd stretch to 1300 to get something with a 105 groupset(has 11 speeds). Does your company go through a middle man for the btw? If they go directly you might be able to find something decent online.

    I don't know about that, the Domane would be fine on the Athlone greenway, has plenty of clearance for larger tyres (though maybe not as much as a gravel bike) mounts for mudguards and a perfectly competent Sora groupset, seems to me to suit what the poster wants.......


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 646 ✭✭✭Tony04


    nilhg wrote: »
    I don't know about that, the Domane would be fine on the Athlone greenway, has plenty of clearance for larger tyres (though maybe not as much as a gravel bike) mounts for mudguards and a perfectly competent Sora groupset, seems to me to suit what the poster wants.......

    I mean it's a perfectly fine bike but like 850 for a bike with sora and rim brakes is a bit overpriced. At that price you could get something with mechanical discs or tiagra. Boardman have a gravel bike for 900 with sora and discs, which is probably well worth the 50€ extra.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 646 ✭✭✭Tony04


    i think this only goes so far. you want a bike that's enjoyable to ride, that doesn't feel like a lump of coal. the best bike is the one you find enjoyable to ride.

    Imo youd expect that in any bike over 400€ or so. And aren't we after a certain price you only paying more to go that bit faster? Unless your building a super durable steel audax bike with dynamos are something of the like.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 78 ✭✭Stichy


    Tony04 wrote: »
    Trek domane isnt really the best value for money. If your using the green way you might consider getting a gravel bike rather than a road bike. If your buying a road bike though I'd stretch to 1300 to get something with a 105 groupset(has 11 speeds). Does your company go through a middle man for the btw? If they go directly you might be able to find something decent online.

    I thought a road bike would be a better for the greenway? as far as I know it has a good surface and I cant ever see myself going anywhere off road really so why would a gravel one be a better option?. My company go direct I think well their link brings me straight to the cycle scheme website anyway. Thanks


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,747 ✭✭✭MojoMaker


    Domane is a grand bike. There's always something better just around the corner or with a few €€ more. At this end of the market rim brakes far better than disc brakes (who wants discs anyway). That Trek frame is well proven and is a nice ride.

    You won't stay with your starter bike long in any case, so far better to be shot of something affordable than being stuck with something more expensive you can't shift when you do upgrade. Big market for second hand bikes in the 300-600 range vs those in the 700-1100 range, so be smart about this decision.


Advertisement