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

Tony04 · 01-06-2020 4:04pm

Stichy wrote: »

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

Gravel bikes can take more of a beating and would be little more comfortable. But yeah a road bike would be perfectly fine. Cyclescheme is a middle man so you can only go through shops they deal with which is most brick and mortar in ireland + chain reaction online(better value but probably no stock). I guess going local in the current situation is probably the easiest. The trek domane would be fine but you might find you'll want to upgrade it if you get more into cycling... Does your local bike shop have anything a little above 1000€?

As mentioned above have a look at the second hand market around you can save around 50% usally + your b2w scheme is saved if you find you want to upgrade.

cinnamonsticks · 03-06-2020 4:11pm

I go confirmation from my work - we do not have any approved list - any stockist that accepts the scheme i can choose from.

Are Cube bikes any good ? what is the quality of these like compared to other brands ? i want to spend 850-1250 or in around that.
I want the bike for exercise plus general usage. Gravel bike or Road bike preferably.

which would be the better bike among these 3 please
https://www.cyclebike.ie/vantage-endurance-20.html
https://www.cyclebike.ie/cube-nuroad-pro-fe-grey-black-2020.html
https://www.cyclebike.ie/falco-sport.html

and from halfords these two options
https://www.halfords.ie/bikes/cyclocross-bikes/boardman-cxr-8.9-cyclocross-bike-528973.html
https://www.halfords.ie/bikes/adventure-bikes/boardman-adv-8.9-mens-adventure-bike-526787.html

im leaning towards
https://www.halfords.ie/bikes/adventure-bikes/boardman-adv-8.9-mens-adventure-bike-526787.html
and
https://www.cyclebike.ie/vantage-endurance-20.html

If someone could give some input on this please i would appreciate the help , i want to get out on the road as soon as i can ,also can you verify cyclebike is a legit store please

thanks again

raxy · 03-06-2020 4:59pm

cinnamonsticks wrote: »

I go confirmation from my work - we do not have any approved list - any stockist that accepts the scheme i can choose from.

Are Cube bikes any good ? what is the quality of these like compared to other brands ? i want to spend 850-1250 or in around that.
I want the bike for exercise plus general usage. Gravel bike or Road bike preferably.

I'm a beginner myself so don't know much personally but my brother bought a Cube Attain road bike & he is very happy with it.
I picked up a 2nd hand Lapierre road bike from adverts rathar than buying new. I contacted a shop to ask what they had & was told they had nothing available in my price range but they would be getting a shipment of Trek bikes at the end of June so you might want to confirm with the shops what stock they have.

Stichy · 03-06-2020 8:42pm

Hi, can anyone recommend some good websites to get cycling gear from.
Cheers

Tony04 · 03-06-2020 8:50pm

cinnamonsticks wrote: »

I go confirmation from my work - we do not have any approved list - any stockist that accepts the scheme i can choose from.

Are Cube bikes any good ? what is the quality of these like compared to other brands ? i want to spend 850-1250 or in around that.
I want the bike for exercise plus general usage. Gravel bike or Road bike preferably.

which would be the better bike among these 3 please
https://www.cyclebike.ie/vantage-endurance-20.html
https://www.cyclebike.ie/cube-nuroad-pro-fe-grey-black-2020.html
https://www.cyclebike.ie/falco-sport.html

and from halfords these two options
https://www.halfords.ie/bikes/cyclocross-bikes/boardman-cxr-8.9-cyclocross-bike-528973.html
https://www.halfords.ie/bikes/adventure-bikes/boardman-adv-8.9-mens-adventure-bike-526787.html

im leaning towards
https://www.halfords.ie/bikes/adventure-bikes/boardman-adv-8.9-mens-adventure-bike-526787.html
and
https://www.cyclebike.ie/vantage-endurance-20.html

If someone could give some input on this please i would appreciate the help , i want to get out on the road as soon as i can ,also can you verify cyclebike is a legit store please

thanks again

Do you want 11 speeds? Do you want disc brakes? Do yo want hydraulic disc brakes? Do you want to be able to go off road?

Tony04 · 03-06-2020 8:51pm

Stichy wrote: »

Hi, can anyone recommend some good websites to get cycling gear from.
Cheers

Galibier.cc really good quality for the price I wouldnt even go any where else unless it's on sale.

Stichy · 03-06-2020 8:59pm

Tony04 wrote: »

Galibier.cc really good quality for the price I wouldnt even go any where else unless it's on sale.

Thanks, I will take a look.

cinnamonsticks · 03-06-2020 9:51pm

Tony04 wrote: »

Do you want 11 speeds? Do you want disc brakes? Do yo want hydraulic disc brakes? Do you want to be able to go off road?

I would probably prefer 20/21 speed ? this would make life on hills easier right ?

i like the hydraulic brakes,i like tidy looking cabling also.

As for off roading not really. Mainly main roads and country roads. Some rougher than others.

would these be good bikes ?
im leaning towards
https://www.halfords.ie/bikes/advent...ke-526787.html
and
https://www.cyclebike.ie/vantage-endurance-20.html

Tony04 · 03-06-2020 10:19pm

11 speed means there are 11 cogs on the rear, most likely there will be 2 chainrings on the front so youd have 22 gears.

When I mean off road, I mean forest tracks off road tracks to masts etc Would you be doing that?

cinnamonsticks · 03-06-2020 10:34pm

Tony04 wrote: »

11 speed means there are 11 cogs on the rear, most likely there will be 2 chainrings on the front so youd have 22 gears.

When I mean off road, I mean forest tracks off road tracks to masts etc Would you be doing that?

ah ok yes its a long time since i rode bikes we always used to have like 6/7 on the back and say 3 on the front and that would be called 21 speed 3x7 etc

But maybe i might go a little on tracks yes. Could i not just get gravel tyres ?

The 2 bikes i listed would be capable of that im assuming ?

thanks for your help here

Tony04 · 03-06-2020 10:52pm

Yeh you can but buying a gravel specific bike like the boardman will offer you more tyre clearance to fit wider tyres for better traction and geometry would be designed for gravel so it would feel more secure on steep descents?

Conversely getting a road bike might be better if you want to join a club, ride sportifs and maybe try racing.

cinnamonsticks · 03-06-2020 10:54pm

Thanks Tony - i will never compete or join a club - if i do later on and get into it i will upgrade i guess.

I will go for this one then https://www.halfords.ie/bikes/adventure-bikes/boardman-adv-8.9-mens-adventure-bike-526787.html

Boardman ADV 8.9 Mens Adventure Bike - S, M, L, XL

im 5'8-9 im guessing medium would be for me.Jeez just seen they only have L and XL grrr

bbari · 03-06-2020 10:56pm

cinnamonsticks wrote: »

Jeez just seen they only have L and XL grrr

Bikes are "The new toilet paper" these days!

magicbastarder · 03-06-2020 10:59pm

bbari wrote: »

Bikes are "The new toilet paper" these days!

yep, choose badly and you'll end up with a sore arse.

Tony04 · 03-06-2020 11:00pm

Does your company pay directly? If so you could get this https://www.merlincycles.com/wilier-jareen-race-tiagra-gravel-bike-179193.html, as good as the boardman a little bit cheaper, and from a more designer brand.

cinnamonsticks · 03-06-2020 11:07pm

I think its all pretty new to company so no one really knows all the ins and outs to it, when i first asked the HR person told me any irish store that offer the scheme.

But since i now see online stores offering im gonna try get one online - from what i see they work out a lot cheaper than irish shops (halfords excluded as their prices online and store would be same)

Does the link u just gave off the bike to work scheme ? i think id be better off with a .ie store to try it at work maybe.

cinnamonsticks · 03-06-2020 11:14pm

how about this raleigh
https://www.halfords.ie/bikes/womens-bikes/raleigh-mustang-elite-adventure-bike---xs%2C-s%2C-m%2C-l%2C-xl-frames-651290.html

i will see can they get the boardman but if not what about this one

03-06-2020 11:17pm

Tony04 wrote: »

Does your company pay directly? If so you could get this https://www.merlincycles.com/wilier-jareen-race-tiagra-gravel-bike-179193.html, as good as the boardman a little bit cheaper, and from a more designer brand.

Ah here I'm getting tempted into N+1 territory there, thats decent money for a gravel bike which normally attracts a premium just for being called a gravel bike.

Tony04 · 03-06-2020 11:17pm

It all depends if your company buy directly or go through a middle man. If your company goes directly you can buy from any bike shop in the world. If your company goes through a middle man your limited to the shops that are affiliated, so only irish shops and for some chain reaction cycles, online store out of Belfast who's own bike brand is better value than halfords, although like everywhere they're probably out of stock at the moment.

Tony04 · 03-06-2020 11:31pm

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Ah here I'm getting tempted into N+1 territory there, thats decent money for a gravel bike which normally attracts a premium just for being called a gravel bike.

For sure it's a good deal. And the rest of lockdown is probably the bet time to go 'gravel biking'.

Personally I'm holding my guns until the post lockdown scarecly used bike sell off and the clearance of over produced bikes from the demand surgem

Tony04 · 03-06-2020 11:32pm

cinnamonsticks wrote: »

how about this raleigh
https://www.halfords.ie/bikes/womens-bikes/raleigh-mustang-elite-adventure-bike---xs%2C-s%2C-m%2C-l%2C-xl-frames-651290.html

i will see can they get the boardman but if not what about this one

No it has 1x drivetrain not good if you want a wide choice of gears.

bbari · 03-06-2020 11:46pm

cinnamonsticks wrote: »

I think its all pretty new to company so no one really knows all the ins and outs to it, when i first asked the HR person told me any irish store that offer the scheme.

But since i now see online stores offering im gonna try get one online - from what i see they work out a lot cheaper than irish shops (halfords excluded as their prices online and store would be same)

Does the link u just gave off the bike to work scheme ? i think id be better off with a .ie store to try it at work maybe.

I look after the B2W in my work. I don't care which shop/site the employees are buying the new bike from. I just pay and deduct. I don't get why companies put restrictions on who they would deal with etc.

MojoMaker · 04-06-2020 12:36pm

Presumably it's better for the economy to keep the money in Ireland with local bike shops vs shooting it over to the likes of Canyon or Rose?

Hairy Japanese BASTARDS! · 04-06-2020 12:50pm

My commute to work is 25 km if going the non motorway route. I was hoping to build up to cycling that distance. I can comfortably do 15k at the minute in about 45 minutes to an hour.
I'd need a shower after that.

The showers in work are closed now with the exception of people who have to use the sterile clean rooms for work. You could probably see the stink lines coming off me.

I'll have to put off the work commute til later.

What if you get pissed on from the heavens on the way in? How do yous all deal with that? This is Ireland afterall. :pac:

younggalway · 04-06-2020 7:13pm

Hairy Japanese BASTARDS! wrote: »

My commute to work is 25 km if going the non motorway route. I was hoping to build up to cycling that distance. I can comfortably do 15k at the minute in about 45 minutes to an hour.
I'd need a shower after that.

The showers in work are closed now with the exception of people who have to use the sterile clean rooms for work. You could probably see the stink lines coming off me.

I'll have to put off the work commute til later.

What if you get pissed on from the heavens on the way in? How do yous all deal with that? This is Ireland afterall. :pac:

Just been approved for the scheme through work and waiting for my voucher to come through.

I was getting the bike primarily for exercise however as above I would like to be able to use it for commuting once we return to work. My commute is only about 8km each way through Dublin City but worried about the practicalities. Shower in work is grim but would do, more concerned with transporting an ironed shirt and trousers ? Im sure there is an obvious way to address this but as I mentioned I'm new to the cycling world.

Tony04 · 04-06-2020 7:19pm

Any bag should be fine. If its wet weather get a good waterproof bag to put in the bag.

Check out GCN on YouTube they've got good videos for beginners.

Tony04 · 04-06-2020 7:22pm

Hairy Japanese BASTARDS! wrote: »

What if you get pissed on from the heavens on the way in? How do yous all deal with that? This is Ireland afterall. :pac:

Waterproof bike clothing, that would be a jacket, tights/shorts and over shoes. By mudgaurds to avoid the dirt spray. When you get home clean and relube your bike

Tij da feen · 04-06-2020 9:03pm

- what is the intended use of the bike: Primarily commuting about 10km each way, some steep hills but mostly greenway. Will be using it for some exercise locally ; unlikely to do offroading
- what is your budget: Ideally about €600 for bike and helmet (inc. Bike to work scheme so real cost for me more around €300)
- will you be using the bike in wet weather: Rarely
- how tall you are: 5ft 9" male

I've been looking at Hybrid bikes, maybe something like this:
https://www.theedge-sports.com/cycling-c18/bikes-c19/hybrid-bikes-c200/cube-nature-red-n-grey-2019-p24486
https://www.halfords.ie/bikes/hybrid-bikes/carrera-crossfire-2-mens-hybrid-bike-2020---red---s%2C-m%2C-l-frames-345718.html

magicbastarder · 04-06-2020 9:22pm

you won't need a suspension fork on the bike, based on what you say you'll be using the bike for. it'll add weight and cost - and potential maintenance - without providing much benefit to you.
check out a trek FX2 disc - probably very similar to offerings from giant, etc., that would probably suit.

magicbastarder · 04-06-2020 10:48pm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDMdcC63Z0s

Hairy Japanese BASTARDS! · 05-06-2020 9:11pm

I have a strong LED red light for the back and a strong LED white light for the front.

My cycling addiction has kicked in

I will probably leisure cycle a lot now. Winter cycling concerns me though. If I take the lane as a number of people have advised me I might get rammed by a car in the dark. I might be held partially to blame if I've no hi Vis (I don't believe they're beneficial of necessary but that's another story).

Does anyone else wear them in the dark?

Am I safer to stick rigidly left in the dark?

ironictoaster · 07-06-2020 7:59pm

Hi All,

New to cycling, looking for recommendations. I've taking up running for weight loss in the past couple of months and have saw good progress however, I am looking to change it up.

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

- what is your budget
1K including necessary accessories

- 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
N/A

- will you be using the bike in wet weather

- how tall you are
5' 9"

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

MojoMaker · 08-06-2020 1:41pm

Hairy Japanese BASTARDS! wrote: »

I have a strong LED red light for the back and a strong LED white light for the front.

My cycling addiction has kicked in
I will probably leisure cycle a lot now. Winter cycling concerns me though. If I take the lane as a number of people have advised me I might get rammed by a car in the dark. I might be held partially to blame if I've no hi Vis (I don't believe they're beneficial of necessary but that's another story).

Does anyone else wear them in the dark?

Am I safer to stick rigidly left in the dark?

What you might find handy for the winter months is a combo rain jacket with reflective material which gives you the hi-viz aspect without the garish daytime RSA wifebeater look. A few brands have these and you'll find some on the very affordable end of the market from the likes of Altura, Galibier, and Force.

thefa · 08-06-2020 10:00pm

Hi, have a beginners question about shifting gears on a bike. Bought the bike new last week and it has a Shimano 3x7 drivetrain. I’ve read up on what gears to use in different situations but notice when changing up the front derailleur from 1 to 2, I have to hold the lever in for a second or else it will refuse to change, whereas going 2 to 1, 2 to 3 or 3 to 2 is instantaneous with a click.

It’s quite manageable but for the sake of the bike, could there potentially an issue with the system or is my technique wrong?

magicbastarder · 08-06-2020 10:05pm

you mean shifting from the middle ring up to the big ring? that's the movement where the gear cable is under most tension so is going to need the most noticeable push. changing down the rings involves a relaxation in tension in the cable so is usually instant.

did you get a free first service with the bike? if so, something to ask them about when you bring it back.

magicbastarder · 08-06-2020 10:07pm

ironictoaster wrote: »

Hi All,

New to cycling, looking for recommendations. I've taking up running for weight loss in the past couple of months and have saw good progress however, I am looking to change it up.

sounds like a road bike would be best for you. plenty of options at that price point (assuming the shops can get the stock); trek or giant are very common options. where are you based?

thefa · 08-06-2020 10:15pm

magicbastarder wrote: »

you mean shifting from the middle ring up to the big ring? that's the movement where the gear cable is under most tension so is going to need the most noticeable push. changing down the rings involves a relaxation in tension in the cable so is usually instant.

did you get a free first service with the bike? if so, something to ask them about when you bring it back.

Actually going from the small ring to the middle is the problem child but the same logic might apply. Middle to large is very smooth.

Have the service included so will bring it up then.

magicbastarder · 08-06-2020 10:18pm

it may be that the derailleur is not quite centering going from small to middle, so just needs a little more time for the chain to take the hint to move. should be an easy enough tweak for the bike shop to address this if so.

keane2097 · 09-06-2020 12:14am

I kind of think most people looking to spend 1k with the B2W on their first bike would be better off picking up a decent second hand bike for ~€400 to see how they like it. The reason the second hand market is so awash with value is so many people buying 1k bikes they go on to never use and end up selling a year later. When I was starting off I got a lovely Trek 1.2 for about €250 that I still have and am happy to use. B2W can potentially be put to much better use later when you know what you like and what you might want to upgrade.

ironictoaster · 09-06-2020 12:17am

magicbastarder wrote: »

sounds like a road bike would be best for you. plenty of options at that price point (assuming the shops can get the stock); trek or giant are very common options. where are you based?

I'm based in Dublin 15

The only thing that is putting me off a road bike after doing research is comfort. Ideally I'd like something comfortable for long rides as I feel I'd be more inclined to keep up the cycling into the future on a comfortable bike!

keane2097 wrote: »

I kind of think most people looking to spend 1k with the B2W on their first bike would be better off picking up a decent second hand bike for ~€400 to see how they like it. The reason the second hand market is so awash with value is so many people buying 1k bikes they go on to never use and end up selling a year later. When I was starting off I got a lovely Trek 1.2 for about €250 that I still have and am happy to use. B2W can potentially be put to much better use later when you know what you like and what you might want to upgrade.

Great idea. Is there anything I should be looking out for on the second hand market? It seems to be an abyss of bikes online.

Tony04 · 09-06-2020 11:24am

Drop bars should be comfortable enough once you get used to them granted you wear gloves or wrap them in decent bar tape. And really the biggest different in comfort you can make is a good pair of tyres.

The second market especially in dublin is a sellers market atm but if you got something from a reputable with a sora drivetrain for around 400, that would be a good deal

ironictoaster · 09-06-2020 11:26am

Tony04 wrote: »

Drop bars should be comfortable enough once you get used to them granted you wear gloves or wrap them in decent bar tape. And really the biggest different in comfort you can make is a good pair of tyres.

The second market especially in dublin is a sellers market atm but if you got something from a reputable with a sora drivetrain for around 400, that would be a good deal

Thanks for that.

Any opinion on hybrid bikes? The more I research them the better they seem suited for me.

Tony04 · 09-06-2020 11:40am

Flat bars put you in a more upright position so less strain on your back /arms etc.
And hybrids are probably better for commuting as it's easier to transport stuff on them.
If you dont see yourself racing or doing sportifs a hybrid is probably your best option

dulpit · 10-06-2020 10:51am

What is the intended use of the bike: Combination of exercise (nothing manic) and commuting to work (when back to work). I live on northside of Cork City, so no matter what direction I go there will be hills.
What is your budget: €1K, all in for bike & kit/etc.
Are you using the bike to work scheme: Yes.
Are you willing to consider going secondhand: N/A.
Will you be using the bike in wet weather: It's Ireland, so probably. But I would usually try to avoid it.
How tall you are: 5'9"/5.10"
Are you looking for a woman's bike or man's bike: Man's please.

Some additional notes:

I am in a fairly small house so storage is limited. We do have a back garden, but nowhere (currently) to store bike out there that would be covered. Any ideas on this?
I do plan on cycling to work, do people favour just lobbing laptop/etc in backpack or using panniers?
I'm in Cork City, and I'm pretty confident that work can deal with any bike shop, so any recommendations on a handy shop would be appreciated. I know that one of the guys who worked here previously got sorted in Cycle Scene at the bottom of Blarney Street, he seemed to get on okay. He moved to Dublin since, so can't check with him for a full recommendation.

Finally, I wouldn't mind getting some sort of adapter yoke to be able to use the bike indoors too as a stationery bike. Any recommendations on this?

Cheers

shanec1928 · 10-06-2020 11:49am

keane2097 wrote: »

I kind of think most people looking to spend 1k with the B2W on their first bike would be better off picking up a decent second hand bike for ~€400 to see how they like it. The reason the second hand market is so awash with value is so many people buying 1k bikes they go on to never use and end up selling a year later. When I was starting off I got a lovely Trek 1.2 for about €250 that I still have and am happy to use. B2W can potentially be put to much better use later when you know what you like and what you might want to upgrade.

this is great advice. im one of those folks:pac:, got my first racing bike but couldn't warm to the riding style. luckily enough ive traded mine into my local bike store for a good deal on a 2021 mountain bike when they arrive next month.

keane2097 · 10-06-2020 1:56pm

Just to note, that advice re:the secondhand market might be a bit less useful in the current state of affairs where people seem to be selling second hand bikes for new prices. Normally there's great value secondhand.

magicbastarder · 10-06-2020 2:02pm

dulpit wrote: »

[*]I do plan on cycling to work, do people favour just lobbing laptop/etc in backpack or using panniers?

depends on whether you've showers in work or not (and many places which do currently won't allow access to them); wearing a backpack can trap significant heat/sweat so if you've no showers available, i think panniers would be a much safer bet.
a hybrid might be suitable for you, if it's for commuting and light exercise.

Effects · 10-06-2020 2:03pm

shanec1928 wrote: »

ive traded mine into my local bike store for a good deal on a 2021 mountain bike when they arrive next month.

Trade it against a 2020 mountain bike when the 2021 models come in. You'll get much better value.

geordi · 10-06-2020 2:08pm

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.

Any advice? Also, please let me know if this bike is trash and if there are better on the market ; )

Thanks in advance

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

shanec1928 · 10-06-2020 2:10pm

Effects wrote: »

Trade it against a 2020 mountain bike when the 2021 models come in. You'll get much better value.

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

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

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