19 replies to this topic

[screech]

Hey Guys.

I seem to reember a while ago people talking about bikes on here, so im hoping these people are still around.

Im looking at getting a new bike, not had one since i started driving, and want to start doing something active again! Trouble is, i have no idea what to look for!
Back then, i just chose the one i liked the look of and it got wrapped up for christmas lol.

Im not looking to go really expensive, like carbon fibre and all that. Just an all round decent bike, with good brakes and smooth gear changing etc.

Its going to be used on all sortd of surfaces, on road and up the downs.


So what shall i get???.......


cheers

[mattdc2r]

How much you looking to spend?

What mountain bike magazine is a good start

www.bikeradar.com is pretty good as well.

[jinjrich]

With respect to people on here who may know what their on about... your best off asking on bike forums. What type of bikes are you after? MTB, Racer, tourer, hybrid, folder, Bmx??

Bike radar is pretty good, also try Singletrackworld.com, pinkbike, roadcc.com. If its road bikes your after our local club gives good advice, Clifton CC (just google it). For a general run down of types of bikes try ours, cycleheaven.co.uk, although we are more commuting and touring shop.

Theres really no substitute for going and trying the bikes. Find a good shop and they should let you test ride with no obligation. Avoid halfords, they are all smiles until something goes wrong. I would also encourage you to buy from an independent. The only way we can compete is on good service, so its usually what you get.

Feel free to PM me if you need any insider advice.
Rich

Oh and dont trust magazines too much, the manufacturers pay their wages with advertising. Online forums are better.

Edited by jinjrich, 10 August 2010 - 06:11 PM.

[screech]

Thanks for the quick replies.
Iv thought about joining a couple of forums, but though id try on the ones i already am on. Thought id try that before joinging even more bloody forums lol.

What type of bikes are you after? MTB, Racer, tourer, hybrid, folder, Bmx??

Erm..... you what?? LOL, i have no idea. I just want a bike that i can ride, comfortable and easy to ride, im guessing a mointain bike, itf thats the right word for them these days.

Im thinking around the 200 - 300pound mark.

Cheers

Edited by screech, 10 August 2010 - 06:20 PM.

[jinjrich]

Thanks for the quick replies.
Iv thought about joining a couple of forums, but though id try on the ones i already am on. Thought id try that before joinging even more bloody forums lol.

What type of bikes are you after? MTB, Racer, tourer, hybrid, folder, Bmx??

Erm..... you what?? LOL, i have no idea. I just want a bike that i can ride, comfortable and easy to ride, im guessing a mointain bike, itf thats the right word for them these days.

Cheers

If your looking at something to ride on all surfaces, try something like a scott sportster. They are a mountain bike style bike, but have a larger wheel that rolls better on the roads, while still having enough tread to handle bridleways etc. Plenty of gears, not too expensive, nice to ride. Cannondale quick cx is good too.

Check this out: http://www.scott-spo...03/45560/215667
and
http://www.cannondal...86-0QR-Quick-CX

We sell loads!

[chadders15]

I agree with the Scott advice
All scott bikes are good and its the type of bike i would suggest as its good on road and off whereas A mountain bike isnt good on road

[njathind]

Hi there, as already been said try and buy from an independant bike dealer not a comercial giant such as halfrauds. I live in havant and I assuming your from the bognor area?
I have a giant bolder trail, it is a cross country hard tail (that means it's a cross country bike but with only front susspension) and a casset rather than a free wheel (a more reliable set of gears on the back wheel) it has disc brakes all round but they are cable, the front susspension is fully adjustable aswell, the only complaint I have of the bike is the saddle and the brakes, the saddle is no good on long rides and the brakes do their job well but as they are cable require constant maintenance, so I changed the saddle for a better one and fitted hope hydralic brakes purely because they have more stoping power (which I need) and require little maintenance.

I usually ride my bike around rowlands castle, kingly vale and from havant to petworth via goodwood, it is a comfortable tackling harsh off road stuff as it is blasting allong the tarmac to petworth, I brought mine from emsworth car and cycle for only £250 and the only thing that has gone wrong with it is the susspension bushes on the front forks wore out so they fitted me a matching brand new pair, FOR FREE. If you need anymore help or advice just ask.

[mattdc2r]

200-300 isn't going to get you much on the new bike market, with that sort of money i'd be looking at ebay to be honest. If you really do want new, then now is the time to buy, as 2011 bikes coming out soon, so some fairly good discounts.
If you're after a mountin bike, then do not go for a full suspension bike, with the budget you have, it's be awful to ride on the road, in fact it'll probably be awful to ride anywhere with the amount of pedal bob you'll get.

I think if you looked for a bike about 5 years old for about £250 with a relatively good spec, and then spend £50 on some semi slick tyres (grips around the outside, but smoother in the centre, you'll have something that you can use on and off road.
http://cgi.ebay.co.u...=item2a0931648f

This one is nice
http://cgi.ebay.co.u...=item20b2d01a79

[coopermpi]

with your budget why dont you look for a good 2nd hand one, because you wont find much for that money. Get some mags and check around the shops, find one you like and check ebay. It sounds daft, but xmas is just around the corner and some people sell there stuff to raise money for presents.
For £300 you could get a basic new bike but i wouldnt use it on hard trails. I mean, the forks on my cost £1200!!!! thats more than some people would want to pay for a bike!

[screech]

Thanks for the comments.

Id rather not buy sencond hand. Want to have a new one.

Im not after anything of top spec, im not going to be riding it hard or doing any kind of competing.

Really thought i could get something half decent for no more than 300, so maybe il just stick to walking... to the pub lol.


cheers

[coopermpi]

i wouldnt be dis-heartend by the comments, you can get some good offers, and it all about what you want it for. If just general riding and some light trails, you should get something for your money. Just look around and do some reading up.

[davidv]

With a budget of £200-£300 I would have a look at Halfords Carrera Range.The XC Vulcan Disc Spec 24 gears is a great Hard Tail for the price and they have large sales on.I bought one.
As you have read many Members do have a serious bike Hobby so they need to spend Gs on them.
I just liked my bikes for nipping about.I did like restoring a few.
Check there Sales on Web.

[olds_kool_lews]

get an old 80s bmx, with mag wheels, and a roof rack for your mini, that way when you go to shows you have a cool ride to cruise round the shows on, i have several and love them!

something like this....

[davidv]

Ha above i like the BMX i used one just a few years ago on trips to mates and the pub at my age 47.Nice Chrome one Giant.

[mattdc2r]

I like that idea. Get one that is the same age as your car