Bikes, but which ones ? (1 Viewer)

[Deleted34567]

I spent an age designing and fabricating a lovely scooter rack from aluminium, lovely and leightweight, strong and perfect job for my 125 scooter..... So today...
I took the rack off the MH and put it into the store !.....and
Come to the conclusion that the scooter would be more hassle than it's worth and decided to get a couple of proper push bikes..... A his and hers !
Which do you advise I should buy, keeping in mind it must be 20 years since I sat on one !.... Going to halfords tomorrow to have a peek, no massive budget, just a simple bike to do a few Kms in when we park up. Something with storage (carrier) for the baguettes and garlic etc possibly. I really don't know,
Any advice appreciated.

 

[RandallC]

Have a look around and pick up a couple of Trek 7.5 bikes make sure your looking at previous year models and you'll get a decent bike for a lot less than a 2015 model. Often the only difference is the colour.

Don't give up on the scooter, well worth the effort to reach those bits too far to bike. We take both, generally use the scooter for the supermarket run, bike for the excersise and fun.

 

[Puddleduck]

And maybe check on pedelecs or e-bikes.

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[Larby]

Thanks for reminding me of job I need to do. Last year I saw a bike where someone had attached a piece of gutter downpipe each side of the rear forks, in each, a baguette.
Just the job for the morning baguette run Or for those that drink , wine carriers.

 

[Clive]

A good hybrid with a rack to have a couple of panniers, can get 10ltr of wine in mine

 

[RandallC]

Thanks for reminding me of job I need to do. Last year I saw a bike where someone had attached a piece of gutter downpipe each side of the rear forks, in each, a baguette.
Just the job for the morning baguette run Or for those that drink , wine carriers.

Would have to be a bit unbalanced baguette 1 side and wine/beer the other, hmmmmmmm, ok carry the baguette and wine both sides!

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[sedge]

What? A mini version of a fishing rod tube made out of plastic drainpipe ? I said once, Oh that's a good idea isn't it?

I got a somewhat arched reply from my beloved - apparently 'they' obviously don't care about 'their' rods as much as he does, his. That was me, told.

 

[RandallC]

You can never be too careful with your rod!

 

[deleted-member02]

I'd give Halfords a wide berth tbh.

Your local bike shop or Link Removed will sell you superior bikes at similar prices, with the benefit of real knowledge and knowhow, sadly something that most Halfords staff are lacking

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[Deleted34567]

You can never be too careful with your rod!

Shan't answer that,
Because
Tonight I have copious amounts of Guinness consumed.
Hic , burp

 

[Lenny HB]

Last place I would go is Halfords go to a good bike shop where you can try out the bikes. They often only stock one or two makes so you may need to visit two or three shops to find a bike that is right for you. Do try out bikes in different price ranges to get a comparison, you will find a £600 bike is a lot nicer to ride than a £400 one. Above about £600 it's a law of diminishing returns. A £600 one feels a lot better than a £400 one but a £1000 is not such a big improvement over a £600 one.
If you buy a cheap bike £100-£200 it won't be long before you can't be bothered to ride it an it will be money wasted, spend a bit more and riding will be a pleasure.

 

[The Wino]

Our local cycle hire place sell off the hire bikes can try one first cheaper than new and good value.

David

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[Judge Mental]

Agree Hellfords last place for a bike, servicing snything!lol surely a proper independent bike shop nearby. What about a pair of hybrids?

The trek recommended above a good choice, can get it in women's drop crossbar as well.
But there is really a lot of choice out there. Compare components carefully...

 

[Deleted34567]

OK folks,
Thanks for the input.
Yes, lots of cycle shops nearby so I shall look there first.
Been a while since I was on a bike, will need to learn again !

 

[Floydster]

Been a while since I was on a bike, will need to learn again !

It's easy.

It's like falling off a bike.

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[Judge Mental]

OK folks,
Thanks for the input.
Yes, lots of cycle shops nearby so I shall look there first.
Been a while since I was on a bike, will need to learn again !

Can't you borrow one from someone first to see how you get on with it if it's been that long. Make sure you get a test ride and the right size bikes...

 

[Lenny HB]

Eddie mentioned make sure you try the correct size bike.
Sizes vary between manufacturers a 19" frame from one manufacturer is often not the same as a 19" one from anther manufacturer, due to top tube length, bottom bracket position etc.

 

[lorger]

We have two Raleigh Pioneer 2 bikes and love them, they are nothing to fancy just nice comfy easy to ride bikes and they come fitted with rear rack so easy to add panniers.
My advice would be don't buy any with front suspension forks unless you really need them as they just add weight you don't need.

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[Lenny HB]

My advice would be don't buy any with front suspension forks unless you really need them as they just add weight you don't need.

True but they make life a lot more comfortable those cinder or crushed concrete bike tracks and UK roads.

 

[Cat53]

I started cycling again after a long break. About 40 years I reckon. Have never felt so unsafe in my life. Sold it and bought a trike, which was better. Eventually upgraded to another bike, but still didn't feel safe, so have given up. Used to cycle miles and was balanced enough to cycle without holding on, back then. Ah well! Such is life!

 

[Judge Mental]

its all in the head, have to learn to ride defensively...

http://bicyclesafe.com

Broken Link Removed

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[FJmike]

I have seen some very expensive bikes on the back of some motorhomes and can't help thinking that I would always be worried that some scumbag would knick it. Thats why I only take a cheapy with my motorhome.

 

[Deleted34567]

Well,
Day #1 of the "bike hunting" has come to an end !
Have not bought yet, saw a few different types and sort of settling on mountain bikes from a local cycle shop. Pretty basic really, size of frame is indeed important and I need a 20" frame.
Guy there very knowledgeable and talked me through different things. Surprised that I wanted a carrier/pannier on a mountain bike but no problem fitting them for me.
So, off early next week to look again and settle on the models we want. Budgeting for about £350 for the pair.... They had bikes from £69 to thousands and all in between....... So my next question?
I would like to fit a cycle rack to the MH, but I want to fit the rack to the tow bar only, that is not drilling the rear of the motorhome. Any suggestions on the best type.... or I may fabricate the bracket and add a basic 2 cycle rack to it.
Thanks for all the replies, appreciated.

Jon

 

[2657]

Exactly what is the difference between a £200, £400, £600 bike.
We have had our £150 Claude Butler Hybrids for 8 years and have not been treated well.Fairly regular use, left out in all weathers, fallen over more times than I can remember.
Frames still intact, brakes still work, gears still work, pedals still work, what else is there?
What's the point in spending a small fortune on a bike for casual use?

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[PORKSTER]

Please don't use Halfrauds In see your in Ireland how about chain reaction cycles ? They have some good deals I have had nothing but good service from them.

Some nice hybrids and city bikes here http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/hybrid-city-bikes?f=2260

 

[Minxy]

One word of caution about mountain bikes - the tyres are often not really suitable for normal road riding so ensure you get some with tyres that do both otherwise it will be very hard work (I speak from experience!). Also, as regards suspension, we've had bikes with front and rear but I'd say forget the rear suspension piston type and go for seat-post suspension instead as this still makes it comfortable to ride but you don't get such a 'see-saw' effect as your ride along, this also makes the bikes lighter too. Front suspension is good if you can get it as it does make it more comfortable on your hands/wrists, but if not then a good pair of padded cycling gloves make cushions you instead. Make sure that you can get the handlebar high enough for a comfortable riding position as a lot of bikes only have very small posts which limits this, if you ride constantly with a forward lean it will certainly put strain on your wrists.

 

[Cat53]

its all in the head, have to learn to ride defensively...

http://bicyclesafe.com

Broken Link Removed

Thank you. However, it was me wobbling all over the shop that made me feel u safe.....mainly cow I was. Have a friend who embarked on a get fit drive, got a bike and ALL the equipment. Got geared up, got the bike ready, pushed off and drove straight I to a wall. Sold the bike and bought a trike. Is it a woman thing this lack of balance?

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[Minxy]

Thank you. However, it was me wobbling all over the shop that made me feel u safe.....mainly cow I was. Have a friend who embarked on a get fit drive, got a bike and ALL the equipment. Got geared up, got the bike ready, pushed off and drove straight I to a wall. Sold the bike and bought a trike. Is it a woman thing this lack of balance?

No ... my hubby used to be like that in a wide canoe whilst I could use the skinniest ones going and not tipple at all!

 

[deleted-member02]

Exactly what is the difference between a £200, £400, £600 bike.
We have had our £150 Claude Butler Hybrids for 8 years and have not been treated well.Fairly regular use, left out in all weathers, fallen over more times than I can remember.
Frames still intact, brakes still work, gears still work, pedals still work, what else is there?
What's the point in spending a small fortune on a bike for casual use?

I'm a very occasional user and have to say difference is night and day.
My bike is a Carrera mtb from Halfords, £199 (allegedly half price) it's few years old now and has always got me from a to b.
My partner has a Haro hybrid, £199, (genuine half price)end of year clearance, my son a Ridgeback mtb, £249.

I can tell the difference in quality before I even leave home - when lifting them onto the bike rack, mine must be twice the weight...

When out riding, the other bikes sound better, gear changes are noticeably smoother/easier for them. Mine is more fatiguing, it's so noticeable on hills, it's bordering on ridiculous... and no it's not my lack of fitness !

Friends have better bikes again, Cannondales, Trek and Specialised, all infinitely superior to mine. Even the base level Cannondale at £299 is different league to mine - I have genuine bike envy, would love to change, but I'm one of those people who will make do until it breaks. I'm not extravagant enough to trade up and just stick with it.

Sorely regret ever buying from Halfords, will add that your Claude Butlers are almost certainly better than mine though !

 

[Lenny HB]

Exactly what is the difference between a £200, £400, £600 bike.
We have had our £150 Claude Butler Hybrids for 8 years and have not been treated well.Fairly regular use, left out in all weathers, fallen over more times than I can remember.
Frames still intact, brakes still work, gears still work, pedals still work, what else is there?
What's the point in spending a small fortune on a bike for casual use?

A hell of a lot, a few years ago when we were looking to get some better bikes £400 was our budget, after trying out £650 ones we shelled out £1300 for a couple of £650 one. For the extra you get a lighter frame better, front forks, stronger lighter wheels and a far better gear set. They are just so much nicer to ride never regretted it.

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