Getting another Bicycle

jonbeeza

jonbeeza

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Jon
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I have been looking at bicycles, as I would like to start riding again. I walk every day, and I would now like to start riding instead of walking.
The last bike I had was about six or seven years ago, I think it was. I bought the bike second hand for about £100. It was a mountain bike with an aluminum frame, very light and nice to ride.
I think I would like to buy new this time, as I did buy a bike another used bike a year or two ago, but that bike was faulty, and ended up being used for spares.

I think I would like a road bike this time, but I know nothing about bikes. I did not want to spend a great deal on a bike, but I also know I am not going to get anything decent, for under £500.
What sort of name is worth looking out for?

Thanks
 
How flexible are you @jonbeeza ? Road bikes are designed to put you in a rather aggressive posture, which age etc can often preclude.

A "gravel" / endurance bike is probably more like what you'll find comfortable with a relatively aero position - and the advantage that you can do light offroading as well as crack along on the road.
 
hunnymonster said:
How flexible are you @jonbeeza ? Road bikes are designed to put you in a rather aggressive posture, which age etc can often preclude.

A "gravel" / endurance bike is probably more like what you'll find comfortable with a relatively aero position - and the advantage that you can do light offroading as well as crack along on the road.
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Reasonably fit for my age, as I do mainly power walking. Always had bikes, but lost touch over the last few years.
 
I will have to wait till things get back up and running, as I would like to try bikes out for size. Just want to see what I should be planning on looking at.
 
Friends who know about bikes say that at that price point, Halfords should certainly be on your list.

Controversially, they are an essential retailer so are open. So is my local indy bike shop.
 
I got a new Carrera Vengeance MTB last year and it's not given me any issues to date, one thing I did desire was disk brakes - so much better than having to change V-blocks every few months. I would look at their hybrids, whatever ones come with disks - the Crossfire linked above looks the job, or look at the Hellcat , that's a mountain bike but the same weight

[weirdly checking the weight of mine it's actually 0.5kg lighter than the hybrid and the Hellcat at 14.5kg]
 
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JonathanRyan said:
Friends who know about bikes say that at that price point, Halfords should certainly be on your list.

Controversially, they are an essential retailer so are open. So is my local indy bike shop.
Click to expand...


Aye, I bought mins start of lockdown last year, just had to ring ahead to collect as they were only allowing 2 customers at any time in store. The only thing is you need to order your bike ahead, unless you prefer to just collect and build yourself. I always chose them to build as you're covered by warranty for any hic ups. it was almost 2 weeks before they had mine ready to build as they had back orders.
 
I got a road bike last year - the position takes some getting used to, as do the tires etc... A Hybrid bike is also good for roads and better on the not so good roads too!

I have a Giant hybrid, very good make, got about 3 years ago for around £450. Managed a 45mile ride last year on it as well as lots of smaller ones. Also have a Trek road bike, faster, lighter, better gears.

Check out Sigma sports, online but good service or your local bike shop. I would not recommend the cheaper Halfords brands but Boardmans are good value.
 
If you know the size you require this site may help you. It does not sell bikes just list shops that have discounts on cycles and components etc.

www.bikebargains.co.uk

Cycling Bargains - UK's most popular cycling deal website!

Cycling Bargains - The UK's most popular cycling deal website! 100% Free & Updated Daily by Claire Stephens - I handpick the best deals for UK cyclists :)
www.bikebargains.co.uk www.bikebargains.co.uk

I bought my first racing bike last year after looking at this site and although my Felt was a 2018 model it was brand new and saved myself £1300 a 46% saving
 
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Carrera Vanquish Mens Road Bike 2020 - Red - S, M, L Frames 348526

I did like the look and sound of the Carrera Vanquish Road Bike 2020

It is £425.00

I might go and have a look at that.

Thanks for all the replies so far. :)
 
jonbeeza said:
Don't want to go along canal paths, or off road due to possibility of getting punctures.
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This should be a thing of the past Jon. I've not used this in a bike, but it works brilliantly in my wheelchairs: https://bikeseal.co.uk/

My brother-in-law put me on to this stuff and it does what they say. Apparently, you can get Aramid (Kevlar) lined tyres for pushbikes now too - if I were still riding them I'd use both.
 
Sky said:
This should be a thing of the past Jon. I've not used this in a bike, but it works brilliantly in my wheelchairs: https://bikeseal.co.uk/

My brother-in-law put me on to this stuff and it does what they say. Apparently, you can get Aramid (Kevlar) lined tyres for pushbikes now too - if I were still riding them I'd use both.
Click to expand...

Now that does look interesting, thanks. (y) :)(y)
 
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jonbeeza said:
Looking for a roadbike, as I will probably stick to roads. Don't want to go along canal paths, or off road due to possibility of getting punctures.
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A gravel bike is pretty much a road bike with a slightly different frame shape. They can be more comfortable to ride than a full on road racer. Dependant on what you use your bike for, you may want to get one with mudguards and a pannier rack - or ensure that the bike can take them. While it may make a bike less sporty, IMHO they are essential for a 'do it all' bike.

Peter123 said:
Fit a pair of these and you won’t get punctures.

Schwalbe Marathon Plus Road Tyre - Smart Guard | Wiggle

Buy your Schwalbe Marathon Plus Road Tyre - Smart Guard from our Tyres range at Wiggle. £26.99. Free delivery available.
www.wiggle.co.uk www.wiggle.co.uk
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I was about to post exactly the same thing. I have had mine for 5 years and a couple of thousand miles without a puncture. I commuted for a year on a mixed path and have not had any trouble at all.

Regar
 
Most Carrera bikes come fitted with puncture protected tyres from the off, last time I got a punture was on my old Apollo bike, a cheapie crap mountain bike, but it was a screw that bore itself through tyre and tube. Never actually had a puncture from glass , these new tyres feel like it would take something very tough to break through.

[edit] looking at the Vanquish, it does indeed come with puncture protection tyres.

  • Puncture Protection Tyres: 28c tyres designed with an extra puncture resistant layer

  • Wheels: 700c double walled rims for extra durability

www.halfords.ie

Carrera Vanquish Mens Road Bike - Red - S, M, L Frames | Halfords IE

Shop the latest Carrera Vanquish Mens Road Bike - Red at Halfords IE
www.halfords.ie www.halfords.ie
 
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I would also recommend a gravel bike over a pure road bike.

Generalising, a road bike will take a maximum tyre width of 25-28mm and can be really difficult to fit mudguards (or generally available full guards) for winter riding. A gravel bike will allow tyres upto 40mm or wider and has plenty of room to fit mud guards.

They appear almost identicle and a gravel bike with reasonable tyres would easily keep pace with a group ride of out and out road bikes.

If you go for road bike then the Giant Defy Alu frame is well thought of, current model probably looking at the Defy 3 for your budget, the likes of Rutland cycles and Pauls cycles as well as Evans do have previous year models- Brand new bikes but about a third off. Bike years run from September so current model will be 2021. Sept 2021 will see the 2022 model released and the current year model will be sold off. That is in a normal year so COVID has probably put pay to that. We cant get furniture shipped into the country so god knows how bike companies are doing.

Alternatively the Btwin range from Decathlon is a well thought of also, they are good frames with shimano entry level gears and brakes. Something like the Triban
 
AgentOrange76 said:
I would also recommend a gravel bike over a pure road bike.

Generalising, a road bike will take a maximum tyre width of 25-28mm and can be really difficult to fit mudguards (or generally available full guards) for winter riding. A gravel bike will allow tyres upto 40mm or wider and has plenty of room to fit mud guards.

They appear almost identicle and a gravel bike with reasonable tyres would easily keep pace with a group ride of out and out road bikes.

If you go for road bike then the Giant Defy Alu frame is well thought of, current model probably looking at the Defy 3 for your budget, the likes of Rutland cycles and Pauls cycles as well as Evans do have previous year models- Brand new bikes but about a third off. Bike years run from September so current model will be 2021. Sept 2021 will see the 2022 model released and the current year model will be sold off. That is in a normal year so COVID has probably put pay to that. We cant get furniture shipped into the country so god knows how bike companies are doing.

Alternatively the Btwin range from Decathlon is a well thought of also, they are good frames with shimano entry level gears and brakes. Something like the Triban
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My road bike came with 32mm and i like that as less chance of punctures and nicer ride. Mudguards on too. But this will vary from bike to bike. Good shout on Decathlon, good value bikes, although some complaints about ease of replacing tyres.
 
I’d seriously take a look at second hand. There’s a lot more value to be had.

such as
www.ebay.co.uk

Whyte Stirling R7 Hybrid Road Carbon Aluminium Bike Medium | eBay

For sale is my Whyte Stirling R7 Fast Urban Series bike. I have owned this bike from new. I used it for a few months commuting to work but changed jobs and my commute was much longer so I had to drive instead.
www.ebay.co.uk


Or see if your employer does the cycle to work scheme.
 
Look up vitus bikes from chain reaction . Will blow anything from halfords out of the water for the same money
 
Peter123 said:
Fit a pair of these and you won’t get punctures.

Schwalbe Marathon Plus Road Tyre - Smart Guard | Wiggle

Buy your Schwalbe Marathon Plus Road Tyre - Smart Guard from our Tyres range at Wiggle. £26.99. Free delivery available.
www.wiggle.co.uk www.wiggle.co.uk
Click to expand...

I was also looking at the option of the tyre sealant as mentioned above. Although the bike I am looking at, does come with a form of puncture protection, not sure how could that it though.
 
stumac said:
Look up vitus bikes from chain reaction . Will blow anything from halfords out of the water for the same money
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Just been looking on their site, and quite like the look of the Vitus Razor Road Bike 2017. it is £315

But the Carrera Vanquish Mens Road Bike 2020 comes with puncture proof tyres, and is £425.

Not too sure what to go for :thinking: .

I think I would really like to go and see the bikes in the flesh, so to speak if that would be possible.
 
I am assuming that the Vitus Razor Road Bike 2017 is a pretty old model, not that it would matter to me. But that would reflect in the price I suppose.
I don't even know if it is a good bike, I know nothing about bikes.

What I do know though, I don't want a bike that is made of poor metal, such as that heavy steel that seems to rust so easily. It also makes the bike too heavy and offers a terrible ride.
 
What area are you? There may be some good Facebook groups that could help you find a good bike locally.
 
jonbeeza said:
Just been looking on their site, and quite like the look of the Vitus Razor Road Bike 2017. it is £315

But the Carrera Vanquish Mens Road Bike 2020 comes with puncture proof tyres, and is £425.

Not too sure what to go for :thinking: .

I think I would really like to go and see the bikes in the flesh, so to speak if that would be possible.
Click to expand...
The carrera has puncture protection so definitely not proof . They are just a thicker tire which you could buy for cheap anyway or just but slime filled tubes
 
I was at first thinking a roadbike as I did not want a mountain bike, as I think they can be hard work to ride, wider tyres means more road friction, so hard work to pedal.
A roadbike much thinner tyes and I think higher tyre pressure,( is this the case?) so less road resistance, so much less effort in pedaling.

I know an off road bike would be the better option as I live just off the canal path, and this goes on for miles, plus loads of woods within minutes of our house.
I think I will pop into a bike shop and have a good look. So long as I know what name is a good choice.
 
jonbeeza said:
I was at first thinking a roadbike as I did not want a mountain bike, as I think they can be hard work to ride, wider tyres means more road friction, so hard work to pedal.
A roadbike much thinner tyes and I think higher tyre pressure,( is this the case?) so less road resistance, so much less effort in pedaling.

I know an off road bike would be the better option as I live just off the canal path, and this goes on for miles, plus loads of woods within minutes of our house.
I think I will pop into a bike shop and have a good look. So long as I know what name is a good choice.
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Personally I would buy a mountain /hybrid bike . You can get fast rolling tires if you wish and it opens up so many more places you can go . Also I find (again personal ) that rode bikes are seriously uncomfortable in comparison and roads bore me to death . I have both road and mtb and would still choose my mtb even for a rode ride . Sounds strange but cars seems to aim for me more on the road bike because I'm one of "them guys"
 
jonbeeza said:
I think I will pop into a bike shop and have a good look. So long as I know what name is a good choice.
Click to expand...

Exactly. Also, your local bike shop will know your area. Round here we have canal paths which may be totally different from yours but the local bike shop will know exactly what to recommend.

Out of interest, lots of people ride those fat tyre bikes on the tow path and concrete path next to the beach. I thought they were crazy but a friend tried one and said despite really wanting to hate it, she found it the most comfortable bike she'd ever ridden. Once you get the wheels turning, they glide over anything.
 
jonbeeza said:
I am assuming that the Vitus Razor Road Bike 2017 is a pretty old model, not that it would matter to me. But that would reflect in the price I suppose.
I don't even know if it is a good bike, I know nothing about bikes.

What I do know though, I don't want a bike that is made of poor metal, such as that heavy steel that seems to rust so easily. It also makes the bike too heavy and offers a terrible ride.
Click to expand...

Touring bikes are made of steel because they flex more under load and are stronger than aluminium. they are more comfortable for long trips.
A decent one won’t rust. They are usually heavier than aluminium.
A popular example is a Dawes Galaxy.
 
jonbeeza said:
I was at first thinking a roadbike as I did not want a mountain bike, as I think they can be hard work to ride, wider tyres means more road friction, so hard work to pedal.
A roadbike much thinner tyes and I think higher tyre pressure,( is this the case?) so less road resistance, so much less effort in pedaling.

I know an off road bike would be the better option as I live just off the canal path, and this goes on for miles, plus loads of woods within minutes of our house.
I think I will pop into a bike shop and have a good look. So long as I know what name is a good choice.
Click to expand...
I’ve got 28mm tyres and they are fine for canal paths. You are right that the wider you go and the heavier the tread the harder it is.
Perhaps a hybrid is something to look at - a road bike but with flat handlebars.
 
Rapscallion said:
I’ve got 28mm tyres and they are fine for canal paths. You are right that the wider you go and the heavier the tread the harder it is.
Perhaps a hybrid is something to look at - a road bike but with flat handlebars.
Click to expand...

Just off to the bike shop now, will have a good look.

I have seen bikes that I do like, and I have seen them mainly on the canal paths. They have a rack at the rear, and a carrier at the front, I think they are called touring bikes, so I have a feeling they are going to be very pricey. I suppose I could always add a carrier, as an added extra.

Anyway, off to the shop. :)
 
jonbeeza said:
Just off to the bike shop now, will have a good look.

I have seen bikes that I do like, and I have seen them mainly on the canal paths. They have a rack at the rear, and a carrier at the front, I think they are called touring bikes, so I have a feeling they are going to be very pricey. I suppose I could always add a carrier, as an added extra.

Anyway, off to the shop. :)
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Just make sure the bike has the fixings needed to mount a rack. The racks on the front are only really needed for multi-day touring, but a handlebar bag can be quite handy.
 
I know you dont want a second hand bike, but...
This is a cracking 2019 Ridgeback not far from you. Up for 650, but i guess he may go to 600. Far better than anything you will get new for that price and a good all round bike.

Some more knowledgable bike owners / builders can comment if the dent in the top tube is significant.
 
DSCF3065.jpg

Just had a good look around Halfords, and while I did see some nice looking bikes, I don't think the quality is very good. The price range I was looking at was £350 to £750. I don't want to spend big money on a bike, as there will be a good chance it could get stolen, won't go in-depth on an open forum.
 
Don’t forget about decathlon , a few of my mates have had bikes from there that are reasonably priced well specked and well made .
 
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