Cycling

[mushRTID]

No, im not jumping on the olympic bandwagon, been thinking about this for a while...just the olympics have made me decide to do something about it.

Basically I fancy getting into cycling to help get fit but absolutely no idea what type of bike etc.

Im not really interested in going fast as possible so racing bikes I doubt i should be looking at. More road bike rides etc.

is anybody into cycling? What should i be looking for/avoiding etc, so many bikes to choose from I havent got a clue!!

[RedJ]

well what's your budget?

[mushRTID]

I would be willing to pay upto 4 or 500 for the right one.

[RedJ]

If you can find anything from Ribble or Raleigh (http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/raleigh-airlite-200-road-bike-id64270.html this is a pretty good machine) then you're well set on that kind of money. What you want to find is a frame where the seat is just a few inches above your waist line and where you can sit comfortably while being able to lean forward for the handles. Sounds basic but it's unbelievable how often people don't do this and end up doing themselves harm. Try and go for a gel seat if you can, trust me you'll know why if you compare the two after a decent ride..

My best advice would be pop down to JE James', there's a branch in Rovrum. They're not in any way patronising and they'll give you all the help you need. I can get the SatNav address if you want/need it.

[mushRTID]

Thanks for that redJ, looks pretty smart that does.

I will call in sometime.

[MrFrost]

I just bought a VooDoo bike. Excellent it is.

[mushRTID]

Is that a road bike mr frost? Do you have a link?

[Muttley]

Does your employer participate in the cycle to work scheme?

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Cycling/DG_190101

Significant savings to be had if they do.

[StocktonRover]

I know that its a fair way to go but the lakeland peddler at Keswick in the lakes is excellent.
They stock predominantly Specialize cycles which are very good. They always seem to have a good stock of brand new last seasons models at a fraction of the original cost and a bike that could have cost £700-800 last year can often be picked up for half of that cost.

[wilts rover]

Just back from marshalling at the Olympic road races, what a thrill that was, and if you have the opportunity to go see a professional race go past you at 50 mph, wow.

Well done Mush, I would agree with everything everyone else has said, particuarly the going to a bike shop to try what they have and and see what size fits you best. Dont be suprised that different models are a slightly different fit, so the more you try, the more you are likely to get one that suits you. Dont forget Halfords too, the Boardmans are an excellent bike and very good value. Trek, Giant, Cannondale, Orbea, are others you could add.

Be warned though cycling does get addictive. I have a Mekk Potenza carbon, Bianchi Via Nirone with Campy Chorus upgrade, and Merlin Malt3 + Giant Anthem mtbs. I now require a larger shed.

[RedJ]

Something you might enjoy in the future if you get chance/time is building up your own bike, can sometimes work out cheaper too and it's very satisfying when you finally roll out onto the road with it.

[Filo]

Get yersen a Raleigh Chopper, go all retro! 

[MrFrost]

Is that a road bike mr frost? Do you have a link?

No, mountain bike.

[DaveDRFC]

When I decided I wanted to try cycling (I'm more into my running but I want to do a triathlon one day) I just bought a second hand one (a Giant Defy) off a mate who had started out a few months earlier but decided he wanted a better bike. I do quite enjoy it but to be honest it frightens me more than anything and there's no way I'm wearing lycra! I go out on it occasionally but much prefer my running.

[vaya]

Something you might enjoy in the future if you get chance/time is building up your own bike, can sometimes work out cheaper too and it's very satisfying when you finally roll out onto the road with it.

I did that - after a series of Treks and Giants I cannibalised them and built up an old-skool steel hardtail: On-One Inbred frame, Hope/Giant brakes, fit-and-forget Octalink Deore/LX drivetrain and (slightly) overkill 130mm Manitou forks. Weighs a ton but climbs like hell.

Have to agree with JE James in Rotherham as well - very knowledgeable and helpful. May be a bit out of your price range, but On-One's road brand Planet X (http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/) do some very good bikes, and they're a Doncaster company (although they're based out near Magna these days)

[mushRTID]

Does your employer participate in the cycle to work scheme?

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Cycling/DG_190101

Significant savings to be had if they do.

I think they do but unfortunately I don't work from the main office so not sure I could claim.

[River Don]

This is a topic I'm interested in too but don't know much about, can you get something like a mountain bike but with regular tyres and a set up for the road ?

I'd also want something as lightweight as possible but not too expensive, is that asking for the world? Perhaps second hand is the way to go, anyone got any ideas?

[wilts rover]

What you need Don is called a hybrid (mtb set up for the road) They come with both sprung forks (as you would get on a mtb) & rigid forks (as on a road bike) - and if weight is an issue then go for the rigid - the forks are the single heaviest piece of kit on a mtb.

Similar advice to Mush - go to a bike shop and try some out - then you will know your ideal size & maybe find a brand you like. Then have a look on ebay to see whats going sh.

Evans is another good retailer (but expensive) and they have a good website so you can see whats out there and what a new one would cost.

http://www.evanscycles.com/search?query=hybrid&x=0&y=0

[nutwellrover in dublin]

yes you can get a mountain bike with road wheels these tend to be called a hybrid. As for the original poster, welcome back, and yes i would also recommend JE James at Rotherham, cyclists advising cyclists. Oh and be prepared it hurts at first you cant ride like you did as a kid when bike was a 5th limb, On another note Doncaster is a massive cycling town, yet nobody realizes we are producing British champions, and top level riders in our midst.

[nutwellrover in dublin]

chain reaction is also a good web based supplier. see what you like then check the a fore mentioned net sites.

[CusworthRovers]

Or get a decent mtb and have 2 sets of wheels (which you change with ease for the proposed ride). I have off and on road tyres and it makes a difference. There are some cracking bike rides around this area and you rarely touch the roads.
I tend to do more roads/endurance now, so I'm after a racer (something I've never owned). Any advice/tips/offers much appreciated.
 

[nutwellrover in dublin]

cusworth rover i am after a racer lol. not heard that in years. As always get the best you can afford. if you can hang out a little longer this years bikes will start to drop in price. i did this a few years ago and got a built bike with good components for far less than the frame and fork would have cost me alone 6 month earlier. Ribble cycles are worth a look they offer build to budget (i am currently toying with there Aero time trial frame and forks)   

[Jenny]

Does your employer participate in the cycle to work scheme?

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Cycling/DG_190101

Significant savings to be had if they do.

It is an excellent scheme, makes me laugh how many people take advantage of it though and then don't use the bike or don't use it to go to work. Same people who usually bang on about the likes of Jimmy Carr being morally bankrupt....

I have a hybrid bike (Carerra) that cost a couple of hundred and it does the job, its nothing too fancy but decent enough to take off roading when I get the opportunity. At the minute my bike of 'choice' is a bloody Borris bike, which are god awful things. Sooner I get mine down to London the better!

[MrFrost]

Does your employer participate in the cycle to work scheme?

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Cycling/DG_190101

Significant savings to be had if they do.

It is an excellent scheme, makes me laugh how many people take advantage of it though and then don't use the bike or don't use it to go to work. Same people who usually bang on about the likes of Jimmy Carr being morally bankrupt....

I have a hybrid bike (Carerra) that cost a couple of hundred and it does the job, its nothing too fancy but decent enough to take off roading when I get the opportunity. At the minute my bike of 'choice' is a bloody Borris bike, which are god awful things. Sooner I get mine down to London the better!

I know. It pisses me right off.

[CusworthRovers]

Not sure how it works with this scheme, but a lad at our place said he only got £20 off his boardman

[MrFrost]

Not sure how it works with this scheme, but a lad at our place said he only got £20 off his boardman

I saved about £200 I think.

[coventryrover]

I would definitely advise going to an independent shop.  Shop around, test drive a few, dont worry about the name/brand just have the one that fits you best for your budget.

I have a specialised secteur which i loved.  Loved cycling from guiseley to leeds centre and back for work when i lived there.

Been off it for a while but cant wait to get back on it

[Marydene Rover]

I'm a keen cyclist and bought a Dawes Kalahari Hybrid about 3 years ago. It has been a superb purchase and I have done some serious mileage on it and it has performed well with no mechanical problems at all. It retails for £399 but can be picked up on the internet for £318.
It is mainly for road use but it tackled the Trans Pennine Trail with ease.
For the price it's a bargain.
I tried to post a photo but failed (sorry) It's easy to find with a Google search.



Our price: £318.99    
Dawes Kalahari gents

Key features include:

Lightweight aluminium 6061 series trekking frame
RST Sofi suspension forks
Shimano Altus 24 speed STI gears
Full mudguards
Alloy rear carrier with luggage elastic
Full alloy wheels with Kenda K-197 trekking tyres
Shimano FC-M191 chainset & sealed cartridge B/B

The Kalahari breathes quality with its lighweight aluminium
frame, RST Sofi suspension forks and 24 speed Shimano Altus
EZ-Fire gears. It is fully equipped with a Shimano chainwheel,
fully adjustable handlebar stem, alloy V brakes, alloy luggage
rack and full length mudguards.

[mushRTID]

So a year after starting this thread iv finally bought a bike (hybrid).

Just wondering if anyone knows any websites or apps that give you cycling routes etc?

[wilts rover]

http://www.mapmyride.com/
http://www.cycle-route.com/

are the two I use Mush - there is also a cycle route facility on Google maps which is handy. Strava is the main app.

Get out and ride!