Hi all,
I'm hoping that some of you more experienced cyclists will be able to help me here. I've started a new job and decided to commute to work through cycling as it's a great way of maintaining fitness. I initially looked at the cycle to work schemes but the prospect of forking out over the year to pretty much give the bike back seems a little daft to me so I'm going to buy one. The thing is I haven't ridden a bike in so long I really don't know where to start and am a little worried that if I go to a shop I'll get shafted!
I've decided that for the kind of distance I'll be travelling (15 miles there, 15 back) a road bike would be best but really don't know whether to go to a shop and get a brand new one or look on eBay for a slightly older one but with slightly better components if you get what I mean. The two 'new' bikes I've seen on the net were a £830 Corratec Dolomiti and a £625 Giant Defy 3 but I can't tell the difference between them and was really hoping on only spending the £400 mark.
Really what I'm after is a couple of suggestions re makes and models - I'm not bothered about 'designer' makes or having the latest model (I'm quite happy to be seen in a 2008 model!) but I'm really ignorant of what makes a good bike; I saw a Raleigh bike for £499 but is Raleigh any good?? Someone suggested the Kona Smoke as a good all-rounder, what do you guys and girls think?
Also, apart from lights and a helmet do I need anything else? Do I need those padded shorts or will I get away without them? Really cost is the most important thing but I want something that will last (I'll be doing this journey in winter too)...
Ladies and Gents..... over to you!