First 'adult' bike purchase!!



MartyJacko

New Member
Mar 11, 2012
2
0
0
Hello all,

Not going to lie, I hear you guys might know what you're talking about!
I used to get the standard pretty looking bike when I was younger for Christmas, which I have well and truley grown out of! Over the last year or so I've really got in to my fitness e.g. marathons, three peaks and wish to add a bit of recreational, yet constructive cycling - it can be to pop to my friend's for a cup of tea, cycle to the gym or even just have a poodle around the countryside.
This is where I get stuck, as someone an ignorant soul I didn't think there would be so many different types of bike...

Based on my last use of one, I think I would like a Hybrid with front only suspension, frame of 17-18" based on being about 5'9" and would like gripshift gears of at least 24, naturally it has to look a bit pretty too. Beyond this I get stuck on brand/make, different types of gears, fair price, frame etc. Having a super lightweight frame isn't necessary as the distances I will be travelling won't frequently be high enough to warrant a higher price tag.

I was wondering if anyone could offer some advice? I'm sure loads of new posters start threads like this, but Top Gear is about to start so I was hoping you'd be kind enough to leave me specific answers to my needs instead of me trauling through many things, mostly irrelevant to me.

Many thanks in advance :)
 
At 5'9", you're right about the 17-18" frame size. All of the major bike brands have models that fit what you're describing, except for grip shifters. Most of them are moving to trigger shifters, which by most accounts are a major improvement. Brands to look at include Trek, Specialized, Scott, Cannondale, Felt, Giant, Raleigh--hey, have I left anyone out?

My suggestion is to visit a few shops, tell the salesmen what you're looking for, listen to their suggestions, and try a few on for size.
 
FWIW. I am 5'9" ...

If I were buying a bike with a FLAT BAR and if I always planned to keep it that way ([COLOR= #808080]unlikely in my case[/COLOR]), then I would choose a bike whose which has a 56cm-to-57cm ([COLOR= #808080]virtual-or-real[/COLOR]) top tube ...

But ([COLOR= #808080]in my case[/COLOR]), with the likelihood of eventually ftting the bike with DROP BARS, I would consider bikes whose ([COLOR= #808080]virtual-or-real[/COLOR]) top tubes ranged from 54cm-to-57cm.

Regardless, I like the potential of Hybrid bikes ...

BUT, I do NOT like the idea of an inexpensive SUSPENSION FORK whose actual utility may be limited ...

  • IMO, there is an unnecessary weight penalty on a bike with an inexpensive Suspension Fork which is not offset by its utility IF you want a bike with a Suspension Fork, then you should probably pony up for a 29er
[*] plus, there is an upfront price premium for Suspension Fork over the same bike with a Rigid Fork

So, I would EITHER choose a Hybrid which has a RIGID FORK or a bike like the JAMIS CODA which is available in several configurations. Here is a picture of a previous year's base model ($550US MSRP a year-or-so ago) ...




There are versions of the Jamis Coda which are available with disc brakes. Unless I was planning on using the bike in the rain, then I would opt for a version without disc brakes.
 
+1 For AlFENG's suggestion about the suspension fork. If you are planning on riding on the roads and bike trails it really is not needed.
 
Hey guys, forgive my late response but my computer imploded and it was far too much effort to continue 'research' on my phone. I've been looking around and am going for non-suspension (yay!). I've shortlisted 5 and just wanted some view points... I'm sure they're all fine, but just wondered if a specific brand had a better quality associated or if some of the parts a higher quality (as it lists the components).

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/trek/70-fx-2012-hybrid-bike-ec031935#features

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/ridgeback/motion-2012-hybrid-bike-ec032043#features

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/saracen/urban-esc-2012-hybrid-bike-ec035320#features

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/pinnacle/lithium-one-2012-hybrid-bike-ec035870#features

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/dawes/discovery-201-2012-hybrid-bike-ec035274#features


Ignoring the price, I think the Trek one appears the best 'quality' but it's the only one I'd have to drive an hour to pick up and is the most expensive.