[email protected] (wafflycathcsdirtycatlitter) wrote
> >I have began to look for a basic bike for me to use during week-ends. I will probably spend a
> >couple of hours every week-end, no more.
> >
> >I've seen several bicycles at various shops just as JJB sports, Argos, Littlewood. They all look
> >similar at around 100£.
Those 100 quid wonders are not only heavy, but they are made with such cheap and low-quality
components that it will be difficult to keep in good working order. They will deter you from riding,
and if your main goal is to get out and get some exercise and fresh air on the weekends, it won't
serve you well.
I suggest a bike between 200 and 300 quid. You certainly could spend 500 quid or more (heck, I've
even spent 500 quid on a used bike, a quality full-suspension Marin MTB) but for a beginner I
don't think it's really necessary to spend that much money. A cheaper one will do you fine to
begin with, and if you find it doesn't meet your needs you can either replace parts until it does,
or buy a new one.
> Before you part with your hard earned cash in any way I suggest you have a long, hard think.
>
> What kind of cycling will you be doing? On road, off road, mix of two? It makes a difference as to
> what type of bike to get. It matters - to your comfort and to whether you will actually use your
> bike more than a couple of times once you've got it
Agreed!
>
> If you are going to cycle on road, *please* don't get an off-road bike - don't get an MTB - get a
> proper road bike.
Hmmmmm. Actually, a good-quality rigid MTB with slick tires, mudguards, and a rack makes an
excellent bike for riding on road. If if were easy to find good quality rigid MTBs, I would suggest
that this would be a good bike to buy. However, most MTBs nowadays come with suspension which is not
very useful for road riding (although a suspension seat post is nice, but cheap and easy to fit
afterwards).
I'm not exactly sure what you mean by road bikes. Do you mean stripped down racers, or are you
including tourers in this category? Either way, you surely mean a bike with dropped bars. I would
suggest that the OP not buy a bike with dropped bars, as they are not very beginner-friendly, unless
he can get a really cheap used one that he won't feel bad about selling on if he doesn't get along
with it. True enough that drop bars are the preferred choice of people who like to ride really long
distances (like Audax rides), but not the choice of people who tend to ride shorter distances, who
prefer the simplicity of having the more upright position that come automatically with straight
bars, and the easy reach to shirters and brakes. Even for touring, where one typically rides 50
miles a day over hill and dale carrying luggage, straight bar bikes are quite popular. So don't
assume that because you like drop bars, that they are appropriate for everyone!
> If you are going to cycle off road, *please* don't use a road bike - get an MTB
This is a fair enough comment, but even then there are exceptions -- cyclocross racers who ride
modified road bike offroad! But I wouldn't recommend this to a beginner.
> If you fancy a bit of both types of cycling, consider a hybrid, or (sound of piggy bank being
> emptied) get one of each.
In my opinion, for a beginner, a hybrid is exactly what he should be buying. It's fairly easy to
find good quality rigid hybrids in the right price range (see the Dawes and Ridgeback range). They
can be easily fitted with mudguards & racks, and they are comfy for shorter distances, and when
fitted with bar ends for a change of hand position can be good for much longer distances.
> Basically - get a cheap bike - and that's what you'll get - a cheap bike - probably heavy,
> uncomfortable, **** saddle etc., etc.. and which will quickly put you off cycling.
>
> Get a halfway decent bike - see local bike shops (LBS), NOT JJB Sports, NOT Argos & the like. Shop
> around. Vist several LBSs - try out different bikes for size etc.
Absolutely!
> 1. Cycle shorts/pants - with padded bits strategically placed
I can't emphasise enough how much
> I consider a pair of padded cycle shorts an *essential* bit of kit. Whenever I go for a bike
> ride I always have a pair on (under my leggings) no matter how long or short the ride. Instant
> added comfort
> - no numb bum. I am told that they save a bloke from numb nuts, but being female, I don't have
> that problem
A numb bum, on the other hand, is not nice and padded cycling shorts work
> wonders - Can pick up a pair from about £9.99 onwards.
I don't think special bike shorts/pants are necessary or all that useful for rides shorter than
about 10 miles. If you get into long-distance riding, though, they are pretty much essenital.
> 2. Saddle - these are *entirely* individual to the rider as to what is a comfortable saddle and
> what is not. There is a difference between saddles designed for men & women. Once found, a
> comfy saddle is a prized gem and never to be parted with
This couldn't be more true. This may be the most difficult aspect of cycling, finding a saddle that
suits your bum shape. But you may be lucky and not have such a picky bum! If you find a saddle you
really get on with, buy several! That way if they stop making them, you'll have a stash for when
they break or get the covers ripped, as sometimes happens.
-Myra
