Ivan Drago Posted October 2, 2014 Share Posted October 2, 2014 Anyone able to give me any advice? E.g. where is best to buy one and what brands to look for/avoid? I want to buy one in store as opposed to getting it delivered to ensure it's the right size etc (haven't cycled for years). I think in terms of stores near me (I don't drive) my options are Evans and Halfords. Not looking to spend a huge amount of money as don't know how long I'll stick at it, but don't want to buy any old shite. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boof Posted October 2, 2014 Share Posted October 2, 2014 Does your work do a Cycle to Work scheme? Could save a packet. You could also consider going to an independent dealer e.g. http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/?gclid=CJeboen9jcECFagKwwodfkoAbw Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ivan Drago Posted October 2, 2014 Author Share Posted October 2, 2014 Does your work do a Cycle to Work scheme? Could save a packet. You could also consider going to an independent dealer e.g. http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/?gclid=CJeboen9jcECFagKwwodfkoAbw I don't think it does sadly, also I should probably have pointed out I'm based in Glasgow in my OP Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Treasurer Posted October 2, 2014 Share Posted October 2, 2014 Get the bus. The last thing our city streets need is another inexperienced "cyclist" wobbling about holding up real traffic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The People's Chimp Posted October 2, 2014 Share Posted October 2, 2014 Get the bus. The last thing our city streets need is another inexperienced "cyclist" wobbling about holding up real traffic Hopefully a cyclist holds you up on the way home by jumping a red. I don't think it does sadly, also I should probably have pointed out I'm based in Glasgow in my OP If you're in Glasgow, then pop into Rig on West Regent St, really sound guys. You should look into a fixed gear or single speed. Low maintenance and Glasgow is just on the right side of hilly for getting about. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ivan Drago Posted October 2, 2014 Author Share Posted October 2, 2014 Hopefully a cyclist holds you up on the way home by jumping a red. If you're in Glasgow, then pop into Rig on West Regent St, really sound guys. You should look into a fixed gear or single speed. Low maintenance and Glasgow is just on the right side of hilly for getting about. I think I know where you are, is that round about the golf lounge and gamba's etc? Sorry Treasurer, to busy saving the planet to consider getting a bus Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Treasurer Posted October 2, 2014 Share Posted October 2, 2014 Hopefully a cyclist holds you up on the way home by jumping a red. Not very likely as I walk to work. Although there's always the danger of some arse on a bike deciding that the pavement is part of the imaginary cycle track that they think they are entitled to Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The People's Chimp Posted October 2, 2014 Share Posted October 2, 2014 I think I know where you are, is that round about the golf lounge and gamba's etc? Sorry Treasurer, to busy saving the planet to consider getting a bus Yeah spot on, it's one street over from west george st where the golf lounge is. Just up from MEAT Bar, which is pretty good btw. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kmeister Posted October 2, 2014 Share Posted October 2, 2014 Being serious for a moment, if it is just for commuting then get a hybrid bike. I've just got a Specialized Sirrus 15 and it is the Mutt's Nuts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
number-16 Posted October 2, 2014 Share Posted October 2, 2014 It depends how far you're commuting. I only live about a mile from work so I just have a cheap mountain bike to get around town that little bit quicker. That said, it's currently on its last legs (having started to fall to bits in the last month or so) and I am looking to get something else. My employer does do the Cycle2Work scheme but as things stand I'm likely to either be joining the regular army in January or going on tour as a reserve in March so I don't know how I'd be able to pay a bike off over 12 months. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hughesie27 Posted October 2, 2014 Share Posted October 2, 2014 I bought this a couple of months ago and it has been great for the occasional cycle along the canal. http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/hybrid-bikes/apollo-transfer-mens-hybrid-bike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tazio Posted October 2, 2014 Share Posted October 2, 2014 If you are in Glasgow go to Dales. Near the centre if town as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The People's Chimp Posted October 2, 2014 Share Posted October 2, 2014 Being serious for a moment, if it is just for commuting then get a hybrid bike. I've just got a Specialized Sirrus 15 and it is the Mutt's Nuts. Why get a hybrid? Serious question. A fixed gear is perfect for commuting, single speed a close second. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ivan Drago Posted October 2, 2014 Author Share Posted October 2, 2014 Why get a hybrid? Serious question. A fixed gear is perfect for commuting, single speed a close second. What's the actual difference? This is probably a daft question but does fixed gear or single speeds mean you can't change gear at all? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kmeister Posted October 2, 2014 Share Posted October 2, 2014 Why get a hybrid? Serious question. A fixed gear is perfect for commuting, single speed a close second. It was recommended to me by my mate that is a serious cyclist. He used s fixed gear bike to commute on but then again he has several other bikes for touring etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The People's Chimp Posted October 2, 2014 Share Posted October 2, 2014 It was recommended to me by my mate that is a serious cyclist. He used s fixed gear bike to commute on but then again he has several other bikes for touring etc. Cool, just you gave that advice out like it was gospel. I'm only saying a fixed gear because I have so much fun mine, but then some cyclists will call you a fixie ###### so it's all relative. I live in Glasgow and cycle around town all the time, and find that riding fixed is perfect as it's really low maintenance, the bikes look great, and you get this amazing sense of connection to the bike. I find it also means you get good interval training as well, with all the traffic lights. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The People's Chimp Posted October 2, 2014 Share Posted October 2, 2014 What's the actual difference? This is probably a daft question but does fixed gear or single speeds mean you can't change gear at all? Yeah. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fixed-gear_bicycle A single speed has just the one gearing but has a freewheel so you can coast. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Franco Fascione Posted October 2, 2014 Share Posted October 2, 2014 If you go to Halfords, the Chris Boardman bikes seem to get a pretty good write up. Evans have a pretty good selection, including the new Chris Hoy range, although if it's for commuting I'd get a hybrid as they're pretty good and sturdy for tackling the pot holes which try to eat your bike up. I have three bikes just now, one of which has front suspension and seat post suspension, it's a Merida hybrid bike for city roads. (Anyone not liking Merida? Merida own 34% of Specialized and manufacture nearly all of the bikes Specialized sells - in the same factory as Merida bikes in Taiwan, except Merida is cheaper to buy). I also have two hand built bikes which I've customised. I tend to go to the smaller independent bike shops, in Edinburgh so I won't bother you with those. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sharky999 Posted October 2, 2014 Share Posted October 2, 2014 If you go to Halfords, the Chris Boardman bikes seem to get a pretty good write up. Evans have a pretty good selection, including the new Chris Hoy range, although if it's for commuting I'd get a hybrid as they're pretty good and sturdy for tackling the pot holes which try to eat your bike up. I have three bikes just now, one of which has front suspension and seat post suspension, it's a Merida hybrid bike for city roads. (Anyone not liking Merida? Merida own 34% of Specialized and manufacture nearly all of the bikes Specialized sells - in the same factory as Merida bikes in Taiwan, except Merida is cheaper to buy). I also have two hand built bikes which I've customised. I tend to go to the smaller independent bike shops, in Edinburgh so I won't bother you with those. This man speaks the truth about Merida, although I thought it was 51% :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamhammer Posted October 3, 2014 Share Posted October 3, 2014 I got a Boardman CX Comp bike recently. It's like a road bike but with fatter tyres so aint had a puncture yet. It's the best bike I've ever had. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I P Knightley Posted October 3, 2014 Share Posted October 3, 2014 Whatever bike you go for, get yourself a pair of Kevlar lined tyres for puncture resistance. My bike came with 28-section tyres which I switched to 32s. The wider tyre is better for reducing the bumps and vibration on the roads and tracks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Franco Fascione Posted October 3, 2014 Share Posted October 3, 2014 This man speaks the truth about Merida, although I thought it was 51% :-) You are right it was, but the guy who started Specialized bought some of the shareholding back from Merida. Whatever bike you go for, get yourself a pair of Kevlar lined tyres for puncture resistance. My bike came with 28-section tyres which I switched to 32s. The wider tyre is better for reducing the bumps and vibration on the roads and tracks. Agree with you here, always buy the most protective tyres you can afford. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terry Tate Posted October 3, 2014 Share Posted October 3, 2014 I went for a light tourer but with hindsight I'd probably have gone for a mud guard compliant cyclo-cross for my commute, for example http://www.wiggle.co.uk/raleigh-rx-elite-cross-sora-2014/?lang=en&curr=GBP&dest=1&utm_source=pla&utm_medium=base&utm_campaign=uk&utm_content=Raleigh%20RX%20Elite%20Cross%20Sora%202014%20-%2055cm%20Black%20%7C%20Cyclocross%20Bikes&kpid=5360620359&sku=5360620359&ci_src=18615224&ci_sku=5360620359uk. One bit of advice for purchasing in Glasgow is that the evans store will price match sale bikes from online retailers, including chain reaction and wiggle (providing that they stock it and that the online bike is available). This is great if you don't know your size/what it's like to ride different bike types so want to try in store but still get online prices. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ortarkod Posted October 3, 2014 Share Posted October 3, 2014 Buy an Apollo X-Rated. You can do a no-hander for miles. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I P Knightley Posted October 3, 2014 Share Posted October 3, 2014 I went for a light tourer but with hindsight I'd probably have gone for a mud guard compliant cyclo-cross for my commute, for example I'm on my second cyclo-cross and wouldn't want anything else now. You can get mudguards to fit any type of frame/brake/gear combo these days. Buy an Apollo X-Rated. You can do a no-hander for miles. How's it for wheelies? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ortarkod Posted October 3, 2014 Share Posted October 3, 2014 How's it for wheelies? I could never do a wheelie. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamhammer Posted October 3, 2014 Share Posted October 3, 2014 Halfords are selling these bad boys again but the new styling sucks. Always wanted one but never got one Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Whittaker's Tache Posted October 3, 2014 Share Posted October 3, 2014 Give me a call in my bike shop (I've PM'D you my number) and I'll try and talk you thru the best options. If you don't buy from me I'll advise you of a good shop near you. (the bike industry is a small close knit community) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I P Knightley Posted October 3, 2014 Share Posted October 3, 2014 Halfords are selling these bad boys again but the new styling sucks. Always wanted one but never got one You can go looking for the classics but you'd have to part with upwards of ?500 for a decent one. I'd thought about getting one for a laugh when a mate whose become deadly serious (with lycra and a ?5000 road bike) invited me out for a scoot around the Surrey Downs. I'm not paying ?500 for a lark. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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