Looking into getting a bicycle

[Konan555]

Assembly is normally minimal from bigger chains. You have to turn the handlebars straight and fit the pedals (left hand one is reverse thread ). Buy it in a cardboard box from ebay and it's more involved (invalidating warranty in a lot of cases!).

Erm... mudguards...might have a look later if I can bring myself to consider the things

Is it the best bike for the money? Hard to say without you testing them is the answer. All the big names will hover around the same specs at the same money. Trek are a well respected manufacture of no nonsense bikes.

http://www.evanscycles.com/help/bike-sizing#hybrid - only ever a starting point though... testing really is ideal.

[neonplanet40]

thanks very much

Now jsut have to get xmas over then i can buy it

I'll let you guys know how it goes!!

[Lowe]

Good stuff.

To be honest at that kind of price point it's difficult to get a really *bad* bike, it's just picking one that ticks your boxes and is best suited for what you want from it.

Suggested commuting purchases after:

1) Helmet (personally I like the Giro range)
2) Hi vis jacket (yes you'll look like a plonker, but they make all the difference believe me!)
3) Decent winter gloves (for winter, duh) and fingerless mits (for summer)
4) Padded cycling undershorts (first fortnight will hurt regardless. Padded shorts make all the difference after)
5) Breathable cycle clothes (Aldi do cheap but decent cycle gear twice a year, keep an eye out on the website!)
6) Lightweight waterproof jacket

[neonplanet40]

Thanks the list Lowe

One thing im noticing though is that there is pretty much no grip on hybrid tyres...... They aren't going to help me when im at uni and its frosty......

[Konan555]

One thing im noticing though is that there is pretty much no grip on hybrid tyres...... They aren't going to help me when im at uni and its frosty......

In comparison to what? You wouldn't happen to be looking for big knobbly bits would you?

[Lowe]

Less tread the better for hybrids when on road, bikes don't aquaplane like cars. Frost is just like any other icy condition, doesn't really matter what your bike's wearing for tyres - you're going down if you're going quickly lol.

[neonplanet40]

lol i was comparing to mountain bike tyres Fair enough, what do i know anyway

Ive seen a bike i really like but its £600

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/...-bike-ec016314

I guess i just need to wait and see how much i have because if i get it i won't have any money for accessories!!

Just to be curious, is it good for the money? I like it because it does a big frame, looks good and has suspension and disk brakes.

Thanks Again. Buying a computyer is easier. Im finiding it hard to believe that im spending this money on a bike rather than a new Core i7 system

[Konan555]

MTB tyres on the road have next to no grip. Since the surface is hard you end up with just the nobbles contacting the road. It gets worse when you corner as they flex under pressure, you find if you put one into a hard turn on road it'll just give way under you at a certain load.

Just think Landrover on mud tyres vs Landrover on a 'slicker' set. Which one would you prefer to chuck into a corner on road? OK... that's just a skidding landrover vs an upside down one (and assuming the radiator cap hasn't blown off and you're awaiting the AA )

I think a lot of money there has gone into the frame on that bike. Aivio rear mech, non series chainset on square taper bb. Coil sprung forks.

Those Shimano discs are pretty robost once the organic pads have died and you've replaced them with something more sturdy. Probably worthwhile if you plan to be constantly sitting on the brakes down hills but you loose the simplicity of a rim brake setup.

[neonplanet40]

I think a lot of money there has gone into the frame on that bike. Aivio rear mech, non series chainset on square taper bb. Coil sprung forks.

Those Shimano discs are pretty robost once the organic pads have died and you've replaced them with something more sturdy. Probably worthwhile if you plan to be constantly sitting on the brakes down hills but you loose the simplicity of a rim brake setup.

Lol w00t!?!

I dunno what all that stuff is/means

I get what your saying about the tires though Cant believe im going to spend £600 on a bike. A year ago i wanted one at £100....... I take it what you were saying above is that its worth the money?!?! And the best i can get for the money? lol

In over my head in all this

[Konan555]

Actually, I was saying that quite a lot of the equipment is around the £350+ spec level so I'm assumeing it's an expensive frame.

Bad if you're looking for value out of the equipment, good if you plan to upgrade bits.

[neonplanet40]

Ahh i dont wanna upgrade So i won't get it. I like the idea of disk brakes. But few have them with suspension and disk brakes. However that one did.

[Lowe]

Neither of those features are important for you on a hybrid, and only really add weight.

Disc brakes are great off road because the braking surface doesn't get (as much) dirt and water in it so it maintains stopping power. Not so important on road.

Suspension will spend its time locked out on the road, so again is pretty much useless as far as you're concerned. It'll only add weight - and a significant amount at that.

If it were my money, I wouldn't buy that one.

[neonplanet40]

Yea don't think im going too. Ill go for the trek that I liked!! Need to keep money for other things

Theres just so much choice. And when your a noob if it "looks" good your sold

[neonplanet40]

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/...-bike-ec000597

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/...-bike-ec016512

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/...-bike-ec016316

Ok guys these are my final choices. I have looked through the specs but to be honest i don't know if a Shimano Alivio is better than a Shimano Alivio RD-M410. 24 Speed or if a Shimano Deore LX RD-M571 SGS is better than both.....

So out of them three (final three i promise) which is the best specced bike?

Im sorry for this thread having gone on and on but i never thought it was be so complicated to buy a dam bike!!!

Thanks again, especially to Konan555 and Lowe. The help has been 110%

Mark

[Konan555]

Deore LX is the entry level sort of kit that people will race on. Alivio is good, reliable stuff aimed at recreational cycling.

I still favour the felt but I've got it in the back of my mind that you may be a little cramped on a 58. It may also be that their 58 comes out quite large and it'd suit you.

Have you tried ringing Evans just to talk sizes over?

[neonplanet40]

No mate i wanted to wait till i had the money which is on the 2nd of January or so (gotta love student loans). I see what you mean though, it only has the 58cm.

I guess if it is quite cramped then ill go with the Trek as it does the bigger frame. Its a shame a don't have a shop near me to try out a bike myself. The only one we have is Halfords

Is the boardman range worth the money or will i just stick with the Trek? lol dammit!!!

EDIT: nevermind its a small frame too