Looking into getting a bicycle

[Tumble]

Something else to bear in mind on a budget is that good V-brakes are miles better then mechanical disc brakes. If you're going for discs, they need to be hydraulic or you'll end up spending every spare minute unclogging the cables.

[Lowe]

Whilst I agree with what you say there Tumble, I'm sure you've probably had that horrid sensation of having ploughed through a large mud puddle and then finding that your Vbrakes don't work for the rest of the day...

Mechanical discs in my experience are pretty damn poor and as you say constantly need fettling. Vbrakes however aren't *that* much better in my own experience. Hydraulic systems, even entry level ones are an absolute huge leap forward and are 110% worth spending that little bit extra on for an off road bike.

[Salazaar]

Anyone have any opinions on Ridgeback? http://www.ridgeback.co.uk/

I've just become eligible for the Cycle Plus scheme at work and I'm looking for a good hybrid (around £300ish) to commute on to replace my piece of crap mountain bike. Ridgeback seem to be quite popular in the cycle shops in my area and I was wondering if anyone had any experience of them?

[neonplanet40]

Thanks very much Lowe. WHat does bined it mean? i thought you meant throw the bike out then i realised that that wasnt what you were getting at

The GT does seem to have some excellent reviews. Do you think the Extra Large would be too big then? Im about 6ft 5 so not much taller than yourself. I think wiggle.co.uk have all the sizes of it in stock, abeit a bit more expensive.

It is doing my head in now a bit i was all set then next thing im doing a u-turn. I'm sure it makes me look like an ass so i apologise!

Many thanks for your help though

Mark

[neonplanet40]

Anyone have any opinions on Ridgeback? http://www.ridgeback.co.uk/

I've just become eligible for the Cycle Plus scheme at work and I'm looking for a good hybrid (around £300ish) to commute on to replace my piece of crap mountain bike. Ridgeback seem to be quite popular in the cycle shops in my area and I was wondering if anyone had any experience of them?

Lo mate, i read up quite a bit in the ast few weeks and have een some decent reports on ridgeback bikes. However if i was you i'd get on over to http://www.evanscycles.com . They have a bigsale on at the minute and also do the cycle to work scheme. Have a look at the felt/gt and Trek bikes.

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/...-bike-ec001500

If you could stretch your budget a little further though i would go with the 7.3 fx. I seen one in my lbs and it really is a nice bike. Well specced for the money. Im a bit of a noob though so wait for other replies

[Salazaar]

Cheers, I'll keep that in mind. I'll probably go to my local shop cos I don't know exactly what size to get, plus Evans don't seem to have stock of a lot of models, especially the sale ones!

[Lowe]

Binning it - to crash

Sounds like you need to go sit on some bikes to get an idea for the size. General rule though is as I say - 4 inches less on the frame size than normal. Less frame, more seatpost for offroad.

[danroyle]

Something else to bear in mind on a budget is that good V-brakes are miles better then mechanical disc brakes. If you're going for discs, they need to be hydraulic or you'll end up spending every spare minute unclogging the cables.

that depends on what you use the bike for i have a set of mech disc brakes on my bike at the minute (until i get my hydraulics sorted) and for off road and downhill they are miles better than V's in this kinda weather as soon as your brakes get dirty V brakes tend to slip and squeal were as my mechanical discs still work perfectly.

and i've had mine for a a good few months now and they used to g et a little clogged in the cables until i replaced all the cables and outers with OFFICIAL shimano XT ones. (not the ones on ebay that are real cheap) the fatc the cables are properly lubed and that the outers are very snug helps.

alot does depend on the brakes and rotors used.

[neonplanet40]

Binning it - to crash

Sounds like you need to go sit on some bikes to get an idea for the size. General rule though is as I say - 4 inches less on the frame size than normal. Less frame, more seatpost for offroad.

Ahh i see Thanks very much mate. Would you say there is much room for upgrading on the GT?

Im really looking forward to getting it out tbh. An excited child on xmas eve

[Lowe]

Ahh i see Thanks very much mate. Would you say there is much room for upgrading on the GT?

Im really looking forward to getting it out tbh. An excited child on xmas eve

Fork and the wheels are easy upgrade paths - sometimes Merlin have wheel/brake combination bargains. However to replace that lot you're looking at a fair bit of cash to get high end gear.

Speaking of Merlin...

http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/?fn=pr...categoryId=100

^ tasty, and an absolute steal at that price. Remote pop loc as well!

[neonplanet40]

Thanks for the link Lowe. So do you think that is the best bike for £450 then? Better than the gt? It doesn't give much of a specs list on the webpage. Im assuming the 21.5 inch frame would be best for me? Im 6ft 5-6. Also do you have any idea how they post the bike? Like is it assembled or will i have to build the whole thing, because that could turn into a bit of a mess.....

Also will i still be able to use them mud guards that you guys gave me a few posts above? And are you able to put a guard beside the pedals... i dont know what you call it. the chain goes on it Dont want to rip my clothes (confessed noob)!

If so i'll order it on Monday when i put money into the bank.

[Lowe]

Merlin's bikes whilst not having a huge 'name' like GT are pretty well respected as being bloody good bikes. In my opinion the spec is better than the GT, and is using proper branded components rather than cheapy bits and pieces.

As for size - if you're riding off road I'd be looking at the 18.5 or 19.5 frame for someone your height. Ideally you'd need to go visit for a sitting, can't stress that enough.

Generally bikes come assembled with the handlebars twisted 90 degrees. Remember there's no pedals included! The SKS Shockboard would fit for the front, and any MTB mudguard will fit on the rear. As for a bashguard - nope, you don't want one of those. Get some proper cycling trousers with padded underwear, you'll need it.

If you do order it, don't do it on the net before speaking to them on the phone. Merlin are superb, but sometimes the photos on the web don't actually show the exact product, so phone them up and check on daft stuff like colour. I'd also speak to them regarding the frame size, they'll be able to advise you best because it's their product after all!

[neonplanet40]

Merlin's bikes whilst not having a huge 'name' like GT are pretty well respected as being bloody good bikes. In my opinion the spec is better than the GT, and is using proper branded components rather than cheapy bits and pieces.

As for size - if you're riding off road I'd be looking at the 18.5 or 19.5 frame for someone your height. Ideally you'd need to go visit for a sitting, can't stress that enough.

Generally bikes come assembled with the handlebars twisted 90 degrees. Remember there's no pedals included! The SKS Shockboard would fit for the front, and any MTB mudguard will fit on the rear. As for a bashguard - nope, you don't want one of those. Get some proper cycling trousers with padded underwear, you'll need it.

If you do order it, don't do it on the net before speaking to them on the phone. Merlin are superb, but sometimes the photos on the web don't actually show the exact product, so phone them up and check on daft stuff like colour. I'd also speak to them regarding the frame size, they'll be able to advise you best because it's their product after all!

Thanks again Lowe for the quick reply The only reason i cant go for a bike fitting is because they don't have a store here in Northern Ireland so I won't be able to try one of their bikes first before buying and from reading about it seems all bikes and brands have size variations.

However like you said, ill give them a ring when ordering and ask them about all this. I was thinking of a (bashguard?) for when im just cycling to the shop or something, or other short distance cycles. Dont want my good diesel jeans getting trashed

No pedals?! Really? lol. Any reccommendations that won't cost the earth? this is costing loads

I know its nothing to what you have spent but considering i was origionally looking for some cheapo mountain bike and now im here i'm sure you can feel my pain if only slightly

Your help really has been invaluable though. So thank you!!!

[Lowe]

£500 is still £500 so yes - can feel your pain. But - it's a steal at that price, promise. Speaking of stealing... hope you've thought about somewhere secure for it! Nipping down the shops on that and leaving it lying around is asking for trouble, especially with quick release wheels...

Pedals:

http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/?fn=pr...&categoryId=64

Make sure you select the V8 version. Cheap as chips, and pretty good.

See what some of the others say - but I'd go with the Merlin. A close friend of mine has two (one for the missus), albeit higher specced versions and they're lovely.

[neonplanet40]

Thanks I think I may be able to order it tomorrow. The 2x 1.5TB hard disks will have to wait a month though

Many thanks for your help.

Im going to get a big lock i guess. I wont leave it anywhere dodgy. I'll carry it about the shop if i have too

[Konan555]

Whilst I agree with what you say there Tumble, I'm sure you've probably had that horrid sensation of having ploughed through a large mud puddle and then finding that your Vbrakes don't work for the rest of the day...

That really only happens to the nastiest of pads when set up at the wrong angle. All I have to do on my Shimanos is lightly pull a tad early to clear them out.

Exactly the same things happen to the best of hydraulic brakes if you've got some cheap organic pads that soak up the water. They just never recover.