Hi
want to get back on a bike after ages! Work is running a cycle2work scheme so can pay monthly and pay about £150 over 12months for £200 vouchers
It has to be halfords. I know nothing really about good/bad bikes.
Be using it for general getting to work, out with the kids, general stuff nothoing taxing. only offroad will be very rare and very slight, hills etc ith kids.
I am 6' 1" seen the raleigh Glide but too small a frame I think
reading on here it says to keep away from full suspension at my price range, so only front needed.
What about the Apollo XC.26S? as I say I'm no serious biker. or the Diamondback M05 @ £199
Please give me help and suggestions for upto £220 at halfords for my use. I need to sign up by Wed or loose the scheme
thanks
MrMr
|
 |
 I don't want to sound disparaging, but there probably isn't much between any bike at that price point. Avoid as much suspension as possible, its a gimmick at that price, and budget for a helmet. If "only offroad" is actually off a made path of any kind go for something mountain bike like, else get a city bike or commuter. They will both be as strong as one another (i.e. not strong enough to truly go off road) but the mountain bike will have knobbly tyres, the city bike will be easier on roads and paths however.
|
|
Yeh I know what you mean but I dont want to spend too much really, comments Ive got everywhere are saying spend a lot more £300+ for a "proper" bike.
It will just be "round the doors" really, up and down paths, general bumps etc, nothing off road really
Out of the above, as they are basically the only ones around my price point which is best?
Also people in another forum are saying stretch to the Carerra Subway. this is £260, but no suspension, and to be honest doesn't look as good (god that sounds vain)
I understand the proper biker man, will whiff at these bikes at these prices, but I not a proper biker, I just want something to get too and from work, and around doors with kids, basic riding, nothing serious.
Please help me in this and remember what Im looking for, and please look on Halfords site as it has to be from Halfrds
cheers
|
|
 The subway is a very good bike for the money to be honest
|
|
 At 200 suspension is just something to go wrong, and won't work properly anyway, better to do without it for an all round more reliable bike.
|
|
mmm I still like the look of the diamondback, but your still saying no, even for my useage?
I know the subway seems to be a fav all over, but theres none in stock where Im about to goto.
If you had to choose, Diamondback or Apollo I said (or other on Halfords or around £200)
cheers
about to leave to goto halfords...
|
|
 If your riding on roads and paths there is absolutely no need for any suspension. It will wiegh the bike down and as monkey says is just something extra to go wrong. Even though you're not planning anything intensive the more you spend the more reliable the bike will be and the more pleaserable the ride meaning more usage. Also read this link, it will explain the reason why not to buy something too cheap even for something non intensive http://www.southcoastbikes.co.uk/articles.asp?article=NO_BSO
|
|
yeh i read that!
again I understand what its saying. its just...
I dunno what to do, it was only because of the scheme I am getting one really.
Can I not upgrade maybe in future on the diamondback any components?
|
|
Of course you can upgrade, it's just that will cost more in the long term.
|
|
 It really is worth spending a little more, especially on the C2W scheme where an extra £100 total value will equate to an extra £5 per month (approx). Also bear in mind that you don't have to get a brand that Halfords have in stock - they can order in virtually any brand So. ..it'd be worth looking at brands like Specialized, Giant, Kona also. (I'm getting a Specialized on C2W scheme from Halfords you see..)
|
|
|
|
|
never heard of them, but I have of Diamondback, not sure if this is good or not!?
just been into Halfords and after much deciding, on what I want it for went for Diamondback
I wanted front sus, I wanted at least 1 disc brake, preferred the overall "package" of the diamondback to the subway (although I know everyone saying overall is a better bike)
surely the Diamondback is better than the apollo's?
|
|
Ok before I totally commit to scheme chose me a bike from halfords with this..
Disk brake (at least one)
grip shifts
front sus
for a 6'1" 34" leg, 14.5stone man
cheers
|
|
andy apollo are awefull avoid like plauge, you dont need discs v brakes are fine did for years and can sometimes be better them budget discs.
|
|
It really is worth looking at something like a Specialized for that money. If you don't know who they are just take a look in any Mountain Biking mag and you'll probably find a review of something of theirs. It's virtually always good value money, solid and well designed kit. ..
|
|
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/ridgeback/cyclone-2009-hybrid-bike-ec001140?query=ridgeback%20cyclone
|
|
Ok today is D-Day I think got to decide. I read all through here and other places I posted on the comments. I have listened honest.
Ok if I stretch a bit more money wise, can you look again on Halfords (please here only checked with work), but also want a helmet, lock, pump in the price,
Please try and chose me a bike with the following (I know you prob say dont get x,y,z at this price point, but I also want a bike I "like" and "feels nice"
Ok want..
grip shift (even though I know more expensive dont have them)
Front sus (even though prob not as good as on a more expensive bike)
Disc brake (I know not as good)
please try and find one with these, max £300 inc accessories
cheers again
|
|
Andy, really the three things you want will make a bike worse at that price point, and the whole cycling experience less pleasurable. The advice offered is for a reason, we want people to enjoy cycling, not be frustrated by poor quality badly functioning unnesccary components.
|
|
Halfords can souce 'anything' on the C2W scheme I think. Dont feel limited by what they usually stock. Carrera Subway is good though.
|
|
Ok Its just I dont know about bikes at all, thats why been asking, so using what I want able is there anything I can ask them to get? Its just I then wouldn't see it in the "flesh"
Ive looked again at the halfords website, the only really step up is the Saracen Mantra, without Discs its £239, with discs its £279, but both dont have grip shifts on, which I think I want this time, I know more expensive use thumb shifts..
|
|
