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 Post subject: Bike
PostPosted: Wed Jul 12, 2006 01:23 
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Hi

I want to buy a pushbike, I know very little about them (my biking days were many moons ago)

What is a good model these days without spending a fortune? I plan to ride roads, trails, and the odd bit of off-road downhill, so more of an all-rounder. I think a fully suspended bike with lockable suspension will be out of my budget (£400) - I'm quite prepared to buy second hand.


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 Post subject: Re: Bike
PostPosted: Wed Jul 12, 2006 07:44 
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mpaton2004 wrote:
Hi

I want to buy a pushbike, I know very little about them (my biking days were many moons ago)

What is a good model these days without spending a fortune? I plan to ride roads, trails, and the odd bit of off-road downhill, so more of an all-rounder. I think a fully suspended bike with lockable suspension will be out of my budget (£400) - I'm quite prepared to buy second hand.


Go for a hybrid - it ist suitable for town und country. Revolution Country ist about £399 new - but you can find cheaper on internet. :wink:

Ist billed as tourer suitable for beginners und commuting.

The Pathfinder ist about £100 cheaper - nice high bars und a right comfy ride per Joachim who has one.

Ridgeback Comet - also a decent hybrid - about £250 - so in your budget are - ist new from showroom price :wink: All in this range are pretty good as are Giant und Diamondbacks und Raleigh within this same field. :wink:

Hope this give some idea.. you can find on most on-line bike shops .. und prices are competitive :wink: You can also find where to go test ride one too :wink: You ar in Manchester - I think there ist a shop in the University area which do this. Und a couple of specialist shops in Urmston, Bolton und Manchester .. MK Cycles I think one ist called. - in Bolton. My sister-in-law who teach in Bolton bought a Ridgeback hybrid from these people. I think they have a web site - but you will have to googler :wink: for the name

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Last edited by WildCat on Wed Jul 12, 2006 07:47, edited 1 time in total.

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 Post subject: Re: Bike
PostPosted: Wed Jul 12, 2006 07:47 
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First off let me say that I know bugger all about mountain bikes. One thing I can tell you though is to make sure you get the right size bike and have it setup correctly for you.

For new ones, if your local bike shop doesn't have much then Evans carry a decent range and usually do end of season specials.

If you want to buy 2nd hand then best to buy the "urban 4x4" rather than the one that's been used as intended.


edit: if you're looking at hybrids then I know a couple of people who are very happy with the Specialized Sirrus


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 Post subject: Re: Bike
PostPosted: Wed Jul 12, 2006 09:42 
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mpaton2004 wrote:
What is a good model these days without spending a fortune? I plan to ride roads, trails, and the odd bit of off-road downhill, so more of an all-rounder. I think a fully suspended bike with lockable suspension will be out of my budget (£400) - I'm quite prepared to buy second hand.


roads & trails sounds hybrid..... ... odd bit of off road DH :shock: doesn't.

i wouldnt touch anything full suspension at £400... but you can probably get a hardtail with sus. forks that do a reasonable job these days.

if its disk brakes make sure they're kosher hydraulic units not imitation jobbies with cable operation (you might as well have V-brakes in that case).

consider if you may ever want to fit disc brakes (although most frames these days have the mountings in place even if they dont come as standard) or a rack (as many MTBs dont have mounts for these, although you can get kits to fit anyway).

£400 used to buy a passable entry level MTB back in my day (circa 1996) i imagine it still does just that entry level has improved rather alot!


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 Post subject:
PostPosted: Wed Jul 12, 2006 19:58 
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As costs come down and technology progresses - you can indeed buy a really decent mountain bike or hybrid - new for as "little" as £400. As ed says - these were a lot more expensive 10 years ago. You can of course get something more "up market" second hand - but I think my wife's suggestions would fit the bill for a returner to cycling who wants to ride as you describe.

Both Diamondback and Ridgeback offer a good range in the £400-£650 range of their bikes... and the Comet is a really nice model. Another reccomendation from asking across this family would be a Marin Stinson - or Larkspur - both aluminium frames and light to ride.

Giant and Trek also offer a similar mid-range of hybrids.

All of these are acclaimed precision manufacturers. As johnsher says - essential to get the right size and set up for your height and build. You have to feel comfy after all. :wink: I would visit a few bike retailers - including Halfords (but avoid supermarkets :wink: ) Sit on them. Test ride them. Customise the saddle.. try different ones. Gel ones are comfy :wink: Helmets? Most are made to British standard - and there is no difference in real terms between a budget one and an expensive one - other than style, colour and fashion :wink:

I would say sun glasses (and I prefer ordinary reactolite sunspecs to overpriced ones sold at bike shops :wink: ) are a must as are gloves, lights, lycra leggings or shorts. Or if you do not want lycra - any sports gear will suffice and I stress to dress to be seen easily. :wink: Bikes are narrow - and we need to make ourselves appear just that bit more larger than life to some of the numpties out there :wink:

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PostPosted: Thu Jul 13, 2006 22:08 
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Ed, johnsher and the Mad Cats have all given faultless advice.

Try www.evanscycles.com for a full list of decent hybrids and tourers. You may be able to decide on a decent second hand toure :wink: . Tourers are generally more expensive to buy "new" than hybrids - thouhg both offer the fast commuting and leisurely Sunday rides as riding positions are very comfy. Tourers have a bit of edge over hybrids in my personal opinion as they really are "work horse" bikes - reliable and comfy and you can relax when riding them/ All the top makes manufacture and I can only suggest you look at the bumph on the websites and then go look at one and test ride it around before you make any decision.


From your post - I'd say a decent new hybrid or a classic second hand tourer would fit your needs. :wink:

Let us know what you bought and I'm sure the Mad Doc's sisters down in your area or even my own brother and sister who serve with GMP could suggest some rides for either self or Mad Cats to post up for you and others. :wink: :lol:

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