Hi everyone.
I'm taking early retirement and as I no longer run a car I'm thinking about buying a bicycle to get around locally, explore the area more thoroughly and keep fit.
The thing is that I haven't been on a bicycle since I was a teenager and I have absolutely no idea what to look for in terms of performance, suitability etc.
Can anyone offer any advice or point me to a reliable supplier/source of information?
Many thanks :)
G x
This website may be of use -
http://www.whycycle.co.uk/bike_styles/bikes_for_women/
Good for you! A brilliant decision in my opinion.
Cycling is a cheap and very practical way of travelling short distances. With the right gear it does not need to be a fair weather thing either.
If you are intending to cycle mainly on roads and cycle-paths I would not go for a mountain bike. They are heavy and the thick tyres cause drag requiring more effort.
A hybrid or city cycle would be best one designed for road use. If you live in a hilly area 21 gears are useful to reduce the effort needed.
I have a Claud Butler and it sails along beautifully. Something like this might suit you: Claud Butler (http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Claud-Butler-Claud%20Butler-Urban-100-2010-Hybrid-Sports-Bike_34252.htm?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=Product_Search&utm_campaign=Froogle01)
I prefer an upright cycling position not the nose on handlebars job for racing. A light weight frame really does make a difference.
Drop into a local cycle shop for advice. A good shop should let you get on and have a go up the road and back. That place beginning with “H” wouldn't be on my list of places to buy a bike from.
Quote from: Aden Roller on August 27, 2011, 21:27:35
Drop into a local cycle shop for advice. A good shop should let you get on and have a go up the road and back. That place beginning with "H" wouldn't be on my list of places to buy a bike from.
Absolutely. Bikes is something the independents still do better than the box-shifters. Value's pretty much as good as you'll get off the internet and local bike shops are typically run by knowledgeable enthusiasts.
I'd second the suggestion for a hybrid/commute rather than a mountain bike because unless you're going off road you don't want suspension and knobly tires, but you do want a rack and mud guards.
Giant are a decent manufacturer at a good price. Check out Wiggle (http://www.wiggle.co.uk) if you want to browse a bit on-line.
I have a hybrid Trek bike. I can't walk very far but I can cycle for miles. We have Tatton Park on our doorstep & I can go along the tracks easily with it. Most important, please get a helmet. When our youngest was getting married we both dieted & cycled, I could do 100 miles a week without much effort but would be jiggered for a week if I went for a 3 mile walk ::) ;D.
i'm a bicycle mechanic by trade, it depends on what you will be using it for, but a hybrid bike will probably suit your needs it gives you the option of riding on the road and also on cycle paths or old railway lines, or if you plan on anything rougher you would need a mountain bike.
you need to think about weather you will be riding all year round and if so i would recommend full mudguards to keep you dry, the shorter clip on guards are nowhere near as good
i would say don't go to cheap as you get what you pay for ,i personally wouldn't spend any less than £250 and steer well clear of ebay bikes.
it's a good time to buy right now as it's been a poor year in terms of bike sale and most manufacturers have loads left and the new ranges are due out very soon so there are loads of good deals around at the moment :)
if you need any-more info please ask :)
And once you've made your choice, ridden a few miles and feel more at home on your bike than you do on two feet........ consider a cycle trailer!!
We don't own a car by choice but we both use trailers for bringing home the weekly shopping, moving anything that is too heavy to carry and (most important of all) for the allotment. :)
Today I brought home a sack of potatoes, a crate of beans, a bucket of plums, courgettes, spring onions, lettuce and beetroot. All together a load of around 100kg. I wouldn't have managed without the trailer.
I couldn't agree more with the idea of getting full mud guards and I'd add a decent set of lights to the list.
Let us know which bike you choose.
AR- I admire your no car choice, cannot make same claim but we do our best to use bike and feets.
I have a trailer but I only use it for allotment, I am worried that it might get stolen as would not be easy to lock on most bike stands. We usually use back packs to go to town.
Have you a method to make sure they are still there when you get back to them?
Thanks PL but choosing not to have a car is easy for us partly because we are used to not having the convenience of a car in the first place. What you don't have you don't miss. ;)
When moving to our present place position was a very important factor: not too near the noisy main road and equidistant between shops, school/work. It's also fairly flat around here until you reach the South Downs.
Having a bicycle is the most convenient way for us to travel: no parking problems, no waiting for buses and it's affordable.
We use pretty strong steel flexi-locks and hook the bike up to the trailer. If possible we also park under CCTV coverage. Not many of the sort of people who want to pinch a bike would be seen dead cycling with a trailer behind them. ;D
Something else you might need if the bike hasn't got one Georgie is a gel seat ;D.
Quote from: grannyjanny on August 28, 2011, 17:06:14
Something else you might need if the bike hasn't got one Georgie is a gel seat ;D.
A good tip!
These can make the miles glide by. ;)
Years ago I used to put a tea cosy on the seat but the girls refused to be seen out with me so I had to suffer :) ;D.
Quote from: grannyjanny on August 28, 2011, 17:19:17
Years ago I used to put a tea cosy on the seat but the girls refused to be seen out with me so I had to suffer :) ;D.
Better than on your head!! ;D
I'd also (like Unwashed) recommend the company 'Giant' for good quality bicycles at reasonable prices.
I'd never ever in my life had a 'new' bike so to celebrate my retirement a few years ago I treated myself to a Giant Sydney model and I love it It has three gears and baskets back and front and suits me fine for getting to and from the allotment
The Greentyre company supplies tyres that will not puncture ! The greatest pain in the rear is a puncture. Cheers, Tony.
I bought a Globe hybrid a few years back - put Schwalbe puncture proof tyres on and it's fine. Got if cheaper as it was "last years model".
And I echo what someone said earlier - get a helmet. Couple of guys I work with have had offs and would have had far more serious accidents without wearing a helmet. Both crashes cracked their helmets, not their heads!
Ditto going to a local bike shop - get measured properly for the bike. It makes all the difference.
I also put hybrid pedals on - I can wear ordinary shoes or cycling shoes dependent on how far I'm going. Clipping in makes pedalling loads easier
Thanks for reply AR- I never thought about the lack of street cred when pulling a trailer (that kind of thing never occurs to me ;)) Can you lock the trailer to the bike? Round here a lot of theft is for selling on so still a potential target.
Brilliant idea G.
I never had a bike as a child so my first purchase was at 54 :o
I'd hadn't really ridden one either .
Mine was bought from a chap who gets cycles from the local police,he then reconditions them and sells at the local quarry.'No idea what make but it has got big wheels .
the only advice I can offer is invest in a gel seat so much more comfy.The OH and I often trundle off down the prom in the evening,you really see things you don't when travelling by car as well as the excercise.
I gave up driving, by choice, when I retired, and like Lavenderlux, I got given a Giant Sydney bike from my children for my 60th birthday. Must say I did give them a few hints about a bike. Bought two panniers and can carry loads and loads of shopping in them, even if I have to push the bike home, if it is overloaded. Also can carry loads home from the allotment. Don't ride on busy roads, but can ride on the pavement, and stop if pedestrians, and the police don't seem to mind, or ride through the park to the allotment, or on cycle paths if any on the A10. Don't think cars like bikes on busy roads.
Giant make good bikes but there is a range of types. As several people have said - I wouldn't go for a mountain bike as they are heavier so take more effort to move. Try lifting the bikes you look at and remember you have to pedal that along as well as yourself and a load if you carry anything.
Frame = the lighter the better.
Schwalbe puncture proof tyres are excellent - I use them and, although a bit dearer (around £20 a tyre) and not 100% puncture proof, they do reduce punctures enormously. My Claud Butler had these as standard.
I prefer a few gears to spare for heading into the wind, going up hill or towing my trailer so more than the 3 speed sturmey archer would be my recommendation.
Above all, whatever choice you make, I really wish you many happy, safe cycle trips.
It's a great way to travel.
Georgie - basically what everyone else has said! I love my bike and riding in London can be a great pleasure if you take it easy!
You are in Enfield??
You can try this shop http://www.topriders-cycles.co.uk/
It's got a good rep and is local to you..
Bits and pieces for a new bike?
Georgie I've just spotted these advertised for sale from 5th Sept:
- air cushion saddle (£9.99)
- Pannier set (£16.99)
- Helmet (£9.99)
I've no idea if there's a Lidl near you or what the quality is like but it might be worth investigating.
I hope it's OK to name a retailer on here? Some of their products are fine. ;)
Wow thank you everyone for so much considered, helpful advice, I really appreciate it. :)
Thank you in particular for the advice to avoid the 'H shop' and for the link to my nearest stockist, as well as the tips about getting a light frame, a gel seat and puncture resistant tyres - the last three would never have occurred to me!
I'm going to write down all this info and then I'll start looking around. Just one more question if I may. Only one person has mentioned price and I rather expected to pay in the region of £400 to £500 including the obvious basic accessories such as basket, pump and lights. Is this reasonable?
G x
Yes, £400 - £500 is about right. Something like the Giant Escape City 2, around £425.
Good luck G and please take care.
I would love a bike but live so close to work and town I walk most of the time.
Fast busy main road to the lottie so don't fancy that.
I guess the price range you have in mind is about right but I wouldn't go for anything dearer than you need. Too higher specs make the bike just too attractive to thieves.
Light, comfortable, serviceable and rugged. If you buy from a local supplier/outlet then you know that if you need spare parts in a few years time they will be available locally.
Please do let us know what you choose once you make your mind up.
Above all - stay safe. ;)
Quote from: Aden Roller on August 29, 2011, 22:48:50
Above all - stay safe. ;)
Seriously, do wear a helmet, and invest in some decent cycling gloves too.
This was me a couple of years ago - 'D' lock mounted on the front fork worked lose and got caught in the front wheel - bike stopped and I didn't. I was lucky to get away with just a few stitches in my ear.
(http://www.emilyware.co.uk/earthwork/images/stories/articles/small_bruised_me.jpg)
good wink, Simon!! ;)
for that price you should be able to get yourself a nice quality bike , try and get a 2011 bike as the 2012 bikes are coming out now and you should be able to get one a bit cheaper.
there won't be any real changes in the 2012 bikes other than colour.
best makes i would say in no particular order, specialized, giant, trek, marin , i repair and service these bikes on a daily basis and they are all very good and have very good warranty's.
if you need a better quality saddle buy a gel saddle and not a gel cover as they tend to slid around.
Quote from: Unwashed on August 30, 2011, 22:08:31
Quote from: Aden Roller on August 29, 2011, 22:48:50
Above all - stay safe. ;)
Seriously, do wear a helmet, and invest in some decent cycling gloves too.
This was me a couple of years ago - 'D' lock mounted on the front fork worked lose and got caught in the front wheel - bike stopped and I didn't. I was lucky to get away with just a few stitches in my ear.
(http://www.emilyware.co.uk/earthwork/images/stories/articles/small_bruised_me.jpg)
Er, shouldn't this post be on the 'dating' part of the forum? ;) ;D
G x
I also am looking at buying a bike. I've been eyeing up this one: http://www.evanscycles.com/products/pinnacle/willow-one-womens-mountain-bike-ec027474#sizing (http://www.evanscycles.com/products/pinnacle/willow-one-womens-mountain-bike-ec027474#sizing) , and have ordered the right size into store so that I can have a test ride.
I primarily wanted to cycle to work, though wanted the option to take it off road with friends on occasion.
Quote from: Georgie on September 01, 2011, 21:28:43
Er, shouldn't this post be on the 'dating' part of the forum? ;) ;D
That was
before the accident, you should have seen me
after. :D
Quote from: schmelda on September 01, 2011, 21:51:11
I also am looking at buying a bike. I've been eyeing up this one: http://www.evanscycles.com/products/pinnacle/willow-one-womens-mountain-bike-ec027474#sizing (http://www.evanscycles.com/products/pinnacle/willow-one-womens-mountain-bike-ec027474#sizing) , and have ordered the right size into store so that I can have a test ride.
I primarily wanted to cycle to work, though wanted the option to take it off road with friends on occasion.
Looks pretty good to me but riding it will tell you whether it's right for you or not.
If you do go ahead and buy this one see if you can get a good deal on accessories. I guess you will need mudguards (front & rear), lights (LED front & rear as well as a standard or halogen front light) and maybe a rear carrier and a decent lock. You should also be offered a 1st Service which is well worth having once you've ridden the bike for a while.
Great to see people getting on their bikes. ;)
Quote from: Unwashed on September 01, 2011, 22:29:02
Quote from: Georgie on September 01, 2011, 21:28:43
Er, shouldn't this post be on the 'dating' part of the forum? ;) ;D
That was before the accident, you should have seen me after. :D
ROFL ;D
G x
The mind boggles ;) ;D.
Having just driven back from Holland today after spending a week holidaying at a Dutch Centre Parcs, I can honestly say I never want to perch on another bike as long as I live....I still can't walk properly! ;D
Quote from: schmelda on September 01, 2011, 21:51:11
I also am looking at buying a bike. I've been eyeing up this one: http://www.evanscycles.com/products/pinnacle/willow-one-womens-mountain-bike-ec027474#sizing (http://www.evanscycles.com/products/pinnacle/willow-one-womens-mountain-bike-ec027474#sizing) , and have ordered the right size into store so that I can have a test ride.
I primarily wanted to cycle to work, though wanted the option to take it off road with friends on occasion.
If you get that bike then I would get yourself a set of road tyres. Mountain bikes are for riding on trails and dirt tracks - the tyres accordingly are for mud and very knobbly. It is much easier to ride on proper road tyres - smother and faster (or less tiring). Just change tyres when you go off road.
Personally I would buy a hybrid type bike - good for riding around town but capable of going off road (nothing too serious) when required. Of course it depends on how much and what sort of off road you do..
Maybe something like this http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/sirrus-sport-2011-hybrid-bike-ec023997 - I have a similar thing and I just bung some off road tyres on for riding on trails etc...
Before we did two cycling holidays in Germany and Hungary, I bought cycling shorts, padded, from Halfords, might still have them somewhere. My friend who cycles a lot, has always bought second hand bikes, cheap, and then they don't get stolen. Might be a good idea to get a second hand one and see if you like cycling, too dangerous on the busy roads. My Sydney bike is OK, but for ever getting punctures when I go to the allotment, think it is the bramble thorns that do the tyres in, and don't seem to be able to get them replaced with thicker tyres. Loaded it up with so much shopping yesterday that I had to push it home as the panniers were overloaded and the front wheel was up in the air, but at least I didn't have to carry the shopping home, or take a old ladies shopping trolley.
Borlotti please do consider a cycle trailer. They are safer than over-loading handle-bars and hold a ton more than panniers.
There's several types and, once you paid the original cost, they save a bomb in delivery charges for all sorts of things supplied locally. Great for the plot too. ;)
Good idea, never thought of that. Don't normally do such a big shop, but have grandchildren staying and they eat a lot. ;D ;D ;D
I got myself and the missus a couple of tread irons a month or so ago. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Folding-Bike-18-speed-full-suspension/dp/B003XN3JSQ/ref=sr_1_4?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1315139111&sr=1-4
We have been using them regulary while on touring around with the caravan, not for any enviromental reasons, just touring the local pubs and a bit of leisure riding around the area where we were staying. Apart from the saddles which we replaced, I can't fault them. Easy to unfold, easy to ride and easy to push up hills in Wales. They were £50 cheaper when we got ours, so check around for better prices.
Not a bad looking bike ACE. Are they heavy?
Quote from: Aden Roller on September 11, 2011, 00:55:31
Not a bad looking bike ACE. Are they heavy?
You would not want to carry it far, but loading in a car etc, just right. Although they are a bit big for the average car boot.
They look good, Ace. I bought myself a Brompton folding bike a couple of years ago on our 'bike to work' scheme, but it was horrible! Fine when tested in the car park of the bike shop, but useless on hills and the pedals were really skiddy and too close together. And the tiny wheels turned it into a trick-bike as soon as I'd had a couple of pints, and I nearly went over the handlebars!
I like the old 1970s Raleigh 20 shoppers, they are quite heavy but very comfortable, OK on hills and much less stealable than a new bike. You can get folding versions, and some people mod them to make them lighter http://www.hadland.me.uk/twenty.htm
Folding bicycles?
Try here. (http://www.foldingcyclist.com/folding-bike-manufacturer-directory.html) ;)