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What Bike?

Athletico CharltonAthletico Charlton
edited February 2013 in Not Sports Related
I am looking for a new bike. I know nothing about them but got a bike to work voucher.

My current bike is 17 years old (a Ridgeback Mountain Bike) and likely whatever I buy I will keep for a similar amount of time. Most likely i will use on roads etc but also want one I can take off road ideally. I live near a couple of parks so would need to be ok going over tree roots and the like. The more flexible the better really, especially as I have a 3 month old boy and envisage I will go on more UK holidays where I would prob take the bike plus him and hit the countryside a bit.

I have been told to look at a Hybrid and was advised about the Specialised Syrrus Elite Disc 2013, which at £750 is bang on my budget. However my cousin who knows a bit told me i should go for a bike with larger wheels - think he said 29inches or something?

Any advice from anyone?

Comments

  • OaksterOakster
    29 inches is great for the trails, especially downhill over rocky sections - also worth considering is hardtail vs full suspension. The bike you have chosen is a hardtail, so good for roads (obsiously as a hybrid) & climbing, not so good if you are really going to ride a lot off road on trails.

    I have been riding a 26er for years & never had any issues, but test riding a 29er you can really feel the difference in handling off road. Just a more comfortable, efficient ride especially on the extreme gnarly trails here in the mountains.

    I think 26ers will eventually become obsolete.
  • Off_itOff_it
    Ask Golfie, he knows a fair bit about bikes apparently!
  • jayblockjayblock
    The title of this thread reminded me of the film Friday

    youtube.com/watch?v=QTHJYVzEdbw
  • Athletico CharltonAthletico Charlton
    Should have put a slightly different thread title! Lol.

    Thanks for the comments Oakster.

    I will probably use on road mainly, off roads would be more likley around parks than up mountains (I am not built for mountain cycling), therefore don't need anything too off roady but just need to make sure it did not crumple if it was ridden on a dirt track in the countryside or across the grass of the local park.
  • JohnBoyUKJohnBoyUK
    I'd be half tempted to buy a cyclocross bike in that case. Check out the latest Boardman cyclocross bike :)
  • iainmentiainment
    This.

    http://www.evanscycles.com/search?query=specialised+tricross&x=9&y=19
  • meldrew66meldrew66
    Just bought a Trek 7.5FX (hybrid) 17.5" bike second hand in immaculate condition. Gorgeous bike & extremely light . Retails for £750 in Cycles UK in Orpington and picked up for £295. Absolute steal I was told by the shopkeeper. Trek seems to have a good name as does Giant. I was told that Trek bikes are made in the same factory as Giant bikes. From my experience, Trek look nicer and are a tad cheaper too.
  • eaststandmikeeaststandmike
    Get out the woods, get on the road and get yourself one of these.

    http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/tech/bikes/129565/1/bianchi-oltre-xr.html
  • Athletico CharltonAthletico Charlton
    Cheers for the advice peeps. Very useful.
  • floydroadfaithfullfloydroadfaithfull
    Had a orange
    great bike 10 years ahead of its time but done a deal with the guy who plastered my house,sure I was robbed for it though?
    Think orange are still going?
    But have a giant now not sure it all origanal though as got it cheap second hand.white frame with gold wheels and massive discs brakes that would be better on my lexus! But its a top bike and reminds me must go out more?
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  • BaldybonceBaldybonce
    floydroadfaithfull said:

    Had a orange
    great bike 10 years ahead of its time but done a deal with the guy who plastered my house,sure I was robbed for it though?
    Think orange are still going?
    But have a giant now not sure it all origanal though as got it cheap second hand.white frame with gold wheels and massive discs brakes that would be better on my lexus! But its a top bike and reminds me must go out more?

    Orange are still going and still do the Clockwork range. Excellent bikes.
  • GlovepupGlovepup
    Just bought myself a Whyte - Never had a proper mountain bike before and I love it, some great bike places in kent http://www.whytebikes.com/2013/

    If you have a budget in mind this bike is about £500 and has been reviewed really well:

    http://www.bikeradar.com/mtb/gear/category/bikes/mountain/product/review-voodoo-hoodoo-12-46194

    What you will find as I did is that there are so many to choose from!!! Good luck.
  • RothkoRothko
    I looked at the Whyte Cyclo Cross bikes before getting the Cube, them are nice bikes.
  • TellyTubbyTellyTubby
    Suzuki Bandit
  • operationpigoperationpig
    I have a Kona Kula, some decent trails up here like wharncliffe woods etc.
  • meldrew66meldrew66
    Floyd..............ooooh, we have a Lexus do we??!! V. Posh.
  • floydroadfaithfullfloydroadfaithfull
    Is 200 is great car for the money ,looking to change it but the a3,and golfs I've looked at just don't compare.
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