The Cycling Thread

[maviczap]

Originally Posted by allantheboss

Maestros and Maestrettes of cycling! I plan to buy a cycle in the near future, and don't really know where to start looking, so I thought I'd ask the pros!

I'm looking for a road bike, maybe slightly racing, but with suspension so I can do kerbs. I am looking to spend up to £300, but am willing to spend more if given a good reason. I'll use it daily for going to uni etc, but not through forests. My only other criteria is that I'm 6'6" or taller... Any brands/specific models or styles of bike I should be looking at? Best places to buy from?

Allan you seem to have fried everyones brain with your question, hence why no one's answer.

At 6'6" you are bleedy tall, so you'll need a big framed bike, dependant on your inside leg measurement.

A road bike with suspension? a rare beast within your budget and not many of us would buy such a thing. Perhaps a Hybrid bike, with 700c wheels and something that you'd find with front suspension, but not rear.

You'd probably need a seat post with a shock absorber in it.

Best place to buy, maybe EBAY or Bike Radar (bike forum) for a 2nd hand bike.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Carrera-crossf...item2eb5d4f2e7

Halfrauds do Hybrid bikes, plenty of other places do as well.





But they are the gods abonimation of bicycles

[northwind]

Forget suspension, you don't need that for kerbs, remember mountain bikes didn't used to have suspension (some still don't, I've got a rigid mountain bike that I use for all sorts). What you want is a tough road bike or a hybrid.

£300... I'd look in Halfords, a big branch, they have about 4 models that might suit

You could do a lot worse than this

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/s...egoryId_165534

It's almost like an old mountain bike set up for road use- makes it pretty damn heavy, but also durable. Their Gryphon is lighter and faster, but a wee bit more road focused and not as tough. The TDF is an entry level "proper road bike", and well regarded, but I think I'd rather have a dose of the crabs than drop bars

[maviczap]

Originally Posted by northwind

I think I'd rather have a dose of the crabs than drop bars

Begone with you back to your straight bar world in the MTB thread

[maviczap]

Originally Posted by Rai86

Helloooo

Only a few days left until i start my epic End to End cycle trip! (Arhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh)

Any last minute tips from you lot?

Maybe always have a post ride protein drink, the protein helps repair muscle damage and refuel your muscles store of energy. It'll help for the next day.

I like the 'For Goodness shakes' for my post ride.

Also don't forget your food to eat during the ride, jelly babies are good, easy to eat under way. But also have something savory like a sandwich or rice cakes, otherwise too much sweet stuff
can make you feel sick.

Thanks guys! I know I'm tall... It has it's positives and negatives! I was able to go on the big-boy rides at Thorpe Park ages before anyone else.

I went to Halfords today coincidentally and was told I should just look for a 22" frame in regards to my size. Is that good advice? What are "700c wheels"?

I was also told that I should look for "hybrid" bike as you both suggested, and suspension is no biggie, so I'm fine with getting one of these kinds of bikes you've linked me. They also coincidentally suggested those Carrera models!

Do you think I should not go for Halfords-own? I feel like I will be mocked in that case. Won't Halfords be a bit pricey for what they're worth?

[fizzwheel]

Theres nothing wrong with Carrera's especially given your budget. I'd go with that to be honest. Its alot of bike for not much money. IMHO

[maviczap]

Originally Posted by fizzwheel

Theres nothing wrong with Carrera's especially given your budget. I'd go with that to be honest. Its alot of bike for not much money. IMHO

+1 perfect for your needs

[yorkie_chris]

Originally Posted by northwind

but I think I'd rather have a dose of the crabs than drop bars

Northy when I saw your name on this thread, I had to take a look. You scared me that you had gone over to them...

Lucky this comment sets record straight

You wont be going far on that bike linked, it's not even got any peddles

I'll do it! Thanks guys.

I F*ckin' love this site